Introduction and M8 Questions

[John in Japan]

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Hi,

 

I'm considering joining the fold by picking up an M8. I currently have a Nikon D200, a Canon EOS 20D, a Lumix LX2 (almost a Leica) a Nikon 8700, a Casion S770, and probably another camera or two.

 

I'm an amateur, actually probably a step below an amateur. I just enjoy owning fine gear and enjoy using it even more. I take tons of photos and hardly do anything beyond just saving them and looking at them myself. I recognize a decent photo and about every 10000 clicks or so I get one and it gets turned into a 16x20 and framed.

 

Anyway I want an M8 but I can't find one. Everyone seems backordered. Also in the next 48 hours I'm flying to Frankfurt Germany and have a 12 hour layover there. I'm sure I can find an M8 there, however, the Euro price is quite a bit more than the US price. I won't pay the extra price. Also I'm unsure if this creates a gray market problem if I buy in Germany and get service in the US.

 

If I buy a new camera with 1.09 firmware does it have all the fixes? And also do the fixed cameras still require an external UV filter.

 

This is not a problem for me as I use a UV filter for almost every shot on my Nikon D200. I think they are a must.

 

Anyway, hi.......and I'll get one if I can find one.

 

John

Okinawa Japan

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[EricC]

Hello John,

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

I'm afraid that i cannot answer your questions with regards to buying an M8 in Germany and the possible warranty issues, however, as to your other two questions :

 

The latest currently available Firmware is, as far as i know, 1.09 and yes, you still require the UV/IR cut filters.

 

Eric

[Venkman]

John,

 

can't say much about the warranty issues.

 

As for the price of the M8, please consider that store prices in germany already include 19% VAT, which you can claim for a refund at the airport (sometimes even in store).

 

Also, please note that the M8 magenta issue is with IR - not UV.

 

Dirk

[dugby]

John, surprising thing about Japan is that Leica gear is quite cheap compared to USA and Europe. I suspect it's the volumes consumed in Japan equates to the rest of the world.

 

I found two quite good shops in Tokyo, One in Shinjuku and the other in the Ginza....

[chetccox]

The main Leica dealer in Frankfurt is Foto Hobby (http://www.foto-hobby.de). I do not know if they have the camera in stock. The price is, as has been said, including 19% VAT. This is easily refundable with the papers they will issue to you. Any airport in the EU will refund the 19% in cash on your departure from the EU. You will usually have to show the equipment physically when claiming the refund. Amsterdam airport usually has the camera in stock at the duty free electronics shop. You may be able to find it in the Frankfurt airport as well.

[John in Japan]

You guys have coughed up a wealth of information. Especially about the VAT, something I didn't know about.

 

Also I can't find the M8 at any local shops here in Japan or I'd pick it up as well.

 

I'll look in the Frankfurt Airport while I'm there.

 

John

[barjohn]

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I called Leica USA about the warranty and it doesn't matter where you buy it. You just need the sales receipt showing that you purchased from an authorized dealer and register your serial number on line. She also said if it was purchased outside of the US you would need the little booklet (I guess from her description it replaces the warranty card that is in the US version). Same two year warranty.