Leica M and Red Dot in London

[joetothphoto]

I wasn't sure which forum board to post this in, but thought I would try here first and it needs to be moved then ok.

I am in the market for a Leica M3 and 50mm Summicron. Red Dot cameras in London have several M3's ranging from DS to SS models in various conditions and a few 50mm Sumi's. I was just curious if anyone on this board had any experience dealing with this shop and knows if you can haggle a price. I'm not talking a huge haggle, but a good amount for used equipment. I'm not hard pressed to haggle, just want to get the best deal on the lens I can.

Thanks

Joe

 

[Bruno Gracia]

No haggel at all.

Said that, they are very kind and professional people.

 

[hans voralberg]

No haggling, but one of the best shop in the UK for Leica 😉

 

[Dralowid]

Have sold to them in the past. Very straightforward, no problems, but I doubt haggling will get you very far.

 

[doolittle]

Maybe you should chance asking for a roll of film or a micro fibre lens cloth!

 

[Michael Markey]

I`ve only ever bought straps and the like from them but concur with the comments expressed.
Haggle ...good grief.
Its a professional outlet providing a service not a bazaar.
The prices seem commensurate with the market rate.

 

[Dralowid]

And the guy who runs it has been around the London second hand shops longer than I care to remember.

 

[Cpitch]

I've been using Red Dot cameras since they first opened and Ivor has
always been very fair to deal with in sales and after service
I would highly recommend this Leica dealership
Chris

 

[vnukov_pk]

Agree with all the comments above. They CLA'd two of my cameras and did it good. Fair prices too.

 

[Steinberg2010]

I had a problem with an M5 purchased from a third party. Red Dot had previously worked on the camera for him and fixed it for me! No questions/problems at all!

~S

 

[Bruno Gracia]

If You need to haggle, buy a CaNikon better.

 

[Flat Twin]

I've bought many a used item from Red Dot. Ivor is a gentleman and knows his stuff.

I have always looked him in the eye and asked him if there is any room for movement on the price. If there is not then he will say so. If there is then we usually come to an agreement that suits us both. Ivor has worked in the camera trade for many years and he is very fair.

I would say give it a try. He can only say no!

Regards

Simon

 

[joetothphoto]

Thanks for the comments - for the person who said buy a Canon or Nikon. Already own Nikon for work. Going to Leica is my holiday from digital life. Several people recommended Red Dot and after speaking to them today, they have some of the better prices around on what I am looking for. But they were really helpful, so now just need to get down there and purchase.

 

[Dralowid]

Last time I went in there I had a sudden nose bleed in his shop. At first I couldn't understand where all the red dots were coming from...

 

[philipus]

I also like Red Dot and have bought a few lenses from them. Their prices are generally very fair, esp. compared with some dealers. And their condition gradings are conservative. They also ship goods very fast. Here in Holland I have received packages Monday lunch, which I ordered on the preceding Friday afternoon.

 

[alistair.o]

... Haggle ...good grief.
Its a professional outlet providing a service not a bazaar.
...

I say! that wouldn't do at all, what!

Next thing is the lower orders will be at table with us...!

 

[CrisR]

Wonderful people, very professional, bought my M8 from there, had my M2 repaired, will let you try out anything in the shop.

There's no haggling tho, the price is the price, just like any other shop.

 

[joetothphoto]

Have to disagree there. I have been in many shops that sell used equipment and there is room for negotiation, you just have to ask and you also need to know the used inventory. If they only have one of something they might not budge the price, but if they have 20 bodies of a certain type, they might budge a little. I also think that some people's attitude about trying to negotiate a better deal on Leica gear is unthinkable are out of touch. I shoot with my gear and I don't care if it picks up a nick here and there. I am not interested in it's collectible aspect. I am going to use it, so I see no reason why I shouldn't ask a shop if they can take off 5% of a price if I buy £2000 worth of body and lens.

 

[joetothphoto]

Following-up... yes from my research, Red Dot has the best price compared to equipment condition I have seen and I would feel that the price offered is very fair.

 

[Michael Markey]

I say! that wouldn't do at all, what!

Next thing is the lower orders will be at table with us...!

Good grief ... fetch my Purdey. 🙂