Help getting started with an M

[betso]

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Dear L-community,

I'm coming from the Nikon world and decided to move over for portability reasons. Now, after reading about the L-camera for couple of months, I get more and more hooked for different more reasons. But I have to yet get my first M.

My Nikon gear is almost completely sold out now and I started looking for a 240 as this would fit the budget (recently I found out that the 262 is 80 g lighter but it is much harder to find one and it is more expensive). One of the big retailers in the USA has currently listed a used 240 for $2900 with a second battery and a thumb-up but without a box. I am a little surprised as the ad stays for a while now (at least two weeks) and would like to get you opinion before ordering it.
Is the lack of the box such an issue as for the price to go lower than the ones in the forums?
Is there anything else I should pay attention to?

I live in Chicago and talked to Dan Tamarkin about the transition. I just feel it would be impolite to go and ask him about buying a camera from another Leica store. His current offer of a used 240 is listed at $3350. So, I decided to turn with my questions to you.

Let me hijack my own thread and ask a different question.
I am a 50 mm type of guy. My goal is to use the M with a Summarit 50 f/2.4 because of how light this lens is. Would you discourage me from doing that, get a used Summicron instead, and swallow the weight difference?

I'd like to use the opportunity and express my appreciation of this forum. I have learned a lot from you in these couple of months.

Thank you!

[david strachan]

Welcome Betso.  I hope you enjoy the wonderful world of Leica.

 

Your thinking is all good.  Buy from Tamarkin...see if he'll throw in a spare battery and 3-6 months warranty. Forget the box.  The Summarit is a great choice.

 

Oh, you might want the electronic Visoflex later, and, and...Resist the temptation and let your head rule with what is needed.

 

Enjoy..

[CharlesL]

$3350 is a little high for an M240 these days, if you have the patience to wait for the right moment. The $2900 package is a good deal if the camera is in proper condition. To determine that, you might be able to do an inspection, or you can evaluate the reputation of the seller, or he offers returns. If you must let it pass, another will come along at that price, or less without the second battery and the grip.

[betso]

I guess, there is no point not sharing the retailer (as I initially thought). It is Leica Store DC.

This is the link to the deal.

Thank you again to both of you!

[Ernstk]

7 hours ago, betso said:

I guess, there is no point not sharing the retailer (as I initially thought). It is Leica Store DC.

This is the link to the deal.

Thank you again to both of you!

Welcome to the forum and hopefully, the joys of Leica ownership.

That looks like quite a good deal but I have to say, I'm somewhat surprised by it only having a 30 day guarantee.

 

Ernst

[RayD28]

I just double checked Tamarkin's website and he offers a twelve month warranty on digital cameras.  It looks like the camera you are describing has an extra battery.  I've heard a lot of good things about him and bought a used lens from him that was in better condition than described at a competitive price.  This is no knock on any retailer, but I'd buy local when possible even if I have to pay sales tax and a little premium.  Plus, down the road you will most likely buy and/or trade for other equipment and a good relationship with a dealer means a lot in my opinion.  

Finally, having someone local to give advice adds value.

My two cents.  

[bocaburger]

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Tamarkin's a good guy but I've bought Leicas from all over the country with no problems.  Popflash, Camera West, KEH...all reputable dealers, never a problem dealing with them.  For me it's about finding the camera I want at a price I feel is good.  And given the dollar amount of sales tax, there's something to be said for buying out of state.  I feel uncomfortable about bargaining with an in-state dealer over the tax.  I certainly would have no issue buying from any of the Leica Stores but apparently the camera in question is not "Leica Certified Pre-Owned" or else it would come with a year's warranty direct from Leica USA.  The savings of $500 could easily be eaten by any repair needed in the 11 months past the store warranty, so it's worth considering. 

[plaidshirts]

Ooh, I just sold a user condition black M240 with a multifunctional grip for $2800...

I agree with buying from respected dealers or occasional sellers like me that treasure their gear. A simple CLA could be north of $500, eating up your savings and then some.

Also, I recently bought a used older 'Cron 50 V5 for about the same price as a used Summarit 2.4 so it may be worthwhile to look around. Size and weight difference are minimal.

Good luck and welcome!

[Hamad]

Welcome to the world of Leica. Share some of your work with us. One thing i would say: coming from SLR you might get frustrated with your M at the beginning. but just be patient with it. in no time you be loving the art that you create. yes here you be created each and every photo without any help of auto-focus or other digital assistance that are enjoyed in DSLRs. But thats the whole beauty at the end.

cheers

 

[rsolomon]

Overall advice would be to focus on the lens, I walk the streets all day with my camera and don't think the summicron  is heavy, I also think you can find one at a  reasonable price. I think in the long run you will be happier having a true classic Leica lens.  I know some may disagree but I think the lens is the place to spend your time thinking as you build your kit out. 

[_Michael]

I really understand the process of moving into the world of Leica.  I went through this myself not too long ago.  I have zero regrets in doing so either.  Still a bit of a frustration st times, but it improves every time I pick up the system. 

Id say either ask for a better price or look around a bit.  I think it sounds a bit on the high side. I went through this too, and posting here for opinions was very helpful. You can search for some of my older posts to see the great responses and very helpful tips. 

I ended up wth a M262 and a 35 ‘cron. I love it, and have zero concerns with weight or usability.  The combo I found was via a private party instead of a dealer, but it was very low usage and unregistered with Leica. 

Good luck in your search. Hope you will post some images once you get it. 

[otto.f]

About the box: yes indeed an original box is worth relatively much in the market, there are even people who trade in boxes. For you it’s a chance to get a Leica a bit cheaper indeed. In your case I’d go for the Summarit 2.4 and not search any further. With the ISO of the M240 you won’t notice that extra half stop of the Summicron. The advantage of the Summarit 50 is its size, it is one of the most  compact combinations in M world, which will give you one of the biggest differences with the Nikon way of living. In practice it’ll mean that you grab your camera sooner and get acquainted with it sooner. 

Edited October 20, 2018 by otto.f

[tjh1023]

All I can say is you will love it. I have an m240, had it for about 7 months now and it is so awesome feeling more integrated the way the Leica range finders work. I started with a summicron 50 2.0, I now have the Leica 90 and 135 mm, 21 and 35 voightlander. and the crazy thing is an old canon FD300 4.0L. the m240 makes a great platform. The biggest draw back is you can't get to crazy with the iso, 3000 is really pushing it, in black and white 3000+ can look like old grainy films. I bought mine from Fredmiranda forum,  I have done a few transactions there and its been a great experience. you should be able to pick up a m240 in nice shape and 50 summicron 2.0 6bit coded for about 4000.00

Edited October 20, 2018 by tjh1023

[Jeff S]

The Summarits have less tendency to flare or exhibit focus shift than the Summicrons; but both 50’s are superb lenses.  You can’t go wrong.

Also no harm in asking Dan if his price is negotiable.  Leica Miami has a used M240 for over $3600, so neither price you cite is out of market, depending of course on condition and warranty.  Leica DC is also a reputable source.

Jeff

 

[Peter Kilmister]

Welcome to Leica. I was a confirmed Nikon user from the 1970s onwards. Sadly the decision by Nikon to change from manual focus (MF) to automatic focus (AF) meant that their products increased in size exponentially. 

Eventually I decided the time had come to get away from film and try digital. After unsuccessfully experimenting with various options I discovered that Leica still used MF with the M bodies. At that time I received an unexpected inheritance after the early death of an intestate cousin. I bought an M240 and a 35mm lens in remembrance of him. It was a real eye-opener. At last I was able to recreate the artistry of choosing my focal point rather than relying on a computer to make that decision for me. 

Subsequently I sold the M240 and bought an M240-P. I also extended the range of lenses. Now my preferred lens is the 50mm APO Summicron. I also love the Elmar 24mm and the 135mm APO Telyt. A lesson learnt along the way is that digital camera bodies lose their value relatively quickly. Lenses retain their value with no depreciation.

Now retired I wonder if I might sell the M240-P and buy an M10-P. I tried one out while I was in Porto, northern Portugal. It is slimmer and feels less bulky. Can I afford it? Yes, I can but I'd rather buy once someone has paid the initial VAT (Sales Tax). Second hand is always a good option.

Enjoy the move to Leica. It is a dream come true for me.

[plaidshirts]

36 minutes ago, Peter Kilmister said:

Can I afford it? Yes, I can but I'd rather buy once someone has paid the initial VAT (Sales Tax). Second hand is always a good option.

 

This is very sound advice. I'm not ashamed to say all my film and digital gear was bought used at a 30-50% savings over new retail price.

This practice has allowed me to try different cameras and lenses because I could usually resell them for the same prices I paid. There were several instances where I actually made a profit because I had bought them low and sold when demand was apparently higher.

 

[BKimelb1]

You probably made your purchase by now.  I've bought all my Leica gear from Ken Hansen in New York. He used to have a store but sells from his home and his prices are fabulous. His service and product knowledge are unparalleled. He is also a very nice person and is very customer focused. khpny19@aol.com. There is a review of him online if you google him.

phone 212 879 3263

[colonel]

Look at the Voigtlander 50 f1.5 and the Zeiss 50 f2

leica shines when wide open

both excellent

box is worth £100 on price in the uk, not sure the US

Buying from a known dealer is a good thing. In the UK the top dealers are just so nice to deal with, particularly on returns or issues. Let’s face it, everyone is nice when selling you something ....