Warning about The Classic Camera shop in London

[Pangur Ban]

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My experience is quite different - I recently bought a used M8 from CC which developed the shutter fault after a weeks use. I returned it to them and they handled the return and warrantied repair with Solms for me and I've ended up with a fully refurbished camera. They efficiently handled the sale of my M7 too, quickly getting a good price for it whereas it had languished unsold at another dealers for some weeks previously.

 

In the past I've bought binoculars and other items from them. I've always found them to be more friendly and helpful than either of the other two Leica specialists I've visited in London, in stark contrast to the other users of this forum. Perhaps I have been lucky?

 

nb I have no personal connection with CC, merely a satisfied repeat customer.

[masjah]

When I used to deal with TCC, I have to say that my personal experience was always perfectly satisfactory, unlike that reported by several people on this Forum. (Of course I'm very happy to accept that their experience was very different from my own.)

 

However, the clincher for me is a simple one. TCC is no longer an authorised Leica dealer. When they lost their authorised dealer status, they lost my business; no way could I buy new or ex-demo equipment from such a source.

 

I subsequently bought from Frank Foster at Photo Design Studio (sadly, from the viewpoint of their many happy customers, now retired). Doing business with Frank was always an absolute pleasure.

[R9user]

My experience has been excellent!

 

I have to say that I have been dealing with Andy since 2006 and have only had good experiences. I live in South Africa and every time I travel to or through London I pop in there. I have purchased 2x R9+DMR's (2006 and in Feb 2010), 2xD-lux3's, V-lux, numerous pre-owned lenses for both M and R, Metz flashes, books, filters etc. I have had lenses,binoculars and my M3 serviced through them.

 

I must admit I will only buy new from an authorized dealer, but on the used items and the new Voigtlander and Zeiss lenses I purchased I received excellent advice on. I have always found them to be hospitable and friendly, and always helpful when I am seeking advice.

 

It is a shame that some people have had bad experiences, but I have had bad service from sales people that do not know their products in numerous well known retail outlets in the UK (the big H in Knightsbridge and the chain starting with Jes- they had me wondering if the guy knows that a lens should point in the direction of the subject you want to photograph! ) Hong Kong and in my home country, and this was not necessarily always relating to Leica!

 

I think every one has a favorite store where they have built a relationship with the sales team/ owner and I think all stores should learn to always treat a potential customer friendly as this could be where the next big sale will come from even if it is in the next visit.

[rob_x2004]

I reckon if the guys were a forum sponsor and or the mods were greasy with the guy this thread would have been canned long ago.

[Ronazle]

Aesop,

 

I'm not a lawyer but it appears to me that if title in the goods had already passed from one party to another, in this instance from the Maltese dealer to TCC, then technically the goods are second-hand. Perhaps the law sees it another way. I agree that there's no question of fitness for purpose; the statement was included for completeness.

 

Pete.

, While I cannot speak for the English legal system other than many older concepts are similar here (in the U.S.). With that disclaimer, many, if not most, U.S. jurisdictions would not consider an object used if it were not previously sold in retail trade. Sales in wholesale do not render an item "used". I am not defending the store, which seems pretty shoddy, just attempting to clarify what does not constitute used. Ron

[pgk]

I once sat in a British small claims court whilst a dealer tried to explain how an item sourced in Germany and subsequently retailed in the UK was not a 'grey' import. He failed. It looks like this would be similar - an inter-EU 'grey' import. AFAIAA this is perfectly OK provided the dealer does not claim anything to the contrary (or come to that anything at all;)).

[wattsy]

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I reckon if the guys were a forum sponsor and or the mods were greasy with the guy this thread would have been canned long ago.

 

Ain't that the truth.

[azzo]

I find that this thread to be a tad unfair !

[Xmas]

Hi

 

We know they are not official Leica dealers, similar saga have been on other fora, the purchaser was aware he was not going to get a passport. He should have got a taxi to next shop. Grey importers do not have to paint their shops grey.

 

If you want a ZM or CV lens or accessory new, they have some stock, competitive with Robert Whites prices, when I've looked, I bought a hood. The do have some exotic 2nd hand Leica kit, I did look at the summarons but they all seemed to be collectors rather then shooters.

 

If you are carrying a Billingham bag they seem to think you might be a potential customer. I'm normally on the scruffy side of cas. They have tried to be helpful with me.

 

Noel