Would you buy a new grey market Leica digital M?

[edhohoho]

I tried searching the forums for previous threads but couldn't find anything immediately. Was wondering whether you would ever buy a new grey market Leica digital M?

I was told by the seller that he is not an authorized dealer, the box does not have the distributor sticker and the warranty card does not have the distributor stamp. But it reportedly does carry the 2 year international warranty.

I've been away from RFF and photography in general for several years, and when I last made purchases they were still doing the Passport warranty and such. But supposedly now everything is under the international warranty now.

So, is buying grey market a viable option that will still allow for protection under the Leica warranty, or is it essentially like buying a used Leica in which one would have to cover all expenses for repair regardless? (BTW, the seller is overseas and I am located in the USA.)

Thanks in advance, any advice would be appreciated.

 

[seakayaker1]

My understanding is that the warranty in the USA is different then the international warranty.

1 Pearl Court Unit A, Allendale NJ 07401-1610 - Phone: 800-222-0118 - Fax: 201-995-1684 Visit us on the Web: www.leicacamerausa.com

Best to inquire with Leica Service in New Jersey directly to see if they would honor a camera bought from an overseas seller.

 

[edhohoho]

Thanks for your response. I called the above number and the customer service representative said they couldn't guarantee that such a grey market purchase would be covered under warranty here. She said she could try to check the serial number with Leica Germany, but it is unlikely the seller would provide the number and he already said he is not an authorized dealer (warranty only applies when purchased from an authorized dealer).

Given we are talking about thousands of dollars, I guess I will have to wait for delivery from a US dealer.

 

[jaapv]

Leica Wetzlar provides warranty on all their products, irrespective of provenance. That is European and German law. Only proof of purchase is needed. The only hassle for you would be to send it to Wetzlar, as Leica USA will step back.

 

[BillBingham2]

Leica Wetzlar provides warranty on all their products, irrespective of provenance. That is European and German law. Only proof of purchase is needed. The only hassle for you would be to send it to Wetzlar, as Leica USA will step back.

My bet is that you'll get her back quicker than if she went to Jersey. But that is a SWAG (Super Wild A55 Guess).

B2 (;->

 

[Godfrey]

When I'm paying multiple hundreds to thousands of dollars for a new camera, I buy it from a dealer whom I can trust and who is authorized to sell it from the distributor in my market geography.

To buy a new product from an overseas dealer that I haven't dealt with and to expect Leica to provide after-purchase support isn't a good purchase strategy, IMO.

G

 

[Manuel Patino]

I bought a used M240, paid over $4K for it and it has no warranty.... So far it works great although I had to send it to Dag for the RF calibration. I would buy another used M warranty or not. The savings are too great to pass up. Just saying.

 

[LCT]

The seller of my 50/2 apo got it new on the grey market for 5,500 EUR in Nov. 2014. Hard to resist given the current price (7,000 EUR).