Jump to content

A good place to buy my first Rangefinder - 2nd hand M8?


Mackered

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi

 

I have lurked around these pages for a short while and have finally decided to buy my first rangefinder. My DSLR died on me a while back and I decided to sell my glass and buy something a little more portable and suitable for street photography and something good for portraits too. Having pondered on micro 4/3 and after having a little go with the M8 I have decided to shop around for a good M8.

 

I'm shopping around, the usual ebay, but also wanted to ask if there are any good places/dealers that sell used M8's? I have a couple in the UK from google but wondered if anyone had any other pointers?

 

I'm in London but anywhere within europe would be good enough. Ideally looking for a mint M8 in black.

 

I'm always a little worried having looked at a few on ebay that some cameras may be problematic or stolen - are there any things I should be checking before buying, especially to avoid buying anything stolen? Have there ever been any problems with sale on this site?

 

also......I am coming in to a little money at the end of January and aiming high I have my eye on a new (or 2nd hand) 90 f2 ASPH APO lens - it is going to give me the range I pretty much enjoyed using for portrait etc. However, as this is a substantial cost I need to get something that will give me around 35mm, taking the crop in to account, which is cheap and cheerful? Recommendations?

 

apols lots of Q's but hope to stick around here.

Link to post
Share on other sites

x

There is one in the For sale section of this Forum with less than 1,000 actuations and is described as mint - ask how old it is and if it is still under the leica warranty - and if that warranty can be transferred

 

Its Euros 1950, (maybe £1600)

 

In the UK a good one with say 5,000 actuations will sell for maybe £1,400 to £1,500 - as a private sale

 

 

Look at the Zeiss 28mm f2.8 or a cheaper VC 28mm less which will give you 35mm conventional FOV - plus a good UV/IR Filter - (Leica ones seem to sell for maybe £40 on EBay as guys trade up to the M9) - VC lens are v good and used ones can be had for under £200

 

Good Luck

Link to post
Share on other sites

I have seen a few (and missed them) with sub 2000 actuations for a round that price too. One appeared on ebay the other day for £1000 BIN and promptly disappeared.

 

I have also seen, and it is on there now - an M9 on gumtree for £700!! It must be stolen. :mad:

 

I figured that I would have to spend between £1200 and £1600 and will look in to the one you suggested.

Link to post
Share on other sites

You could try Ffordes.

 

Digital M Cameras Leica RangeFinder Range - Ffordes Photographic

 

They have a great selection of new & used Leica gear. I bought my used M8 there a few months ago & various other items over the years with no problems at all. They do a 6 month warranty as standard.

 

Let us know how you get on.

 

Colin

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Mackered,

welcome to the forum. Hope you get a good deal on a great body. I'll be taking the M8 plunge myself, but probably not until sometime towards middle of next year (fingers crossed). I'm in USA, so even if I had good buying experiences to pass along, wouldn't do you much good in London, I suspect!

ByTheWay: Heard Central London got roughed up a bit over Tuition Fees - along with a Prince and his Lady, too. Did you get mixed up in the hub-hub at all?

 

Richard in Michigan

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...