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replace topplate for selling my M9?


frogfish

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Hi,

 

I am about to sell my trusty M9 because my M has just arrived at the dealer.

 

On my M9 I filed away the quite pointy left upper corner above the viewfinder because it was very uncomfortable to my eye. It wa carefully executed, looks not bad, but still.

 

What do you guys think, should I get it replaced by Leica or just sell it like it is?

 

 

thanks,

 

heiko

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yes, of course

 

 

here are some pics.

 

Just back from a shooting under trees, already cleaned, don´t you worry.

 

 

what do you think?

 

 

yes, chose this name while diving in Indonesia 15 years ago.

 

 

heiko

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I have never before heard of the uncomfortable nature of that corner of the camera, but wouldn't it have been cheaper to have your eye altered rather than having a new top plate?

 

I wouldn't buy it as it is because the 'modification' would lead potential purchasers to think 'what else has he done'. You either pay the price for awful ideas, or pay the price to put them right, your call.

 

Steve

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OK, I see. Thanks.

 

I find the camera much more stable to hold with slow shutter speeds when I press my forehead/eyebrow against the camera. It got sore before the modifications, much better now.

 

I used it to take photos actually, so I did not care about the look. The price I have to pay now. I liked the camera so much I thought I would never sell it.

 

Anyone has an idea what a new topplate costs?

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I think you will find that your thumb grip and front grip will be even more of a value killer. I doubt very much that you will recoup the cost of a new top plate when it comes to selling it

 

I agree totally. The 2 grips look a lot worse than the worn corner.

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This is what would be called a "beater" and either should be properly restored or priced waaay below what unaltered M9s are going for. There are many M9s out there now, so a buyer will not lightly accept this unless he (or she) actually likes the grip and thumb mods and can tolerate the filed down corner. That is going to be a very rare bird. I disagree that the price needs to be reduced simply to account for the cost of repairs. I think a buyer will not want to do that as there are other M9s available. I think the price has to discount substantially in addition to the cost of repairs. If I am right, you are better off financially having it repaired and then selling it.

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Mine has worn naturally in the same place. My M9 is battered. Brassing and chips on the bottom plate. I removed the plastic too. I sprayed the red dot black (did a proper job) and picked out the white paint from the M9. Some will laugh, some will cry. But I'm happy to know I'll not get top price for this when I come to sell. Can't say I'm hugely bothered. Not cos I'm a rich git, but because I was fully aware that digital cameras depreciate whatever. I've fully enjoyed the 27k photos I've taken :)

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Nothing is cheap in Leicaland. You'll be taking a hit either way, but I suppose the first order of business is finding out how much the top plate replacement will cost (don't forget shipping and packaging charges). Second, look at the prices M9 is selling for; without the repairs, yours will probably sell for less than the lowest ones. Simple math and aggravation factor (shipping camera for repairs) afterwards.

 

Instead of an out right sale, you may consider trading it for some thing (lens, lights, etc).

 

Or consider keeping the M9 as a backup for the M240.

 

Good luck with which ever route you choose.

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If you took off the dreadful orange things, someone might want it as a 'backup' camera, maybe $3K?

 

Because I'm not impressed by M240 color, I recently bought a 2d M9. I happened to find a minty one for $4K, but I'd also have considered a less glamorous one if (a) if the price were in the $3K range and (B) the actuations didn't suggest heavy pro use.

 

BTW, may I recommend a plain black Thumbs Up for your new camera? ;-)

 

Kirk

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Sorry, but... You took a $7000 camera, ground down a corner with who-knows-what Satan's tool, and glued orange scraps of wood on it??

 

As a guy who is working hard and hoping one day to be able to afford one of these, I'm finding it hard to restrain myself from firing off a litany of obscenities.

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Sorry, but... You took a $7000 camera, ground down a corner with who-knows-what Satan's tool, and glued orange scraps of wood on it??

 

As a guy who is working hard and hoping one day to be able to afford one of these, I'm finding it hard to restrain myself from firing off a litany of obscenities.

tarullifoto, I understand where you are coming from and I seriously hope you make it to the point where you will be able to afford your desire. You will be rewarded by the experience.

But; frogfish chose how to use his own camera and I get the impression he used it primarily as a tool rather than jewellery, which is commendable. There are those that are called 'fondlers' (who soak up superb working tools and without really using them) that it could be argued are just as bad, but I digress.

 

OTOH, frogfish's camera might even suit you as the price will clearly be quite low if he does not restore it. A possible entry technique for you. Probably his sale will not include a lens so factor that in too.

 

BTW, welcome to the forum.

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Sorry, but... You took a $7000 camera, ground down a corner with who-knows-what Satan's tool, and glued orange scraps of wood on it??

 

As a guy who is working hard and hoping one day to be able to afford one of these, I'm finding it hard to restrain myself from firing off a litany of obscenities.

 

 

 

 

are you sure? Your first post? LOL?

 

Have fun,

 

 

heiko

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