Leica's M-System Test Drive Program

[psquared]

I haven't seen this program mentioned anywhere. I just got a mailer from Leica USA announcing a free Test Drive program for the M System. I don't know exactly who's eligible (apparently you need to present the Test Drive Card), but one can check out either an M8 or an M7 with a 35mm Summarit and a 75mm Summarit in the package. The program is free through participating dealers. It doesn't say how long you get to keep the package to try out.

I don't know if there's a similar program for EU and other parts of the world. I think it's a long overdue program for the Leica faithful. Could it be one of Dr. Kaufman's initiatives?

[delander]

There was a similar programme in the UK a few months back, dont know if it is still up and running or how successful it was.

Jeff

[mobilexile]

Sweet, I hope thy do that here in Minneapolis.

[jfujita]

Hmm,

I just got one of those in the mail today too. (I'm in Irvine (Orange County)). I've never heard of this program either and I made a similar post here: Leica Test Drive program? - Rangefinderforum.com

Sounds interesting

[marknorton]

The UK effort was handled with the usual ineptitude - you had to pay $90 (refundable if you then bought a camera) and bring it back within 3 hours so hardly a chance to get to know the thing. Hopefully, the US version will be more useful.

[Riccis]

Send David Farkas (dfarkas) a PM... He is an authorized Leica dealer also participating in the Test Drive program and can answer all your questions.

Regards,

Riccis

[darkstar2004]

Originally Posted by marknorton

The UK effort was handled with the usual ineptitude - you had to pay $90 (refundable if you then bought a camera) and bring it back within 3 hours so hardly a chance to get to know the thing. Hopefully, the US version will be more useful.

$30/hour to "test drive" a Leica, huh??

Sounds more like an overpriced RENTAL PROGRAM to me...

[Black Dot]

It also says "Check out our M-System Promotion and Save $$$" separately on the mailer but I cannot find any info on any such promotion. They obviously aren't talking about the Test Drive Promotion itself here. Hmmmm...

[stevelap]

Pity this promotion isn't running along the same lines as an 'R' promotion that ran in the UK a while ago.

I borrowed an R9 plus a couple of lenses (what an excellent camera that was, I was smitten) and was even allowed to take them out of the country on a trip to the Nile! I don't remember paying for the privilege either, although I had to leave my credit card details as security, which was fair enough given the circumstances.

[darkstar2004]

I just got a mailer on this program for we folk here in the U.S. It is billed as a FREE program, no $90 "test drive fee."

$90 to play with a camera for 3 hours - gah!! How cheesy!!

Did Leica come up with this plan, or was this the brainchild of some dealer out to score some free cash?? Makes me wonder...

[lesliefeng]

Originally Posted by darkstar2004

I just got a mailer on this program for we folk here in the U.S. It is billed as a FREE program, no $90 "test drive fee."

$90 to play with a camera for 3 hours - gah!! How cheesy!!

Did Leica come up with this plan, or was this the brainchild of some dealer out to score some free cash?? Makes me wonder...

I called my leica dealer, and then, I have been scheduled by the dealer. It is a free and take home test for 3-4 days. But need to sign a agreement (have not seen the contract yet), it will come with the kit (1body+2 lens). I guess the agreement should not be serious, maybe something just ask you to take care of the kit.
BTW, I am in OH.