Advice? Debating between buying a brand new Leica MP vs used.

[Mapache]

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Hey! I'm new to this community! I currently shoot with a Leica M11. 

I wanted some advice.. I've been a film shooter for a long time.. I've shot M3, M4-P but sold them a couple of years back. 

I want to get back into film but debating between picking up used MP black paint or going for M6 used OR getting one brand new.. 

I plan on keeping this camera for many years. is it worth picking up an already brassing MP camera? or would MP new would be a better option?

I'd greatly appreciate some advice.. One thing I know I would replace the shark skin for the new leatherette since I dislike the "shark skin" due to the texture. 

I've seen them go for about 4k used vs a new one retailed at 5695... 

[Huss]

The nice thing is the MP is a current production camera so no issue w parts or service. The moment you drive that new $5600 MP off the lot, it becomes the used $4000 MP.

I’d buy a used one as long as the only wear is from normal handling.  If it has been dropped - shown by gouges/scrapes/dents - then I have no interest in that camera.  It may still work fine, but I just don’t want it if I am paying thousands of dollars.

[Jewl]

I decided to pick up a new film camera because of what Huss mentioned, you have the guarantee that there won't be any issues with parts or service. And you get the extended 3 years warranty. And, for me, I wanted to have a camera that wears only my memories 😉

Nevertheless, I think it might be worthwhile to think of a used camera in general as it is a lot of money for a film camera! And as film prices are rising... Will definitely not be my main camera and then you need to decide whether this is worth it for you 🙂 (have the same setup, M11 + MP)

[logan2z]

6 hours ago, Mapache said:

I've seen them go for about 4k used vs a new one retailed at 5695... 

$4K?  Most of the used ones in nice condition seem to be going for closer to $5K - at least the BP versions.  At that price I would definitely just go for a new one.  

[a.noctilux]

Welcome here @Mapache.

I'd see things as user.

MP is MP so new or used it's always MP.

I bought my two ex MP used and never had any complaint.

 

If I have user's advice would be:

buy the one that is available now, used or new MP (or M6).

The only way to enjoy the film M right now.

[250swb]

The very best thing about buying a used MP is that if it's already got a scratch you won't need to go through the trauma and worry about scratching it yourself, and then the self recrimination afterwards. You'll be free to use it and not baby it, although some people can start out with this positive mindset with a new camera. And they are pretty reliable cameras as well, it's just finding one secondhand before it's snapped up that could be the problem, but an exciting challenge.

[Anbaric]

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8 hours ago, Mapache said:

I want to get back into film but debating between picking up used MP black paint or going for M6 used OR getting one brand new.. 

I plan on keeping this camera for many years. is it worth picking up an already brassing MP camera? or would MP new would be a better option?

A used M6 probably won't be the re-released version. Advantages: The 'cheapest' option by some distance, and has the 'modern' wind and (faster) rewind that some of us prefer. Disadvantages: Some meter failures aren't currently repairable (the new M6 metering circuit isn't compatible, though Leica are supposedly working on a solution), some cameras suffer from zinc corrosion (check carefully for bubbles), and you are more likely to get rangefinder 'white out' patch flare in certain lighting conditions unless the finder has been upgraded. A used MP is fully repairable and has the 'classic' wind and rewind that some others prefer, a finder that is less prone to flare, and the upgraded meter with the additional central LED. The only thing you lose buying used (signs of use excepted) is the guarantee (secondhand guarantees are usually for a shorter period than Leica's). However, used MP prices are closer to new prices. One possible disadvantage of buying a new M - there have been quite a few recent reports of film scratching by defective pressure plates (mostly with the re-released M6, but that may just reflect sales volumes). Leica will fix this, but may take some time to do so. Check this carefully whether you buy new or used.

[Mapache]

1 hour ago, a.noctilux said:

Welcome here @Mapache.

I'd see things as user.

MP is MP so new or used it's always MP.

I bought my two ex MP used and never had any complaint.

 

If I have user's advice would be:

buy the one that is available now, used or new MP (or M6).

The only way to enjoy the film M right now.

 

21 minutes ago, Anbaric said:

A used M6 probably won't be the re-released version. Advantages: The 'cheapest' option by some distance, and has the 'modern' wind and (faster) rewind that some of us prefer. Disadvantages: Some meter failures aren't currently repairable (the new M6 metering circuit isn't compatible, though Leica are supposedly working on a solution), some cameras suffer from zinc corrosion (check carefully for bubbles), and you are more likely to get rangefinder 'white out' patch flare in certain lighting conditions unless the finder has been upgraded. A used MP is fully repairable and has the 'classic' wind and rewind that some others prefer, a finder that is less prone to flare, and the upgraded meter with the additional central LED. The only thing you lose buying used (signs of use excepted) is the guarantee (secondhand guarantees are usually for a shorter period than Leica's). However, used MP prices are closer to new prices. One possible disadvantage of buying a new M - there have been quite a few recent reports of film scratching by defective pressure plates (mostly with the re-released M6, but that may just reflect sales volumes). Leica will fix this, but may take some time to do so. Check this carefully whether you buy new or used.

Hi there! Thanks for responding! This is actually good to know! I didn't know the Leica M6 specially the old ones were not reparable. 
 

I was looking at one from 1986 Leitz and now this makes me definitely go for MP regardless it shows signs of wear or not since seems they are way easier to repair. I think I'm gonna look into the used ones first for the MP and I can always send it for service. Thank you this actually really helped me. M6 is definitely out of my options after learning about this. 

[Mapache]

43 minutes ago, 250swb said:

The very best thing about buying a used MP is that if it's already got a scratch you won't need to go through the trauma and worry about scratching it yourself, and then the self recrimination afterwards. You'll be free to use it and not baby it, although some people can start out with this positive mindset with a new camera. And they are pretty reliable cameras as well, it's just finding one secondhand before it's snapped up that could be the problem, but an exciting challenge.

That's true ! Gotta keep my options open! But true about not having to baby the camera. I found a used one but couldn't justify paying only a few hundreds less than a new one... 

[a.noctilux]

MP is very good choice 👍.

Used or new.

[Mapache]

1 hour ago, logan2z said:

$4K?  Most of the used ones in nice condition seem to be going for closer to $5K - at least the BP versions.  At that price I would definitely just go for a new one.  

Yes! I only found one really beat up for 4K from 2003 a la carte MP. Even tho it seemed that it was the original model. So not sure why it said a la carte. The guy still has it so I'm debating about it rn. You can see all the brass but he does have the original box etc.. just not sure if I wanna pay 4K and save an extra 1k. That's the issue that the used ones are so close to the new MP that makes you wonder... 

[Mapache]

3 minutes ago, a.noctilux said:

MP is very good choice 👍.

Used or new.

 

3 minutes ago, a.noctilux said:

MP is very good choice 👍.

Used or new.

Definitely better than M6 after what I just read about the old M6's not able to be repaired. 

[Anbaric]

11 minutes ago, Mapache said:

Hi there! Thanks for responding! This is actually good to know! I didn't know the Leica M6 specially the old ones were not reparable. 

I was looking at one from 1986 Leitz and now this makes me definitely go for MP regardless it shows signs of wear or not since seems they are way easier to repair. I think I'm gonna look into the used ones first for the MP and I can always send it for service. Thank you this actually really helped me. M6 is definitely out of my options after learning about this. 

Just to clarify, most things are repairable, including (I think) anything mechanical and some meter problems, but there is a meter circuit board that is no longer available. If this goes, it can't currently be replaced, and even if this changes (as Leica has suggested it may) it will be an expensive repair. Complete meter failures like this are probably quite rare or we'd hear more about them, but they do happen and the circuit boards aren't getting any younger. The new edition is of course fully repairable, so that may be an option for you if you're buying new. It probably comes down to which style and wind/rewind options you prefer. The new M6 has a brass top plate like the MP, though its durable finish is apparently designed to show brass less easily.

Edited September 4, 2023 by Anbaric

[Mapache]

5 hours ago, Huss said:

The nice thing is the MP is a current production camera so no issue w parts or service. The moment you drive that new $5600 MP off the lot, it becomes the used $4000 MP.

I’d buy a used one as long as the only wear is from normal handling.  If it has been dropped - shown by gouges/scrapes/dents - then I have no interest in that camera.  It may still work fine, but I just don’t want it if I am paying thousands of dollars.

I agree with you! Not worth paying that much money if it's a really beat up camera. 

[Mapache]

3 hours ago, Jewl said:

I decided to pick up a new film camera because of what Huss mentioned, you have the guarantee that there won't be any issues with parts or service. And you get the extended 3 years warranty. And, for me, I wanted to have a camera that wears only my memories 😉

Nevertheless, I think it might be worthwhile to think of a used camera in general as it is a lot of money for a film camera! And as film prices are rising... Will definitely not be my main camera and then you need to decide whether this is worth it for you 🙂 (have the same setup, M11 + MP)

True! And specially that there are rumors of Leica M11-P is coming out soon. I'd definitely jump into the Leica M11-P not just because of the new features but because I unfortunately bought mine silver and I can't stand silver.. the only reason I got it it was because it's made out of brass as opposed as aluminum. I have nothing against aluminum but thought the brass silver version would hold value more and turns out the he opposite as most people go for black. But yeah it's a lot of money for a film camera and how the price of film are sky rocketing makes me wonder if I should just pick up a used MP and be done with it. 

5 hours ago, Huss said:

The nice thing is the MP is a current production camera so no issue w parts or service. The moment you drive that new $5600 MP off the lot, it becomes the used $4000 MP.

I’d buy a used one as long as the only wear is from normal handling.  If it has been dropped - shown by gouges/scrapes/dents - then I have no interest in that camera.  It may still work fine, but I just don’t want it if I am paying thousands of dollars.

[a.noctilux]

54 minutes ago, Mapache said:

just pick up a used MP and be done with it.

Yes.

Forget about "holding value" or not.

Happy photographing.

 

[trisberg]

Buying new, IMO the M6 is better choice since it has the angled rewind crank. I always thought it weird that they went back to the M2/M3 style rewind knob after so many years of using the angled one with a lever. The M6 is also a few hundred less, at least here in the US. The only reason I can see for the MP is the black lacquer paint which I personally don't really like, it is too shiny for me. I know this is all down to personal preferences, at least we have multiple options now.

-Thomas

 

[Mapache]

24 minutes ago, trisberg said:

Buying new, IMO the M6 is better choice since it has the angled rewind crank. I always thought it weird that they went back to the M2/M3 style rewind knob after so many years of using the angled one with a lever. The M6 is also a few hundred less, at least here in the US. The only reason I can see for the MP is the black lacquer paint which I personally don't really like, it is too shiny for me. I know this is all down to personal preferences, at least we have multiple options now.

-Thomas

 

Right! Do you know if the old Leicas 1986 with Leitz logo are still able to be serviced if something went wrong? Someone on this thread mentioned that they were some with some circuit light meter issues and Leica does not have those parts for these old Leicas?

[Matlock]

5 minutes ago, Mapache said:

Right! Do you know if the old Leicas 1986 with Leitz logo are still able to be serviced if something went wrong? Someone on this thread mentioned that they were some with some circuit light meter issues and Leica does not have those parts for these old Leicas?

The camera itself can be serviced but some aspects of the metering (circuit board) cannot at the moment.

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[logan2z]

4 hours ago, Mapache said:

Yes! I only found one really beat up for 4K from 2003 a la carte MP. Even tho it seemed that it was the original model. So not sure why it said a la carte. The guy still has it so I'm debating about it rn. You can see all the brass but he does have the original box etc.. just not sure if I wanna pay 4K and save an extra 1k. That's the issue that the used ones are so close to the new MP that makes you wonder... 

I wouldn't pay $4K for a beat up MP.  The box might have some value for a collector camera, but I think it's pretty meaningless for something beat up.