Need advice on selling Leica M5 (Jahre) & 2 lenses

[Curveball]

Hello all -
I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I was wondering if you might be able to help me out.

In 1983, I inherited a Black Leica M5 50th Anniversary model (Jahre) that my father purchased in the early 70's. Routine service was performed by Leica approx 10 years ago. The camera hasn't had much use and I since don't anticipate using it much at all, if ever, I'm strongly thinking of selling all components. I also inherited 2 Leitz lenses (90mm/2.0 (Summicron Canada(1973) & 50mm/1.4 Letiz Wetzler(1971)) However, I have no idea what these pieces are worth. Can you suggest how I might go about having these pieces appraised and where would I attempt to sell them (eBay)? I live in Michigan and there are very few, if any, high-end vintage shops around here.

Is it better to sell all 3 pieces individually?

I've read something about ASPH/pre-ASPH, but I do not know what this means or what I have.

All parts are in fine working order and there are a couple, small superficial blemishes on the M5 body. The lenses appear to be mint and have filters covering both lenses.

I can look around the house, but don't believe I have the original boxes for the equipment, but I do have the original M5 manual. Do the original boxes add a value to the resale value?

Thank you.

[Teuthida]

Sell everything seperately. If you can, Find the boxes, as they will add value to the sale.

If you sell it on Ebay, make sure you provide excellent photos and lots of them. Also, make sure you describe the items correctly. I'm sure we can assist you with that. Just ask.

You have a really great set there. Don't let it go for less than its worth!

[Teuthida]

Oh, and by the way... I'll give you $150 for the body and $50 each for the lenses!:)

[redisburning]

KEH will have prices for the lenses, not sure about the body.

KEH is suggesting 2000 for the 50 summilux, 1600 for the 90 Cron and then ebay is showing 2-3000 for the body.

do you not like photography?

[digitalintrigue]

Much of the value depends on condition of the glass; might want to take it to a camera store (if there is one still in your area) for an inspection, or do a flashlight test. PM me for more details if you like.

[David Hughes]

Hi,

The problem with selling on ebay is that something the dealers sell for 100 will sometimes sell for 200 and sometimes for 25 !

In your shoes I'd start low and hope for luck on ebay. Selling after 10 days and on a Sunday seems to work and selling over Easter might be best.

Put a fair price on to open and no one will bid, open at a few pennies and with luck you'll get more than dealers ask but you might have to sell it for pennies. So a reserve price might be the answer but sometimes they annoy bidders who are looking for bargains.

But really, luck plays a big part in ebay sales. It might be best to hand over to a dealer who will sell on a commission basis for you...

Regards, David

[Araakii]

If you know absolutely nothing about them, it's better to take them to a local dealer and be done with it.

[Nigel Meaby]

Or maybe there is another member here in the Michigan area that would be prepared to take a look at the equipment and help with pricing. Then you could list them here for sale.

[randomm]

Ha! There's been an M5 on a Finnish photography forum for sale for over 6 months, the price is now, I think, 550 euros and still not selling. With a recent CLA even...

[mfunnell]

Ha! There's been an M5 on a Finnish photography forum for sale for over 6 months, the price is now, I think, 550 euros and still not selling. With a recent CLA even...But perhaps not a 50th Anniversary model? That may not make a difference to me (aside from avoiding "collectable" as too expensive yet not taking better photos) but that's not how pricing seems to work.

...Mike

[mfunnell]

Earlier posters have given you good advice - particularly regarding eBay. Unfortunately, as you can see from the advice, it might be the way to get the best price but there's also a large degree of variabilty in the result - which might end you up with a poor price. The risk may or may not suit you.

I suspect there's no "right" way of doing this - at least not without knowing what your priorities are.

If you wanted to realise decent-but-not-great value, but get paid fast, you could just sell to KEH, for example.

If the equipment is really in top-notch condition you might consider selling to or through Tony Rose of Popflash (one of this site's sponsor/advertisers). Selling to him would give you the cash faster, selling on consignment would return more, but you'd not know when the money might come in. It might be worth your while to talk to him and, if he thinks the gear is in the right condition, ship it to him. I'm sure he'd assess it and tell you what you're likely to realise from a sale (to Popflash or on consignment through him). You have what sounds a nice enough kit to make that worth your while. [Full disclosure: I've bought from Tony and think he's a great guy but have no other connection.]

Another avenue might be the classifieds here at RFF, but that's a bit difficult if you can't really assess the condition of the items you're selling. You might have to discount too much to account for not being a regular and not really knowing how to accurately describe what you're selling. Perhaps if you let us know more about your circumstances and priorities we can advise you a little better.

...Mike

[Curveball]

Thank to everyone for your responses.

@ Teuthida - Yes, I will be able to provide excellent photos and lots of them. I'm thinking of posting photos and uploading them to photobucket so all of you can see exactly what I have.

@ redisburning - 1) I presume you're referring to KEH Camera (http://www.keh.com/)? 2) Yes, I enjoy photography very much, but haven't participated as an enthusiast for 10+ years. Someone else would probably obtain much greater satisfaction out of owning & using this equipment. 3) I noticed M5 body prices on eBay for the "Jahre" anniversary model between $2,100 (dented) to $4,200 (mint). I found it interesting that out of the five M5 Jahre bodies on eBay, none of them were up for auction, only "buy it now" pricing.

@ Araakii - 1) I'd categorize my knowledge as "moderate-good". I'm familiar with the operation of the equipment and have used it to some extent, but have never researched their value, the detailed lens specifications. 2) "local dealer" is difficult because I do not believe there is a qualified dealer in my area. My dad purchased it at Adray Camera (Dearborn, MI) but they apparently closed in '09.

@ mfunnell - I have used eBay and would utilize their "Reserve" minimum threshold pricing to avoid selling too low. eBay also allows a seller to offer a money-back guarantee for the buyer's protection, which I'd be willing to do. I think the key for me is to first obtain an assessment from a professional. Perhaps, as I said,

Finally, does "ASPH" versus "pre-ASPH" have much affect on the value of a lense and is there an easy way to determine which type I have?

[mfunnell]

Finally, does "ASPH" versus "pre-ASPH" have much affect on the value of a lense and is there an easy way to determine which type I have?ASPH and pre-ASPH indicate (more or less) recent vs not-so-recent optical re-designs of the lenses. Yours are old enough (well old enough) that they can't be ASPH (ASPH designates the serious use of aspherical elements advertised as distinguishing characteristics of much more recent designs). Don't worry too much about that. Just giving the roughly-correct years of manufature/acquisition will convey enough information to those who know. (Oh, and many prefer the characteristics of pre-ASPH designs, even though there's no one-to-one relationship between that preference and price.)

...Mike

[Curveball]

Here's a series of photos of the body and the 2 lenses. Both lenses have a UVA filter, but you'll still notice a little dust on the 50mm. I didn't have an air can and I didn't want to risk wiping the dust off….

http://photobucket.com/LeicaM5

[rlouzan]

WOW! Black M5 3-LUG 50JAHR, 50mm Summilux V2, 90mm Summicrom w/non scalloped f/stop ring + Leitz UV filters ... a highly desirable outfit in mint condition (only the frame selector lever is missing the white plastic tip - a $5 part).

Regards,
Robert

[Curveball]

What is the current market value of my Leitz UV filters?

[Vickko]

ebay is your best bet for current market value. UV filters depending on size, could go from $30 to $100.

Vick

[Curveball]

Condition of the filters is "like new". The one photo I posted on Photobucket is the filter from my 50mm Summilux lens. I'll upload a photo of the other filter tomorrow.

[f16sunshine]

I would think considering your photos that you could easily sell the lenses through the classify here on Rff for the expected average fair price. Ebay is not great unless you have built a history as a seller. Even then you will need to achieve a price 10% higher to make even with the Ebay fees. If you go ebay set your reserve at your safety number. New ebay sellers should never go no reserve price. The body may best be sold going through a dealer such as Tony Rose ... a good suggestion. Nice looking kit. best of luck in resolving the sale.

[buzzardkid]

I would think considering your photos that you could easily sell the lenses through the classify here on Rff for the expected average fair price. Ebay is not great unless you have built a history as a seller. Even then you will need to achieve a price 10% higher to make even with the Ebay fees. If you go ebay set your reserve at your safety number. New ebay sellers should never go no reserve price. The body may best be sold going through a dealer such as Tony Rose ... a good suggestion. Nice looking kit. best of luck in resolving the sale.

Agree with Andy 100%. eBay can be a hassle and I do not like the amount of complainers there who manipulate PayPal to get refunds.

Surely some MI member can visit you and advise on prices etc. and help sell the stuff through RFF? Anybody?

[jarski]

nice camera. there was M5 hype here in RFF some years ago, and they changed owners fast. havent seen those in classifieds since then so much. avoid eBay, there are additional costs in every turn! for someone from US/Canada, classified here would be better option IMO.

[jsolanzo]

I'd buy that M5, once I sell my last nikon lens if the price is right that is. I was gonna grab the M5 50 jahre from ebay, but I really don't trust it.