Tips for purchasing M10

brothernature

brothernature

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I'm about to buy an M10, which will be the most I've spent on one camera at one time.. the most I've spent on anything at one time really. I was wondering if anyone has any tips on finding the best price. Do Leica stores ever offer any deals?

Also wondering, does anyone here have an insurance policy for their camera? Would be nice to know that I'm covered if something were to happen while traveling, or if it were somehow stolen, etc.
 
I have a rider policy on my homeowner policy for about $100,000. It covers any kind of loss or damage and they will replace anything on the policy with a new camera/lens including inflation. I pay about $900 per year. It's a lot of money, but I don't ever worry about anything getting stolen or lost any more.
 
I would not buy such an expensive piece of equipment online. Go to a Leica store, they have the same prices and it's fun talking to the people and sipping a glass of champagne while you decide. After your purchase, you have a standing relationship with the store and they will be very helpful. For example, they will regularly offer you to take lenses or cameras for a weekend or a week (for free), give you a free loaner in case you need to send in your camera for adjustment/repair, invite you to exhibits and workshops, etc, without ever pressuring you whatsoever to buy something. I can't speak highly enough of Leica stores, they are awesome. Leica is the last camera maker that lets you fondle and touch cameras before you buy them, organize exhibits, have artist talks, etc., photo walks through the city, free meet-and-swap of prints, free photo critique with a reputed photographer, etc., and I think we should all support Leica for this.

Make sure you take pictures of your camera, your camera in the safe, and of the serial number, and put it on your insurance rider. This will make future insurance claims much easier.
 
Disagree with ^^.
Smaller official Leica dealers like Popflash in Los Angeles and Tamarkin in Chicago often have mint used or factory refurbished with full warranty, even discounted new that the Leica Stores can’t offer. Popflash often has deeply-discounted QM2 models (near-invisible cosmetic blemishes) that are sold with full warranty. Chatting with the guys (or women) at the shop is fun, but your best bet for a great deal would be from the two I’ve mentioned. LeicaStore Miami has had great deals on refurbished lenses and cameras with 1-year warranties too. There’s no risk with these reputable long-standing vendors so I wouldn’t worry the least. In fact, Popflash and Tamarkin consistently grade items very conservatively and what you get is in better shape than you expected.
 
I bought my last M 10 from Popflash new in box with full warranty for $5800 last Nov. They were down to $5600 a month or so ago. Don't know if they still have any for that great reduced price.

I am a full time pro so my equipment is fully insured.
 
Doug said:
PopFlash is a long-time RFF sponsor, see their linked ad in the Home page sidebar. 🙂
Have to agree with giganova too, though; the Leica Store experience is very good!
Click to expand...

They are indeed wonderful and particularly the SoHo store in New York, a center for exhibitions and culture. The staff there are fantastic as is the collection of rarely-seen items for sale.
Was the first time I’d handled unicorns like an R 35-70/2.8.
 
I've bought from Popflash before...great service. This said, I don't think they sell 'new' Leica M10's at a discount. The discounted M10's are 'mint' or 'as new'. Have a look at the Popflash site to find out more information.
 
Doug said:
PopFlash is a long-time RFF sponsor, see their linked ad in the Home page sidebar. 🙂
Have to agree with giganova too, though; the Leica Store experience is very good!
Click to expand...

Where is Popflash's link posted if we want to contact Tony Rose?
 
giganova said:
Read my post again (store experience, building relationship, free rentals/loaners, community programs ...).
Click to expand...

Tony Rose will allow you to send any item back if after a trial it seems the wrong thing. He's helped hasten items sent for repair and sells Zeiss optics at great prices.

Look, the services of the local Leica Store, like borrowing kit and the expositions of world-famous artists is great but if I can save thousands and not have burdensome taxes levied to boot, that's where I'm going. I've developed a relationship with PopFlash that isn't lacking. Same for Tamarkin.
 
giganova said:
Read my post again (store experience, building relationship, free rentals/loaners, community programs ...).
Click to expand...

I get that. I do. Honestly, I shop online so I don't have to deal with salesmen believe it or not. And yes, I've been to the Leica store in NYC. It's still just a camera store to me.
 
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