{"id":47385,"date":"2021-07-27T07:03:07","date_gmt":"2021-07-27T11:03:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keh.com\/expert-advice\/?p=47385"},"modified":"2023-11-30T19:02:45","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T19:02:45","slug":"tilt-shift-report-what-leica-m-film-gear-sells-the-fastest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.keh.com\/expert-advice\/camera-gear\/buying-guides\/tilt-shift-report-what-leica-m-film-gear-sells-the-fastest\/","title":{"rendered":"What Leica-M Gear Sells The Fastest? | The KEH Tilt-Shift Report"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome back to the Tilt-Shift Report<\/em>, where we share exclusive data and unique insights into the latest trends in camera gear buying, trading and selling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Previously, we explored topics like which Micro Four Thirds system held up better over time<\/strong><\/a>, and which line of Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras is most popular<\/strong><\/a>. Before that, we checked out which DSLR system held more of its value<\/a><\/strong>, as well as overlooked film cameras that are skyrocketing in price<\/a><\/strong>, and how fast the mirrorless market is growing<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This month, let’s look at which Leica M-mount film gear is the fastest-moving off our shelves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Tilt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There’s little context I need to give around the storied Leica M-mount. Basically, it was introduced in 1954 with the launch of the Leica M3<\/a><\/strong>, replacing the M39 screw-mount<\/a><\/strong> for a favorable new bayonet design that made switching faster, while locking in the lens to the body more precisely and securely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“M” stands for messsucher<\/em>, or “rangefinder” in German, and it’s a design still in use with digital Leica-M cameras<\/a><\/strong> today. The rangefinder has indeed proved to be an enduring form, as many photojournalists, documentary and street photographers favor it for its simplicity, size, reliability, and quick operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The original M3 sold around 220,000 units before production ended in 1966, making it Leica’s most popular rangefinder ever, and leading the way for a long lineage of M-mount bodies, all notable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While prices are steep, Leica is still producing film cameras to this day\u2014the MP<\/a><\/strong> and M-A<\/a><\/strong>\u2014but has largely shifted to manufacturing digital M-bodies<\/a><\/strong> since its first foray with the M8<\/a><\/strong> in 2006. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although a new, cheaper film body is rumored to be released in 2021, the most sensible way to get into the Leica M-mount rangefinder system is still to buy used models from yesteryear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, Leica isn’t the only manufacturer who makes M-mount gear\u2014Voigtlander<\/a><\/strong>, Zeiss<\/a><\/strong>, Rollei<\/a><\/strong>, Konica<\/a><\/strong> and Minolta<\/a><\/strong>, amongst others, have made both M-mount bodies and lenses through the years, and then there’s newcomers like 7artisans<\/a>\/TTArtisan<\/a><\/strong> who recently started offering a bevy of excellent, moderately-priced M-mount glass as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Shift<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With nearly 70 years-worth of gear, the M-mount has had plenty of time to grow, evolve, and cement itself as one of the most sought-after systems on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because we sell more M-mount gear than just about anyone, we know how tough it is to keep certain items in stock. Let’s look at which bodies and lenses have the shortest shelf-life in our warehouse\u2014if you’re eyeing this gear for your own collection, you better be able to pull the trigger quick once you spot it on the site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For M-mount bodies, it’s no surprise as who takes our number one spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Leica M6<\/a><\/strong> is all over our chart. On our list of the top-20 fastest-selling M-mount bodies, the M6 takes up nine spots, as a matter of fact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s quite a few variations on this classic, but none sell faster than the M6 TTL (.85x finder\/35-135mm)<\/a><\/strong> version. On average, from the time it goes live on our site, it takes just two days for it to find a new owner. The M6 TTL (.58x finder\/28-90mm)<\/a><\/strong> is in second place, averaging just two-and-a-half days on our shelves, followed by the M6 TTL (.72 finder\/28-135mm)<\/a><\/strong> at three days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not far behind that cluster of M6 bodies though, is another popular option\u2014the Voigtlander Bessa R2A<\/a><\/strong>. The aperture-priority R2A usually sells within three days of hitting our site, while the all-manual R4M<\/a><\/strong> and R3M<\/a><\/strong> take about four days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another notable non-Leica M-mount body is the Zeiss Ikon<\/a><\/strong>, which sells on average within four-and-a-half days of hitting our shelves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Leica bodies on the list are the aforementioned MP, which usually moves within a week, and the O.G. M3 double-stroke<\/a><\/strong>, selling on average at the slower pace of eleven-and-a-half days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At two weeks apiece, the Leica Minolta CL<\/a><\/strong> sells just as fast as the identical Leica CL<\/a><\/strong>, while the Minolta CLE<\/a><\/strong> takes three days longer. Branding, it turns out, does make a little difference, and the Leica name still pulls some weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As far as lenses, there’s a few classics tied for the number one spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It’s easy to see the appeal of this cluster of lenses at the top spot, and why they’re all gone within 3 days of going live on our site. The Leica 50mm f\/1.4 Summilux Wetzlar<\/a><\/strong> is a classic from the ’60s, perhaps the quintessential vintage lens for use on an M3 or M2 body. Being that it’s an older M-mount lens, it’s more affordable than later versions, while still delivering loads of character and Leica charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then there’s three 35mm lenses that run the gamut from small and affordable to fast and durable. The Voigtlander 35mm f\/2.5 Color-Skopar (P II)<\/a><\/strong> is basically a pancake lens, perfect for those who value a low profile while making no sacrifices on image quality. For those wanting a brighter aperture, the Voigtlander 35mm f\/1.4 Nokton Classic II MC VM<\/a><\/strong> fits the bill, while still maintaining a low profile. Finally, the Zeiss 35mm f\/1.4 Distagon ZM T*<\/a><\/strong> is prized for its sophisticated design as well as its top-notch construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Closing out the bunch at the top spot, selling within 3 days, the Minolta 90mm f\/4 M-Rokkor<\/a><\/strong> might be a surprising result, but considering its low price and excellent quality, it makes all the sense in the world for it to be a fast-seller. It can be found for just $200-300 depending on condition, so it’s a natural pick to round out an M-mount kit on the short telephoto end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another classic not far behind the leading pack, is the Leica 35mm f\/2 Summicron-M, 6-bit<\/a><\/strong> which usually sells within 4 days of arriving in stock. A fine, affordable copy of that design, the 7Artisans 35mm f\/2<\/a><\/strong>, sells almost as fast, within seven days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The item which wins the distinction of “slowest-moving, fastest-aperture lens” on our list is the mighty Leica 50mm f\/1.0 Noctilux<\/a><\/strong>, which because of its complexity, size, exorbitant price point, and limited audience, averages just over 10 weeks in stock before finding a happy new owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s clear from this data is that M-mount gear is still highly desirable, and because of its growing scarcity\u2014especially for mint vintage pieces\u2014it probably won’t lose its luster for quite some time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As always, if you have some M-mount gear you’d like to unload, we’d be more than happy to find it a new home. Just hit up our SELL page<\/a><\/strong> or call us at 1-800-DIALKEH to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SHOP ALL LEICA M-MOUNT BODIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SHOP ALL LEICA M-MOUNT LENSES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SHOP ALL LEICA M-MOUNT GEAR<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sure, M-mount gear is popular, but which items are so popular, we struggle to keep them on the shelf? Let’s find out. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":47387,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1152],"tags":[1061,331,56,1059,60,983,1062,472,57],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t