KEH Ugly Grade Leica M2 - Is It Worth The Gamble? (Used Leica Buying Tips)

Рет қаралды 7,496

2 жыл бұрын

Update: I am returning this Leica M2. A follow-up video explaining my reasoning not to pursue the Leica M ecosystem will be out soon.
-
Never expected my first entry into the wondrous world of the legendary Leica world would be an Ugly grade Leica M2 from KEH. They had it at a price too good to pass, and there is a full refund policy within a couple of weeks, so I took the gamble. In this video, I share my initial unboxing experience and explore this Ugly Grade Leica M2 from KEH.com
This particular camera had a manufacturing date that's the same as my birthday... This camera is exactly 17 years older than me... Will it outlive me? Only time will tell...
Cheers!
P.S. This content is NOT sponsored by KEH. (But I do like their consistent service.)
#Leica #KEH #LeicaM2 #Cameras #FilmCameras

Пікірлер: 23

@anthonymiller8979 2 жыл бұрын

My whole problem with KEH is the vague Ugly, Bargain, Good, etc... system with no actual pics or description as to what might be wrong. I have gotten great accessories from them but hesitant to buy a camera though.

@taehanyoun8126 2 жыл бұрын

KEH ugly and below is definitely no-go, especially old leicas. Their grading system is excellent when buying 'excellent' ones but... not for ugly ones. The value of Leica M cameras is mostly about that amazing viewfinder/rangefinder and it is amazing when it's in good shape but when they're not... You reallly need to check viewfinder thoroughly when buying M3 or M2. Great and very helpful demonstration video btw!

@erichartke4331 2 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking if it is fungus you may be able to clean it with hydrogen peroxide if you're careful. Most film cameras you get these days need service.

@TheGizmoGarage 2 жыл бұрын

Unforturently it is not, it is the silver coating peeling off the glass elements, which is unfixable, but had to be replaced for a quite hefty fee. I returned the camera, and I'm looking for a different unit that doesn't have this issue.

@BrooksIlg Жыл бұрын

For those watching in the future, the finder "mold" is actually balsam crystallization or delamination of the rangefinder mask. Search for "Cameraworks FTA Brightline Mask" to read more about the issue and how a newly produced part can fix the issue.

@TheGizmoGarage Жыл бұрын

Cool

@smitz001 Жыл бұрын

The discounts almost never include Leica.

@TheGizmoGarage Жыл бұрын

Yep

@emperadorcarlos7262 5 ай бұрын

I really do not understand why KEH does not post an actual picture of the product if other sites are able to (ex. MPB, Leica Classic Store, eBay, etc.)

@TheGizmoGarage 5 ай бұрын

They've been running their business model for quite a while, and customers are still protected with their generous return policy.

@Backyard_gardening_beekeeping 2 жыл бұрын

昂贵的玩具，哈哈

@dogesiba7562 2 жыл бұрын

I've bought an UGLY Mamiya RB 127mm lens and all fast speeds not working. And local repairman asked about 150$ for repair with no guarantee about shutter speeds So going below Bargain is quite risky

@TheGizmoGarage 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, at least you still have some time to return it if it’s not working properly, because KEH advertising Ugly grade as not affect normal operation of the item.

@joseacarrasm Жыл бұрын

I bought a 5D Mark III graded as "Bargain" but the shutter count was almost 90K! How could this be considered a Bargain?

@TheGizmoGarage Жыл бұрын

Bargain means bottom shelf and might not work at KEH :(

@jeremykeller211 2 ай бұрын

You had no immediate interest in testing the shutter speeds?

@TheGizmoGarage 2 ай бұрын

I set it to 1 sec, pressed the shutter, it opened for about 1 sec, so I had no immediate concern

@codiecrieg2480 Жыл бұрын

I just wonder how much for leica like that and did you know how easy it is to clean? Yeah easy for me becouse i have all spare parts. I wanted to bought from KEH but to Europe i will pay taxes...... no worth to pay for it with taxes so i give up.

@TheGizmoGarage Жыл бұрын

After tax, it was close to $1200, not worth buying Bargan grade, they need extensive repairs.

@codiecrieg2480 7 ай бұрын

Oh i see in my country it could cost less than 20USD@@TheGizmoGarage For cleaning. The curtin is more important than some dirt in finder