After reading most of the Leica archives over the past few weeks, I am considering a Leica M purchase, I think it would match my style. I would never make a purchase (especially one that cost this much) without first trying out or getting an M camera in my hands. I want to make sure that this will be a good addition to my current equipment, not something I will neglect and end up selling. Anyway, I live in Tampa, Fl and can not find a local dealer that stocks any new or used M, and I do not know of anyone who does. I think I would like to go the used route and do not mind using mail order or internet, but I just can not make a purchase with out trying one of these cameras first. Any suggestions? Also, were any of you ever in my shoes and did you go new or used and why?

-- Chris Lutz (mesheca@yahoo.com), December 23, 2001

Answers

I recently bought an M6 new. I ran into the same problems in Miami that you have in Tampa. There are two dealers in Miami-Dade County. One claims to never stock M equipment and the other didn't have any when I inquired.

I finally was able to contact the local Leica rep. and he brought two bodies, some lenses, a motor, and Voigtlander equipment to my office. This was exceptionally good treatment but it took awhile, via Leica, to work it out.

I finally bought new from Tamarkin, in New York. Together with the $200/item rebate and a 10% Leica Days sale, the M6TTL body was only a tiny amount more than a used M6. Dealing with Tamarkin was easy and I got honest, straightforward service. I had also dealt with them twice before, with non-Leica equipment.

I'd buy a used piece of equipment from Tamarkin, one of a few other Leica dealers mentioned on this forum, or from one of a couple of the independent Leica repair people. But, even with reports of some problems with new Leica equipment, I preferred buying new unless I had a really beautiful used piece of equipment recently serviced by one of the "star" Leica repair persons.

I know what you are going through but, it is great when the decisions are made and you can use your new camera.

-- O (ostrosky@bellsouth.net), December 23, 2001.

You are smart to want to see the camera first before buying one, and its too bad their are no dealers near you. Seems like in your position, your best option is to get a nice used camera from one of the better mail order places. The top used Leica dealers will offer a no questions asked, 7 to 14 day money back policy less shipping ON USED STUFF. This way you can handle the camera, shoot a few rolls with it, and return it if you decide to. KEH is another dealer that is easy to deal with. So is Jim Kuehl.

Even the most reasonable dealers will usually not take returns on new stuff, however, unless it is defective.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), December 23, 2001.

Have you tried searching Leica Camera's web site (http://www.leica-camera.com/unternehmen/int ernational/usa/index_e.html)?

-- Chris Chen (furcafe@NOSPAMcris.com), December 23, 2001.

I live in southern Ontario, and the problem we have with Leica dealers around here is that not a single one has all three viewfinder bodies for demo purposes. Lense demos are limited to 35mm Summi or the new 28 Elm. Its as if they don't want to show you anything. How else can you see where the framelines are shown on a particular lens without trying them out? Leica Germany should make it mandatory for all Leica dealers to have a comprehensive line of demo bodies and lenses. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

-- Stephen Dominick (sdstudio@vaxxine.com), December 23, 2001.

Each area has a Leica rep that has access to demo equipment. Ask your dealer to request the rep for whatever equipment you want to see. It is expensive to commit equipment for demo use so only ask if you are serious. If you are in southern Ontario, take a trip to Toronto and look in one of the big stores there. I know Henrys has all three in stock but I do not know if they are official or grey retailers.

I myself am curious to seen the 0.58x but I am not ready to buy yet so I am not going to waste my dealer and reps time until I am ready.

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), December 23, 2001.

Henry's in Toronto is an authorized Leica dealer. I was there several weeks ago, and only saw a 0.58 M. Lisle Kelco is the Canadian distributor of Leica, they are great! In fact, they have loaned me the use of an M6 with Noctilux lens - what a treat that was!! However, the so-called Leica "authorized" retailers need to make the purchase of an M a little more user-friendly. Unless you know EXACTLY what you want (or need), good luck. Anyone out there want to invest in opening a Leica store in southern Ontario?!! Lots of room for a new dealer!

-- Stephen Dominick (sdstudio@vaxxine.com), December 23, 2001.

I was kind of in a similar situation recently, like you are now but for lack of dealers. I live in Chicago. And there are dealers. I was always quite happy with the price and service of internet dealer www.bhphotovideo.com. I made plenty of purchases from them running into thousands of dollars in all. But like you, I was not willing to spend the kind of money that Leica requires, without having the Leica in my hands, even if I had already decided by then to own one. So I went down to the downtown and looked at the Leica with a dealer Central Camera. To be honest, the dealer did spend considerable amount of time, explaining the camera (didn't think I really required them anyway). Although it would have saved me over $300 minimum if I had purchased from bhphotovideo, I couldn't do that for purely 'ethical' reasons, having 'used' the dealer for demo. I realized later what a grave mistake I made. I received such a horrible service from the dealer, that finally I had to even complain to Leica and manage through them. My suggestion is, try to get a feel for Leica from anywhere, but do not mind buying from an internet/mail order dealer such as bhphotovideo. They are not bad at all, and can save some good money.

As for new or old, personally I felt since used ones are also expensive anyway. Might as well spend more and get the benefits and feel of a new camera.

-- Mallik Kovuri (mkovuri@gtemail.net), December 23, 2001.

The best of both worlds is increasingly rare-great service and good prices- but such places exist. Ken Hansen Photographic in New York. The (old) Wall Street Camera. Robert White in England. Cathay Photo, Marina Square in Singapore. Surprisingly, Adorama NYC was very good.

No doubt others can nominate their favourite walk-in stores in various cities. As long as I live within 2 hrs of such places, I have never felt the need to buy mail-order.

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

I don't know about Tampa, but I believe Vaughn Smith (formerly Camera One) in Sarasota is a Leica dealer and/or may have some used gear in stock; ask him at Vaughn@VaughnSmithCamera.com. He's been around a long time and is a good guy.

If you're willing to drive to Orlando, go to Colonial Photo & Hobby, corner US 17-92 and SR 50 just east of downtown Orlando, ask for Chuck, or call him at 407-841-1485. Colonial has some new M gear in stock but only a couple of used items; however, some demo gear w/Leica warranty is available. I bought most of my current M gear from Chuck at prices comparable to USA-warranty mailorder plus shipping.

FWIW, I have no problem at all going with used gear as long as it's from a known-good dealer; the aforementioned dealers, Tamarkin, Keuhl, Tillis and many others. Go with recommendations, not prices or spiffy ads.

-- John Hicks (jbh@magicnet.net), December 23, 2001.

jims photoshack in clearwater has some leica equipment, and will let you look at his m-5, or m-6 cameras.

-- james brightup (james_brightup@hotmail.com), December 28, 2001.

I live in Daytona, and have dealt with (then) Camera One, (now) Vaughn Smith Camera in the past and have been very satisfied. The thing is though, I could have just as well lived in California. I just used the toll free line (which I read in Shutterbug) and told them what I wanted. Everything arrived in exactly the condition I was told on the phone, and at a good price. I had the exact same results many times from Tamarkin also.

Being that you are already on the west coast of Florida, It might not be too bad of a trip into Sarasota, so give it a try. Otherwise, don't fear the other top mail order guys.

Take a look at Vaughn's website at:Vaughn Smith Camera

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), December 28, 2001.

i would suggest very much DELTA INTERNATIONAL) (delta international.com) as the most reputible store to buy leica photo equipment (they also carry hass.bronica.nikon,canon,contax and pentax med.format) this amazing outfit has the best of both worlds,high level of honesty combined with lowest leica prices (gray goods)

this firm is highly praised by photographers on dpreview.com and photonet.com

bob hernman

-- bob herman (bobherman2@yahoo.com), January 08, 2002.

In New York, Ken Hansen is in a class by itself. they really care and follow through. They have many out of state clients as well.

-- Albert Knapp MD (albertknappmd@mac.com), January 11, 2002.