Ebay Hong Kong Leica Camera Sellers

[Peter Natscher]

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Hi to All at L-Camera Forum!

 

I'm planning on purchasing a M8.2 with a starter lens in the next few months after I'm satisfied with my research on sellers, prices, etc. I've noticed that slightly used, mint, and even new in box M8.2's are selling for $US 5,000 by Ebay Hong Kong camera sellers. Leica M-lenses are also priced a lot lower, too. These discounted prices are much less than the prices offered by US sellers (i.e., $US 6,000 for a new M8.2). What's my risk in buying a M8.2 body and lens from a Ebay Hong Kong camera seller and saving myself 20%? Are the unsigned warranties still valid? Have any of you ever puchased a Leica camera body or lens from a Ebay Hong Kong camera seller?

 

Thanks, Peter

Monterey, California

[JazzDoc]

Hi to All at L-Camera Forum!

 

I'm planning on purchasing a M8.2 with a starter lens in the next few months after I'm satisfied with my research on sellers, prices, etc. I've noticed that slightly used, mint, and even new in box M8.2's are selling for $US 5,000 by Ebay Hong Kong camera sellers. Leica M-lenses are also priced a lot lower, too. These discounted prices are much less than the prices offered by US sellers (i.e., $US 6,000 for a new M8.2). What's my risk in buying a M8.2 body and lens from a Ebay Hong Kong camera seller and saving myself 20%? Are the unsigned warranties still valid? Have any of you ever puchased a Leica camera body or lens from a Ebay Hong Kong camera seller?

 

Thanks, Peter

Monterey, California

 

No responses to this question from 2009? Folks, I would like to read your opinions regarding purchasing Leica gear from reputable Hong Kong eBay dealers. And does anyone know how the customs/duties thing works out pricewise to the US?

[jaques]

I have purchased several cameras from Hong Kong sellers and saved good money doing so. I have never had a problem- but never needed warranty work either (my canon DSLR never had a problem).

 

I have only purchased one leica item- a summicron lens- and it turned out to be a rare version of the lens and an absolute bargain. It came from one of the most well known Leica sellers from HK (they also have an outlet in Germany).

[StephenPatterson]

No responses to this question from 2009? Folks, I would like to read your opinions regarding purchasing Leica gear from reputable Hong Kong eBay dealers. And does anyone know how the customs/duties thing works out pricewise to the US?

 

I've never shipped anything from the Hong Kong dealers, but I worked in Shenzhen for seven years and I know them well. You can find any Leica item you want, but will usually pay top dollar. Condition of used cameras and lenses is not always exactly as represented, but is usually not far off. We always had a saying regarding such transactions, "Maybe customer not notice."

 

US Customs duties vary wildly based upon the item. There is no duty for 35mm film cameras without a built in flash, but there is for digital. Lenses can also come with duty. Much depends upon the classification.

 

I believe in the US you are much better off working with US dealers, such as Camera West, Calumet, Popflash, B&H, KEH, Tamarkin, and the smaller dealers.

[JazzDoc]

Thanks for the replies, Jaques and Stephen. Much appreciated.

 

- Mark

[hoppyman]

Personally I never see used Leica eBay listings from HK that are cheaper than here in Australia and I look every day

 

I can provide a specific example on new equipment.

I have a Leica shooter friend that lives in Hong Kong for part of the year. Both he and a fellow shooter there who is also a dealer recently reported that new Leica equipment there typically sells at a premium above the list price due to demand. So much so that an M9 from Vienna, even with freight and insurance is cheaper than from any HK dealer.

 

Exchange rates make a difference of course. Warranty, freight, insurance, customs, service etc also.

The USD value is not currently wonderful either .

[thighslapper]

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Got a mint MATE from HK and could not fault the seller.... price was fair and it arrived promptly and was exactly as described.

 

Said he could get me anything at a price.... and I don't doubt it

[uroman]

Any new info on these hong kong sellers, generally speaking? I see new lenses at 15% off the new price. I don't want to use individual names, just general information needed (not trying to promote one over another, per forum rules)

[Guest jvansmit]

I live in HK, and recently bought a new 24mm Summilux from a major HK Leica dealer, and (without asking) was offered two price options:

 

- full list price with a local & international warranty

 

- or a significantly discounted price with just the international warranty.

 

I assume the latter is 'grey market' equipment but might be wrong on this point.

 

As an aside, I have also bought a heavily discounted grey market M240 from a non-Leica dealer in HK, and the original invoice (which I had to ask for) indicated that it was sourced from a Leica dealer in the Netherlands.

 

I've bought several Leica cameras & lenses from HK over the last 6-7 years, and have never had issues. Probably the key issue is whether you can be assured of having the warranty supported by your local Leica agent.