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london visit - red dot or leica mayfair


uroman

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Are there still Leica dealers in Pied Bull Yard across from the British Museum? I recall visiting them many years ago. When it comes to shopping, London to me is like Paris is to my wife :D

 

I think you're probably thinking of The Classic Camera. They are still there (as far as I know) BUT they lost their official Leica dealer status.They used to be my dealer, but I left them when they ceased to be official Leica dealers, because buying from them would not have the Passport Warranty. They do seem to sell new Leicas, and I can't imagine where they source their stock. Fifty shades of grey?

 

So far as the OP's question is concerned, I too think Red Dot would be better for bags and deals involving a trade. Mayfair is quite a posh boutiqueish place - very nice people there of course, but Red Dot suits me better for their deep knowledge of Leica products both old and new.

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Go to both, but RD have a good web site to look at before you go. Easy tube journey from one to the other. If you have not travelled on the tube recently no need to buy tickets as you just zap a debit card at the turnstye when you get on and again when you get off.Dont get to red dot too early or you might meet Elvis (grin).

Brian

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I would like to buy a bag tomorrow and maybe a lens. I would even consider trading my m9 for a monochrome, if I could do that. Any reason to go to one over the other?

Tomorrow will be Sunday so neither of them will be open until Monday. My advice would be Red Dot Cameras because they have a good range of used stock (Mayfair has no used stock) and the service in my experience is friendlier and better informed since Ivor has owned and dealt with Leica cameras for decades. And if you're lucky, Elaine will offer you a cup of tea for you to drink as you sit and think or browse.:D

 

Pete.

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Tomorrow will be Sunday so neither of them will be open until Monday. My advice would be Red Dot Cameras because they have a good range of used stock (Mayfair has no used stock) and the service in my experience is friendlier and better informed since Ivor has owned and dealt with Leica cameras for decades. And if you're lucky, Elaine will offer you a cup of tea for you to drink as you sit and think or browse.:D

 

Pete.

 

+1 for Red Dot.

 

Lovely shop, lovely people. And as Pete says, they will probably even make you a drink!

 

Was there yesterday selling some stuff and picking up an M240P; always a delight to deal with Ivor, Elaine and the RDC team. My dealer of choice in London (or in fact anywhere!).

 

Regards

Edited by jcraf
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I would like to buy a bag tomorrow and maybe a lens. I would even consider trading my m9 for a monochrome, if I could do that. Any reason to go to one over the other?

 

Leica Mayfair don't do trade-ins to my knowledge. As a Monochrome with CMOS sensor is thought to be imminent it wold be prudent to hold off swapping camera (and avoid potential sensor replacement issues).

 

Classic Camera lists s/h or demo-used Leica products only nowadays. You might try Aperture, Rathbone Place, as they have many used M lenses at all focal lengths at fair prices [see website]. Very nice people to deal with. :)

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+1 for Red Dot.

 

Lovely shop, lovely people. And as Pete says, they will probably even make you a drink!

 

Was there yesterday selling some stuff and picking up an M240P; always a delight to deal with Ivor, Elaine and the RDC team. My dealer of choice in London (or in fact anywhere!).

 

Regards

 

 

...+2 for Red Dot.

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Leica Mayfair is a bit hit and miss ....... treated very well and indulgently on some occasions ..... and virtually ignored when regarded (appropriately) as not being a member of the upper crust or landed gentry ..... and it can be 'busy' ..... well 'Leica busy' that is..... which can result in you kicking your heels and waiting for attention.

Despite what Fanz says they do often have refurbed/ ex demo warranted gear and a good discount.

 

Leica in Burlington arcade is worth a visit ...... often empty.... and where they send the nicer female staff who are considerably more friendly and helpful ... and usually just as knowledgeable. More limited stock ... and I can't recall seeing much in the way of bags at all....

 

Only had dealings with RD on the phone but they are always friendly and helpful....

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… Despite what Fanz says they do often have refurbed/ ex demo warranted gear and a good discount. ....

Point taken but that's not quite the same as the used M, S, R, screw-mount, X, T, cameras, lenses and accessories and compacts that Red Dot Cameras holds.

 

Pete.

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I would like to buy a bag tomorrow and maybe a lens. I would even consider trading my m9 for a monochrome, if I could do that. Any reason to go to one over the other?

 

Red Dot. Always friendly and helpful. Mayfair helpful but your wallet will feel it much more.

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