Thinking of selling my M6

Bought my M6 w/ 35mm F2.8 lens new and have taken good care of it. This was after an M3 and an M4. But now I mostly shoot 120 film, and when I do shoot 35mm I use my Nikon f100 in auto focus and aperture priority mode, basically like a P/S camera. Can't do that with a Leica.

You have to do what suits you, although I always say, never sell your Leica, because you'll always want it back later. ;-) But the market seems to be in your favour, because from what I can see, the price for the M6 has gone up in recent years.

M6 prices have gone crazy. Prices when they pop up at places like Tamarkin and the various Leica Stores are just nuts, and they seem to move but you do need to keep in mind, those places sell them with warranties of some period and people will buy from them because they know they’re getting. One can ask any price for one individually. How long it might take to actuallly sell might be another story.

Funny. When I bought this camera new back in the day I thought I would never sell it no matter what. Now that I'm thinking of selling I'm looking at Leica again and realizing what a great camera it is. I even got out my 1939 copy of Morgan & Lester's "Leica Manual," which further reminds my of Leica's greatness. BTW, Leica user who hasn't seen this book should get a copy.

I always wanted an M 6, but I have my Dad's M 3 kit, and a couple of years ago was gifted with a D Lux. There is just something about a Leica. I can recall, as a boy in the mid '50's Dad would set the M 3 like a box camera - all I had to do was focus and frame to get good shots. Many films nowadays are so flexible as to ISO that they are nearly as easy as digital - ex. the wait for results!

Desirable film camera prices are quite high now. A Mamiya 7 and 80mm lens could once be had for $1200 used in good condition. Try $3000 (or more) for the combo now. A basic used Hassy 500c outfit could be had for $500 used now at least a grand. Contax G2 and 45 lens now near $1500. Damn I have owned and sold several of those cameras in the past. Looking back I would have hoarded Leica m's, Mamiya 7's and Contax G2's and made a living with cameras instead of working a boring job. Just saying ya know? :)

You have to do what suits you, although I always say, never sell your Leica, because you'll always want it back later. ;-)

 

Ain't that the truth. I've owned four (4!) M8s and sold every single one, some at a profit, others at only a very slight loss so it all evens out. It's been only 6 months since I sold my last one and I find myself pecking around for another one, I can't believe it. When will I ever learn? I also have a M6, in very user condition, but it works flawlessly and I'm determined to never let it go.

I also have a M6, in very user condition, but it works flawlessly and I'm determined to never let it go.

Don't. ;-)

I love my analog wrist watches too, but wearing Samsung Galaxy Watch, it has just better functionality :)

Your M6 and 2.8 35 is a great kit. Sure, film is not as convenient as digital, but there are times and photo opportunities where you have and want full control of the image capture process. Yes, I admit the counter on my digital camera is 750+, many time more than I've shot in 2 years through my Leica, but the really good Leica images are unique and memorable. I now keep a Leica loaded and at hand just to have it ready if a special opportunity shows itself. The last Leica shot is of my rhubarb emerging after a long winter. Didn't look good on my phone, I'm just hoping the Leica came through. Try keeping your M6 loaded and handy, if you go an entire year without reaching for it, thinking about it or wishing you'd used it, then reconsider selling it.

Most Leica owners who sell gear some time later regret the sale, including me. Except for selling my M6...I just never fell in love with it after using an M4 for many years. Since then I've come back with an M2 and several Barnacks, which I really enjoy and have had great results with. Having said all that, as my eyesight plummets south, I do find autofocus on some of my other cameras a blessing, as well as using my Leica lenses on my M4/3 body camera which has magnification for nailing focus. So, if you imagine the possibility of regret at selling your M6 and don't have another Leica tucked away...put it aside and after a year or so, if you haven't had the desire to use it, and don't see future prospects of using it, go ahead and sell it. I know current prices are high...but, what the Hell, life's always full of risks.:)

I have sold Leica glass and never looked back, simply because it was taking up room in my bags and not being enjoyed. Now, the only Leica camera I sold was an M3... and, occasionally, I find myself looking at the ones I see for sale and thinking about getting one again...

But then, I shoot mostly with 35mm lenses, so the M3 would be, again, in my bag, gathering dust.

I used to shoot a 35 on an M3, just used the whole window for the frame lines. Accurate enough. But yes, an M2 etc. is better for 35.

I have been shooting Leica sm as well as M3, M4 and M5. I was never interested in M6 because of diodes. Also, looking through viewfinder at Ken Hansen’s (best camera store ever), the vf just seem to match my other Ms. But if that were my only Leica today I wouldn’t sell.

Yes, Ken had a great store. I bought my M6 from him.