Accphoto Buyer Experiences

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scottmcl

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First, I assume that this is generally very good, since Accphoto was selected as the sponsor for these forums.

But specifically, I'm looking for an M6 and a 28 Summicron ASPH. While the former is widely available new and used at "reasonable" prices, the 28 Summicron is rather expensive at new US prices and used samples seem hard to come by.

In this context, Accphoto's price for the 28 Summicron is simply astounding, nearly $1K less than new US prices. And heck, their price for a new Chrome M6 TTL looks pretty darn stellar as well.

Hence my inquiry. I'm unfamiliar with Leica's warranty policies and with the logistics of purchasing from overseas, what kind of "risks" I'm taking with possible product defects, and so forth. Might a lens purchase be more or less risky in this regard than a body purchase.

I truly appreciate any and all advice I might get on the matter.

BTW, I've been happily using a Bessa R for the last 6 months with the 21, 35P (LTM), 50/2.5 and 50/1.5 lenses. Looking forward to my first M body and the reputably fantastic 28 Summicron.

Scott
 
Scott,
Before you take the plunge with a Leica, consider a slightly different focal length. I don't know about your preferences so forgive me for what I'll say: get a 'cron 50/2 instead.

These are easier to find lenses, won't leave you bankrupt and have an astounding sharpness even wide open. The 28mm isn't bad, but have you seen through a Leica viewfinder? If you get the "standard" viewfinder, with a 0.72 magnification, the framelines for the 28mm are so far out at the edges that, unless you do architectural photography, you'll get the wanted and unwanted in your shot.

Good thing about these wideangles: there's almost no distortion.

Now... if you really like WA glass... fish for a 35/1.4 Summilux, or the 35/2 Summicron.

Let's see what Jorge can tell you about purchasing from Anthony. I'm interested too... only not in the near future.
 
Solares, Yes, the 50/2 is a relative bargain. I'm a big fan of the 50mm FL, and picking up a minty recent 50 Summicron is on my "to do" list. But for now, I'm rather pleased with the CV Nokton 50.

Regarding the 35mm FL, I'd rather not debate FL preferences. In my case, on my MF Nikkon gear, I'm a 28/2.8, 45/2.8, 105/2.5 AIS shooter. I'm very pleased with the 28/2.8 AIS performance, particularly at close focus.

It's not like I'm a stranger to 35mm FL - I have a Rollei AFM35, Oly Epic, CV 35P and Nikon 35/2 AFD. Excepting the P&S cameras, my 35mm primes pretty much gather dust.

I guess for me the 28/50 combo rocks my world. On my Bessa, the CV 21/4 and 50/1.5 are getting the air time. I don't mind using the external 21mm VF at all. My target Leica/RF FL kit is 21/28/50. Hence 28mm is the "hole" I'm looking to fill.

Regarding cost, while I'm a professional with few financial responsibilities (single), $1K USD here and there are countable sums; penny saved and all that :) So my personal modus operandi is to get what I want at a reasonable price. Perhaps AccPhoto can play a role here, or maybe a field trip up the Photo Village in NY will do the trick. This is what I'm trying to determine.

Thanks!
 
Ooops! Sorry, scott, I confess I didn't pay attention to your lens inventory.

Now... what does FL (as in 35mm FL) stand for? I'm stumped here... :(
 
I worked in a camera shop going through school in the '70s. I can remember one defective Nikon lens; a 80~200 F4.5 Zoom-Nikkor. The front element was shattered; in the box brand new. It did not even reach the customers hand before the defect was caught and a new one brought out. Cameras have much more to go wrong with them; and defects happen. With the exception of the first run Nikon AIS lenses (which used a really awful lubricant) i have never had much in the way of lens problems. I would feel comfortable saving the money on the lens but getting an iron-clad warranty on a new M6, or any new camera of that price. Does ACCPHOTO have any US based repair facilities that will do warranty work; or does the item have to be returned to the vendor?
 
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