Sorry if this is a repeat- I could not find it on a search on photo.net or here.

I notice there are scads of M6's for sale on eBay. Would this be a wise place to start an M system?

TIA

-- Tse-Sung Wu (tsesung@yahoo.com), August 12, 2000

Answers

I have bought many used M series cameras, (as I'm sure most users have in the begining of their M user days), and I can say that I have always handled the camera in person first. I have owned 5 used cameras... but have rejected at least twice that many due to obvious defects noticed while I inspected with it.

The rangefinders can be checked quickly, shutter operation can be watched and listened to as well a general condition. Sometimes the best looking cameras had the most problems...(probably from lack of use.) I would buy a camera with some problems if the price was low enough for me to send it to Leica for a tune up... but again, based on my observation of the camera... not taking someone else's word.

Buying from a store usually means a good "in-writing" return policy. If you buy from an individual via the net... you may be in for a problem if the item was represented as better than it really is.

This is just my opinion... others may feel otherwise. The purchase of an M Leica is never cheap... I just want to be able to make the best informed choice. For me, that means hands-on inspection.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), August 12, 2000.

I find that the M6's on e-bay sell for within $50 or $100 (both higher and lower)of what a good, reputable dealer sells them for who includes full return rights and no hassels. E-bay isn't the place to get a deal on anything very popular, and even things go for higher than market quite often on desireable equipment.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), August 12, 2000.

Actually, I've had pretty good luck. I've found that prices are about 66 - 70% of a brick & mortar dealer, and the equipment is usually as described. Ebay's selection is huge, and you can often find what you're looking for. The local dealers rarely have this sort of selection.

Check out the seller first. If they have negative or very little feedback, be wary. Always email the seller first, and establish terms for return (usually, you pay the postage both ways). Make sure they they are in the phone book, and have a street address.

Pay with a postal money order if they won't take visa. The Feds will go after the seller if they welch on you if you do, it's postal fraud. Descreetly let the seller know the consequences of welching.

I've never been burned , but no doubt about it, it's more risky than a regular camera store, but you should be able to get the item for about 10% above wholesale. Don't overbid.

If you really want an item, a good strategy is to not bid on it until the last minute or so, so it will be very difficult for someone else to top your bid.

Good luck.

-- Tom Bryant (tbryant@wizard.net), August 12, 2000.

A 135mm elmar m with fungus on inner elemnents (easily cleanable the seller says-not really)and some scratches on the barrel just went for $270 on e-bay, when mint condition examples at several of the Leica mail order houses are listing for $299. I find this kind of thing very common, and pretty funny. E-bay sure is great for the sellers. Before I bid on anything on e-bay I ask very specific questions to the seller, and save their e-mail response. If they don't answer my questions, I never bid. I also ask about returning the item less shipping and e-bay fees if there is some hidden problem. Most will agree to this. By the way, I just checked some completed auctions for M6 cameras, and right now most of the cameras seem to be sold with a lens, which is a better way to get a deal. The used camera dealers always split everything up. Because of this, you probably can save up to several hundred dollars on a camera lens combo - at least right now. One last bit of advise, if you have never handled an M6 or tried taking pictures with one, go do so before buying one long distance. Many people can not get used to the finders and focusing and end up selling the cameras. Even if you have used an older Leica like an M3, you will find the camera handles a bit differently, and has a differnt view through the newer style finder. I didn't care for the M6 that much, (although the meter is handier than my top mounted one), and liked the earlier cameras better, especially the M3.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), August 14, 2000.

Good advice from Andrew and the others! I always buy Ebay photo equipment from sellers who have a history of positive feedback. Some of them are camera dealers and offer money back guarantees if the equipment is not as described. Of course, if someone sells a worn out Leica M3 for, say $300 (!), I would buy it immediately because I know I can get it CLA'd and fixed by Leica USA or Sherry K, and still end up with a barg

-- Muhammad Chishty (applemac97@aol.com), August 15, 2000.

Ebay, for all its faults, seems to me to be a good place to buy Leica equipment. I have been able to buy new bodies and lenses, some USA/Passport, some grey, at prices well below the retailers' prices for similar gear popular with buyers on Photo.net. I have never had any problems with anything I have bought there, either. You should consider the feedback rating of the seller when bidding, of course. There are some benefits you don't always get buying there, convenient return of items that you decide you do not want is one of them. But for the careful buyer, there are some good deals.

-- Chris Henry (henryjc@concentric.net), August 15, 2000.

FWIW I doubt there is such a thing as a "worn out" Leica! My M3 has probably had about 2,500 rolls thru it,in 33 years.It required a major service 4 years ago.Mew shutter curtains and drum.The viewfinder masks also replaced.It was expensive repair.So just about any Leica is ok.Allow for CLA. My back up M2,hardly used was CLA`d due to non usage..

-- jason gold (jason1155234@webtv.net), August 16, 2000.