Good dealer for lenses

[L1913]

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I am located in the US and am new to Leica. I am looking to purchase two to three lenses at the same time and would like the buy from a dealer that will give me a good price. I know it is common for dealers outside the US to give substantial discounts, but the few dealers I have chatted with in the US have told me some story about how they can't give discounts because of their agreement with Leica, which may or may not be true, but I have always gotten good discounts in the past. Would appreciate PMs if anyone could recommend a US dealer.

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[StephenPatterson]

If you are paying via paypal or credit card and want the lens shipped (and you want it at a discount) it's probably best to look to *bay. There are many reputable Hong Kong resellers who are offering discounts under list. If you show up at these shops in HK with cash ready to buy the prices will always be less. Now I'm not talking about the tourist trap places in Tsim Sha Tsui with neon Canon/Nikon signs, but the guys who have been doing this for a while and specialize in quality used Leica cameras and lenses. Check the reviews and it's easy to find them.

 

As I have mentioned in other threads this is a great time to buy new lenses, as Leica are pumping out more than ever before and dealers are often flooded with inventory. Many are flipping excess inventory for cash, and some of these lenses end up in Hong Kong. Someone posted on this forum recently that Leica has stopped offering terms of credit to dealers and is now requiring payment either in advance or on delivery. This, combined with the new Leica requirements requiring greater numbers of camera and lenses be purchased every quarter will I feel result in even more inventory being unloaded and sold to grey market dealers.

 

Yesterday I bought a brand new 28mm Elmarit ASPH for 11000HKD, which works out to $1420 USD or 35% off MSRP.

[marknorton]

In the run-up to the launch of the M8 in 2006, there was a supplier in Hong Kong called, imaginatively, HK Supplies. Their prices and service were excellent at a time when there was a glut of lenses while we were waiting for Leica's first Digital M. I do not know if they are still in business but their prices became much less attractive as supply tightened.

 

It now seems that many lenses are readily available which might lead to a return to discounting.

[Bill W]

Are you looking for new or used?

[L1913]

For the purposes of this discussion brand new, but I'm interested in interesting used stuff as well.

 

Has anyone actually used the passport warranty?

[jaapv]

there are quite a few dealers that sponsor this site. I would suggest buying from one of them. As for discounts, don't hold your breath in Leicaland. The margin on the lenses is not that big, and although supply seems to be OK right now, there is usually an order backlog. There is one coming on right now I think, as the supply of M bodies appears to be accelerating. As soon as new owners, especially first-timers, come in most lenses will be sold out again.

[Bill W]

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It is a supply and demand economy in Leicaland. After the M9 was launched, the supply of new lens became non existing. The price of used stock was high. Right now except for a few like the 50 APO cron and 135 APO telyt there is a supply of the most popular lens out there. I would say that you can probably have some luck by calling dealers and checking on their used stock if that interest you.

[StephenPatterson]

Thanks Jaap, and I agree it's always a good idea to support the sponsors of the forum, as I have done for a majority of my lens and camera purchases.

 

I also agree with you that the delays in M240 shipments has had an effect on new M lens sales, but with a new factory coming online and Leica continuing to increase production I'm not convinced that we will soon be returning to a time when nearly everything is sold out. My feeling is that sales are slowing in Asia, and that bodies and lenses will be readily available next year, at least in this part of the world.