Are Used Leica Cameras Worth It?
Used Leica cameras may be the best way most of us could ever afford these gorgeous tools, but are they worth it? Let’s find out!
Finding used Leica cameras for sale is a simple proposition, really. But finding a good source that offers warranties is another thing. We have found used Leica cameras for sale at great prices and with the peace of mind that a warranty offers at MPB. We highly recommend that if you’re in the market for a used Leica camera that you check out MPB’s selection!
Are Used Leica Cameras Worth The Price?
Film camera users and collectors have been buying, selling, and using used Leica cameras for scores of years. I’ve done my share of that buying, selling, and using myself with good success.
Buying used Leica cameras works to our advantage for two main reasons. One, they are extremely high-quality imaging tools, and two, they tend to hold on to an excellent resale value.
I’m not really too concerned with resale value, though it’s nice to know that I am likely to be able to recoup most of my investment in this fine equipment. My primary concern in considering used Leica cameras is taking advantage of their ultra-high quality.
Leica cameras and lenses have had a reputation for almost 100 years that is well deserved. The original E. Lietz company was already well known for optical excellence, and when the original Leica 35mm camera came on the scene, it set the standard for everything to come later in 35mm photography.
Leica Digital History
photo by Octavian Lazar via iStock
At first glance, it may seem that Leica stepped into digital imaging somewhat late, but Leica was one of the early innovators in helping drive the development of digital photography.
In the 1970s and 80s, Leica showed all sorts of digital technology at Photokina and CES and had digital cameras such as the medium format S1 of 1996 and a digital back for the SLR R8 cameras, also in 1996.
Leica digital Full Frame format interchangeable lens cameras really took off with the 18MP Leica M9 introduced in 2009, though the earlier (2006) APS-C format M8 introduced Leica digital M body rangefinder cameras to the world.
Leica digital cameras continued the pattern of superior optical quality paired with mechanical and electronic excellence that their M series rangefinders and R series SLRs set for the world of 35mm photography.
Leica cameras have been a benchmark for photographic excellence of all kinds, which has made them generally more expensive than other brands, even those brands well known for their own superior quality cameras and lenses.
So, for the question of whether used Leica digital cameras are worth the prices they command, the short answer is yes. But as with everything photography, their worth and value are going to be determined by what you need from them and how much you are personally willing to pay for any camera or lens.
Where to Buy Used Leica Cameras
Now, you will need to know where to buy used Leica cameras. Since any of these cameras is going to be somewhat expensive, you want a place that will stand behind what they sell.
Because I’m going to assume that you’re like me, buying used Leica cameras as a user and not as a collector. One of my favorite sources for all used photographic equipment is MPB.
MPB has a rigorous process for obtaining the used cameras and lenses they offer for sale. Whether acquiring them in trade or as an outright purchase, they will only consider items that are in good working order. So, that’s the first step in what makes MPB the choice for high-end used Leica cameras.
Secondly, MPB tests each and every camera and lens, and doesn’t simply rely on a visual inspection. Third, they offer a 7-day return window, so in case something does get past them, you have that failsafe. The return window is also a comfort for when you change your mind after clicking the purchasing button.
Fourth, and most important to me, MPB has a 6-month limited warranty on every camera and lens sold. All of these reasons combined with the already lower prices of buying used photography gear makes purchasing used Leica cameras a good and reasonable investment.
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Used Leica Cameras For Sale
With all of the reasoning behind us now, let’s look at a few used Leica cameras for sale at MPB. Keep in mind that their inventory of used Leica cameras will vary as items come in and get sold, so some of these links may lead to placeholders on their website, but they always have something to look at in used Leica cameras.
Here are some used Leica cameras currently available on MPB:
Used Leica M9 Rangefinder
The Leica M9 is a Full Frame format rangefinder camera with an 18.5MP sensor and uses M-Mount rangefinder lenses.
Used Leica Q2 Fixed Lens
The Leica Q2 has a high resolution 47.3MP Full Frame sensor and a 28mm f/1.7 lens. It also features weather-sealing and 4K video recording.
Used Leica M (Typ 240)
Leica M (Typ 240) has a 24MP Full Frame sensor and a classic M style rangefinder design taking M-Mount lenses.
Used Leica SL2 Mirrorless
Leica’s SL2 is a mirrorless camera using L-Mount lenses and featuring an SLR-like camera body. It has a 47.3MP Full Frame format sensor and offers 5K video in addition to fantastic still imaging. It’s part of the new cooperation with Panasonic and other brands for L-Mount mirrorless cameras and lenses.
Used Leica Cameras
Used Leica cameras are incredible imaging machines, and finding them used at MPB is a savvy business practice that can save you money.
Likewise, you can have peace of mind when purchasing these fine used cameras and lenses from such a reputable outfit.
Who doesn’t want great gear at great prices, anyway?!
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