Good places to look at...and purchase...a Leica

[ASA 32]

I'm not convinced it will happen, but I am considering buying a Leica M film camera. I have been enjoying my Zeiss Ikon ZM and Contax G2 cameras. But I think it would be a mistake not to consider a Leica at some point in my photographic life.

Other than my father's Leica IIIg (don't ask), I've never held a Leica. What I'm looking for is a Leica dealer who would spend some hands-on time with me, show me a few options, and offer some advice. I would consider buying new, but would probably be happy with a used camera in excellent condition.

As mentioned above, I'm looking for a film camera, probably with a meter. I've read some things on the WWW suggesting that some Leica M models have been problematic, but I would hope to enter into the situation without prejudice.

I live in Connecticut so getting to NYC or elsewhere on the East Coast wouldn't be a problem.

I would sincerely appreciate any suggestions or recommendations.

 

[giganova]

The Leica store guys are terrific and would definitely explain and let you play around with their Leicas in the store. I love going there, sometimes just to socialize, look at their gallery and talk about photography. There's no pressure or expectation whatsoever that you would have to buy something when you visit.

 

[giganova]

Afterthought: why don't you register for an event at a Leica store (gallery reception, workshop, etc). There will be tons of people with all sorts of Leicas.

 

[ASA 32]

The Leica store guys are terrific and would definitely explain and let you play around with their Leicas in the store. I love going there, sometimes just to socialize, look at their gallery and talk about photography. There's no pressure or expectation whatsoever that you would have to buy something when you visit.

Thanks for the tip. Is the Leica store what used to be Kurland Photo, now moved to SOHO?

Oh, sorry, I see you are in DC...thanks good suggestion!

 

[Bill Clark]

Take a look here:

http://www.tamarkin.com

Panatomic-X was a wonderful film!

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Bill got there ahead of me. Tamarkin! They're really knowledgeable, and even if their stock in used Leicas may vary week to week, they're going to sell you stuff in good, operational condition, not lemons. I speak from experience! 🙂

Another place: National Camera Exchange, in Minneapolis MN. They sold me my first M3 (which, incidentally, was sold and shipped this morning). They're also very good and knowledgeable. Their prices are reasonable, which is important. So are Tamarkin's, BTW.

I'll post again later if I remember some other place.

 

[giganova]

The OP said he lives in the Northeast and wants to hold a Leica in his hands to check it out. I guess Chicago and MN are not exactly within driving distance 😉

 

[Timmyjoe]

If you get to Chicago, for whatever reason, do stop in and see Dan at Tamarkin. Knowledgeable, friendly, and with good inventory.

 

[Bill Clark]

Should it be a problem to get most anywhere, especially in the United Staes now in the twenty first century? I'm sorry but I travel a fair amount. Maybe just me.

If you can't do it, for what ever reason, there are other ways to, at least, look at stuff.

At any rate, Dan could help you, he knows a fair amount about Leica cameras. Give him a call.

At National Camera here in Minneapolis, talk to Dave Johnson.

Part of finding and buying Leica equipment is it can be an adventure, vacation, as they are found all over the world.

 

[sevo]

Should it be a problem to get most anywhere, especially in the United Staes now in the twenty first century?

Did any dealers survive that Leica Store thing? Hereabouts there are precious few left, and Leica Stores do cater to a crowd quite distinctively other than photographers. It may depend on your suit and title whether you can get your hands on a camera there...

 

[Bill Clark]

Tamarkin is an independent Leica dealer. May I suggest you check out their web site.

National Camera is a camera store here in Minneapolis but have experienced changes that are happening in the photography industry.

At any rate, for me, traveling around is quite easy. Now I don't need to put the Pelican case in the overhead and check a bunch of photography stuff anymore!

 

[ASA 32]

Thanks, folks. Don't know if I'll be in Chicago in the near future.

 

[ASA 32]

Anyone have experience with PhotoVillage in NYC?

 

[agoglanian]

If you want to BUY a Leica from a shop, I highly highly recommend Dan at Tamarkin. I bought my M240 from them in 2014 and it was my first Leica, they made the whole experience pleasant from start to finish. Everyone I spoke to via phone or email was super friendly and knowledgable.

If you have the ability to stop into a Leica Store then that would easily be your best bet to get proper hands-on time with any / all of the current equipment and most stores have a reasonable amount of used gear as well. Here on the west coast I've been to both the LA and SF stores and they are beautiful spaces.

I can't think of too many places where you could really try out a Leica in person, all the other stores to me are primarily online presences, though B&H is a behemoth in NYC and they do carry Leica products. I don't know if I've ever purchased from Photo Village but I have at least heard of them and come across their listings on eBay quite frequently.

 

[jsrockit]

Anyone have experience with PhotoVillage in NYC?

Sure, they are fine.

 

[Livesteamer]

Would Lens Rentals be able to rent you some equipment for a week or so. A bit expensive but might be worth it. Joe

 

[ray*j*gun]

B&H will let you handle M's and they have used gear as well.