Hi, I'm going to New York City and Boston (+ western Massachusetts) next week. I'm in the market for a new R8 + some lenses (possibly 50/1.4 + 28/2.8). What dealer/shop is the least expencieve + what dealer/shop would you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Sincerely yours, Eva Drangs

-- Eva Drangs (evdr@hotmail.com), May 10, 2002

Answers

I would recommend B&H without reservation. They have a 14 day satisfaction guarantee return policy. Don't fool around with some of the so-called Leica boutique type shops. Should you need to return something, they will try to talk you out of it and give you a hard time, etc. They might not even take your return. Also, because B&H does such high volume, you are likely to get a newer piece of equipment rather than something that has been sitting on a shelf for a while.

-- tristan (emulsion71@hotmail.com), May 10, 2002.

I idsagree with Tristan. While I go to B&H for film, chemistry and paper, I would never buy equipment from them. The service is not really personal, and the prices are frankly the highest around- that is, everything is MSRP, and they almost never discount.

I recommend Tamarkin, Ken Hansen, Rich Pinto/Photo Village or Cameraland, in no particular order. You will get very personalized service- exceptional, really- and often very good prices from these boutique-y places. As for returns and service, they are all great. They will steer you towards high quality used gear if price is an issue, and generally work hard to make sure you get what you need.

In Boston, try E.P. Levine's- these guys are the same deal, and very nice and knowledgable to boot.

Good luck.

-- drew (swordfisher@hotmail.com), May 10, 2002.

I second the above comment. Buy your film at B&H, but buy your camera from any one of the dealers he lists. I'd try Rich Pinto first. Good luck!

-- Patrick (pg@patrickgarner.com), May 10, 2002.

If your going to be in NYC, check this out: just received a postcard from Tamarkin (of New York) advertising a Leica Day on Thursday, May 16th, from 10am to 5pm. 10% off Leica photography equipment, plus an additional $200 rebate on M6TTL's. If you missed the Ken Hansen Leica Day (great service), here's another chance to save. Their website is www.tamarkin.com or 800-BUY-LEICA Good luck! If not, check around to see if anyone is having a Leica Day where you will be traveling.

-- Glenn Travis (leicaddict@hotmail.com), May 10, 2002.

Go to Rich Pinto at Photovillage. Go to Rich Pinto at Photovillage.

-- chris a williams (LeicaChris@worldnet.att.net), May 10, 2002.

Thanks for the info. I'll check them all out.

-- Eva Drangs (evdr@hotmail.com), May 10, 2002.

B&H is the place to go--for film. I have been using Ken Hansen for a long time. They are all professional photographers who will steer you right. Furthermore, as a citizen of the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you can purchase the gear TAX-FREE here. Tamarkin has a lousy return policy. Rich Pinto is also OK but Hansen is the best. Their telephone number is 212 3170923. Call Ken ahead of time and they will have everything ready for you. The service is fantastic. Good luck.

-- Albert Knapp MD (albertknappmd@mac.com), May 10, 2002.

Dang; I bought my Omega Enlarger from B & H 25 years ago and also my Sunpak 611 flash ...with no hitches; maybe they have changed with time

-- Kelly Flanigan (zorki3c@netscape.net), May 11, 2002.

Folks-I'm recommending B&H and no one else. Read my post again.

-- tristan (emulsion71@hotmail.com), May 11, 2002.

To the original post: If you are looking for a new USA R8 you *might* get one of the smaller dealers mentioned above to cut you a deal on one in stock because R8's are sleepers. B&H is not going to negotiate price on a new item. As to lenses, I would very seriously consider buying them used, as R lenses tend to drop in value like lead baloons.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), May 11, 2002.

bhphoto is high....

ebay is best...

-- grant (lotusphotography@yahoo.com), May 11, 2002.

Another vote for Rich Pinto at PhotoVillage. First Rate service.....and my used merchandise was exactly as described (mint)!

-- Todd Phillips (toddvphillips@webtv.net), May 11, 2002.

I bought from B&H and Photovillage before. Both places are quite good. On the whole, with new Leica stuff both have about the same pricing. Good luck.

-- Phillip P. (pp12302@nospamyahoo.com), May 13, 2002.

I have shpped at B&H Photo for the last five years. I ahve always been pleased with their service and prices. As to BH being too high here's the prices on an R8 Body new:

B&H Photo $1,750 Tamarkin $1,950 Ken Hansen $1,895

As of Tuesday 14 May 2002.

B&H's web site is very very good. I always order on line.

Tony

-- Tony Oresteen (aoresteen@mindspring.com), May 14, 2002.

I have dealt in the past with Calumet in NY, this name is not often mentioned so... - Thanks

Arie

-- Arie Haziza (nhaziza@northrock.bm), May 14, 2002.