Demo MP (a la carte)

[Shadrash]

So I am killing some time in Sydney CBD by walking into my fav camera store. I only intended to have a look, and proceeded to fondle some M4's, an M6 and the 75mm.

Anyhow the sales guy says he is selling the display Leica MP's that were part of the "a la carte" display. They are reduced in price significantly, and come with the 2 year Australia warranty, instructions and strap. No box or packing however.

The camera itself is the standard black paint Leica MP x0.72. I knew I would one day want this camera, and with the discount it is hard to walk away.

Any one know anything about these demo "a la carte" Leica's? Any reason to stay away?

 

[Rich Silfver]

What's the price?

 

[Shadrash]

http://www.fotoriesel.com/front.htm

The website is not good, but they are one of only two "a la carte" dealers in Sydney. They are selling:

a black paint MP x0.72
a chrome MP x0.58
and they have already sold the M7

Those are the three camera in the display kit they had. The cost is $3700 AUD (3500 cash). They usually retail in Oz for well over $4k, as high as 5k full retail.

I guess I can also get it from popflash.com for a similar price, but then I worry about duty, taxes etc.

Not sure about shipping, you will need to email them.

 

[Ben Z]

The guy who owns the camera store near where we spent our winters told me back when the a la carte program was first set up, how it works. In order for a regular Leica dealer to become an a la carte dealer he had to buy three a la carte Leicas and the display setup. Basically Leica (his words, not mine) was extorting their dealers to buy three cameras. He declined this generous opportunity, since he was selling on average 2-3 Leicas a year to his clientele and didn't figure the a la carte thing would help his sales any. Eventually Leica pulled his dealership (and this is a guy who used to work for Leica in the 70s!).

So, are these three cameras different in any way from the "stock" ones (different levers or body coverings or rewind configurations or engravings?)? If not, then it sounds like that dealer was just trying to outfox Leica by ordering the obligatory three cameras outfitted as standard models, so that he wouldn't end up stuck with one-of-a-kind white elephants he could never get his money back on. If they have the full warranty and the price is the same or better as you can get for the same exact camera elsewhere, then it boils down to whether you really want a new one or would be ok saving a lot of money on a used one. But oh my have those prices risen :bang: When I bought my Demo MP it cost me a shade under $2000 US.

 

[ywenz]

I love leica as a product, but hate them as a company.

 

[furcafe]

Interesting. I'm sure Leica has a different perspective on their a la carte policies! 😉 I agree w/your theory as to what the dealer is up to (assuming Leica's policies are the same in Oz). The only wrinkle I see is the 0.58 magnification VF is now *only* available via a la carte (I think), so perhaps this dealer in Sydney was also motivated by a customer who wanted to buy that particular model but then backed out or something.

The guy who owns the camera store near where we spent our winters told me back when the a la carte program was first set up, how it works. In order for a regular Leica dealer to become an a la carte dealer he had to buy three a la carte Leicas and the display setup. Basically Leica (his words, not mine) was extorting their dealers to buy three cameras. He declined this generous opportunity, since he was selling on average 2-3 Leicas a year to his clientele and didn't figure the a la carte thing would help his sales any. Eventually Leica pulled his dealership (and this is a guy who used to work for Leica in the 70s!).

So, are these three cameras different in any way from the "stock" ones (different levers or body coverings or rewind configurations or engravings?)? If not, then it sounds like that dealer was just trying to outfox Leica by ordering the obligatory three cameras outfitted as standard models, so that he wouldn't end up stuck with one-of-a-kind white elephants he could never get his money back on. If they have the full warranty and the price is the same or better as you can get for the same exact camera elsewhere, then it boils down to whether you really want a new one or would be ok saving a lot of money on a used one. But oh my have those prices risen :bang: When I bought my Demo MP it cost me a shade under $2000 US.

 

[grantray]

I love leica as a product, but hate them as a company.

Funny, I feel the same way about Apple.

As for the MP, does "demo" mean people got to take it for a test drive, or did they just fondle the thing? If the answer is the latter, that deal seems alright considering Leica's annual price hikes.

-grant

 

[Shadrash]

Well, I caved. I put a deposit on the black paint mp, and will pick it up at the end of the month. All the cameras were "standard" ie no blue box leather in site.

The cameras had been fondled etc, but had not been taken home, and were in perfect cosmetic condition.

 

[Gman]

Wonderful cameras- you will not regret it. Enjoy!

Jeff

 

[matt fury]

But oh my have those prices risen :bang: When I bought my Demo MP it cost me a shade under $2000 US.

The prices haven't gone up quite as much as it seems. $3500AUD = ~$2585USD. Still not good, though..

 

[john neal]

I did this about 2 years ago in London - demo MP with nary a mark on it. It had been fondled in the shop for about 2 or 3 months and had a couple of lenses mounted. The owner told me that he is allowed to sell 3 or 4 current model M bodies a year at demo prices, any more and Leica send the boys round(!).

I got the full 5-year passport, box, manual, spare battery cover, etc - in fact a full retail package, and have not had any problems or a moment's regret about it.

Prices have shot up here - I paid £1400 which equates to around US$2400, AUD3320 at today's rate (list at the time was £2000).

The current UK list price is now about £2300 or US$4020 or AUS5450 (ouch!!).

It looks like your offer is very good compared to the current UK price - I'm sure you won't regret it.

 

[marbrink]

If it is the camera you really want I would go for it! I think the price is good for a demo a la carte MP.

 

[x-ray]

I bought my red and chrome MP as a demo with the full warranty and saved a thousand US. I was a certified unit and had been checked by Leica. I could hardly tell it had been handled and came with the box and everything.


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