[Leica] Warranty & New vs. Used

[Robert Clark <rclark@desupernet.net>]

Hi all:
As always, I've appreciated the collective wisdom and experiences of
this diverse group of Luggers.  Now, I'd like to tap into a little of
that.  Right now, I'm in a little situation that all Leica users may
have been in one time or another and I'd like to know the various
opinions about what the pluses and minus are.  I want to buy a new
lens....probably one of three choices...the 35 Summicron ASPH, the 28
Elmarit or the 28 Summicron.  First of all, I understand the USA
warranty since I bought my M6 and 50mm Summilux about a year ago.  What
I'm not sure about are the lower prices from various advertisers that
say the equipment is "unused in sealed box."  I'm guessing that means
new but with the lower price that the dealer with the USA warranty, I'm
not sure.  And...if you can buy the same lens for 300 - 350 less at an
advertiser that sells the lenses "unused in sealed box," aren't you
spending that extra amount for a Leica warranty?  Does the 200 Leica
rebate apply here?  When purchasing from one of these dealers, they
often have a two year warranty with the dealer and not Leica.  Does this
mean Leica would not work on a defective product?

About new vs. used...up to now, I've mostly considered new equipment but
after having talked with several friends, I'm thinking that the time may
be right to acquire these lenses on the used market.  But....with the
200 Leica rebate it makes the new equipment seem more attractive.  Is
there any rule of thumb out there when purchasing used lenses?  I've
been watching ebay and lots of lenses being offered have not been
meeting the seller's reserve.  Someone suggested to me that I consider
the 28 Elmarit and the 35 Summicron on the used market since that
combination might be available for about the same or a little less than
the new 28mm Summicron.  And then there's Voightlander......

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Robert Clark
Lancaster, PA