What does a chrome M6 go for these days?

Jamie123 · 01-05-2008

Ok, so I finally decided that it's time to get a rangefinder and I'm pretty much set on a chrome (hopefully late serial) M6.

It's been a while since I last considered getting one and it seems that most M6's I see for sale are considerably more expensive now than they used to be 1-2 years ago. If I recall correctly, they used to go for something around $1000. However, most of the ones I see for sale now are in the range from $1200-1400. Is this normal or am I just seeing a few odd ads from sellers who are overestimating the worth of their gear?

I know I could just do an eB*y search to see what an M6 goes for but I don't want to buy from there so I'd like to know what a reasonable price would be if I want to buy from someone on a forum like RFF without having to bid.

myoptic3 · 01-05-2008

Classic, or TTL? The prices will depend on that. If it has an .85 finder that will also affect price? Why not ebay? Buy from a reputable seller, private or business, and you will be fine. Just don't get caught up in a bidding war and pay too much. I usually just go w/ a Buy It Now price once I finally decide on what I want, as this is a lot easier on the nerves. There's aleways KEH. I have had to return things in the past, but that is really easy w/ them. Their items come w/ a no hassle 14 day return policy, and I think there is a 60 day warranty as well.

Jamie123 · 01-05-2008

I was thinking classic with a 0.72 finder.

I would really like to buy from a someone who has a good reputation on a forum like RFF one. When buying from a business seller such as KEH (which I've done before) or others on eBay you can never be completely sure that they really know if their gear is working 100% since they mostly go by looks and don't take the time to try it out. A good return policy is nice but I live in Switzerland so shipping and taxes can get quite expensive. If I have to return an item I can easily lose $200 and have no camera to show for it.

jayjee · 01-05-2008

a week ago today a seller had 3 TTL bodies in pristinnnne mint. 1 chrome .72, 1 black .72, and a black .85 (which i bought for $1275) i think the chrome went for $1200... considering these were pretty much straight unused out of the box thats a great price. plus the seller was getting out of film and had a ton of rolls he was giving away with each body to the buyers. i looked for about a month with several temptations to buy users off craigslist but resisted and came upon a brand new one for less than people were asking for the users! check your craigslist, ebay, keh, adorama, etc. deals are always out there..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7318606@N08/2147626998/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9840339@N02/2148014490/

edit: keh seems to be the standard to look at with pricing, value, and dependability. if anyone takes the time to make sure the product is what they say it it's them. i don't know the market for leicas in switzerland though..good luck

cmogi10 · 01-05-2008

I paid about 1100 for my black M6TTL, I've seen chrome ones go between a grand and 1200, I wouldn't pay more then 1200 for one.

Jamie123 · 01-05-2008

@jayjee: Those cameras do look pretty darn nice! Was this on eB*y?

@cmogi10: That's what I was thinking. I think 1200 is a good limit to set for myself (which rules out KEH since they're selling them for more).

jayjee · 01-05-2008

jamie it was through the classifieds on craigslist.. the guy posted and sold them all within 24hrs haha

rich815 · 01-05-2008

I was considering one not long ago as a "back-up" to my MP ("...really, honey, I NEED a back-up!"). In the end I got a CL instead. But I found the prices for the M6 ranged from $900 or so to $1800 for nicer ones. With patience you can find a decent user classic for about $900-1000, but you will need patience...

35mmdelux · 01-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamie123

Ok, so I finally decided that it's time to get a rangefinder and I'm pretty much set on a chrome (hopefully late serial) M6.

It's been a while since I last considered getting one and it seems that most M6's I see for sale are considerably more expensive now than they used to be 1-2 years ago. If I recall correctly, they used to go for something around $1000. However, most of the ones I see for sale now are in the range from $1200-1400. Is this normal or am I just seeing a few odd ads from sellers who are overestimating the worth of their gear?

I know I could just do an eB*y search to see what an M6 goes for but I don't want to buy from there so I'd like to know what a reasonable price would be if I want to buy from someone on a forum like RFF without having to bid.

I think the prices have risen. I used to buy classics with impunity at $1000 (US). Now they are running $1200. Saw a chrome classic the other day, late model just undergone CLA with Sherry, for $1200. I thought long and hard and finally declined the opportunity. The seller was a frequent poster on PNET. But I already have a MP BP and a M7, forgot to throw in I had just picked up a mint Linhof classic. I stiil desire a MP in chrome tho!

dadsm3 · 01-05-2008

Prices have definitely risen, a few years ago I got an immaculate M6 chrome classic & new version collapsible Elmar for $1475 on egay.
But now I wouldn't buy a lenscap on egay; more scammers than legits. Right now there's a guy selling 2 identical M8s, just stock photos and vague descriptions. It's got ripoff written all over it, but people are bidding up a storm....go figure.

Jamie123 · 01-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by 35mmdelux

But I already have a MP BP and a M7, forgot to throw in I had just picked up a mint Linhof classic.

You really like to rub it in, don't you?

I think I'll be looking to spend $1200 at the most. Maybe I'll even find an M6 TTL for that price if I'm lucky!

Jamie123 · 01-05-2008

I wonder what the reason is for this price increase. Is it because of the extra attention that Leica has been getting due to the M8?

oscroft · 01-05-2008

Yeah, around $1200 for a very nice one seems to be about the current rate for a 0.72 Classic - I paid about that for a near mint one in May 07

Steve Bellayr · 01-05-2008

I agree around $1200 is the base price. Much of the reputable dealers are listing some M6's in the $1400 mint with box. The M6 classic in black is more common right now.

ocean7 · 01-05-2008

I guess if you pay $1200 you should get a camera in EX condition and - very important - with a recent CLA. Six months ago I paid $1000 for a black chrome M6 classic... an OK good deal I hear you say, but even if the camera was working fine I was advised to have it CLA'd and that was an extra $350.

dseelig · 01-05-2008

The dealers in nyc are getting 1500 for clean ttl m6 s . So figure 200 or so off for a private sale.

monochromejrnl · 01-05-2008

i recentl paid 1275 for an excellent condition chrome M6 TTL (0.72) including paypal fees and FedEx to Canada...

Thardy · 01-05-2008

$1200 seems a tad low from what I've seen over the last few weeks.

cmogi10 · 01-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thardy

$1200 seems a tad low from what I've seen over the last few weeks.

It depends on how patient you are and where you look.

jayjee · 01-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmogi10

It depends on how patient you are and where you look.

Truth but sometimes the deals fall into your lap. Asking around to people you wouldn't think of asking about cameras can be a goldmine.

Jamie123 · 01-06-2008

Thanks everyone for the info! I'll be patiently waiting for a good deal to come up. After all I'm not in much of a hurry.

northpole · 01-06-2008

Hope this isn't breaching forum rules but this link helps to illustrate the pain suffered by us lot on the other side of the pond!

http://www.apertureuk.com/used-Lei.htm

For simplicity, multiply x2 for US$ - read it and weep!

Peter