[Leica] Buying Leica

["Marthe & Rene" <marthe.rene@sympatico.ca>]

William,

Leica Equipment is *very" expensive anywhere you buy it. Having said that,
in February I bought a new Leica M 90/2 APO ASPH  from my local camera shop
for $2700 CDN with taxes which converts to less than $1800 USD including
taxes. At the time there was nobody in the USA that was offering one for
less.

I agree with you that used equipment is a bit harder to find depending on
your location in Canada. Here in Ottawa, there are four stores that
regularly have used Leica equipment although I have not seen lots of LTM,
mostly M2-M6 and M lenses and R stuff.

I'm surprised that you get charged for duties.  There are no duties on used
camera equipment being imported into Canada.  You only have to pay the sales
taxes. US Airmail is reliable and the stuff often arrives at my door without
having to pay taxes.  The only ones to avoid like the plague is United
Parcel Service UPS, I have had nothing but grief from them, they charge as
much as Fedex, are slower, and charge you $25 brokerage fee before delivery.

 I have purchased the majority of my photographic equipment from Ebay. I
have over 50 transactions. Ebay is not perfect but if you are careful and
not to eager to bid at everything that comes up you can find decent prices.
Although less lately. I have purchased the following on Ebay,  M6, 28/2.8M,
35/1.4 ASPH, 90/2.8M, R7, R8, 50/2 R, 35/2 R 90/2R, Hassy 553ELX, 50/2.8 CF,
80CF, 180CF, several backs, Metz flash and several accessories.  All the
equipment was as advertised and I paid considerably less than anything I
have seen in Shutterbug or locally at the photo store in the used section.
Only once did a lens not met my expectations. It was returned for a full
refund minus shipping cost. You just have to be patient and wait for the
right occasion.

Rene

- ----- Original Message ----- >
> Date: Fri, 02 Jun 2000 16:41:18 +0000
> From: "William Gower" <wgower@eco-tec.com>
> Subject: [Leica] Overseas Leica's
> Message-ID: <1252144020-21768963@eco-tec.com>
> References:
>
SNIP
>
> 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.
>
SNIP>
> William