Qns about resale value of leica bodies and lenses

[Mystix]

Hi, I've read from a few posts that the price of a rf body (non digital) if bought second hand can be sold of at roughly the same price.
What about the lenses?

I'm thinking of going into RF. And getting leica would make more sense economically if they really do not depreciate in value. (rather than i get voightlanders and incurr a loss if i were to sell off later)

The reason i am asking this is because as much as photography is important to me, capital security is important for me too as i plan to go overseas in 3 yrs time and if worst come to worst i may need to sell them off to raise funds. (hopefully i won't ever need to resort to selling). So if they can retain their value, then i can just treat this as a form of savings or investment and not worry about losing too much.

 

[third3rdwheel]

Hi, I've read from a few posts that the price of a rf body (non digital) if bought second hand can be sold of at roughly the same price.
What about the lenses?

I'm thinking of going into RF. And getting leica would make more sense economically if they really do not depreciate in value. (rather than i get voightlanders and incurr a loss if i were to sell off later)

The reason i am asking this is because as much as photography is important to me, capital security is important for me too as i plan to go overseas in 3 yrs time and if worst come to worst i may need to sell them off to raise funds. (hopefully i won't ever need to resort to selling). So if they can retain their value, then i can just treat this as a form of savings or investment and not worry about losing too much.

Prices of items do fluctuate, like stocks and shares, so I am afraid no one (not even the dealers) can give you a definite answer on these questions. :dunno:

Also depends on what you mean by "roughly the same price" - 10%, 20%, 30% depreciation? Lastly, you don't lose much only if someone wants to buy your stuff close to the price you want. :rbounce: That's never a certainty....

 

[drabsinthe]

If you wait patiently you can usually get a good deal on leica M bodies and lenses.
Usually on Ebay or US based photo forums.
I have bought and sold quite a couple of Leica bodies/lenses and probably net profit. However I sell mostly in Aust or get my brother/friend to sell them in Europe/US. Tends to fetch better prices compared to local scene.
Others may have different experiences.

 

[mamypoko]

Just make sure you don't get a 'lemon' and end up spending a bomb on the CLA.

Spent a bomb CLA-ing my M2 after the first few rolls, due to a sticky shutter, and found out that my finder mask had to be replaced as well as it was deteriorating.

New items have their perks, in this case, warranty.

 

[kingsley244]

A good condition M3 and M6 and a good condition 35mm and 50mm Cron should resell quite well. You have to buy it at a good price and in good condition before you can benefit from the rather stable prices of these gears.

I won't risk it if I need to convert them into fast cash any time.

 

[bUrPz]

Can anyone advice where I can get a good guage of the price of the bodies? Or even get a good evaluation?

 

[Srono]

http://antiquecameras.net/leicamcameras.html

 

[bUrPz]

http://antiquecameras.net/leicamcameras.html

Thanks bro! Will sift what I have... then decide which I wanna keep... :thumbsup: