Copic Posted January 10, 2017 Share #1 Posted January 10, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am looking for an ultra clean (near unused if possible) M3 with an age appropriate lens preferably 50mm. I am willing to pay a premium for quality. Where should I be looking? Is eBay the best place? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 10, 2017 Posted January 10, 2017 Hi Copic, Take a look here Where to buy an ultra clean M3 (M2 or M4)? . I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
250swb Posted January 11, 2017 Share #2 Posted January 11, 2017 On Ebay you can be sure nearly every camera will be described as 'mint', so that is the obvious place to go (if you want to be lied to). Some people go the old fashioned route and talk with a camera shop, and these generally have a much more conservative rating system that only puts the very, very best into the 'mint' class, so you get less choice (but an honest choice). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted January 11, 2017 Share #3 Posted January 11, 2017 Definately NOT ebay for the first time buyer IMHO. You might get a good example but it's more likely you'll end up with a camera needing some kind of repair. As Steve says nearly everyone describes everything as 'minty' on ebay these days. Buy from a reputable dealer who will also provide you with 6 months warranty should any fault develop. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul J Posted January 11, 2017 Share #4 Posted January 11, 2017 Definitely go through a dealer. I really think you need to visit a bricks and mortar shop and handle them too. Things are different with these old girls. If you can't visit, find a reputable and friendly dealer who understands the process of finding something special. Ebay is like a lucky dip. Lucky if you get one, lucky if you don't have problems with the seller or buyer, lucky if you don't have problems with delivery, luck if you don't have problems with ebay or PayPal. My last two experiences have put me off entirely, enough for me to want to close down my accounts on principle. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpitt Posted January 12, 2017 Share #5 Posted January 12, 2017 Ebay is NOT an option. Never had a deal that was 100% as described. In this case it is near impossible to get an exceptional, near mint and fully functional camera. Where do you live and how far would you be prepared to travel to visit a good Leica dealer? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 12, 2017 Share #6 Posted January 12, 2017 Although it's wise to be wary of eBay, last month I got a perfectly functioning single stroke M3 from a Japanese eBay store. Although they did not include the information in their ad, the camera had had a CLA two months earlier and everything functions perfectly. The price was about $300 less than a similar camera that was listed at Tamarkin in EX++ condition, which is what I judge to be the condition of the M3 that I bought. The only fault was some slight scuffing on the top plate that did not show in the eBay photos — but the scuffing isn't visible to me unless I put on my reading glasses. I've lived for two years in Japan and found that the quality in camera stores of used Leica cameras and lenses was extraordinarily good — so I took and chance. _______________ Alone in Bangkok essay on BURN Magazine Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Henry Posted January 12, 2017 Share #7 Posted January 12, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) For M3 and to have an order of prices you have some welknown Leica Shops like here https://www.leica-store-berlin.de/en/second-hand/10736/leica-m3-chrome http://www.leicashop.com/vintage_en/leica/leica-m-cameras/m3-chrome-double-stroke/leica-m3-chrome-display-model-sku25806-4.html Rg Henry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mute-on Posted January 12, 2017 Share #8 Posted January 12, 2017 Perhaps send an email to the chaps at Fotopia. They seem to know the difference between even Mint and As New, and get a number of collector grade pieces through the store. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted January 12, 2017 Share #9 Posted January 12, 2017 It would be easier to give advice if we knew where the OP was. Gary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Lucan Posted January 13, 2017 Share #10 Posted January 13, 2017 UK dealer. http://theclassiccamera.com/usedm/cameras Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
a911s Posted January 15, 2017 Share #11 Posted January 15, 2017 Check the classifieds for: MINT Leica M2 with Leicavit MP Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Henry Posted January 16, 2017 Share #12 Posted January 16, 2017 ... and still no news of Copic the initiator of the thread Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblitz Posted January 16, 2017 Share #13 Posted January 16, 2017 I have bought lots of use cameras and lenses from Leicashop in Vienna, all perfect as advertised. Nice people to chat with over the phone as well. And they include shipping in the price. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
friedeye Posted January 18, 2017 Share #14 Posted January 18, 2017 I've had very good luck with buying from Japanese sellers on Ebay. You can find clean camera bodies that haven't been abused for 5-7 hundred dollars. Then you send them off for a CLA - I use the terrific Youxin Ye - and get the camera back in almost new condition, for 200 - 250 dollars. I try to look (although I'm happy with my cameras and don't do this anymore) for orphans: great bodies that have a flaw, like a burn hole in the curtain, or bad vulcanite. Those, you can buy for around $500. Maybe I've just had good luck - but I've done it with 2 cameras for me, and one for my son (which didn't need a CLA and was good to go out of the box for $750). You need to be picky - but it can be done and it's fun. All of these 3 of these cameras would be describable as minty. No scratches, no flaws, great glass, great cover - near perfect. Good hunting. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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