Buying a M8

[Guest kissov]

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Where do I buy a M8 and a couple of lenses? My D2 is being serviced for a dead sensor so I have the excuse I need for buying a new toy. I would like to purchase locally but tax is 8.5% so I need suggestions for an internet dealer. Thank you.

[DaveEP]

B&H say they are in stock.....

[robsteve]

Where do I buy a M8 and a couple of lenses? My D2 is being serviced for a dead sensor so I have the excuse I need for buying a new toy. I would like to purchase locally but tax is 8.5% so I need suggestions for an internet dealer. Thank you.

 

Try Collectible Cameras in Arizona. I bought both my M8 and DMR there. They are also a sponsor and unlike internet sites, you will get personal one on one service. In my experience, their prices were better than most too.

 

Collectible Cameras: Used Cameras, Vintage Cameras, Film Cameras, Digital Cameras and More

[mr_big]

You should try Popflash. They're an online retailer but they're located in Thousand Oaks which is close to where you are and you can go there for pick-ups. I bought my M8 from them and Tony's a great guy to work with.

[dseelig]

Call Ken Hansen 7 dayss a week from 9:30am to 7 Pm NY time 212 879 3263. Ken used to be the best pro dealer in NYC now just deals with leica. No one will go out of there way to help you out with a problem then Ken. I have donne buisness wiith him for 26 years. . He gets nice used gear as well. David

[ken_tanaka]

You might as well buy it in Germany and have it send directly to Leica's Solms facility. There's perhaps a 50% chance it will end up there within a few months anyway so you'll save yourself some time, shipping cost, and grief.

 

Sorry, I couldn't resist a little black humor.

 

The M8's are easy to find at major dealers and probably at some of the the mom-and-pops, too. The price is the same everywhere (except, of course the Eastern European eBay boys who require only $3,000 MoneyGram prepayments). I bought mine at a large NY dealer where I've bought most of my equipment for years. (My home town has even worse sales tax rates, so dealing with a local was out of the sanity zone.) Big shops often have an inventory advantage over small locals. If the camera arrives dead or defective (a real possibility here) the big boys can often send a quick replacement. Small shops often can't (or won't).

 

Allegiance to a small shop is laudable. But, as it sounds as if you have no such relationship, it's far more practical to deal with a big boy (or with a German shop ) for this item.

 

Have fun!

[enboe]

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I've had luck in getting Samys, Cals, and Bel Air to offer tax-free even when it wasn't a Leica day. I simply asked if they could do the Leica day tax free special. I've also bought tax-free at Paul's during Leica days.

 

Buying local will give you access to expertise, and you can assure the condition and function of the camera before you buy. I made a mistake in being impatient and ordering my M8 mail-order as nobody local had one in stock. Bottom line - the camera came with a buckled shutter and I had no camera and no money for about 2 1/2 months.

 

Eric

[Photoskeptic]

Got mine through Photo Village in New York. Excellent people to deal with as I have purchased two other M's and various lenses from them in the past. They are a volume dealer with a personal touch and are more likely to have what you want.

Good luck.

[girphoto]

hi

you can call Sean at CameraWest @ 831-643-9088

 

He is one of the best Leica dealers in the country and a good guy to work with.

Tell him I said to call and he might just find that camera in the back.

Good Luck!

Gary

Gary I. Rothstein, Photography

[fjmcsu]

I just noticed a black M8 available if there is still a need to purchase from a trusted retailer;

PopFlash.Photo: LEICA M8 BLACK BODY Wish I had the doe for a second one!

[AGeoJO]

Since you are in CA, if you buy from a dealer within the State, "uncle Arnold" with get his share..... At the current rate of 8.75%, if you buy a body and two lenses, that portion would be approximately $800.00. Unless you can write if off, it would financially make sense to buy the setup from a reputable, out-of-state dealer. Just my opinion, of course.

[cldp]

I had a good buying experience from Tamarkin-NY. Also, I have used B&H for equipment many times and have never had a problem. If you're a NAPP member B&H will 3 day ship for free. You have to call a special number, no discount on web orders.

[DaveB]

I live out in the sticks at least 3 hours from the nearest surly dealer.

 

Amazon.com got it to me 60hrs after clicking online. No shipping charge, no sales tax.

 

I've got a full month of return privilege in case I don't like it.

 

But it works like a charm.

 

B&H gets all my other business too. When there's an order problem they make good fast.