some matters to discuss and share about M9s.

[artspraken]

some matters to discuss and share about M9s.

WARRANTY
imported M9s got international warranty, but shipping costs to Solms is not included in warranty.

• If your M9 is imported from overseas, you need to bear shipping charges for sending it to Solms. I think Schmidt will charge you for shipping.
  
• If you purchased M9 in Singapore from Schmidt's authorised dealer, Schmidt will not charge you for shipping when it sends your M9 to Solms because the warranty card is a Schmidt warranty.

If you can live with this, then it is good time to buy. Generally, the Euro Exchange Rate is a good time for M9 stock to move eastwards. Camera dealers know this, which is why there are more M9s appearing in east. The west is going to be starved of M9s for awhile.

From my experience, it is a pain trying to buy from Schmidt's authorised dealers because customer service not good. M9 is a "sure-to-sell" item, so the salesmen do not really bother with you. They know if you don't take it, somebody else will. I won't speculate about the waiting lists and how they are handled, but I think you can imagine the monkey business that can happen.

COLOR
As for color of M9, it really is personal taste. Black Leicas look nice when brassed. As far as Steel Grey is concerned, initial grey M9 released had no top coat, and the silver paint can be scratch by fingernails. Later batches of grey M9 have topcoat over the grey paint, and this topcoat cannot be scratched by fingernails. Also, I have found there is a wider circulation of cheap used lens on the market in silver/chrome than there are in black. The only drawback for me is that silver/chrome lenses are heavier. Some like this, some don't. Personally, I do not like heavy lenses. However, this seems to be balanced by female attraction. It is very very true that females adore the grey leica, but tend to ignore the black one.

As for the story that black leicas are more invisible than silver leicas in the streets, I really think this depends on two things: (i) the environment; and (ii) what clothes you are wearing. These 2 variables have a bigger impact on visibility of the leica than just the color of the paint.

CUSTOMS
<CJack deleted> However, this is illegal and most sellers are unwilling to do this, because of the risk of getting blacklisted by customs if caught.

As for insurance, it depends on the terms of insurance. Even if classified as a "gift" an item can be insured for a hefty sum. So you need to know the insurance terms. Whether buyer or seller bears insurance costs depends on the terms of the deal.


ACCESSORIES

there appear to be alot of accessories to buy for M9. The most important things to me are:

1. Thumbs up module (EP-1 is good). This is even better than the Leica grip. To me, the thumbs up is the single most important accessory for M9. More important than strap even.
2. Soft release button (the ladybird version looks nice)
3. half case for protection (get either Zhou case or Luigi case. Don't get leica case)
4. shoulder strap (depending whether you hang on neck, shoulder or diagonal shoulder, you need a strap with correct length)

The X1
I am not a fan of the X1. For APS-C compact, I'd prefer Ricoh GXR (or maybe Sony NEX). But that's just me. Hope you enjoy your X1.

 

[schmuak]

Any reason for not recommending the Leica case? Thanks. Btw I got the steel grey nicer than black paint IMO. I do like the black chrome m8 though.

 

[artspraken]

I tried this case at an AD in Singapore. Im not a fan of leica everready case because:-

1. leather too soft
2. the leather side-grips flop open easily for changing battery make the "grip" by your hands feel less firm compared to zhou & luigi
3. personally, i do not need the full case. No point buying the full case and just use the half case component.
4. the fit between the case and camera is not as secure as zhou or luigi (flopping side-grips), even though this case has a screw on at the bottom to make sure it won't fall off.
5. the price is between zhou and luigi. So if you want a cheap case, get zhou. if you want a case that is strong with superior leather, pay slightly more for luigi.

 

[tategoi]

<CJack deleted> However, this is illegal and most sellers are unwilling to do this, because of the risk of getting blacklisted by customs if caught.

As for insurance, it depends on the terms of insurance. Even if classified as a "gift" an item can be insured for a hefty sum. So you need to know the insurance terms. Whether buyer or seller bears insurance costs depends on the terms of the deal.

Please note that the threshold is neither S$300 nor $500 for GST, but S$400. Below is an excerpt from official site:

GST relief is granted on goods, inclusive of new articles, personal effects, souvenirs, gifts and food preparations but excluding dutiable products, imported by post to a total value not exceeding $400. Where the value exceeds $400, the entire sum would be subject to GST.

there appear to be alot of accessories to buy for M9. The most important things to me are:

1. Thumbs up module (EP-1 is good). This is even better than the Leica grip. To me, the thumbs up is the single most important accessory for M9. More important than strap even.
2. Soft release button (the ladybird version looks nice)
3. half case for protection (get either Zhou case or Luigi case. Don't get leica case)
4. shoulder strap (depending whether you hang on neck, shoulder or diagonal shoulder, you need a strap with correct length)

Just curious, can you have Thumbs-up and Zhou's half case at the same time? I noticed that Zhou's has a leather strip above the LCD that might hinder the installation of Thumbs-up, and as a result I have to buy Leica's half case instead.

 

[tategoi]

wish good luck on the M9 and everything to work out fine... it is a good price you are getting.
by the way i am curious on import tax of the x1.. there is no way one can avoid paying GST on import unless the value on the invoice is less than $500 some dollars.. If the seller declares low value on the package likelihood the insured amount is of non existent value. This will become a problem when shipment is lost. Who bears the value of the item? seller or buyer?
may be shipper has not billed you yet the GST they paid to Custom... typically they cleared it for you and bill you later... anyway i am just curious

Yes, from my experience, our ICA had never failed to bill me. The GST bill would normally come 1 week after the delivery of the goods, unless of course there is an under declaration of the value. However, there is also a possibilty of an oversight by ICA, I just do not have such luck.

 

[artspraken]

thanks.

This self explanatory pic will answer your question about Zhou case and Thumbs Up. You will find the additional line of leather across the middle helps to reduce contact with the LCD. But for LCD, best protection is a Giotto SP8250 - glass panel that can stick on.

 

[tategoi]

This self explanatory pic will answer your question about Zhou case and Thumbs Up. You will find the additional line of leather across the middle helps to reduce contact with the LCD. But for LCD, best protection is a Giotto SP8250 - glass panel that can stick on.

Zhou's fit with THumbs-up and it's cheaper too :thumbsup: BTW where to buy Giotto SP8250?

 

[whizzard]

thanks.

This self explanatory pic will answer your question about Zhou case and Thumbs Up. You will find the additional line of leather across the middle helps to reduce contact with the LCD. But for LCD, best protection is a Giotto SP8250 - glass panel that can stick on.

Yummy! Very nice. Poisoned .....

 

[livideyez]

I am also poisoned to buy an M9 but it is so damn expensive even without any lenses
I guess I'll look for the poor man set-up instead.

 

[artspraken]

Zhou's fit with THumbs-up and it's cheaper too :thumbsup: BTW where to buy Giotto SP8250?

got my giotto sp8250 from bhphoto. adorama also got sell.

i could not find locally.

 

[sinned79]

someday i will get this! Maybe its already M25 haha...