Anything wrong with buying used?

[P1505]

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In all seriousness, we’re the first batch Ok? Seen a mint black 2017 for sales. Boxed like new for £4k

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[lucerne]

18 minutes ago, P1505 said:

In all seriousness, we’re the first batch Ok? Seen a mint black 2017 for sales. Boxed like new for £4k

First release did not exhibit any problems, but that basic M10 does not have all the features of the M10-P which was the next release.  Also note that the basic M10 is no longer produced.

No touch screen or ability to accept the very recently released firmware upgrade that provided in-camera perspective adjustment.

That might explain the lower price.

Despite that, I am very happy with my M10.

 

Edited February 19, 2021 by lucerne

[P1505]

That’s fine. Once set up I never use the screen again apart to format the card. It literally has that one use. And perspective fixes I’d do in software if ever, which is never.

I think if it’s like the M9 but slimmer I’ll be happy. Less is more as they say

[lucerne]

18 minutes ago, P1505 said:

That’s fine. Once set up I never use the screen again apart to format the card. It literally has that one use. And perspective fixes I’d do in software if ever, which is never.

I think if it’s like the M9 but slimmer I’ll be happy. Less is more as they say

The display is much better than the M-9 which I also had.  Live view is useful and links to alternative metering with adjustable exposure point selection.  I'm using that more and more.   I have also replaced the base with the Leica handgrip.  A very underused and underrated accessory.  Better grip and improves performance at very low shutter speeds.

Slimmer?     Definitely.

Edited February 19, 2021 by lucerne

[colonel]

38 minutes ago, P1505 said:

In all seriousness, we’re the first batch Ok? Seen a mint black 2017 for sales. Boxed like new for £4k

sounds perfect. I think I even know where you have seen it. If its RDC they have good service in case you are worried

[P1505]

Hah! No, not RDC. Ffordes. But I see RDC have a nice chrome one in, but with a black dot. Can you get replacement red dots?

[Gerbs]

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I've bought a used M10 and a number of used lenses from Tamarkin. Totally satisfied. They were very accommodating and I felt they were fair and honest. Save the money toward a lens!

[Justin44]

18 months ago I had a choice new M10 or secondhand M10-p, I found an M10-p from a dealer that was sold by them then taken in part ex, everything was as new, I guess secondhand is fine as long as it’s the right secondhand. Pick it up, look at it and then decide.

[P1505]

Bought the spare M10 battery, so the camera itself won’t be too far away. Going to wait for a month or two just to ensure I focus on my current projects. I like to shoot with the same camera for a project, but I’m easily distracted so if I buy the M10 now that’ll go out the window.

[colonel]

On 2/19/2021 at 6:18 PM, P1505 said:

Hah! No, not RDC. Ffordes. But I see RDC have a nice chrome one in, but with a black dot. Can you get replacement red dots?

Yes. Leica shop in London can supply

 

[erniethemilk]

I bought a used M10-P 18 months ago. Could have bought new but found a great used example in LCE complete with spare battery & thumb grip.  They even knocked another 5% off it when I asked if that was their best price. 
 

I have no real issues buying used & would do so again. 

[tobey bilek]

Film M can require work.  Digital is a better deal.  My son bought a used M8 from Tamarkin around a decade ago and he still uses it. Cost is around 150 a year.  

Edited February 23, 2021 by tobey bilek

[P1505]

Ignore my earlier comment I ordered an M10.

[colonel]

On 2/23/2021 at 7:00 PM, P1505 said:

Ignore my earlier comment I ordered an M10.

Congrats

Some things I have found 

If you like leather half cases check out the artisan and artist. Protects to the top of the camera on both sides with button catches but still very compact. Cases are good in winter when the metal can get very cold. 

Cooph rope wrist straps are great. I bought a cheaper knock off on amazon

The thin profile is quite easy to hand hold, if you think of the entire body like a grip. So I would recommend not running after grips until you have tried it 

The battery is OK for 100s of shots all day if you have photo review switched off and don't use live view (folk report over 500). A second battery is worth it if you are out all day travelling and review photos on the camera

Enjoy !

 

[P1505]

Cheers.

I have a second battery, ordered it two days before I ordered the camera. I knew I was going to do it

Hoping to head out in a second for a 30 minute lunch walk with it. Initial results from dark interior with my kids are the magic is strong with this one.

[colonel]

2 hours ago, P1505 said:

Cheers.

I have a second battery, ordered it two days before I ordered the camera. I knew I was going to do it

Hoping to head out in a second for a 30 minute lunch walk with it. Initial results from dark interior with my kids are the magic is strong with this one.

My children have been taught this magic word "freeze"

It makes all the difference

 

[P1505]

My children just go “dad! No!”

[rramesh]

Used cameras are a great way to buy. You save a lot and you can use the savings for a trip or extra lens/accessories.

Most digital cameras, like Leica, drop 30-35% in price within 2 years. The drop is usually steeper after the 2 year warranty expires. 

Have a checklist and go through the selection process.

• Get photos of the body, mounts, LCD (camera on/off), sensor etc. to check for visible defects and blemishes. Gives you a good idea of how it has been handled.
• Check reliability of seller. Ratings, reviews etc. Google search brings up a wealth of information.
• Check return policy in case the item is not as advertised.
• Check on costs not mentioned e.g. duties and taxes if you are buying from overseas.
• Check if comes with original box and all accessories. Typical (front cap, hot shoe cover, strap, original battery etc.)
• Extras would be a plus (case, batteries etc.).
• Don't forget to negotiate.

Edited March 6, 2021 by rramesh

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[chris_tribble]

My earlier rule was to buy bodies new and used lenses. It’s change of late and if I can get mint used I will and save on the depreciation. That said I bought my two M10s new (first batch of cameras in the uk)  and they’ve been flawless. 

[Printmaker]

While my M4, M8, M9, and M10 were purchased new, my M2R, Monochrom, S2, and SL were all purchased second hand. The M2R was a trade in on a M4 that I acquired when working part-time at a Leica store. I got the M4 directly from Leica back in 69 as part of a dealer purchase plan. The M8 came from Tamarkin and the Monochrom was a private sale. The rest came from Sean at Camera West/The Leica Store SF. Other than the faulty CCD sensors on the M9/S2 issues, absolutely no complaints. As far as lenses go, I've purchased both new and used with equal success.

As long as you are working with a reputable dealer, you will be fine. As far as the M10P vs the M10R goes, the M10R has some real advantages, but if those advantages add up to $2,500 - $3,000 is something only you can decide.Personally, I'd get the used M10P now and then wait a year or two and get a used M10R. The trade up should only be about $1,000 or so more, giving you a $3,000 to $4,000 savings.

FWIW: Most of the cameras traded in have less than 10,000 shutter activations. That is only about 7% of expected life of the shutter. You will probably wear out long before your Leica does.