The Complete Guide to Selling Your Leica Camera Equipment in 2025
Whether you're upgrading from an M10 to a cherry M11 Safari, cashing in on film camera appreciation, or liquidating a dusty collection, finding the right place to sell your Leica can get you the most for your gear.
You have many options to consider. Do you try your luck with forums, marketplaces, or major camera retailers, wince through eBay fees, work with a specialty Leica dealer, or try something new?
5 Ways to Sell Your Leica
1. Quick Cash Options: Major Camera Retailers
When to Use: You need money within 1-2 weeks and don't want any of the hassle.
The big camera retailers have this down to a science. Professional evaluation, free shipping, instant quotes, guaranteed sales. Zero effort on your part.
- The Reality: You'll get around 60-70% of market value
- Pros: Zero effort, guaranteed sale, no dealing with strangers
- Cons: Significant value loss (30-40%), no negotiation
- Best For: Common models when convenience trumps profit
Companies like KEH Camera have been doing this since 1979. They know what they're doing, but you're paying a premium for that convenience.
2. Official Leica Channels
When to Use: You want to go back to the source and trade in for another Leica.
Leica's official marketplace and authorized dealers offer the expertise you'd expect.
- Trade-in Value: 70-80% toward new purchase
- Cash Offers: Typically 10-15% less than trade value
- Benefits: Warranty on new purchase, expert evaluation, brand backing
- Best For: When you're staying in the Leica ecosystem
3. Specialty Leica Dealers: The Expert Advantage
When to use: You want expertise and better prices than big retailers.
Shops like Tamarkin Camera in Chicago have been Leica-focused for 50+ years. They know the difference between a late chrome M3 and an early one, and their buyers do too.
- The Trade-off: Better prices than big box retailers, but still below what you'd get selling direct. Timelines vary based on their buyer network.
- Best For: Vintage/rare pieces where expertise matters more than speed
4. Enthusiast Marketplaces: Maximum Price Potential
When to Use: You want the highest prices and are willing to invest time and effort in responding to every "is this still available?" message.
- Fees: Around 10-15% final value fee plus payment processing
- Real Costs: Time for listing optimization, answering the incessant "is this still available?" messages, dealing with returns, and the occasional scammer
- Success Tips: Professional photographs are essential, research completed sales (not current listings), consider auction vs. fixed price based on rarity
- Best For: Common models, sellers comfortable with online selling complexity
5. Curated Auction Platforms: The Premium Solution
When to Use: You want to get the most money for your Leica in as little as 7 days.
Summimarket: A Better Way to Buy and Sell
- Model: Curated auction platform with community-driven pricing
- Audience: Design-conscious creators, passionate collectors, and enthusiasts
- Timeline: 7-14 days
- Sweet Spot: $2,000+ cameras and lenses, rare/vintage pieces, complete kits
Why Choose Summimarket:
- Set your own reserve price - your gear doesn't sell unless it meets your minimum
- Curated listings with verification to build trust
- A community-driven platform focused on quality over quantity
- Transparent fee structure (just 8% buyer premium)
Whether you have a Leica gathering dust or you're dreaming of your perfect camera, we've built Summimarket for you. Our goal is simple: to be the best place to buy and sell Leica gear, period.
For a limited time, we're offering free listings with the ability to set your reserve price. Come see how we've made buying and selling simple and fun.
