Leica has launched a new website, Leica Classic, devoted to used equipment, including modern digitals and classic items. It enables buyers to search for cameras and equipment at selected Leica stores anywhere in the world. Apart from the easier buying process, the site promises to be a useful reference when valuing used items.
The Classic package includes insured world-wide shipping, and an international pre-owned Leica warranty. All equipment in the scheme is guaranteed to have been reviewed by experts for authenticity and quality.
Shipping
At the moment, the site appears to be limited to items from the UK, Germany, Austria and Italy, but presumably the scope will be extended gradually to other countries.
A sample query on a Leica M10-R ex-demonstration camera at the Leica Store in Vienna serves as an illustration. This camera can be shipped to EU countries and non-EU European countries, including the UK, for a reasonable €40, or just €60 to the rest of the world.
Warranty
While the Leica international warranty means that buying from abroad becomes less risky, it is advisable to check import duties before ordering.
It is also worth bearing in mind that Leica’s official stores are not necessarily offering the cheapest used cameras and lenses, although the additional international warranties and quality guarantee help bridge any gap.
Payment can be made by most methods, including bank transfer, credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay and G-Pay.
NOTE:
Please check the warranty status befor ordering. It seems to be that the international warranty may apply only to new products. Used produced could be subject to local warranty.
Visit the Leica Classic site here
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I assume imports into the UK will be subject to additional charges – duties, VAT etc?
I think so, and that might scupper any deal. I note that the invoices do not show vat so it’s possible UK customs will want 20% plus duties plus handling charge. It’s something that needs careful checking.
Really excellent news for those of us living in a Leica desert 🙂 Thank you for posting the link.
Though, there are advantages: when I hold a Leica, I usually want to buy it on the spot!
I find some of the prices to be actually pretty good, especially given the warranty and credibility of the seller. Some other prices, on the other hand… like those of the Leica CLs!!!
The prices of used equipment at Leica’s official stores are usually pretty top-of-the-market. But, as you say, the credibility is important. Sure, you can probably get a lower price on eBay but the backing of Leica is worth a premium. It’s in Leica’s interests to keep used prices buoyant because this helps demonstrate that an expensive camera can hold its value compared with a lesser make that depreciates more rapidly. But, overall, this is a good move and will be welcomed by people who don’t live near to a Leica store (as Kathy says in her comment).
The Munich Leica Store’s secondhand prices are – often ..and surprisingly – much cheaper than many other secondhand camera shops nearby which sell Leica gear. Strange but true.
They’ve also gone out of their way to find me extra bits (ancient lens hoods and caps, for instance) which go with a particular item ..and at no extra cost! They also point out any flaws in items (‘dust’ in lenses, slightly misty or misaligned viewfinder, etcetera) and have lowered the prices accordingly.
I’ve never found that in any other Leica Store (London or Paris). They just go that little extra bit further in Munich for some reason.
Good to know, David. I will call in if I manage to get to Munich in the near future. I’m in Berlin this week so will have a nose around the Leica Store in Fasanenstrasse and see what’s doing!
I found Fasanenstrasse rather snooty, but that was several years ago, in the era of the M8/M9 ..i.e; 2009.
I’ve been in a few times over the years. It is part of Meister Kamera but they took the Leica Store shilling. Some I dealers chose to remain independent. I will see what I find …