Re: [Leica] Overseas Leica's

[John Coan <jcoan@alumni.duke.edu>]

William,
Weren't M lenses and bodies made in Canada for a while?  Or was it just
the lenses.  You could have a strategy to shop used at US dealers for
only Canadian manufactured equipment.  That way, wouldn't it be exempt
from any re-importation duty?  I've bought and sold on ebay for years
and had only one bad experience.  I would be interested in the question
though about used Leica prices in Germany.
John

William Gower wrote:
> 
> Hello all
> 
> (My third and final post for today)
> 
> I'm SURE this has been brought up before (so excuse a newbie), but has
> anyone from N. America purchased Leica equipment from dealers in Germany.
> I'm planning a trip to Europe next spring, and would love the opportunity to
> pick up some used Leica equipment.
> 
> In Canada, Leica equipment is *very* expensive, and only one local dealer
> carries new and used Leica equipment. There are other places to find used
> equipment (i.e. pawn shops) but you'd be taking your chances. For instance,
> a new M6 will set you back $3500 CDN and then add 15% for taxes.
> Availability is another issue, this particular shop **MAY** have a M4, one
> or two new M6's and the occasional M2 or CL. I haven't seen a M3 for about 2
> years. LTM bodies seem to be even rarer lately. I often flip through
> SHUTTERBUG and almost cry whenever I see a a S/S M3 or a M2 for 800-900 US.
> Or a whole page of LTM bodies advertised starting around $300US.
> 
> E-Bay isn't an option for me. Too risky I think.
> 
> I've bought equipment through US dealers before, but lately, I always seem
> to get nailed for duties and other charges. A good deal suddenly turns sour
> when Customs and Excise Canada nail you for a few hundred dollars in duty.
> Plus you lack the opportunity to examine the item personally.
> 
> I visit Japan 4 or more times a year and that's where I first got turned
> onto vintage Nikon equipment. (It's not necessarily cheaper, but where else
> can you find a wall of S, S2, S3 and S4's or your choice of a half-dozen
> near mint 21mmf4's with finders, caps and cases ?) Forget Leica in Japan,
> though, unless you're looking for something exotic like those LTM Asph.
> Leica is rumoured to be making for the Japanese market.
> 
> Anyone on the list ever made a special pilgrimage to Fatherland to pick up
> some Leica equipment ? I'd be interested in hearing your stories.
> 
> Regards
> 
> William