Guest Big Bird Posted April 13, 2014 Share #1 Posted April 13, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi all, Just deciding first Leica - am looking closely at the M 240 but would like some thoughts pls on merits of M-E v M9. I have read and understand the differences in features etc so my question is: better to get a used M9 or a used M-E? M9s are relatively easy to find second hand and I have an eye on one that is unused. Used M-Es are less common but again I have found one that has hardly been used. There is not a big difference in price between these 2. So, better to get the current model (M-E)? Thanks. BB Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 Hi Guest Big Bird, Take a look here M-E v M9. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
NikonJeff Posted April 13, 2014 Share #2 Posted April 13, 2014 The M-E and M9 are virtually identical with the exception of the frame line preview lever and uSB port on the M-E. Unless you really need the preview lever and USB port the new M-E would be my choice. Personally I never use the USB port and rarely use the preview lever but the M-E was not out when I bought my M9... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcraf Posted April 13, 2014 Share #3 Posted April 13, 2014 +1 for the M-E. Used values, in the UK at least, appear to be holding up. A good used M-E fetches a bit more than a good used M9 (it will always be newer than any M9), but less than a good used M9-P (which I think is always over priced used anyhow, but cosmetically lovely) I rather like the unique, slightly quirky finish and look of the M-E too, and I've often fancied one myself! Good luck. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted April 13, 2014 Share #4 Posted April 13, 2014 The USB port on the M9 is useful to me, especially when downloading from the camera in bad conditions and, of course, for triggering the camera from a laptop. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Big Bird Posted April 13, 2014 Share #5 Posted April 13, 2014 Thanks guys - USB port and frame selector lever are not important to me. Agree that any used M-E will be newer than any M9. I too like how it looks. One further question then, the M-E I have located is with a reputable dealer but lacks all paperwork..... It has had very little use. Would you buy a camera with no paperwork (other than receipt and 6 month gte from the store?) Sorry - another Q: are Leica warranties and passport transferable? Am thinking that M-E could be best route into Leica rather than going straight to new M. Thanks! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted April 13, 2014 Share #6 Posted April 13, 2014 (edited) Sorry - another Q: are Leica warranties and passport transferable? Seems you're in the UK; if so, you're lucky compared to folks elsewhere as Passport rules vary by country. See here. Jeff Edited April 13, 2014 by Jeff S Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcraf Posted April 13, 2014 Share #7 Posted April 13, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thanks guys - USB port and frame selector lever are not important to me. Agree that any used M-E will be newer than any M9. I too like how it looks. One further question then, the M-E I have located is with a reputable dealer but lacks all paperwork..... It has had very little use. Would you buy a camera with no paperwork (other than receipt and 6 month gte from the store?) Sorry - another Q: are Leica warranties and passport transferable? Am thinking that M-E could be best route into Leica rather than going straight to new M. Thanks! If it is the M-E that Red Dot have advertised currently, fear not, they are great people, highly reputable and trustworthy, and indeed are Forum sponsors. If you are in the UK, any remaining Passport and warranty is transferable to the new owner. All you need do is fill in your details in the Passport document, and cross through the previous owner (there is a 'subsequent owner' section). There is endless debate, not least on this forum on the M9 (aka M-E) vs the M240. I have used and owned both, and both have their merits. It suffices to say that the M-E will bring you challenges, a great deal of pleasure, and ultimately wonderful images. Just make sure you have enough dosh left over to buy a Leica lens to get started with. Sure, other lens brands are very good, but I think it means something to pair your first Leica with a Leica lens. And as you've probably gathered, you are unlikely to lose money, particularly if you choose a good used Leica lens. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bocaburger Posted April 13, 2014 Share #8 Posted April 13, 2014 You (OP) said this is to be your first Leica, so how can you be sure the frame preview lever is of no consequence? I've been using Leicas for 40+ years and I can do without the preview (had to once when my M6 lever quit working) but I still like it as a feature. In fact the elimination of it on the M240 is one reason I'm not in a rush to buy one. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Big Bird Posted April 13, 2014 Share #9 Posted April 13, 2014 Seems you're in the UK; if so, you're lucky compared to folks elsewhere as Passport rules vary by country. See here. Jeff Yes Jeff - thanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Big Bird Posted April 13, 2014 Share #10 Posted April 13, 2014 If it is the M-E that Red Dot have advertised currently, fear not, they are great people, highly reputable and trustworthy, and indeed are Forum sponsors. If you are in the UK, any remaining Passport and warranty is transferable to the new owner. All you need do is fill in your details in the Passport document, and cross through the previous owner (there is a 'subsequent owner' section). There is endless debate, not least on this forum on the M9 (aka M-E) vs the M240. I have used and owned both, and both have their merits. It suffices to say that the M-E will bring you challenges, a great deal of pleasure, and ultimately wonderful images. Just make sure you have enough dosh left over to buy a Leica lens to get started with. Sure, other lens brands are very good, but I think it means something to pair your first Leica with a Leica lens. And as you've probably gathered, you are unlikely to lose money, particularly if you choose a good used Leica lens. Re the paperwork, what are the options if no paperwork exists? Do you think I could contact Leica with the serial number and see what they can note about date of manufacture/sale/registration (if it was registered)? I will only be buying Leica lenses..... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Big Bird Posted April 13, 2014 Share #11 Posted April 13, 2014 You (OP) said this is to be your first Leica, so how can you be sure the frame preview lever is of no consequence? I've been using Leicas for 40+ years and I can do without the preview (had to once when my M6 lever quit working) but I still like it as a feature. In fact the elimination of it on the M240 is one reason I'm not in a rush to buy one. I think it is because I tend to decide on lens to use rather than look at a scene and need a visual cue to how a different focal length might work. Doesn't mean I am any better than anyone else though! I guess since I have not had a preview before, I don't know what I'm missing..... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcraf Posted April 13, 2014 Share #12 Posted April 13, 2014 Re the paperwork, what are the options if no paperwork exists? Do you think I could contact Leica with the serial number and see what they can note about date of manufacture/sale/registration (if it was registered)? I will only be buying Leica lenses..... You could try that, and you might get a response. If the original passport documentation isn't there with the camera, that might be a problem. And in any case Passport only runs for one year anyway. I don't have any vested interest in Red Dot, but have bought a lot of kit from them (new and used), so I think if you're buying used, they are very good to deal with. If you want to PM me I am happy to talk things through with you, and might have some more info of use. Regards Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berth Posted April 13, 2014 Share #13 Posted April 13, 2014 Hi all, Just deciding first Leica - am looking closely at the M 240 but would like some thoughts pls on merits of M-E v M9. I have read and understand the differences in features etc so my question is: better to get a used M9 or a used M-E? M9s are relatively easy to find second hand and I have an eye on one that is unused. Used M-Es are less common but again I have found one that has hardly been used. There is not a big difference in price between these 2. So, better to get the current model (M-E)? Thanks. BB Faced with that same decision I chose to M-E. Same camera without the USB & frame 'selector'... but with the Leica warranty. For me, the savings buying top-condition used simply weren't enough. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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