Which Leica Dealer?

dshfoto

dshfoto

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Once, there was a difference in the price of cameras and service that various dealers offered.
However, now it seems that all of the Leica dealers in NYC all charge the same price for an M8.
How does one go about picking a dealer? What makes the difference?
Any thoughts?
Steve Harris
 
Reputation/Serviceis the only way to go. Also, If you order from out of your state, you will not be liable for sales tax!! The tax on an M8 is a little chunk of change! I personally look to Tony Rose 1st and last before buiyng Leica gear.
 
reputation all the way...

reputation all the way...

...and let me add that it doesn't hurt to deal with one of the two Leica Shops in the USA...if I may toot our own horn, we are partners with Leica USA on this shop within our shop of Leica gear.


This means often we are able to assure Leica users priority service and small bonuses that other dealers are not able to.


In today's case, we will throw in a free neoprene case until the end of the week with anyone who orders a black M8 and mentions RFF. This is a one week deal only and is not retroactive to prior buyers, it just so happens we received a large shipment of USA fully updated M8's this morning.

Happy shooting!
rich
photovillag e.com
(212) 989-1252
 
I'll vouch for both Rich and Tony.

Both have always done 100% right by me.

Rich might have the leg up in this case since he's in the neighborhood.
 
Matthew said:
I too will vouch for Photo Village and Popflash. Both are great places to deal with.
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Me too. I bought my first Leica from Rich three years ago and still using it plus other stuff since then. Also bought lenses from Tony this past year. Both excellent dealers.
 
Another vote for Photo Village

Another vote for Photo Village

Rich has been helpful, beyond any expectation, even answering worried e-mails late on a Sunday night. I have done business with him for a few years, and will continue to do so. Even with all the "drama" associated with the M8, he has provided service, been supportive, and always has come through.

--Norm
 
Actually, dealers are NOT locked into price....there is a dealer cost, an MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price, which is the lowest price they are allowed to advertise, I believe), and the "list price", a higher number that nobody actually sells at.

My dealer for the last 25 years (Ara at New England Photo, 781-643-1463) , instead of just selling at MSRP, actually marks up a specific percent over dealer cost for a selling price on all Leica gear that is typically significantly less than MSRP. My M8 cost me less than any price I've seen elsewhere....
 
By the way, Ara runs a relatively small shop, doesn't often have much new M gear in stock, but seems to be able to get stuff pretty quickly. He also has a huge selection of older M bodies and lenses. Not on the web, give him a call if you are curious.
 
Thanks!

Thanks!

Just bought a black M8 and extra battery from Photo Village! It appears i got the last M8 he had! Today my 50 Summilux ASPH arrives from BH, tomorrow the M8. Im now set! Still love my MP though :)
 
Steve L said:
Actually, dealers are NOT locked into price....there is a dealer cost, an MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price, which is the lowest price they are allowed to advertise, I believe)
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Actually that's called the MAP and Leica's dealer franchises are enjoined from advertising lower prices. However they are free to sell at any price they want.
 
Doh!

Doh!

Just found out my WIFE picked up a black M8 from BH for me today so I had to cancel my order with photo village as they did not charge my cards yet. So, looks like they still have one left if anyone wants a black M8.
 
Preventing Huge dealer markups... LOL

Preventing Huge dealer markups... LOL

endustry said:
Leica has locked in prices -- probably to avoid huge dealer markups. I think if you're a dealer and you want to continue working with Leica, you have to sell something like an M8 at the price THEY set or you don't get any new inventory from them.
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People don't seem to realize a few things. First, Leica makes all dealers sell at the same price, which Leica sets. If you don't , you lose your dealership! This is delineated in a signed contract in order to be a dealer. 2nd, there are huge markups on Leicas - the dirty secret. while the markups on Canons, Nikons, etc. is small -5-7% typically, with Leicas the dealer markup is 20-25%!!! How do I know... I worked in a camera store sellling Leicas for a year. That is how Leica can give those special lens discounts - notice it is direct to Germany, not through the dealer. It is merely a fraction above the dealer markup.
 
Has anybody delt with Kurland Photo in NY?
Also, is it uncommon to get a discount if you buy camera + lens? In my case, m7 + 28/2.8.
 
I want to join others in recommending Tony Rose at Popflash.Photo. Over the years I purchased a new M7 from him along with a couple of lens, most recently a 28-35-50 Tri-Elmar. A true gentleman in this business. He's located in California but ships world-wide.
 
Certainly reputation and service are top priorities. I bought mine from Park Square, for the above reasons, along with the fact that they had one in stock for immediate sale when I called. ;-) Ordered last Wednesday and was in my hands Friday! Not bad.

Gene
 
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