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

[@anthonymiller8979]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Cool

[@emperadorcarlos7262]

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]

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

[@smitz001]

The discounts almost never include Leica.

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Yep

[@jeremykeller211]

You had no immediate interest in testing the shutter speeds?

[@TheGizmoGarage]

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

[@joseacarrasm]

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

[@TheGizmoGarage]

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

[@dogesiba7562]

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]

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.

[@codiecrieg2480]

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]

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

[@codiecrieg2480]

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

[@Backyard_gardening_beekeeping]

昂贵的玩具，哈哈

[@mattbarnett4210]

Man ... next time you buy from KEH, toss in a Gorilla Pod for your phone. The last half of your video induced sea-sickness.

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Sorry about that!

[@mattbarnett4210]

@@TheGizmoGarage 😂 loved your video though. Great job!