Since 1954 I've bought a new Leica body about once every decade, and was thinking seriously about an R8 and three lenses (I've never had a Leica SLR). Emails to Tamarkin and LeicaUSA requesting literature have been answered that they'd be pleased to send it, but I've never gotten a word from either of them. No wonder Leica is in trouble.

-- Wilhelm (bmitch@home.com), November 20, 2001

Answers

Try this: B. Olesin Customer Service Manager Leica Camera Inc. 156 Ludlow Ave. Northvale, NJ 07647 phone (201) 767-7500 x217 1-(800) 222-0118 x217 fax (201) 767-3438  

-- Brooks (Bvonarx@home.com), November 20, 2001.

I've had problems also and now I can't get an order filled. Thanks for the contact info - I can move forward now.

-- Thomas Herbert (therbert@miami.edu), November 20, 2001.

Wilhelm, Earlier this year, I purchased a new Leica R8 and a "couple" of lenses. Have been VERY PLEASED with all of them. The R8 is solid and extremely easy to handle. The weight balances nicely with the lenses, especially the larger ones, 80/1.4, 100APO, 180APO, etc. The controls are simple yet effective and allow me to do everything I want (so far) with minimum fuss. The camera has caused one change in my photography habits. I seem to think more about the desired image on each shot instead of just focusing and pressing the shutter release. Have just completed a calibration test on my built-in spot meter and it checks out almost perfect for Kodachrome 64. LB

-- Luther Berry (lberrytx@aol.com), November 20, 2001.

It might be interesting to see if any dealer--or Leica NJ--will ante up the cost of postage to send you a brochure in the chance of selling an R8 and some lenses ;>) The R system is really a lot nicer than its detractors would have you believe and I wish I could commit 100% to it. Unfortunately I just can't get everything I need from it, so I continue to hang onto a fair amount of Nikon gear as well...and if I decide to get a digital body in the next few years, well, so far Leica doesn't have one.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), November 20, 2001.

The link below will get you to a another clickable link, which will download a .PDF version of Leica's R catalog from the main web site. You'll need Adobe Acrobat reader to read the document.

CLICK HERE

Incidentally, Leica now has .pdf available on the new 15mm f/2.8 R lens.

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), November 20, 2001.

Sorry to burden you but I am getting really frustrated. I've ordered a Leica M6 and two lenses from a leading dealer. Now, I'm told the Leica Days sale has been postponed by Leica and my order wasn't shipped as promised. And, I had to call to find this out. Nobody from the dealer ever bothered to let me know the agreed upon shipping didn't happen .. till the camera and lenses were overdue.

I don't know if this is the dealer's fault or Leica USA's but it doesn't give a whole lot of confidence in Leica. I'm about ready to cancel the order if it can't be delivered.

Sorry for blowing off steam .. but I want the Leica and I can't even buy it!

-- Thomas Herbert (therbert@miami.edu), November 20, 2001.

Well my ardor certainly cooled toward a new R8 while I stood by the mailbox waiting for the promised advertising brochures from Leitz -- I mean from Leica.

-- Wilhelm (bmitch@home.com), November 20, 2001.

Bill, and especially Thomas,

I can really understand your disappointment, grief and anger. If it'd happen often enough to me, I'd forget the whole company and get into something else. But... it has never happend to me (here)! All the stores I've ever bought Leica from, and Leica Germany too have always been excellent advisers and salesmen. Leica Days were really good, too. Of course as well as all their seminars and workshops. I personally think your dispair has more to do with bad stores. I suggest that you first delete your business with these, then check out new ones, and finally get in touch with Leica again. Phone (+49 6442 2080) or mail (info@leica-camera.com) Leica Germany and ask them who you should contact there at home. Best wishes. Mike

PS: No, no, no... I don't work for 'em

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), November 21, 2001.

I had my order problems resolved by the dealer. The delay was caused by a salesperson not informing me properly. So, I'm happy now. But, I still think that Leica USA isn't terribly responsive.

-- Thomas Herbert (therbert@miami.edu), November 21, 2001.

Guess I owe Leica an apology. Package arrived today (Nov 23) postmarked November 1st (@2.06 postage from New Jersey, hope I don't come down with anything more serious than severe VISA deplation).

-- Wilhelm (bmitch@home.com), November 23, 2001.

Bill, Admit it, frequent visits to this forum have gotten you thinking about it much sooner than ten years this time!

;-)

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), November 23, 2001.