Jump to content

Counter Narrative


Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I fully acknowledge that I am a extremely frustrated in my wait for the Q from my local Leica dealer. The Leica Q appears to be spot on for my needs. Despite my mini-rant, I am purchasing the Q, partially because of my previous Leica experiences with their film cameras and stellar lenses. Many younger people have little or no knowledge of Leica. As with these kinds of decisions, I think the Leica Q is worth the money. 

 

Nevertheless, in my opinion, it would have been appropriate for Leica to have a meaningful inventory of the Q upon release, and not have customers paying in excess of $4,200 without any visibility as to when one will receive their camera. Although I am a Leica advocate, three, four, or five months after release is a long time to wait. 

Link to post
Share on other sites

I feel your pain. I bought a Fuji XT-1 w/ 18mm to hold me over until the Q becomes readily available. I'm also hoping Leica does a firmware update to address a couple of minor features I wish were included when it was initially released. At that point I may sell the XT-1 or keep it if it fills my needs for the minor short comings the Q does not offer. I'm guessing the Q will be easy to find after the holidays...

Link to post
Share on other sites

Leica is a small company. The financial & technical risk would be huge - one failed product, or one serious issue found after release could break them.

 

Did you really pay up front? Wow!

Understood. I live in the United States, and no person at my local authorized Leica Store ever asked me for my credit card. Of course, I would have consented.  I am merely on the waiting list, until the camera comes in. Learning patience....... 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Look at the Leica Dealership list and pick up a phone. 

 

Even in the dark days of 'unobtainable' Leica products I have managed to get what I want within a few weeks .... and often a few days by dogged persistence and phoning around.

 

If a dealer has it on the shelf .... even if it is allegedly 'allocated' .... they will often sell just to avoid the palaver of trying to contact people on the 'waiting list' ...... who often never reply, have lost interest or sourced the camera/lens from elsewhere.......

 

You clearly have not a severe enough attack of GAS or would have one on the way from Germany by now as Jaap suggests ......  :p  (I've bought from Meister in Germany from the UK ...... reliable and no problems ..... and cheaper ....)

Link to post
Share on other sites

Look at the Leica Dealership list and pick up a phone. 

 

Even in the dark days of 'unobtainable' Leica products I have managed to get what I want within a few weeks .... and often a few days by dogged persistence and phoning around.

 

If a dealer has it on the shelf .... even if it is allegedly 'allocated' .... they will often sell just to avoid the palaver of trying to contact people on the 'waiting list' ...... who often never reply, have lost interest or sourced the camera/lens from elsewhere.......

 

You clearly have not a severe enough attack of GAS or would have one on the way from Germany by now as Jaap suggests ......  :p  (I've bought from Meister in Germany from the UK ...... reliable and no problems ..... and cheaper ....)

I don't know about Leica's warranty,  although I have owned a few with multiple lenses, but any camera purchased outside of the USA (perhaps not Leica) is considered "gray market." Years ago,a  B & H representative told me that Leica equipment purchased outside of the USA was considered gray market. Maybe, maybe not.  Most of my previous Leica equipment has been purchased in the USA, with a fully authorized Leica warranty. I bought one Leica lens in Hong Kong (of 5 lenses and 2 cameras total). 

 

Importantly, I want to purchase it locally from the Leica Store in Miami. Clearly, I understand how to buy equipment outside of a local area. I purchased my Nikon 800E from Montana when it was a "red hot" camera. Also,

I don't know how many pieces of equipment I bought from B & H in New York City.  It is a sizable number. Yes, I was a little bit annoyed with the Leica eco-system. But I get it, and will have to wait until the Q hits my local store. The hour I spent at my

local store with the Q was invaluable, and I want to maintain that relationship. Good, bad, or indifferent, like many on this board, I am accustomed to getting what I want if I am willing to pay the price.

 

This time it is just not the case, and I will wait. I know the Q is worth it. Good luck!

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Only Leica USA will make guaranty trouble for goods bought abroad. Leica's factory guaranty is worldwide and includes the USA.  The only downside for an American buyer would be dealing directly with Wetzlar, not a big deal in these days of 24 hours UPS service.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Only Leica USA will make guaranty trouble for goods bought abroad. Leica's factory guaranty is worldwide and includes the USA.  The only downside for an American buyer would be dealing directly with Wetzlar, not a big deal in these days of 24 hours UPS service.

True….I generally buy my Leica gear in the US from one of two or three dealers depending on who has stock of the gear I'm looking for at the time, ( one being The Leica Store in Miami ). I also live and work in Europe too and when my Leica's have needed attention wherever I might be I contact Wetzlar directly and have always received exemplary after sales service no matter where the equipment was purchased and whether it was within the warranty period or not……..Always remember though, as others have pointed out here, it's a relatively small company of which Leica Camera is but one division. When one of your Leica products need attention have a camera back-up option and patience whilst the issues are sorted.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...