Leica USA warranty - different from an European Leica M8 warranty?

[ZebGoesZeiss]

This is a quick question, and I suspect some of you US members know the answer. I friend of mine is about to buy his Leica M8, but he was wondering if there are any differences in the warranty from Leica if he gets it from a US dealer.

I know the warranty is two years, but is it international? Meaning he can send the camera off to Solms if there is a problem? He will be getting it from a Leica authorized dealer no matter what, but he has the option of purchasing it in the US and saving a cool $1500. Taxes/VAT aren't an issue in this case.

 

[Avotius]

Hm.....the leica warranty in china is only one year and no mention anywhere about free IR filters. A quick look at popflash (in the us) shows that the M8 comes with a two year leica warranty. And yes the warranty will let him send it off to Germany for a 6 month trip if there is a problem.

 

[Roger Hicks]

With most companies, the warranty is international IF the camera is bought in the buyer's country of residence, i.e. if you live in the UK and buy a camera mail-order from a US dealer it is regarded as a 'grey import' in the UK.

This is to support the local importer: his investment in stock, advertising, etc.

I don't know if Leica works this way; I don't know if the EU is viewed as pne 'country' for warranty purposes; but it's the way most work.

Cheers,

Roger

 

[pfoto]

If your friend buys the camera in the US he will have the choice of sending it to either Leica in New Jersey or Solms. Let's hope he will not need service but if he does it would pay him to find out what services Leica in the US can provide, because they send a fair amount of work to Solms anyway. In many cases it is better to send to Solms directly. Read up on the German Leica forum to see what residents of the US think of their service centre.

 

[RichC]

...Passport warranty (never offered on the M8).

Not in the US, but is offered here in the UK (and the rest of the EU?) - as well as the 2 year standard warranty, we get a 1 year Passport.

What happens about the Passport if you buy in the US but live in the EU, I don't know...

 

[Olsen]

I am a 'European' that have bought my M8 in Singapore. It is covered by Leica's international warranty of 12 months. After 10 months, a red line appeared in the pictures. I went to the Norwegian Leica importer (Farnes/Interfoto) who were very helpful and received the camera and sent it on to Solms.

If I had bought it in Norway, I would have been covered by Norwegian law that protects customers for up to three years 'right to reject'. Europe, contrary to USA, is a whole bunch of independant nations. All with different, or slightly different laws in this area.

A competition for Americans; how many independent nations are there in Europe..?

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Europe, contrary to USA, is a whole bunch of independant nations. All with different, or slightly different laws in this area.

Please don't confuse us with facts, Olsen

On this side of the pond, there are five other countries: Canada, Europe, Australia, Africa and "overseas". :bang:

 

[Olsen]

Please don't confuse us with facts, Olsen

On this side of the pond, there are five other countries: Canada, Europe, Australia, Africa and "overseas". :bang:

Ha, ha, ha! From over here it is Britain, France, Preussen - & the colonies.

- You colonial chaps are a charming flock!

 

[Bill Blackwell]

... A competition for Americans; how many independent nations are there in Europe..?

I am guessing 45 (if you include the Vatican).

 

[Olsen]

I am guessing 45 (if you include the Vatican).

I would say 35. I would hardly reckon places like Gurnsey and Gibraltar, Åland and Spitsbergen as independend states. But I would include San Marino and the Vatican State.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

The countries I counted (in alpha order) are:

Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia - Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia (the Former Yugoslav Republic), Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia - Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.

That’s 45.

 

[Olsen]

You are absolutely right, Bill. Its' 45 countries.

 

[artur5]

If you include Turkey as part of Europe .. aren't the Caucasic countries -Georgia, Azerbaidjan and Armenia- Europe also?
Anyway, for what I would say really "independent" state, I consider only one: The Vatican

 

[Bill Blackwell]

If you include Turkey as part of Europe .. aren't the Caucasic countries -Georgia, Azerbaidjan and Armenia- Europe also?

No. They are part of the continent of Asia.

Some countries, such as Russia, inhabit more than one continent.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

Sorry for the off-topic babble. I was just responding to Olsen's "challenge."

So what about that warranty... ?

 

[saxshooter]

Perhaps Leica USA anticipated long transit times to and from Germany for service hence the 2 year warranty period?