Buying my first Leica RF; what should I look out for?

[hukang]

I am Coming from a Nikon/Canon background, and want to get into a digital RF; thinking of a used M8/8.2, even possibly an M9.

What are the things I should be looking out for, specifically related to an M8/9; I mean I have bought used DSLRs before and I will of course the same things I checked for with them when I am checking the M8/9; but are there any specific things I should look out for, when buying an M8/9?

Thanks

Ricky

 

[larrytok]

Physical cond: check for cracks . Viewfinder patch whether it is clear/clean. Mechanical:check viewfinder frame selector whether it works or not to c 3 diff pairs of framelines. Get a lens which u know can focus accurately on another friend's rf... then focus and test the distance on the scale and whether the rf can focus properly or even couple properly. Check files taken in bright area on laptop or screen (m9 screen sucks) to see whether theres like any patches or oily patch or whether its too dirty .. its normal to have some normal dust particles for digital rf. If u are not too concerned about physical cond I would suggest checking mainly on rf focusing n the sensor whether theres crack or something. Also might want to check whether most buttons work etc..

 

[hukang]

Thanks a lot Larrytok, I will check for these.

 

[larrytok]

yea, the main thing is the focusing mechanism, if ur buying digital bodies u can check immediately on screen to see whether everything is focused properly. ie. infinity, closest focusing dist. (0.7m/1m etc), general camera checking such as cracks, buttons etc also apply..
for leica m8, may want to check LCD screen for fault as the lcds might have had some staining issue. But if that doesnt bother you (picture comes out fine), i guess its ok lol


if your buying a film one.. then that is abit different, just need to check frame selector (if there is one), and mainly shutter speeds (accurate to ear esp slower shutter speeds like 1s are prong to fault), whether film advances smoothly after few frames, then develop and check film whether there were light leaks. thats all to it