Struggling to let go.

[Aldrahn]

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Hi,

I've a lovely well used M2. I'm considering selling it due to financial issues. Going price on eBay seems around £1200-£1500 or so, shops/dealers offering me around £550-£700.

Now, here's the thing, if I sell it I WILL regret it. I already am just thinking about it.

I've other film cameras I could use so technically there is no excuse, I mean I only ever shoot 4 - 5 rolls a year.

So, why am I finding it so difficult to let go? It's not rare, or valuable, we've only been together about 5 years...

Pic of M2, and one taken with M2

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Edited May 26, 2023 by Aldrahn
added photo

[madNbad]

Been there, needed cash for a home improvement project. Away went the M6 TTL Millennium and a M2 that had just been serviced by DAG, plus a bunch of lenses. Chances are, eventually you’ll regret it and buy another M body. If it was a bigger financial gain, then it would be worth it but having pared down to a couple of M bodies, my vote is keep the M2, start using it more and sell something else.

Edited May 26, 2023 by madNbad

[Huss]

It’s easy to give advice as we don’t know how rough a spot you’re in - I wish you the best - but sell your other gear and keep this if you can if you feel connected.

But remember, all this is only ‘stuff’. Including the Leica.  Good luck.

[Huss]

P.s and if you do decide to sell the Leica, avoid the dealers as they need to make a profit so you will get way under market value.

Use local classifieds, facebook marketplace, photo websites etc.  

And - lovely pic!

Edited May 27, 2023 by Huss

[spydrxx]

Been there, done that...again and again. And yet I keep coming back😄. Just like the line from The Godfather, "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!". I feel your pain. If possible sell other gear to address your financial needs. I remember a famous wildlife photographer who encountered a similar issue years ago, and many of his followers sent him money, no strings attached and asked nothing in return, so he wouldn't have to sell his gear. He was lucky....most of us aren't. Best of luck in your decision.

[Guest]

Do you know the classified section of this forum?

No regrets and only good experiences as a buyer, that’s why I recommend it.

[Mikep996]

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If you need the maximum cash, don't go to a dealer because, as was stated, they need to make money so they cannot give you the "selling price" for the camera - typically around 70-75% of that price.  OTOH, dealer sales are much more reliable because you won't have to deal with hassles/complaints that sometimes goes along with selling to individuals/Ebay, etc. 

[CSG123]

Seems like KEH and MPB offer about half the going rate on camera gear.   Sell to them and you'll get ripped off from what you could get for your M2.  As a retired financial guy, it kills me to see people have to sell guns, guitars, cameras, etc. at a potential loss because they didn't have other resources for the bumps in the road we all face in life.  Sadly, that's why my kids are screwed - because I keep almost everything and they're going to have to deal with it one day (just like I did for my folks!).

I still have all my film cameras, including my M4 but I don't shoot much more film these days than the 4-5 rolls per year Aldrahn does.  But I look at my old film cameras and their history with me as objet d'art pieces.  I had a Questar telescope for years.  A PITA to use (vs. my refractors) but it was simply stunning to look at.  I finally sold it to a fellow amateur astronomer but I miss looking at it to this day.

Aldrahn, I hope you can find another solution. 

[jankap]

This forum has a section "Classifieds".

[Mikep996]

You sold a Questar?  😱   NEVER sell a Questar!  In addition to being a fabulous little scope, it's even better than any Leica M as "optical jewelry!"   

Regarding camera gear "sale" to a dealer; 70-75% was my most recent experience with Leica Miami when I sold some Leica gear to them about two years ago.  They did 80-85% on trade-ins.    Based on the post, above, sounds like the percentage may be far lower now... ☹️

[LeicaR10]

Aldrahn,  I sent you a PM and I agree with Jankap if absolutely necessary that you must sell.  r/ Mark

[Aldrahn]

Thanks everyone for your kind words.

I knew before asking that I was considering doing the wrong thing, which is I guess why I asked. And I knew what you all would say, which is also why I asked.

I guess I just needed to hear what I already felt reciprocated from others. I've decided to not sell the M2. I've a bunch of other gear which is going to MPB (reason I use them is they collect - I'm not too mobile at the moment as I'm waiting for surgery on my knee) 

I only paid £600 for this little beast, replacing the leatherette myself. It needs new framlines and probably a full service. But it still works as you can see from the sample photo.

Thanks

[CSG123]

1 hour ago, Mikep996 said:

...You sold a Questar?  😱   NEVER sell a Questar!  In addition to being a fabulous little scope, it's even better than any Leica M as "optical jewelry!"...

I understand that POV completely but that's how I bought my M4, 5cm DR Summicron and a TeleVue 85 refractor with some $ left over.  The Questar optics and build quality is superlative but for people other than solar system observers, they are a pain like most Cassegrain designed telescopes for casual visual observation.  For me, the TV-85 is a far more useful scope as I am, mostly,  a star and Messier observer who doesn't go near astrophotography (zero interest) which doesn't require an equatorial drive.  So the Questar for me was really just "jewelry".  That said, one of the greatest sights I ever saw in it was the Orion Nebula.  Granted, I live under rural dark skies so I can see fainter objects with smaller glass than the average amateur.  For example, the Andromeda galaxy is a naked eye object where I live.  Honestly, selling the Questar was something I was sure I would regret but I haven't.  However, I've sold a few guitars and guns that I've kicked myself for doing...

 

 

Edited May 27, 2023 by CSGreene

[madNbad]

3 hours ago, Aldrahn said:

Thanks everyone for your kind words.

I knew before asking that I was considering doing the wrong thing, which is I guess why I asked. And I knew what you all would say, which is also why I asked.

I guess I just needed to hear what I already felt reciprocated from others. I've decided to not sell the M2. I've a bunch of other gear which is going to MPB (reason I use them is they collect - I'm not too mobile at the moment as I'm waiting for surgery on my knee) 

I only paid £600 for this little beast, replacing the leatherette myself. It needs new framlines and probably a full service. But it still works as you can see from the sample photo.

Thanks

Good choice. After selling all the Leica gear, I had a very nice Nikon F as my primary camera. That lasted a year. Sold the Nikon, bought a M4. 
Hope you have a speedy recovery.

[TheBestSLIsALeicaflex]

Firm rule to sell what I don't use in a year, unless there's some sentimental reason.  So if use it, don't sell it.  If you don't use it, let someone else have it.  

[Mikep996]

That's good advice...

Wish I could manage to follow it!  🤣

Edited May 28, 2023 by Mikep996

[kivis]

Like many of us here, I mourn my stupidity of selling beloved M bodies and lenses, too. Oh well that's life. But remember the uncomfortable truth, it's only stuff. But still I mourn. 😞

[Pangur Ban]

I suspect film camera prices are peaking now, if not past their peak, due to the expense of film (£16 for a role of Portra) and general cost of living crises. Selling now and buying again later probably not a bad decision, unlike in recent years.