Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2008/09/26
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Harrison,
I can see why you might have a jaded view of ex-demo stuff. However,
when I bought my M8 over a year ago, I had the choice of a black M8 at
full price or a chrome one at ?300 off the list price. While I
originally wanted black, there was no way I could justify ?300 for black
paint / anodizing / whatever they use!
It came with a full warranty and passport, so didn't strike me as a
particularly risky proposition. The thought that it might be a Pup
didn't occur to me. Anyhow, had I had problems, then it would have gone
straight back to the dealer (Robert White, who are very good indeed).
I've put 6000+ shots through it to date and it's performed brilliantly.
In all honesty it's capabilities probably exceed mine. I figure
(hope) it's going to be a reliable piece of kit. If it was going to go
wrong, the likelihood is that it would have done in the first few
hundred shots (knock on wood).
So here's hoping it will last as long as my film Ms.
Before I bought the M8, my film Ms languished in my Billingham getting
very little use as my Canon EOS 20s were getting a hammering. Now I
have the M8, the Canons get very little use. The film Ms still languish
in the bottom of the bag too, but at least I'm using the lenses!
All the best
Mark
Harrison McClary wrote:
> Mark,
>
> I'd run, not walk, but run, away from any camera Leica labels as a
> demo. Back in the R8 days I bought an R8 demo. It was a TOTAL POS. I
> sent it back 4 or 5 times to Leica and they never fixed it, failed me
> while on shoots numerous times. I finally got so pissed I that when
> they sent m a new replacement I sold all my Leica R gear and went Canon
> EOS. Glad I did now as I love their digitals.
>
> Anyway in the course of talking with Leica at that time I was told (by
> someone at Leica NJ) that Demo does NOT mean a camera used as a demo to
> show people the camera is stores or at trade shows as I assumed DEMO
> meant...no it could also mean a camera returned for whatever reason,
> including problems, that they "fix" and resell. The initial R8s had
> some electronic problems, and we all know the initial M8s had
> problems...knowing what I know now I'd be afraid I'd get a "repaired"
> M8...and if they fix it as good as they did my R8 then well......
>
> To me if it was sent in and "fixed" it outta be labeled as a refurb not
> Demo.
> Oh and I am NOT trying to reopen the whole "Is the M8 any good" thread.
> I think that is all in the past and as I said a little while ago I am
> seriously thinking about getting an M8 at some point.
>
>
> Mark Pope wrote:
>> I'd probably go for another ex-demo model.
>
>
--
Mark Pope,
Swindon, Wilts
UK
Homepage http://www.monomagic.co.uk
Picture a week (2008): http://www.monomagic.co.uk/index.php?gallery=paw/2008
(2007):
http://www.monomagic.co.uk/index.php?gallery=paw/2007