Leica Test Drive program?

[jfujita]

I just got a test-drive invitation from Leica in the mail today.

"Equipment included with your test drive:

Leica M8 or M7

Brand New 35mm f2.5 Summarit lens + accessories
Brand new 75 mm f2.5 Summarit lens + accessories

Combi Bag M, by Billingham"

I havent heard of this program before and the invitation does not say how long the equipment will be on loan to me for.

I was wondering if any other RFF'er has taken them up on their invitation and how the arrangements were made.

Sounds like a pretty cool deal and a pretty good marketing campaign. I currently have a film body and never really considered an M8 but this deal would probably put one in my hands.

Maybe I'll report back...from a local non-extraditionary country.

 

[shimo-kitasnap]

cool! how did you get the invitation if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Riccis]

I believe it's $50 for the weekend... Just head to your participating authorized Leica dealer and they should have more info for you.

Cheers,

Riccis

 

[visiondr]

That sounds like a great way to go!

 

[jfujita]

I registered an MP3 last year so I guess they've got my number.

Experience the incomparable Leica M8 digital or M7 analog cameras plus two exciting new ultra-compact, high performance Summarit-M lenses firsthand -- and at no cost to you! We are offering you this unique test drive opportunity for a limited time only. Act quickly to savor the world's honored rangefinder cameras, the Leica M8 and M7, along with the new line of exquisitely detailed German-made Summarit M35mm f2.5 and 75mm f2.5 lenses based on upgraded versions of classic optical formulas. Best of all, the Leica M8 or M7 test drive is FREE!

.....

Arrange your personal M-System Test Drive by contacting any of the participating Leica dealers listed. Present the attached Test Drive Card and you will be able to shoot with the finest performing, handcrafted, elegantly simple system in all of photography. Fair warning -- once you experience this level of perfection, you may not want to give it back!

 

[jfujita]

I guess you can't beat free

 

[Avotius]

I contacted Leica about this test drive program before, they never replied to me, even calling in the person there said they had never heard of such a program (back when I was in the states)

 

[usayit]

I know bergencountycamera here is participating. Got the flyer and I was in the shop when they opened the brown box to reveal the bag, 35mm, 75mm summarits and a brand new M8.

I was hoping it had the updated shutter... just out of curiosity.

 

[Riccis]

I uploaded a pdf document with all the info for the Test Drive Program to my site along with a list of participating dealers.

Feel free to download it from here (http://www.riccisvalladares.com/downloads/Leica_Test_Drive.pdf)

Cheers,

Riccis

 

[jfujita]

How long is the trial for?

 

[Ken Ford]

I got an invite today - which to pick? M7 or M8?

 

[Ken Ford]

I spoke to Calumet today, and they have no idea how to do it!

 

[jfujita]

How long...?

 

[hlockwood]

I believe it's $50 for the weekend... Just head to your participating authorized Leica dealer and they should have more info for you.

Cheers,

Riccis

Actually, it's free. I spoke with my local (participating) Leica dealer yesterday. He said I can have the M8 kit for a weekend, Friday afternoon to Monday morning.

Harry

 

[hlockwood]

Actually, it's free. I spoke with my local (participating) Leica dealer yesterday. He said I can have the M8 kit for a weekend, Friday afternoon to Monday morning.

Harry

Well, I went back to the dealer this morning to set up a weekend of M8 shooting and asked about liability in case of theft. The dealer said I would be liable. Hmm, that would be more than $8.5K for the camera and two lenses. I cancelled.

Harry

P.S. See my other post on the Passport warranty for more Leica fun.

 

[PaulN]

Well, I went back to the dealer this morning to set up a weekend of M8 shooting and asked about liability in case of theft. The dealer said I would be liable. Hmm, that would be more than $8.5K for the camera and two lenses. I cancelled.

I don't think the dealers are too keen on this Test Drive program either. I called up my local dealer and they wanted me to come in to the store and borrow the demo camera for a short period of time verse taking the test drive camera for a weekend. Apparently the camera stores have to buy the test drive camera, and due to slow sales are hesitant in having another M8 sitting in inventory.

I also asked about insurance/liability, and he said it was all on me. They put a credit card on file incase anything happens to the camera/lenses. In the end, the dealer tried to convince me to go down the DSLR route instead of investing in an M8 and recommended the Zeiss lenses over the new Sumarits. It was a pretty sad conversation; I knew Leica was having issues and that the falling dollar was jacking up prices, but I did not expect so much discontent from their dealers.

 

[hlockwood]

I don't think the dealers are too keen on this Test Drive program either. I called up my local dealer and they wanted me to come in to the store and borrow the demo camera for a short period of time verse taking the test drive camera for a weekend. Apparently the camera stores have to buy the test drive camera, and due to slow sales are hesitant in having another M8 sitting in inventory.

I also asked about insurance/liability, and he said it was all on me. They put a credit card on file incase anything happens to the camera/lenses. In the end, the dealer tried to convince me to go down the DSLR route instead of investing in an M8 and recommended the Zeiss lenses over the new Sumarits. It was a pretty sad conversation; I knew Leica was having issues and that the falling dollar was jacking up prices, but I did not expect so much discontent from their dealers.

Your experience reflects mine almost exactly. I get the impression that some dealers are looking to exit the Leica market in favor of more lucrative product lines. I think the M8 is a particular sore point. The cost on maintaining an inventory is prohibitive for some. My dealer will stock no more than one camera, if that. That Leica is not giving more support to their dealers is poor business practice.

Harry