[Leica] Leica demo equipment

[Photovilla@aol.com]

 <<    My understanding of "demo" when referring to cameras and lenses sold to

a dealer by Leica USA is that this gear was used for trade show or

salesmen's sample use.  However, Leica also sells dealers merchandise

classified as " Code U" which may include used and repaired items, items

with outdated or damaged packaging, missing accessories, and a host of other

reasons for selling off at a substantial discount.  It is up to the dealer

to represent this product properly.


Tom Furlotte

Memphis Photo Supply>>

Demos fall under "code U" as well from what I can see on the sheets I get 
from Leica. It never really says why something is on the list (was it just a 
demo or a camera that has been repaired?) but I guess none of it is really 
called a "demo" by Leica. Once in a while a rep. offers some "code U" items 
as his personal "demos" but in my experience these are often the same or 
worse than the ones on the "code u" list. I don't really think there is a 
practical or theoretical difference.

Leica also periodically sells gear (about 2x per year) to dealers at a 5% 
discount to be "store demos" and they also sponsor 10% off "demo days" where 
you are probably just purchasing New USA gear a discount. Perhaps these 
cameras are more the spirit of "demos" then the other stuff is? Then again, 
maybe it should just be called "discounted New USA gear?"

In the end, it may be much ado about nothing as a full description of the 
merchandise should be presented before a client purchases it if it is called 
"used" or "demo." The word "demo" in itself just doesn't mean a whole lot...

later,
Rich