Leica is now offering credit, in some cases free, on cameras, lenses and binoculars. Two top models in the camera range, the M10-R, the Q2 qualify for interest-free credit over 24 months.
Free credit is also available on any purchase above £5,000 in value (with the exception of the M10-R and Q2) but with a reduced repayment period of 12 months. Purchases under £5,000 in value, with a minimum of £350, now qualify for credit over 24 months but with interest charged at 9.9 per cent APR.
Credit on Leica sales was very popular in the days of the M3 and M2 when it was known as hire purchase, or “the never-never” in popular terms. Those were the days… but here we are again, and there’s no interest this time around.
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Where can you find the details on this credit system? thanks
As far as I know, it is restricted to official Leica stores. I suggest you check the website of, say, Leica Store in Duke Street, Mayfair (assuming you are in the UK) or give them a call. Sorry I don’t have any more specific information.
Mike
Mike, that’s great. thanks
What next? A Leica credit card would be so stylish. And they could have special editions such as safari or puzzle designs for the sophisticated person.
Don’t forget you would pay a premium to own one too 🤣
Just a query. Does ownership transfer on purchase? Owners would need to be able to work out loan to value ratio for trade ins etc but if it is more like HP then that is a different matter as the camera would go back to Leica. The other issue is whether there are balloon payments as there are with car finance. I should be familiar with this as I used to regulate consumer credit in my own country, but a lot has changed since I last did that over 20 years ago.
William
Funnily enough William, I read the email Leica sent me and the interest free bit only covers purchases over 5k – and I read it that it covers the monochrome Q2, but not the Q2. I was trying to workout the other parts of the deal, but got sidetracked by work.
Anything under 5k comes with a 9.9% interest fee.
If I get five minutes I will look at the ownership issue.
That’s right, Dave, as I understand it. The Q2 ans find M10-R are excluded only because they have a separate, more beneficial rate. What I am nit sure of is whether or not the £5k deal is available on a lot, say a CL body with several lenses or an SL2 with lens.