M8 purchase advice needed ...

[ramosa]

Hello All,

OK, after a few months of pondering, I'm going to get an M8. I have considered different means of purchase: 1) new from online camera store or ebay; 2) used via RFF or ebay; and 3) demo via online camera store or ebay.

The "new" (from online camera store) price seems to be holding steady at $5,495. (Does anyone know of a lower new price?) Demo prices seem to be in the low $4,000s, with used prices in the high $3,000s.

Note: As I look ahead, I am not overly interested in the sapphire glass for the LCD screen, nor FF (if that ever becomes a reality). The new shutter could be somewhat appealing.

Anyway, I know there are various related posts--but most of them seem to be somewhat dated (e.g., preceding all of the recent Leica news and M8 upgrade news) or targeting only one type of purchase (e.g., demo).

I'm not looking for encouragement to purchase an M8 (as I have already made that decision)--but I am looking for suggestions about the various "types" of purchase (new from online camera store, new from ebay, used from RFF or ebay, demo from online camera store, demo from ebay, etc.), as well as potential sources for such purchases.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! 🙂

 

[furcafe]

Assuming you're referring to a reputable on-line store, like B&H or KEH, I would purchase new from them in order to have the warranty coverage; demo would be OK, too, if there's a good warranty & you have the chance to check it out.

Just remember you're buying an electronic device (that's not known for its stellar reliability).

 

[nrb]

Better prices and rebates will certainly show after the launch of the full frame M9, I guess. And I concur that digital stuff does need warranties.

 

[Roger Hicks]

If you can afford it, new from a reputable dealer. NO contest, for any camera, be it M8 or anything else.

Cheers,

R.

 

[tmfabian]

I buy anything digital new.
In my head it equates to the same thought as would I buy a used/demo computer/hard drive/printer.
New electronics are iffy to me to begin with let alone demo's.
The extra 1k is worth the peace of mind knowing returns aren't going to be met with hostility should it have issues out of the box.

 

[sjavid]

i suggest you call Alex or Tony at www.popflash.com. I just purchased a new M8 from them and can't encourage you enough to speak with them about prices for new M8s before purchasing anywhere else. I have no affiliation with them at all other than being a happy new customer.

 

[ramosa]

great thanks for your help

great thanks for your help

All,

so much help. thanks.

there have been moments when a used price seems appealing, but i agree that i would find a (more valuable) piece of mind in purchasing new, with warranty, from a reputable dealer.

i will do that just that--buy new from a reputable dealer.

thanks again ...

 

[mary jo]

Hi,

I just purchased a new in the box with full warranty from Arlington Camera in Arlington, TX. They were wonderful to deal with. New M8 was $4895. Hope this helps.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

i suggest you call Alex or Tony at www.popflash.com. I just purchased a new M8 from them and can't encourage you enough to speak with them about prices for new M8s before purchasing anywhere else. I have no affiliation with them at all other than being a happy new customer.

I can't agree more. I have been dealing with Tony for many years and his service is second to none.

Also look here:

http://www.popflash.com/index.php?p=product&id=1747&parent=6

 

[ramosa]

Hi,

I just purchased a new in the box with full warranty from Arlington Camera in Arlington, TX. They were wonderful to deal with. New M8 was $4895. Hope this helps.

Thanks for mentioning this. This store comes up when I have searched on google, but it seems to indicate that the product is not in stock. But a telephone call should help me clarify the matter. Thanks again!

 

[dcsang]

If you were in Canada, locally to Toronto, Brian from Harry's Pro Shop has brand new for $4799 CDN plus taxes - while he is a "dealer" he is grey market - I would buy from him but I am local to him 🙂

Cheers
Dave

P.S. I'm sure, now that you've mentioned you're going to get an M8, you've probably received a few PM's offering you used ones from various members - you can always buy from them but as most suggest, go with a warranty.

 

[Isca]

Another vote for Popflash. I bought 2 UV/IR filters off them, only a small purchase but as I'm in canada it has all the pitfalls of climbing Everest it seems. Also, I was going away so needed them quickly. They were very helpful, fast and efficient. No hesitation at all.

Check out Photovillage as well. I've never bought anything from them but mostly due to bad timing. They ahve a good reputation and I'd deal with them.

 

[Aaron S]

I would give Tony Rose at Popflash a call. Tony has always been more than willing to answer any questions that I have had. He is absolutly the best to deal with, and always very helpful. Just my 2 cents

 

[jaapv]

Better prices and rebates will certainly show after the launch of the full frame M9, I guess.

Maybe, but when will that be 2011? 2013? Even later? Don't forget Leica has gotten into the future-proof upgrade path with the M8.

 

[Ben Z]

Another vote for Tony Rose @ Popflash. I found Tony to be very customer-service oriented, and without giving any "attitude".

 

[kingsley244]

Like Ramosa, I have decided to buy an M8. To avoid duplicity of threads, I wish to seek some advice for myself in this thread. Hope it's ok with Ramosa.

If I decide to buy a used M8, is there a difference between the earlier batches of M8 and the later ones ? Thanks.

 

[JWW]

Yes, Tony at Popflash is 1st Rate.

Jan

 

[nrb]

Maybe, but when will that be 2011? 2013? Even later? Don't forget Leica has gotten into the future-proof upgrade path with the M8.

The full frame M9 was supposed to be released later this year, according to Amateur Photographer, but that was before Lee was sacked. Notwithstanding you are right, things with Leica one never knows...

 

[jaapv]

The full frame M9 was supposed to be released later this year, according to Amateur Photographer, but that was before Lee was sacked. Notwithstanding you are right, things with Leica one never knows...

Come on, that was baseless speculation, which was not even formulated the way you do...

 

[jaapv]

Like Ramosa, I have decided to buy an M8. To avoid duplicity of threads, I wish to seek some advice for myself in this thread. Hope it's ok with Ramosa.

If I decide to buy a used M8, is there a difference between the earlier batches of M8 and the later ones ? Thanks.

None that matters