1bwana1 wrote:
I wonder why New York is charging while it is free in many locations...
Might be because the Leica New York Meatpacking district store is the new design with the clean room/repair booth, Leica Bellevue also has the same clean room/repair booth so perhaps the newer designed store with additional capabilities charge? Just pure conjecture on my part.
RMF308 wrote:
Might be because the Leica New York Meatpacking district store is the new design with the clean room/repair booth, Leica Bellevue also has the same clean room/repair booth so perhaps the newer designed store with additional capabilities charge? Just pure conjecture on my part.
They're not really doing anything special FWIW. They use a Pentax stick sensor cleaner, and I assume a standard wet clean for stubborn dirt. I don't think many other manufacturers will clean your sensor for free, and same day to boot, so I'm not going to hold it against Leica, but it does seem a bit inconsistent that certain places will do it for free and others won't.
Fred Miranda wrote:
That's great to know, thanks for sharing! Does the Leica store in San Diego offer this? I visit often and wouldn't mind getting my camera inspected and possibly calibrated.
airfrogusmc wrote:
Are you a Leica owner? If not, why do you care?
That's a good question - I think the answer based on his previous posts is no. Which goes a long way toward explaining the criticism.
Leica M equipment is one of the greater joys I have insofar as interacting with creative technology. It's like my mechanical typewriter, analog paintbrushes, fountain pens, mechanical watches, and manual-transmission cars (OK, the last two aren't exactly creative, but still..). This doesn't make a whole lot of sense to those who see the tech as a means to an end - surely modern tech is better at doing all the things that these older mechanical systems perform. And while I'd never claim any of these things are objectively better than more modern alternatives, I sure do enjoy using them more. And the best compliment I can offer any camera is that it encourages me to use it.
No, not a Leica Store like the one in Los Angeles. There is a small Leica Botique inside of Nelson's Photo Supply Store in San Diego. It is new and better than we have had down here before.
Arka wrote:
And the best compliment I can offer any camera is that it encourages me to use it.
Kinda like puttin' on shoes that fit so good ... you just wanna go for a walk / run / hike, as soon as you get 'em on your feet.
Ironically, Chez and I went round / round many years back as he was touting the Sony's (nothing wrong with the Sony, per se). But, even after purchasing a grip for the A7R II (yeah, back then), I never could take to using it. The way it fit me (physically / interactively) made me want to put it down, every time I picked it up.
Sure, I COULD use it ... I CAN shoot with just about anything.
But, when you do find the gear that you enjoy using (don't fight with your tools), it is a pleasure that can trump a variety of things that spec sheets might not fully convey its value. When folks find (physical / ethos / UI / workflow / et al ) what "fits" them well ... good stuff happens.
Imo, there's a time / place when what the gear does matters more than how well it fits you. Then, there's the time / place where how it fits you, matters most.
Will definitely visit Parma location. I've had generally good experiences at all of the Asia locations too but never asked about cleanings. Most of the Leica staff I've interacted with are generally more passionate than say Sony (which are more a higher volume turnover type interaction) and just fun to talk to. I've also witnessed a lot of non-Leica customers come in and they are treated with the same respect as the owners which is nice to see.
I'm going to have to inquire at all the flagship stores from now on to see what kind of C/C on-site services they offer.
ftllens wrote:
Will definitely visit Parma location. I've had generally good experiences at all of the Asia locations too but never asked about cleanings. Most of the Leica staff I've interacted with are generally more passionate than say Sony (which are more a higher volume turnover type interaction) and just fun to talk to. I've also witnessed a lot of non-Leica customers come in and they are treated with the same respect as the owners which is nice to see.
I'm going to have to inquire at all the flagship stores from now on to see what kind of C/C on-site services they offer....Show more →
Just to be clear, the city of Parma doesn't have a Leica Store. It is located within less than an hour to three. Bologna, Milan, and Florence. It is only two hours to Rome. The store in Milan is my favorite. It is large and has a gallery and technical staff. I reccomend you visit that one.
Arka wrote:
That's a good question - I think the answer based on his previous posts is no. Which goes a long way toward explaining the criticism.
Leica M equipment is one of the greater joys I have insofar as interacting with creative technology. It's like my mechanical typewriter, analog paintbrushes, fountain pens, mechanical watches, and manual-transmission cars (OK, the last two aren't exactly creative, but still..). This doesn't make a whole lot of sense to those who see the tech as a means to an end - surely modern tech is better at doing all the things that these older mechanical systems perform. And while I'd never claim any of these things are objectively better than more modern alternatives, I sure do enjoy using them more. And the best compliment I can offer any camera is that it encourages me to use it. ...Show more →
Yep, my Ms just make me want to go take pics. They just feel perfect in hand, and to the eye.
I can only give limited information as I don't have much experience with Leicas. But I do know that the Leica Store Nuremberg (in English: Nuremberg ) has very friendly employees. Very uncomplicated (contrary to the image some people have of Leica). A while ago I spontaneously walked in there just to pick up an SL. I was immediately offered the opportunity to spend an hour shooting with it in the city or to take it home for the weekend (which I couldn't accept due to lack of time). They also run their own YouTube channel where they discuss things very transparently (in German though => if you're interested, maybe there's a translation function on YouTube?). When I think about where I usually buy my Sony products etc., in brick-and-mortar stores (large electronics stores like MediaMarkt etc.), it's a really nice contrast. They always serve coffee there, too
Also, like all(?) Leica stores, they regularly host free events with photographers, etc. With Leica, you're probably booking the whole package. Of course, they sell a lifestyle as well. Some will appreciate it, others won't.
I'm pretty sure that you will experience good costumer care there as well in case it's needed. But still I had no reason to make use of it.
Leica in Wetzlar did a great job repairing my 1950 Summicron 50mm for a very fair price last year, but I havent been there in person, my brother went. He's often there and love the place.
zeitlos wrote:
I can only give limited information as I don't have much experience with Leicas. But I do know that the Leica Store Nuremberg (in English: Nuremberg ) has very friendly employees. Very uncomplicated (contrary to the image some people have of Leica). A while ago I spontaneously walked in there just to pick up an SL. I was immediately offered the opportunity to spend an hour shooting with it in the city or to take it home for the weekend (which I couldn't accept due to lack of time). They also run their own YouTube channel where they discuss things very transparently (in German though => if you're interested, maybe there's a translation function on YouTube?). When I think about where I usually buy my Sony products etc., in brick-and-mortar stores (large electronics stores like MediaMarkt etc.), it's a really nice contrast. They always serve coffee there, too
Also, like all(?) Leica stores, they regularly host free events with photographers, etc. With Leica, you're probably booking the whole package. Of course, they sell a lifestyle as well. Some will appreciate it, others won't.
I'm pretty sure that you will experience good costumer care there as well in case it's needed. But still I had no reason to make use of it.
Yes, if one lives close enough to a Leica Store he/she should take advantage of everything they offer to fully experience Leica ownership. Customer care, and the Leica experience is not limited to repair issues. It has a lifestyle component to it like many Luxury products.
Thanks! I'll be in Rome soon, so will visit the Milan location then.
1bwana1 wrote:
Just to be clear, the city of Parma doesn't have a Leica Store. It is located within less than an hour to three. Bologna, Milan, and Florence. It is only two hours to Rome. The store in Milan is my favorite. It is large and has a gallery and technical staff. I reccomend you visit that one.
ftllens wrote:
Thanks! I'll be in Rome soon, so will visit the Milan location then.
The Rome store is one of the nicest, larger, and better Stores. Worth a visit. It is located in a beautiful historic district. Plenty of great photographic opportunities there. Email ahead and reserve some equipment you always wanted to try out. Take a couple hours walk around with it and make some nice images. You will enjoy it.
Then do the same in Milan. Different environment right next to the Duomo and the Galleria. Enjoy the leica lifestyle offerings.
Good shopping for Wife and family in both places too. They will be happily entertained. So, you won't feel bad about enjoying your Leica hobby.
My experience from visiting Leica stores in NYC (both of them in Soho and Meatpacking districts), San Francisco, Montreal, Wetzlar, and Heidelberg:
+ Service - Wetzlar cleaned for free my MM 246 sensor without me even asking originally for it.
+ Friendliness
+ Cleanliness and appearance of sales and exhibit areas
- Prices for used gear (as only negative). Some Leica stores had more other less used camera and lens gear. Widest range of choices I have seen when visiting a while back were the ones in Soho and Heidelberg. The one in Heidelberg had actually a bunch of used Voigtlander M lenses available.
ceejaybee wrote:
has anyone ever been to the Leica store in London?
I recently moved here from NYC, and am interested in taking a visit.
can let everyone know how it is!
The Leica Store Mayfair is one of the premier stores in the collection. Large, well inventoried, excellent staff with service tech on site, gallery, academy, and frequent events.
