From time to time, whenever questions are asked and opinions rendered pertaining to dealers/supply houses, Delta International is often mentioned. I visited Delta's website and found that its prices are much lower on many (if not most) items than that of the competition. I am not just referring to "gray market" cameras and lenses, but to bags/cases, loupes,etc.. I have a "caveat emptor" attitude when it comes to significantly lower prices offered by dealers of same kind merchandise. There are always reasons for the differences, and I wonder if there are any issues with Delta thatI should be aware of, i.e. return policy in the event I just do not like the item, etc. Any experiences with Delta International that you would be willing to share will be appreciated. Thanks.

-- Max Wall (mtwall@earthlink.net), November 22, 2001

Answers

Read their posted policy statement. Delta International is inexpensive because they offer NO SUPPORT WHATSOEVER. They will only accept returns on items that were defective from the manufacturer and only for a period of 14 days. If you do not "like" something that is your problem not theirs. This is neither good nor bad. You want the cheapest price and they have cut out every superfluous thing they could find. Warranties, return policies, repair services, etc cost money to provide.

I do not buy from Delta as I like support and am willing to pay for it. When I have problems the dealer, whom I bought it from, and the distributor have always given me good friendly service. I supported them, they support me. You want to pay less so do not be surprised if you get less.

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), November 22, 2001.

While the above comment by John Collier is essentially true, the equipment Delta sells does come with international warranty. Delta has always been truthful with me about what was and wasn't included by way of warranty. Passport USA warranty is expensive, if you consider it as a service, and Delta leaves this out to lower the price. There are alternatives to buying either USA or gray market, though. Robert White in England sells many Leica items at prices below USA list, even with customs duties, and a UK Passport warranty is included.

-- Chris Henry (henryjc@concentric.net), November 22, 2001.

I have bought from Delta and have no quarrel with their service, but nothing I bought was defective. They are less expensive than other gray marketers, at least for Leica. But recently, with the $200 rebate and another 10% at a Leica Day, you can often get a full USA Passport for very little more. I also second the endorsement of Robert White in England, especially for Billingham bags and Gitzo tripods.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), November 22, 2001.

I've purchased Leica lenses, the SF-20 flash and two Leica filters from Betty at Delta. With the money I saved from those purchases, I had enough dough left over to buy a 90 Elmarit, so I did!

Great service, price and attitude. Sure, it's a gamble buying non- USA, but my lenses (50 1.4 and 35 1.4 Summies) arrived quickly, in perfect new condition and for the best price on the planet.

Hard to resist...

Next lens I buy will also be from Delta....

-- Steve Hoffman (shoffman2@socal.rr.con), November 23, 2001.

I have to second the comments above that applaud Delta's prices and customer service. In the past year, I've purchased a number of lenses and accessories from Betty at Delta and never had a hitch. BTW, their lenses and bodies do come with a third party warranty. Whether this is worth the paper it is written on, I can't say as I've never had to avail myself of warranty service.

I also agree that with the current rebates, and an additional 10% off on Leica Days, it probably makes sense to buy bodies with the full U.S. Passport for the difference in the final price versus Delta's gray price.

There is a lot more likelihood of needing service on a body than on a lens, especially an M lens IMHO.

-- Rolfe Tessem (rolfe@ldp.com), November 23, 2001.

Delta International I believe probably has the best price for many of the Voigtlander SM lenses for Leica. I bought my Voigtlander 21mm/4.0 from Delta International for at least $150 less than the best asking price of many well regarded Leica mail order stores in NY. I did not have any problems with the service nor the merchandise from Delte International. My Voigtlander 21/4 Skopar came in brand new and is covered with 3 years Mack warranty. If you were in the market for the Voigtlander SM lens for your Leica, check out DeltaInternational.

-- Gerald (hsus@netzero.net), November 26, 2001.

I bought a Leica R8 from Delta International earlier this year. It came with a 3 year USA warranty provided by MACK Corp. I have not had any problems with the camera. I paid about 30% less than Leica USA warrantied equipment. The savings alone are enough to buy a new 50mm Summicron lens!

-- Muhammad Chishty (applemac97@aol.com), November 28, 2001.