I just bought a gently used (Mint - according to dealer) black M6 TTL on eBay for about $1400. It was thoroughly tested and came with all the boxes, papers, etc., as well as a six month warranty from the dealer (Camera Care in Philly, an authorized Leica shop). There are some light polish marks on the bottom plate in addition to some rubbing around the tripod socket, but that's about it.

I know that Leicas are built to last, but I wonder now if I had been better off paying the extra $400 (after rebate) for a brand new Leica USA unit, complete with the Passport warranty. Because this was such a significant purchase, I'm slightly regretting not paying the extra dough for a guaranteed pristine virgin. But I have a tendency to get obsessive over these things. (And I know that I'm not the only Leica owner out there with this problem! You know who you are.)

So, I'm wondering who all out there buys used over new and what your experiences have been. I'm tempted to sell it outright or trade it to my local dealer towards a new one. Or is this just stupid? Can I reasonably expect less than $300 or so in service and repairs over the next three years? Or was this a pretty good deal?

Also, the serial number is 2467224. I appreciate any estimates on its age. I would prefer to own an M6 TTL of the most recent generation, but I don't know where this number falls in the production chronology.

Thanks!

-- Luke Dunlap (luked@mail.utexas.edu), November 23, 2001

Answers

Sounds like you got a good buy. Personally I think you did the right thing. Don't worry about a few little marks here and there, they add character to your camera and will make you less afraid to use it. Leicas after all are meant to be used and invariably they will get some marks on them. Use it often and enjoy it and appreciate that fact that you saved $400.

-- sam smith (Ruy_Lopez@hotmail.com), November 24, 2001.

Of course, I can see this from another point of view: I won't be so paranoid about making that "first blemish" that we all fear on our cameras, cars, guitars, etc.

-- Luke Dunlap (luked@mail.utexas.edu), November 24, 2001.

I think you did OK. If it really bothers you and if you can unload it without losing money then I don't see why not. On the other hand since the camera already has signs of usage then why not just use it since it is not going to depreciate that much more with continuous usage. If the camera comes with a dealer's warranty I suggest you put fresh button cells in it and use it a lot and watch out for unusual battery drainage or other signs of trouble.

-- ray tai (razerx@netvigator.com), November 24, 2001.

Brand new M6's right from the factory can come with problems, too. And they get scuffed. And they get dropped. If you feel the dealer is reputable, and you got inspection / return terms, you're probably ok.

TTLs started coming out in 1998, I think. I have a TTL with serial 2,547,nnn made in early 2000, so I'm guessing yours was made earlish 1999.

I buy lots of second-hand cameras. I'm usually more relaxed with them if I've taken reasonable purchasing precautions, because I'm not distracted by the newness. Worry less...shoot more.

-- Ken Shipman (kennyshipman@aol.com), November 24, 2001.

I've done a lot of looking recently and the price you paid seems about right. I've heard that current quality control is not what it should be at Leica and a purchaser may be better off with an older camera that has had some use and had any problems worked out. One experienced Leica user advised me to look for a "well used" M6 and figure in a complete CLA. This has a certain appeal because I tend to be overly caring with new high quality cameras. I own a Rollie 3.5f that looks like the day it was purchased, twenty years ago. On the other hand, selling the pristine Rollie should make a significant contribution toward the aquisition of the M6. John

-- John Myers (mymacv@aol.com), November 24, 2001.

Luke:

Seems to me you made a good choice. The money you saved buying used can go toward a lens. I have purchased only one lens new, the 90mm Elmarit-M only because when it first came out, I had to have it. Now it rarely gets used and sits in its pretty leather case. I am always careful about the condition of my Leica equipment so much so that I purchased the "everunready" case for my camera and use it all the time.Is this a 100% guarantee that the camera won't get bumped, etc? Aboslutely not but at least is is better protected than without a case.Scratches, nicks, dents will happen to anything new eventually so don't sweat the "small stuff" since Leica equipment is intended to to be used not "adored".This last statement might get me into trouble! Enjoy your new camera.

-- John Alfred Tropiano (jat18@psu.edu), November 24, 2001.

Maybe this has been halfways said above but I too would say you've done the "right thing". First of all there are always demo models so that one doesn't always know how much has been undertaken with it before it gets sold. Secondly, it may be even better to buy a (very slightly) used second-hand model as that too is sort of a passing of a dry run or probation time. Any model or lens (yes, even from Leica) sometimes has to be brought back when you buy it brand new because there is something wrong with it and nobody has ever used it at all and shown that it in fact works perfectly. Your serial number means a body from about 1999 to 2000. I bought a brand new TTL exactly one year ago and it has the S/N 2551XXX. Be happy!

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), November 24, 2001.

With the $200 rebate plus a "Leica Day" 10% discount on top of that, the cost of a new USA passport TTL ends up just above $1600. A service at Leica or DAG ($250-275 *plus parts*)on top of a $1400 purchase price can push the cost well over the new unit and still not get the no-fault passport coverage. No two ways about it, it's a gamble. If the camera works fine for 3 years, you've saved about $225.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), November 24, 2001.

Luke:

I purchased an M6 non-TTL in late 1998 and the serial number is 2422xxx, and the TTL was released about that time, so I would assume yours to be an early TTL. Don't worry about the marks, and enjoy your new acquisition.

M

-- Mark A. Johnson (logic@gci.net), November 24, 2001.

Either you want new or used....you have to make up your mind on that...just like with cars. More important is the photos you take....I own two late Rollie twins....the well used one goes everywhere...the mint one stays at home most of the time. New or used you will take the same photos.

-- Emile de Leon (knightpeople@msn.com), November 24, 2001.