wilonstott
Wil O.
My question is, where can I purchase a demo/refurbished M8 that has a warranty? Does Leica sell refurbished cameras? Also, if I bought an M8, can I purchase warranty protection? What is the best avenue to go about purchasing one these days?
Sorry if these questions are a bit sophomoric--I only shoot film, but I'm seriously thinking about making the transition. I simply don't want to end up with a lemon that turns into a money pit.
Thanks guys.
Sorry if these questions are a bit sophomoric--I only shoot film, but I'm seriously thinking about making the transition. I simply don't want to end up with a lemon that turns into a money pit.
Thanks guys.
jaapv
RFF Sponsoring Member.
There are reputable Leica dealers. Some of them sponsor this forum.
Ben Z
Veteran
Unless things have changed recently, Leica always had "DEMO"s, nowhere was it written "REFURBISHED". DEMO's were exactly that, cameras that were carried by reps or used at photo workshops/seminars/trade shows. I bought an MP DEMO and it had a shutter fault that would've easily been spotted if the camera had gone through some sort of refurbishing process. I've bought Canon and Nikon REFURBISHED and those were stamped with a seal and re-packaged in a differently-marked box.
Even if Leica's DEMO's aren't given more than a quick once-over and a wipe down, they do come with a 1 year warranty from Leica. Just make sure you get an official Leica DEMO with the blue warranty card with red sticker dot...not an "unofficial" demo with a "store warranty".
Leica does not sell extended warranties, and since the M8 is not serviceable (other than some of the mechanical components) other than by Leica, an aftermarket warranty like a Mack warranty isn't going to be of much use. However if you did buy a plain old used M8, you could send it in for an overhaul (or one of the upgrades). It has always been Leica's policy to warranty the entire camera for a year when they do an overhaul. I'm not sure what that would cost on an M8 vs the potential risk for that year. Perhaps the cheapest upgrade (eg the LCD sapphire) might be a better bargain.
As for getting a lemon/money-pit, once that year of warranty is up, you will either have to have it re-overhauled or go on your own risk. The cost of a new shutter or sensor or major electronic board is quite expensive.
Dealer-wise, there are a number of good ones in the US. Of all the small independent dealers who are still in business, I like working with Tony Rose (Popflash) in California, but that's just my experience. As a midwesterner I'm off-put by NY attitude...a personal bias of course. Even KEH is an authorized Leica dealer, so they can and do sell official demos, and their customer service has been great. It's more about finding what you want, and price.
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Ben Z
Veteran
Unless things have changed recently, Leica always had "DEMO"s, nowhere was it written "REFURBISHED". DEMO's were exactly that, cameras that were carried by reps or used at photo workshops/seminars/trade shows. I bought an MP DEMO and it had a shutter fault that would've easily been spotted if the camera had gone through some sort of refurbishing process. I've bought Canon and Nikon REFURBISHED and those were stamped with a seal and re-packaged in a differently-marked box.
Even if Leica's DEMO's aren't given more than a quick once-over and a wipe down, they do come with a 1 year warranty from Leica. Just make sure you get an official Leica DEMO with the blue warranty card with red sticker dot...not an "unofficial" demo with a "store warranty".
Leica does not sell extended warranties, and since the M8 is not serviceable (other than some of the mechanical components) other than by Leica, an aftermarket warranty like a Mack warranty isn't going to be of much use. However if you did buy a plain old used M8, you could send it in for an overhaul (or one of the upgrades). It has always been Leica's policy to warranty the entire camera for a year when they do an overhaul. I'm not sure what that would cost on an M8 vs the potential risk for that year. Perhaps the cheapest upgrade (eg the LCD sapphire) might be a better bargain.
As for getting a lemon/money-pit, once that year of warranty is up, you will either have to have it re-overhauled or go on your own risk. The cost of a new shutter or sensor or major electronic board is quite expensive.
wilonstott
Wil O.
Thanks Ben--good info.
Quinn Porter
Established
FYI - I've been happy with my official M8 demo. It seemed to be a brand new camera at a great price.
thompsonks
Well-known
Demos are refurbished?
Demos are refurbished?
I've had no trouble with my M8 'demo,' & have on several occasions bought Apple & Epson refurbs with no problems. it just means that someone else took the initial hit for a QC problem, & now the unit has been thru QC twice.
But I read on the Internet that Leica stopped calling them 'demos' & owned up to the fact that they're really pre-owned 'refurbs.' Was this not so?
Kirk
Demos are refurbished?
I've had no trouble with my M8 'demo,' & have on several occasions bought Apple & Epson refurbs with no problems. it just means that someone else took the initial hit for a QC problem, & now the unit has been thru QC twice.
But I read on the Internet that Leica stopped calling them 'demos' & owned up to the fact that they're really pre-owned 'refurbs.' Was this not so?
Kirk
remphoto
Established
My demo came DOA with a card reader fault. Spotless camera, undetectable from new to look at it other than it was deader than a doornail. No replacements available and long wait for repair so got a refund. Others report good luck with demos so ymmv.
Ben Z
Veteran
I don't know if that's true or not. In fact I'd prefer a camera someone had for a month and barely used, to one that a rep took on the road and was handles by anyone everyone who happened to stop in at a camera store while they had a Leica Day going on. The issue for me is whether or not it's actually been sent back to the factory for a complete check and calibration (which is what I believe is implied by REFURBISHED).
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rlouzan
Well-known
Before buying, go to the store and write down the camera´s SN and call Leica USA and ask for that items history.
According to the Department of Consumer Affairs a refurbished item cannot be sold as a Demo.
According to the Department of Consumer Affairs a refurbished item cannot be sold as a Demo.
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
I have a "refurbished" M8 and love it. I got it from Collectible Cameras online (through thE bay) with a 1 year Leica warranty and "USED EQUIPMENT" stamped on the blue card. Leica is re-selling the cameras that have been returned to dealers or the factory for various reasons, giving them warranties and letting the dealers sell them at less than 1/2 original retail cost. I'd say this is the way to go since the camera has the warranty and it has been serviced by Leica prior to re-selling. Just 2 years ago, and R-D1 almost cost this much, used, with no warranty!
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
Tamarkin camera will sell you a demo M8 with 1-year warranty. I'm happy with mine. You gotta have the warranty though.