Leica M6 + Summicron 50/2 and Elmarit 90/2.8

Peter S · 06-01-2005

I may have a shot at abovementioned camera and am not sure what I should pay for it. It is the last version of the M6 TTL and comes with the abovedescribed lenses. This would be my first Leica so I do not know what to watch out for. I have asked for serial numbers, is there anything else I should ask ? Have a Bessa R3a and am very happy with it, but hanging around here has infected me and as the MP is too expensive I am on the lookout for a second hand M6.

Any sound advice from the experts is very welcome.

Thanks

Peter

FrankS · 06-01-2005

This outfit could sell from $2000 to $3000 in round numbers.

rich815 · 06-01-2005

This article, USED Leica M Buyer's Check List, is a great resource:

http://www.cameraquest.com/leicamchecklist.htm

But also consider that a good M6TTL is going to run upwards of $1200-1400+. And you might need a CLA after that. How much more for a good, used MP that's may one year old or so? Perhaps $500 more. Might well be worth it as the MP has a lot going for it over the M6, IMO (assuming you do not need the TTL flash)

sgy1962 · 06-01-2005

Peter -- I would say that outfit would typically sell for $2000-2600 on something like Ebay. You can go onto www.ebay.com and check their completed auctions to see what is the actual selling price for these things.

For what its worth, when the MP came out I sold my M6ttl and got the MP. To me, the M6ttl is alot more user friendly.

peter_n · 06-01-2005

You should be able to get the M6TTL for <$1400. If it is of recent manufacture it will absolutely not need a CLA, mine is s/n 2469xxx made in 1998 and it won't need a CLA for years. You might be able to get the Summicron for around $600 so I would say the cam and that lens for a bit more than $2K. That's just a wonderful rig!

The Elmarit f2.8/90 I have no idea I'm afraid.

sgy1962 · 06-01-2005

Well, not "alot" more, but a tiny bit more.

rich815 · 06-01-2005

"To me, the M6ttl is alot more user friendly."

Just curious, how so? I thought they were pretty darn similar in their use.

sgy1962 · 06-01-2005

Just the fact that the shutter speed dial is enlarged. I find the larger dial easier to use, and the fact that it is at the edge of the camera allows you to rotate it when the camera is to your eye.

MCTuomey · 06-01-2005

Apologies if you find this unhelpful, but having just been in the market I thought it might be useful. My M4 + 50/2 (DR Rigid) + 90/2.8 (thin Tele-Elmarit) were about $1,600, purchased separately. Nothing in real need of a CLA, certainly not the body. All are user-grade, of course.

My thinking was to buy a meterless mechanical Leica, since I have an R2A, and had roughly $1,500 to spend when I started looking.

Peter S · 06-01-2005

Guys,

Thanks for the advice, the seller is asking close to US$ 2,000 so it should be a good deal I guess. Now I have to fight with the demons of GAS and my conscience to see what I will do. Whichever way you look at it it is a lot of money, maybe wait a little bit longer and look for an MP.

Before coming to this forum I never even contemplated spending so much money on a kit, so if I end up buying it I know whom to blame. :-)

Peter

peter_n · 06-02-2005

If you're getting all of that for close to $2K I would say go for it Peter.

We do tell people to run away if they join looking for equipment advice but it is obviously too late for you now!

Flyfisher Tom · 06-02-2005

$2000 sounds like a good deal (provided the seller has good references/feedback). Pay by paypal (credit card) if you can, so you have some recourse. The M6 TTL usually runs 1200-1400. The 50 cron usually 500-600. So you will basically be picking up the 90 for free. good luck

Peter S · 06-07-2005

Well guys,

Thanks for your wise words. Bit the bullet and bought the camera and lenses; ended up paying less than USD 2,000. It turns out it is not a M6TTL but one of the last non TTL's (serial nr indicated May 1998); the Elmarit is the latest version and the Summicron is the 4th version with focussing tab. A good deal if I may say so and am going to pick it up this week. Is there anything I should be on the lookout for when I inspect camera and lenses?

Thanks

Peter

Fred · 06-07-2005

Congratulations on the new arrival.

Time to burn some film I guess. Let us know how you get on and what you think of the 90 Elmarit. Oh and post some results in the gallery of course :-)