mkern1974 Posted January 3, 2009 Share #1 Posted January 3, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Dear Forum My favorite Leica dealer offered me a "Demo" Leica M8 for a fairly good price (2400E). The dealer gives me 1 year warranty/garantee and the camera looks pretty good and unused. What is usually understood by a Demo model from Leica? Any experiences from your sides? What would you advice? Many thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 3, 2009 Posted January 3, 2009 Hi mkern1974, Take a look here M8 Demo model?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Ronazle Posted January 3, 2009 Share #2 Posted January 3, 2009 Hi, my limited experience is that a Leica demo is likely to have the same virtues and flaws as a new Leica. The warranty is a Leica warranty and seems to be the same as a new guarantee except for the one year duration. You do get the software (i.e., C1) but do not get the filters. I would have no particular hesitancy with a demo. (I have one). ron Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisC Posted January 3, 2009 Share #3 Posted January 3, 2009 What would you advice? Ask your dealer. It could be a camera used for demonstration purposes in, and outside the shop. It could be a camera used by Leica in a 'pool' for press reviews. It could very likely be an early model, maybe one of the ones with a rough shutter release. Ask your dealer probing questions; test the camera. .................. Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkern1974 Posted January 3, 2009 Author Share #4 Posted January 3, 2009 Ok, I will ask the dealer for more details on the camera. It could be a very early model....and if so, from which number was this problem fixed and how can I see/experience this when I test the camera?? many thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrh68uk Posted January 3, 2009 Share #5 Posted January 3, 2009 My M8 is an ex-demo from Leica, sold by a dealer. I bought it last March and it has a very low serial number; it's certainly from an early batch but there's no knowing exactly when it was made. So basically, Leica had been using the body to demo then gave it a check and sent it out for sale. My dealer told me that they have to bid for ex-demo equipment from Leica and that the next "auction" would be two years later! I had the one-year Passport and, once registered, I had the two free IR filters, too. Works perfectly and the rangefinder is spot-on. Since Leica had been showing it off, and it had another checking before being sent out, I'd expect nothing less The one you refer to could be a shop demo. If it's a Leica ex-demo I wouldn't hesitate. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thompsonkirk Posted January 3, 2009 Share #6 Posted January 3, 2009 I've had one for over a year, & it's in now for upgrades. No problems attributable to its being a 'demo.' However from what I've read here on the Internet, what Leica calls a 'demo' is what everyone else calls a 'refurb.' Kirk Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkern1974 Posted January 3, 2009 Author Share #7 Posted January 3, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) My M8 is an ex-demo from Leica, sold by a dealer. I bought it last March and it has a very low serial number; it's certainly from an early batch but there's no knowing exactly when it was made. So basically, Leica had been using the body to demo then gave it a check and sent it out for sale. My dealer told me that they have to bid for ex-demo equipment from Leica and that the next "auction" would be two years later! I had the one-year Passport and, once registered, I had the two free IR filters, too. Works perfectly and the rangefinder is spot-on. Since Leica had been showing it off, and it had another checking before being sent out, I'd expect nothing less The one you refer to could be a shop demo. If it's a Leica ex-demo I wouldn't hesitate. Thanks for your comment! It is, according to the dealer, a Leica ex-demo. Indeed, the dealer told me that I could also get the free IR filter once registered with Leica. Also, he told me that they bought 20 M8's in this condition (not sure how they did this but they have done so apparently) and have never experienced problems with those models. He confirmed that the Leica camera is checked again by Leica. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_lir Posted January 3, 2009 Share #8 Posted January 3, 2009 i purchased both of my m8 bodies as Code U. (demo) I recomend it as it comes with warranty, so shouldnt be a big deal. i had to repair both of mine many times, but hey, what else is new... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
2Bébèrt Posted January 3, 2009 Share #9 Posted January 3, 2009 A new M8 for €2665 without VAT at a certain Leica dealer in Vienna.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecaton Posted January 4, 2009 Share #10 Posted January 4, 2009 Dear ForumMy favorite Leica dealer offered me a "Demo" Leica M8 for a fairly good price (2400E). The dealer gives me 1 year warranty/garantee and the camera looks pretty good and unused. What is usually understood by a Demo model from Leica? Any experiences from your sides? What would you advice? Many thanks New ones can be had cheaper from UK dealers, with full warranty, incl passport. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisC Posted January 4, 2009 Share #11 Posted January 4, 2009 ....from which number was this problem fixed...... I can't answer that specific question. I suspect, from discussions here, that an early batch of shutter release parts had rough edges [there's a good thread on the subject with illustrations] some cameras were afflicted [e.g. mine] others of similar vintage weren't. The demo model I tried at a local shop 6 months ago had a rough shutter release, whilst the M8.2 I tried before Christmas was fabulously smooth. Try the shutter release with several actuations, if it is gritty in feel the 'roughness' will be very apparent. A NEW M8 in the UK here : http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/product.asp?P_ID=1566&PT_ID=359 is : ....................................... £2695 ...................... + VAT = c. £3100 ...... - £650 Leica UK cashback= £2450 I don't know about non UK 'cashback' qualifications. Hope this helps. .................... Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkern1974 Posted January 4, 2009 Author Share #12 Posted January 4, 2009 I can't answer that specific question. I suspect, from discussions here, that an early batch of shutter release parts had rough edges [there's a good thread on the subject with illustrations] some cameras were afflicted [e.g. mine] others of similar vintage weren't. The demo model I tried at a local shop 6 months ago had a rough shutter release, whilst the M8.2 I tried before Christmas was fabulously smooth. Try the shutter release with several actuations, if it is gritty in feel the 'roughness' will be very apparent. A NEW M8 in the UK here : Leica M8 Digital Rangefinder | is : ....................................... £2695 ...................... + VAT = c. £3100 ...... - £650 Leica UK cashback= £2450 I don't know about non UK 'cashback' qualifications. Hope this helps. .................... Chris thanks, Chris. I will give this option a thought. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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