Sources close to Leica have told me that there has been a recent increase in web-based sellers offering new cameras at attractive prices. Undoubtedly some of these cameras are grey imports and, as usual, it is a matter of weighing up the pros and cons of cost saving against any future problems.
I have always been ultra cautious when buying such expensive cameras, having once had my fingers bitten with a grey import that turned out to have been manufactured two years before it was sold to me as new. As a result, the warranty, even if fully validated, had already expired.
One of the biggest problems you face if you buy outside the dealer network is the possibility that the warranty will not be honoured in full, if at all. For an easy ride, you need to bear in mind that the documentation supplied with a new Leica must bear the stamp of an authorised dealer. If not, you will potentially have some problems if you need service under warranty.
Even though there might be consumer laws which could help in such circumstances, it is worrying to discover your three- or four-thousand pound camera needs service. Only last week I heard of one Leica Q buyer who was refused warranty care after buying cheaply from one of these sites.
If you are spending so much money, it is often false economy to buy simply on price. It is far better to go to a franchised dealer and make sure that all the legal aspects are covered.
If in doubt, you can find a list of authorised UK Leica dealers here.
__________
- Subscribe to Macfilos for free updates on articles as they are published. Read more here
- Want to make a comment on this article but having problems? Please read this
The so called ‘genuine v grey’ imports scenario is just a feature of the anti-competitive and anti-trade barriers put in place by manufacturers (Leica are not alone; they all do it) in order to protect their relationships with their distributors and also in order to protect recommended retail price (RRP). Competition authorities have been very slow to act against such practices, as they are usually told that retailers can charge what they like and that the system also ensures the quality of after sales service. As if!
William
I do understand that, William, and I am the first to look for the best price on many goods. However, without some protection for authorised dealers there wouldn’t be any. Everything would come from the great warehouse in the sky. If that’s what people want, all well and good. But I enjoy calling on my favourite dealers, buying from them and forming a relationship. Cameras are different to, say, fluffy towels or toothpaste. They need a bit of TLC. Should we be looking forward to a time when there are no small, personal dealers? Heaven knows, there are few enough of them left at the moment.
I am with you 100% on buying from safe sources. I was just pointing out that the purpose of the grey v non grey system is not to protect consumers.
William
I have seen those internet Ads for products like the ‘Q’, but even if I had been in the market for one… My first question to myself would be, can I get this box of electrickery serviced under guarantee… The ‘Q’ is after all a computer with a lens, and a very complicated one at that… My second question would be, am I going to get slammed by the UK gov for VAT/import duty, so I look for the advertisers location. I am quite certain that Hong Kong, and Tokyo are fine places, but will I really save…?
I agree with you Mike that with a more Classic Camera, like an M, it is more tempting since they are quite simple and prices seem quite high for what they are.
As an aside, my friend Reiss who owns Londinium Coffee, has developed a true internet model…
He is now based in New Zealand, his machines are made in Birmingham and there is a an absolute rule that there will never be any gubbins inside the machine that is over-complicated or can become obsolete. As a result, every single part is user serviceable/replaceable with simple tools and he ships them to you (wherever you are in the world) at HIS cost price plus any local tax… There are comprehensive video’s for installation on his website. His machines are sold in around 60 countries and will effectively last forever.
Anyway, my point is, no politician will protect you, no common market will protect you… Only good honest traders will do that and as soon as the accountants take over, the soul of a company is gone, and caveat emptor is the only game in town.
Well put, Stephen. It’s one of the reasons I prefer to buy from a dealer with a physical store where I can go and chat, try things and form a relationship. Even buying from reputable traders over the internet isn’t the same experience. I don’t mind paying a little more for the peace of mind.