Re: Film photography in 2024 and 2025 - where we're at, and where we're going?
OffTrail wrote: catacore wrote: OffTrail wrote: Tina Kino wrote: retrofocus wrote:
Leica M film camera prices have become stagnant since a while - they are still priced at a high level, but what I am seeing all film M cameras have stopped to increase in used pricing.
..I was looking around on eBay earlier today (for used M6's and M7's), and got the impression prices have actually gone down a bit, compared to half a year / a year ago.
Not sure why that is exactly - maybe the hype is cooling down, or maybe enough people have realized how screwed they are in case something breaks..
I contacted Leica customer support in Wetzlar the other day - and they told me that even if I buy a used M directly from them (which is about 3K for a M7 in good condition), it won't be CLA'd, thus there will be no service certificate, only 12 months warranty - and if there's a problem it'll be 6-12 months for a repair (even if it happens during the warranty period) - and little chance of getting a loaner in the meantime.. this is nuts!
A nice M2 or M4 for under $2000, or a cheaper one that you expect to CLA, is going to be tough to beat for value and expected lifespan. You lose the meter, but there are some great workarounds there.
I have just bought a Leica M3 a couple of weeks ago from Leica Shop Vienna. No mention about any CLA, but a 12 month warranty. I hope that, being a 100% (precision) mechanical thing, I should be fine for some time.
That's the appeal to the M2 for me as well. I should be able to keep it ticking for years and years to come. Enjoy the M3!
Actually my post was intended to contain also the price, since you have mentioned "...under 2000 USD" in your post. I paid 1500 EUR for mine, and it is in a fairly good condition. Plus it was converted, at some point, from DS to SS given it has an earlier serial number and "Buddha ears".
Dec 20, 2024 at 07:10 AM
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