Re: R: [Leica] Buying Leica M on Ebay

[Krechtz@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/1/00 2:21:30 PM Eastern Standard Time, icommag@toad.net 
writes:

<< .and buying a used M from a Leica dealer is not always a gaurante either.
 I have bought an M2 and M3 from different Leica dealers mail order and each
 one had the infinity setting off on the rangefinder and some other problems.
 I was surprised by this as both dealers have good reputations AND advertise
 their Leica service department. I would have thought they would have at
 least checked the rangefinder before putting them on the for sale shelf. >>

    On eBay, prices tend to be higher, sometimes radically so, on bodies 
offered by established eBay trader/dealers.  Even the best of them tend to 
play the percentages, as to likelihood of buyer rejection, IME.  In too many 
instances, the goods they place at auction have been otherwise unmarketable 
at the prices they want, whether in stores, at shows or fairs, or both, over 
sometimes extended periods.  In other words, there are few if any bargains 
from experienced camera dealers on eBay.  The best to be hoped for is that 
the goods fairly and accurately meet the description.
    Otherwise, from non-dealers it is a game of chance.  I have, however, 
gotten some excellent deals.  Be sure to figure in the cost of a CLA when you 
bid.  If it doesn't work out in the end, I have come to the conclusion that 
it makes more sense to cut your losses and move on.  If that approach seems 
too risky, buy only from well known sources and pay the premium price for 
guaranteed full satisfaction, or buy only from local sources, after full 
inspection or trial of the camera.
    The final alternative is to buy from LUG members.  Prices are neither the 
lowest nor the highest, but you can buy confidently, or so I believe.  The 
worst risk you are likely to face would be that the red "Leitz" or "Leica" 
roundel has been removed or disfigured through the use of (yes - here it 
comes) _Black Tape_.  This misfortune may be avoided through purchase of an 
earlier model having, for instance, such vestigial appendage as a "Self 
Timer".  Leitz removed them back when it became illegal to use Leica RF 
cameras on tripods, or so legend has it.  

Joe Sobel