cln Posted January 19, 2010 Share #1 Posted January 19, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) I've somehow managed to place myself in the right place at the right time and have been offered a used (1 week old) Leica M9 and 35mm Summicron-M ASPH for $9500 - which I think is a really good price. The seller came into financial troubles and has to sell the equipment to cover his ass. I am, however, a little weary of a deal that seems too good. So I'd really appreciate it if any veteran M8 or M9 owners can give me some pointers for things to be mindful of before I fully commit to the deal. What should be on my check-list? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 19, 2010 Posted January 19, 2010 Hi cln, Take a look here Picking up a barely used M9 - what should I check for?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
wattsy Posted January 19, 2010 Share #2 Posted January 19, 2010 It doesn't sound like the deal of the decade but it does circumvent the waiting lists. The thing uppermost in my mind would be the warranty coverage. I'd be very leery about buying an M9 without a bona fide warranty unless it was at a bargain price that made the associated risk worthwhile. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted January 19, 2010 Share #3 Posted January 19, 2010 +1 Check guaranty transferability! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
diogenis Posted January 19, 2010 Share #4 Posted January 19, 2010 How come is this deal a good one? What are the costs of each one of the camera and lens? Also I would prefer a summilux 35mm if just one lens - twice as fast Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James R Posted January 19, 2010 Share #5 Posted January 19, 2010 I've somehow managed to place myself in the right place at the right time and have been offered a used (1 week old) Leica M9 and 35mm Summicron-M ASPH for $9500 - which I think is a really good price. The seller came into financial troubles and has to sell the equipment to cover his ass. I am, however, a little weary of a deal that seems too good. So I'd really appreciate it if any veteran M8 or M9 owners can give me some pointers for things to be mindful of before I fully commit to the deal. What should be on my check-list? Not sure that is such a great price. I purchased a new M9 (6995 US) and a new 35 Summicron-M ASPH (2430 US), which is less than 9500. I only buy used when the discount is significant enough to offset the loss of contact with a reputable seller, such as B&H. IMO, you are not getting that discount and would pass on this purchase. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cln Posted January 19, 2010 Author Share #6 Posted January 19, 2010 Well, it certainly isn't the deal of a decade - but still $1400 less than Adorama would charge (including taxes). I'm not very interested in a 35mm 'lux, as I think it's too large for daily use. The 'cron suits me better. I will however start looking for a good deal on a used 50mm 'lux. Warranty transferability is very important. Will certainly be sure to have that in order. How does the passport system work? Edit for clarity: The original owner bought the camera in London and we both live in Norway. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted January 19, 2010 Share #7 Posted January 19, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) Passport warranty is transferable without problem. Norway? That makes the deal look a lot better Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cln Posted January 19, 2010 Author Share #8 Posted January 19, 2010 What kind of mechanical things should I check for, to make sure that the seller hasn't dropped the camera and messed something up since purchasing it? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guido Posted January 19, 2010 Share #9 Posted January 19, 2010 IMO, you are not getting that discount and would pass on this purchase. Agreed, but you forgot to factor in the "waiting list bypass fee", which offsets the "personal sales discount" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted January 19, 2010 Share #10 Posted January 19, 2010 Just rangefinder alignment, although that is not such a big deal, as Leica will fix such things under guaranty with a quick turnaround. A crash that dislodges the sensor will show up as a large dent that cannot be overlooked. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
michali Posted January 19, 2010 Share #11 Posted January 19, 2010 Not sure that is such a great price. I purchased a new M9 (6995 US) and a new 35 Summicron-M ASPH (2430 US), which is less than 9500. I only buy used when the discount is significant enough to offset the loss of contact with a reputable seller, such as B&H. IMO, you are not getting that discount and would pass on this purchase. Perceived value is rather subjective. It may not be the deal of the decade but when you factor in the hassles people seem to be having in trying to get an M9 it's not such a bad deal after all. My advice is to call Leica CS in Germany, they are extremely helpful, give them the camera serial number, explain the situation and they will advise re warranty transfer etc. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
W4Leica Posted January 19, 2010 Share #12 Posted January 19, 2010 I do not see saving either, but eliminating waiting agony. Given such a big investment, I would be patience and wait for new if not big discount. Mentally, you have to overcome if something don't appear to go along while using used one just because trying to be off waiting list - W Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
diogenis Posted January 19, 2010 Share #13 Posted January 19, 2010 What kind of mechanical things should I check for, to make sure that the seller hasn't dropped the camera and messed something up since purchasing it? scratches anywhere -if dropped there is a chance of scratches rangefinder patch that shows misaligned -vertically- take a pic with it and observe the photo in screen for oof. observe the camera shutter area, open shutter observe sensor. mount/unmount a lens (couple times) observe friction irregularities, same for the focus/ aperture rings on the lens can't think of anything else... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted January 19, 2010 Share #14 Posted January 19, 2010 The only thing here I would disagree with is the checking of the focus on the LCD screen - that is only useful if focus is waaaay off. Too inaccurate for anything else. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdtaylor Posted January 19, 2010 Share #15 Posted January 19, 2010 As other have said, not a great deal, but does bypass the lines. Adorama has the M9 for $6,995 and the 35 Cron ASPH for $2,995. No tax, and free shipping on both, so a $500 saving, if and when you would finally receive them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted January 19, 2010 Share #16 Posted January 19, 2010 And a horrifying tax-bill in Norway too, I fear. The savings will be considerably more. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guido Posted January 19, 2010 Share #17 Posted January 19, 2010 Not to forget the shutter count! This can be asked before closing the deal, and any mismatch with the actual number once you have the camera in your hands would suggest that the seller intentionally misrepresented this and possibly other aspects of the item. i.e. if the camera is claimed to be one week old but tons of snaps have already been taken, then something may be fishy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erlingmm Posted January 19, 2010 Share #18 Posted January 19, 2010 And a horrifying tax-bill in Norway too, I fear. The savings will be considerably more. VAT in Norway is 25% Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott kirkpatrick Posted January 19, 2010 Share #19 Posted January 19, 2010 Using Robert White's UK prices, an M9 with the 35 Summicron-asph lists for $9520 without VAT (using today's exchange rates). If your friend has done the work to get back the VAT after exporting the camera, he's making you a fair deal. (Assuming neither of you has any qualms about importing the goods to Norway without contributing nearly $2500 to the good of the country.) I believe (see a thread on this subject) that the M9's in the UK have a genuine passport warranty, valid for any damage regardless of fault. Making sure that the warranty card has not been sent in is the first check to make, so that you can get this warranty. The second is to check the rangefinder alignment, check focus accuracy with the longest lens you can borrow, and a detailed visual inspection inside and out. The 35 Summicron is an excellent lens for everyday use on the M9. So is the 28 Elmarit, which is even a bit smaller. Both bring the combination close to the original objective of a digital M which handles like the film Ms. scott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdtaylor Posted January 19, 2010 Share #20 Posted January 19, 2010 VAT in Norway is 25% Wow. I knew transaction were more complicated on your side of the pond, but WOW! Guess our pricing without taxes or shipping is looking pretty good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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