I have been out of photography for 15 years and I have a M4-2. 50/2,35/2,and 90/2.8 I should find a new home for. I assumed I would offer these on E Bay but I need to determine the going rates so I can set reasonable reserve prices. I was hoping to find a site where individuals offer Lieca for set prices as E Bay history only goes back 30 days. Also, after reading very detailed descriptions of Lieca equipment offered for auction I am not sure I know how to rate the quality of the lens glass. If there are no defects you can see with your naked eye those that mean the lens glass is mint? Thanks in advance for help for an oldbee.

-- John Lavretta (lavretta@mindspring.com), September 03, 2000

Answers

The only problem you may have selling expensive equipment on e-bay is that you will not have any feedback as a new user, and that "0" next to your name will lessen the bids a bit. Make sure you learn how to add photos--no one will pay top dollar on just a description, especially from a new seller. The 30 days history is actually pretty good info as far as what you can expect to get for the stuff if you listed it now on e-bay. Shine a flashlight into your lenses and check for cleaning marks on the front and rear elements, and for a fine haze or fog (very commaon on older equipment that has just sat for years) or worse, signs of fungus on the inner elements. You won't see these defects by just holding the lens up and looking through it. Most Leica buyers will scrutinize the glass with a flashlight, especially if it is described as mint.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), September 03, 2000.