Leica M8 repair for Canadians?

[chuck77]

I recently had my newly acquired M8 fail on me. The shutter is in need of repair, and Leica NJ has asked me to send it in.

My question is - if I ship my camera to the US from Canada, will I get charged duties and taxes on the camera (again) when it comes back to me from repair?

I don`t mind going to the states to ship it, if that`s what it takes to avoid extremly expensive duties and taxes when the camera comes back.

 

[Vickko]

I've had repair cameras go back and forth from the USA. The US sender needs to write on the customs form that it is a Canadian camera, returning to owner, after repair service. Then there won't be taxes. Also, specify on your senders form that it is a camera going to the USA for service. And be prepared to show that documentation when receiving the camera, to back up the claim that it is a returning camera.

 

[wafflecakee]

Kindermann is good, slow but good. I don't know if they do digital though.

 

[Rafael]

To the best of my knowledge, Gerry at Kindermann does not work on digital M's. However, I believe that Kindermann can facilitate the shipment to and from Leica NJ if you wish them to.

On a slightly different note, and not to highjack the thread, but I am very surprised that you would refer to the service at Kindermann as slow. I just had a lens in to Gerry. Turn-around time was about a week (from the time I sent the lens to the time I received it back by mail). And this experience is in keeping with my other experiences with Gerry (CLAs on three cameras and on at least three lenses that I can remember), as well as the experiences that have been reported by others I know who have dealt with Gerry. Apart from the superb service he offers, I would actually say that speed of turn-around is one of the consistent characteristics of Gerry's work.

 

[gustavoAvila]

Apart from the superb service he offers, I would actually say that speed of turn-around is one of the consistent characteristics of Gerry's work.

I second this comment.

In addition to being very prompt, Gerry is also a great communicator.

 

[Vickko]

Never had an issue with Gerry's turnaround. He always let me know if he was backlogged.

As for doing the M8, I don't think they do them. I had an M8 "go bad" and they recommended New Jersey.

 

[wafflecakee]

You know it's funny, I've always heard he's very quick and I've had friends who did get their gear back fast. Unfortunately I've never been so lucky. I've waited 2 months for a lens and 3 months for a CLA. Never got a heads up they were backed up or any information on whether or not they were waiting for parts.

I'd still recommend Gerry, but I just can't personally say they've always been fast.

 

[sevres_babylone]

I haven't shipped to Leica, but I have had to send cameras for repair. The biggest hassle is actually shipping to the U.S., not getting it back. There's no duty on cameras in Canada anyway, and I haven't had even HST/GST charges where the form clearly indicates repair. I would avoid UPS if you can--I've had blood-pressure raising experiences with them a few times with international shipping. While I wouldn't go to the U.S. just to ship, if I was planning a trip anyway, or had something else to do there, it's worth shipping from there. I used a trip to Cape Cod last summer to finally ship both my OM-1 and T3 for long-needed repairs. Both were returned to me by USPS with no hassle. Of course, both are worth less than the Leica, so I can't advise whether insisting on USPS is a good idea or bad one in your case. You might call Leica and see what your shipping options are.

 

[chuck77]

Great news! I shipped my M8 to Leica and after looking at it, they were willing to repair it free of charge. I clearly insisted that it should it should not fail with just 15xx actuations, and was lucky that they helped me out.

I shipped it from New York, via USPS for a total of $33 USD, but insured for the full value of the camera.