Craigslist Buying M6

[themilkman]

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Looking to buy locally from a craigslist seller, I was wondering if you all had any pointers or things to keep an eye out for when buying a Leica m6 or any leica camera for that matter second hand from a fellow photographer.

 

What are some ways to test the camera at the moment to check for working order and proper performance, before bringing it to an Authorized Dealer-

[too old to care]

You probably have already researched sites like this. Buying / Testing a Classic Camera - Photoethnography.com's Classic Camera DB Best way, if possible, is to run a roll of film through the camera testing various exposure/focus combinations. I am not sure that the seller will let you do that, but it is worth a try.

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[themilkman]

Thank you for the response! Reading this right away!

[spydrxx]

The things I usually check for in RF bodies are: 1) cleanliness and alignment of the horizontal & vertical images in the view/rangefinder....I know I can realign them, but if they are misaligned it may hint at other damages, such as a dropped body; 2) ease of winding - is the mechanism smooth or is it rough, suggesting it may need a CLA; 3) overall cleanliness of exterior and interior; 4) wear on the strap lugs; 5) meter accuracy - rough test against "sunny 16 rule", 6) corrosion in the battery compartment; 6) shutter curtain conditions; 7) rough check of shutter speeds. Generally, I've found, on bodies 20 years or older, a CLA will improve things, although not always necessary immediately...but probable in the next 10 years or so.

[Manoleica]

Hi, if it's a local & known seller I would request a quick outside shoot... Invest in a roll of 35mm & go shoot with the owner, have a coffee & a chat, after relaxing more info on the camera will flow.. Get the film processed and go from there.... Maybe also contact a few Leica dealers, they may have a used 35mm that might be attractive to you.......

[themilkman]

How would you go about testing the shutters properly?

[Manoleica]

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How would you go about testing the shutters properly?

 

Use a Subject i.e... Milk Carton

(1) Use In M then Shutter Priority - Then Aperture Priority

 

List down the settings per Shot.. When you see the results anything wrong will show up..

 

Ask the seller if you can have a technician check out the camera..........Good Luck

[philcycles]

Looking to buy locally from a craigslist seller, I was wondering if you all had any pointers or things to keep an eye out for when buying a Leica m6 or any leica camera for that matter second hand from a fellow photographer.

What are some ways to test the camera at the moment to check for working order and proper performance, before bringing it to an Authorized Dealer-

 

Well, I've bought many cameras on craigslist-just bought an OT Olympus OM-4 yesterday-and I find that a little care goes a long way. Both my M3s are CL buys and they're fine. Check the seller out-does he seem like a Leica owner? Camera clean? shutter speed sounds OK? RT aligned? Does he know something about the camera and Leicas in general?

It's a bit of a roll of the dice but I've had very good luck on CL.

[themilkman]

Its true, I mainly don't want to support a thief's interests. Leica owners unite. I couldn't image my CL getting stolen and sold...

 

scary world

[stnolan]

2 out of four M6's I have purchased needed a CLA, and each of them would jam at about the 20th frame. Great advice from the others and i would add that you might want to bring a cheap roll of film and just shoot and advance the whole roll and rewind to check for stiffness or grinding feeling.

[philcycles]

2 out of four M6's I have purchased needed a CLA, and each of them would jam at about the 20th frame. Great advice from the others and i would add that you might want to bring a cheap roll of film and just shoot and advance the whole roll and rewind to check for stiffness or grinding feeling.

 

I'm not adverse to paying slightly over the odds for a camera with a recent service history.