Best place to buy new Leica online (outside NYC)

[sth]

Would love to go to BH Photo/Adorama etc, but 10% sales tax is a chunk of change, so I'm looking for recommendations on online vendors you've had good experiences with.

Thanks,
sth

 

[peter_n]

Welcome to the forum sth! 🙂 Where do you live?

 

[sth]

On the other side of the Atlantic...

 

[peter_n]

OK so if you are living in Europe Hong Kong is a good place to buy from. Dr Joseph Yao has a particularly good reputation. You will find his contact details in the list linked to below:

Where can I buy Leica equipment off the net?

 

[JoeFriday]

anybody have a good recommendation for slightly used Leica's in the states? I'll be looking for a nice M6 this spring (assuming I make up my mind what I really want to do)

 

[Krasnaya_Zvezda]

Kit McChesney at Vuelux is the tops for Leica as far as I'm concerned, but I don't know if she deals in used cameras or not. I bought my Digilux 2 from her, she was very helpful, got my camera to me quickly, and followed up with me to make sure I was happy. If you go to the Leica website and check out the forums there, you will only hear great things about her. I'll bet that if she doesn't do used, she'll get you to the right place to get what you want.
She's at http://www.vuelux.com

 

[Krasnaya_Zvezda]

Just checked her site and it does look like she deals with "previously enjoyed" cameras. Here's her number: 866.450.2263

 

[peter_n]

anybody have a good recommendation for slightly used Leica's in the states? I'll be looking for a nice M6 this spring (assuming I make up my mind what I really want to do)

I bought my M6ttl from Rich Pinto at Photo Village in NYC. I recommend Rich as a dealer of integrity.

You should also check out the FS notices on the LUG (Fridays only) and also the FS stuff on the Leica forum at photo.net. Also check out the photo.net classifieds.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I got one of mine from Don Chatterton (google him, because I'm not sure of his web address now), and the other from Ritz Collectibles (not related to the chain!). Chatterton even sent it for free!

 

[Stephen G]

I have heard great things about www.keh.com

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Sth,
Have seen our sponsors site, Accphoto? Look at the top of the homepage here and click on the link, his prices for new bodies and lenses seem more than reasonable!

Todd

 

[hans siddharta]

About Accphoto; Yes the price is good, but unfortunately the owner is not responding emails, at least mine :-(
hans

 

[Allen Gilman]

I would be a little hesitant about KEH. A while back, I ordered an OM-4Ti and 3 lenses that were all listed in excellent condition. When I got the package, the mirror prism was way out of alignment and the 3 lenses were FULL of dust inside. I had to send the camera back and request that they send another in excellent condition. It too was not in excellent condition. Overall, I've heard mixed reviews about them. Personally, I don't trust their rating system on equipment after the experience I had. Just a warning.

 

[Allen Gilman]

Sorry! I just realized that the question was about a NEW Leica body. My apologies as my post is only related to used equipment. Sorry, I'm slowly backing out of the room...head down...I'm out the door...

 

[Mike Richards]

Agree with KZ. I bought a D2, M6TTL, and MP plus some lenses from Kit McChesney. Great service and prices. The M6TTL was a demo at a particularly good price. You can ask her about "previously enjoyed," demos, or other specials that may not be posted on her web site.

 

[peter_n]

Kit posts a lot on the forum run by Leica. She's very helpful there and while I personally haven't dealt with her, the members who have are full of praise.

 

[d30gaijin]

This is another agreement with KZ and endorsement of Kit McChesney who owns VueLux. I bought some books and a Pradovit 150 slide projector from her and was treated as if I had just spent several thousands of dollars (instead of the few hundred actually spent). She follwed-up with me, sent me extra slide trays at no cost, and stayed in touch via email. She is a 1st Class Lady and the finest Leica dealer I've ever dealt with, and I've dealt with quite a few.

Don

 

[SolaresLarrave]

For new bodies and glass... I've purchased from Richard Osterling, at KB Camera (aka www.kbcamera.com ). He sold me a new 'cron 50/2, latest version, for around $100 below market price. I've seen his pricing of bodies being quite reasonable too.