Leica Passport Protection Returns

J J Kapsberger

J J Kapsberger

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Leica Boutique (Camtec Photo) in Montréal reports that Passport Protection is back.


In an emailing to its customers: "EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, LEICA REINSTITUTES PASSPORT COVERAGE ON M & R LENSES (SUMMARITS INCLUDED), ANALOG CAMERAS AND SPORT OPTIC PRODUCTS."
 
Probably to justify current prices? Most who purchase under Passport Protection will probably never use it, but knowing that you have it is a nice feeling of security.
 
This, of course, will vary from country to country. I'm guessing Leica Canada is a smaller market than, let's say, Leica USA, which I believe is no longer offering new Passport warranties.
 
This, of course, will vary from country to country. I'm guessing Leica Canada is a smaller market than, let's say, Leica USA, which I believe is no longer offering new Passport warranties.
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I just received my "passport" protection plan for my Leica 90mm Elmar Macro and I am a US resident, so.....
 
So what happens if you bought a lens (or an M8 for that matter) after Leica took away Passport Protection but before it just got reinstated?
 
That discussion was over 3 weeks ago. pevelg reported that he got his Passport warranty only 3 hours ago.
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I purchased the lens 3-20-08, my Passport Protection Plan thus starts on 3-20-08, ends 3-20-11. I had mailed card about 2 weeks ago, received today.
 
If this is true, I'm done purchasing used Leica stuff. Only new stuff from now on. If this is true, and works like the "old" passport warranty, I have to say that it is a great thing that Leica has done here. This might be another one of those "Get Lee out the door"-things. The Passport *is* what Leica is all about.
 
Good news, then. Strange how I couldn't find any details about it on the web (didn't Leica USA used to have their own website?)

When I bought my M6 new in 1993 (for around $2000) the "Passport Protection" was a big selling point -- it was trumpeted in all of the print ads in B&H, Adorama, etc... Maybe it even said "just send us the pieces" and if it can't be repaired, you'll get a replacement.
 
OK, so I'm throughly confused (as usual). :eek:
I've just purchased a Demo M7 from a dealer. It includes a 1 year Leica USA warranty. I just sent the card in today. Will I be eligible for Passport warranty with this camera?

And, can someone please explain what the Passport program does, exactly?
 
visiondr said:
And, can someone please explain what the Passport program does, exactly?
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If you destroy your Leica (drop off a cliff, run over with bulldozer, sink in 500 meters of water, etc.), as long as you returned the camera, or what's left of it, with the serial number intact, they would replace it free of charge.

Jim B.
 
Unfortunately, Passport Protection will do you no good if your kit is stolen.

Perhaps you will still be ahead of the game if you buy Leica used and have a good insurance policy with a personal articles clause?
 
saxshooter said:
Unfortunately, Passport Protection will do you no good if your kit is stolen.

Perhaps you will still be ahead of the game if you buy Leica used and have a good insurance policy with a personal articles clause?
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Stolen equipment is more or less the cheapest to get insured against. I pay approx. $200/year to insure my gear against theft (total value of $20,000). It's the "dimwit" insurance that costs.

I've had to use the passport twice, once I dropped the camera into a river (my fault), the second time, my wife backed my first M6 with the car (don't even ask...). Both times they fixed it within a week.
 
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