How important is a Leica box?

When it comes to reselling a Leica lens, just how important is having the

original box? Does this greatly effect the resale value of a lens? I know it

shouldn't but we're talking Leica here.

The original box is unimportant, unless its a collectible lens, or if you are trying to sell your lens in "like new" condition.

It's the most important thing in the world... next to the lens.

 

Wai Leong

If you have it, keep it. If not, forget about it.

 

If i'm buying a lens, i do appreciate it coming in all the original packing. It doesn't affect

my decisions, though. But, yah, if it's advertised as "Like New," i would expect it to be sold

like something that is as close to 'new' as possible.

Very important. Without a Leica box, this would just be a picture of cement.<div></div>

Let me rephrase the question. Suppose I have a late model "mint" Leica lens

to sell but suppose that I don't have the original box for it (with matching serial

#) but rather have some other Leica box (with different SN on box).

 

Is not having the box going to make reselling the lens more difficult and/or

lower the resale price? Can not having the original packaging knock as much

as $100 of the price?

Shouldn't affect the value, except for collectors. But without the box, I doubt you could or should refer to it as "mint," as mint means never used.

I'm not a "collector." For me, when buying used equipment, the box is a 'bonus.' I don't

expect to pay extra for it. I always keep boxes, though. And, if i'm selling, i will include

mention that they are included. But, whether i can provide it or not, i don't adjust prices

one way or the other. I do believe, though, that original packaging gives the buyer more

confidence if the condition of your item is 'Like New' or 'Mint.'

"mint means never used."

 

I don't agree with that, and I doubt whether many dealers in secondhand equipment would either. Mint means "not a mark on it, pristine". It does not mean that it's never been used.

 

And mint does not imply that the box, packaging etc are present. If they are, great, and it will surely say so in the ad, but it shouldn't be assumed.

 

John

I guess it depends on what you collect. In the coin and stamp world, for example, mint doesn't mean taken out of its case and handled. It really means mint, as in fresh from the mint, which I guess is where the term originated. Now that I think about it, the coin term is uncirculated.

 

But in the world of photography, mint covers a wider range, I suppose. And when you toss in online auctions, the word is really bastardized. Nitpicking, no doubt, on my part.

I think the rock is more interesting O.o

My view is that buying a lens with the original box greatly reduces the chance of accidentally buying a stolen lens.

 

Of course you can always do a reported stolen check on Leica web site but no guarantee that the original owner will have known of this service and used it.

Thanks. For the most part this discussion has been useful. The box (etc.)

shouldn't influence the price but may be considered part of what lends a a

buyer a sense of confidence -- confidence both in the seller and in the

product. And I suppose that that confidence itself must have some fair market

value.

Slight clarification: the above could be true of a lens which shows no signs of use and can't be told from new. A lens which shows use (finish wear and/or marks on the glass)isn't going to be worth a lick more just because the owner stashed the box away back when he bought it.

If the original box is included I take that as an indication that the

item has more likely been owned by careful people than otherwise. It

has probably not been passed between many hands either.

 

The original box is a strong plus when I consider buying something, but I would not pay anything extra for it.

The box is critical for lens internment.

Agree. Box has that "je ne sais quoi" buyer's appeal. Keep all

boxes!

My Canon boxes have outlasted their lenses.

I have a cardboard carton filled with Leica boxes from Leica stuff I've bought. I

have a box of boxes. My wife thinks this is the silliest thing ever. A box of

boxes. I'm not convinced of their value. My wife isn't convinced of my sanity.

<i>"mint means never used."

<p>

I don't agree with that, and I doubt whether many dealers in secondhand equipment would

either. Mint means "not a mark on it, pristine". It does not mean that it's never been used.

</i><p>

To coin collectors (from whom the term originates), "mint state" means a coin in the

condition in which it left the mint, which has "never been circulated in the chain of

commerce".

<p>

This means "never been used". It implies, but not strictly, "in pristine condition". In fact,

because coins do sometimes leave the mint in less than pristine condition, there exist

different grades of

"mint state", using a point scale, to indicate degree of "pristine-ness". There are also

special "proof sets" issued by the mint and certified by the mint to be in pristine (or even

better than pristine - e.g. with special polising in some areas and frosted finish in others)

condition.

<p>I have no idea what "mint state"

might mean to camera producers or collectors, neither of whom operates a mint.

<p>

I do know what "like new" and "like new in box" mean to me when I'm considering buying a

camera which is not sold as "new with warranty".

Reading this forum always makes me smile....

Think outside the box.

Leica boxes in good condition have an intrinsic value of their own. If you wish to sell a Leica to a buyer who is indifferent about having the box, you might consider selling the box separately. Collectors are funny; I've seen all manner of Leica packaging being offered at tidy prices. Best regards, Bill

I've sold a few boxes for good money from Leica bodies and lenses that were stolen, and other boxes that I ran across here and there that I bought cheaply. I suspect that even a beat-to-crap (but functioning) double stroke M3's value would be enhanced if you had the original box, instruction book, and import certificate.

I still keep a large box full with boxes for Leica stuff. No clue why I have it though. I am not planning to sell any of my stuff.