Several dealers on eBAy, located in Hong Kong, have great prices on Leica gear. It's obviously grey, but appears to offer substantial savings. Has anyone had any recent experience with Hong Kong dealers or private parties? Thanks, Phil. hong kong

-- Phil Stiles (Stiles@metrocast.net), March 11, 2002

Answers

Phil, I have dealt with Poon Hung Lok in Hong Kong with very good success. His Ebay name is etefore. I bought a 21 Elmarit ASPH; everything was perfect and would buy from him again if the price was right. The lens has an international warranty.

-- David (pagedt@chartertn.net), March 11, 2002.

I've also bought from Poon at Hong Kong Camera. I got my 24mm M lens from him. Despite the Chinese New Year he still had it here in the NYC area in 3 days. New perfect lens at a price $300 less than US sold "grey" items.

Also Anthony Lee cameras on eBay. I got the hard to find 1.25x finder mag from him. I bid $200 and got it. It also arrived in 3 days. I couldn't find one in the states period.

Both responded so fast to any e-mail question it was as if they never sleep. They are about 12 hrs ahead of New York.

-- Neil Swanson (neilsphoto@yahoo.com), March 11, 2002.

I also have bought from Poon ("etefore" on eBay) at Hong Kong Supplies and have no complaints whatsoever. My new 35 Summilux ASPH arrived in three days. It was spotless and has been working without incident.

-- Luke Dunlap (luked@mail.utexas.edu), March 11, 2002.

Well, it doesn't have to me "grey". I bougth a brand new 35/2 asp from an authorized Leica dealer in HK for a very attractive price. It comes w/ 2 yrs intl Leica warranty (I know, Leica USA doens't like to honor these, but they must, I believe) If you want my person's contact info, send me an email offline.

cheers,

-- pat (modlabs@yahoo.com), March 11, 2002.

Ditto my 35 Summilux ASPH. Arrived from Hong Kong very quickly and with no problems at all.

-- Christopher Henry (henryjc@concentric.net), March 11, 2002.

Are there any customs duties when you buy from HK into USA? What are typical shipping fees to US?

-- Jim W. (jkdub@hotmail.com), March 11, 2002.

I bought a new M6TTL and 35mm Cron from Poon. All went perfect and came with Int. Warranty and I saved a fortune on Swedish prices. I just ordered a Motor M and 15mm Heliar from Joseph Yao in HK too. All seems to be going great there too!!

According to there ebay ads there is no duty payable upon import into the States.

Best, Duncan

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MUGers

-- Duncan (pilot@aviationmission.com), March 11, 2002.

I bought a 35mm lux from Poon ("etefore" on eBay), it has hair in it, he exchanged it for me, and the second one was even worse, I think he sells B stock item.

-- Mitchell Li (mitchli@pacbell.net), March 11, 2002.

I bought a 40mm Distagon for Hasselblad from Poon. No problems in my case. I am happy with the lens and with the way Poon deals with customers. As far as Leica goes, when Leica offered a $200 rebate plus 10% off for a Leica day US the prices were cheaper than from HK, but for one day only (sigh). Igor

-- Igor Osatuke (visionstudios@yahoo.com), March 12, 2002.

I have done business with Poon several times and found him to be VERY trustworthy. There are no"B" items from Leica. If they screwed up, you can't blame any dealer. Poon is as reliable as any I have dealt with and provides better service. When I purchase the M-7, I will do so from him.

-- Ned Learned (ned@kajabbi.com), March 13, 2002.

Where are Hassellblad International warranties serviced in the United States? Do authorized US service center honor them.

I am thinking about buy and need this info. Thanks, Ernie

-- Ernest (ecflowers@yahoo.com), June 05, 2002.