Delta International

From time to time, whenever questions are asked and opinions rendered

pertaining to dealers/supply houses, Delta International is often mentioned.

I visited Delta's website and found that its prices are much lower on many (if

not most) items than that of the competition. I am not just referring to "gray

market" cameras and lenses, but to bags/cases, loupes,etc.. I have a "caveat

emptor" attitude when it comes to significantly lower prices offered by

dealers of same kind merchandise. There are always reasons for the

differences, and I wonder if there are any issues with Delta thatI should be

aware of, i.e. return policy in the event I just do not like the item, etc. Any

experiences with Delta International that you would be willing to share will

be appreciated. Thanks.

Read their posted policy statement. Delta International is

inexpensive because they offer NO SUPPORT WHATSOEVER.

They will only accept returns on items that were defective from

the manufacturer and only for a period of 14 days. If you do not

"like" something that is your problem not theirs. This is neither

good nor bad. You want the cheapest price and they have cut out

every superfluous thing they could find. Warranties, return

policies, repair services, etc cost money to provide.

<p>

I do not buy from Delta as I like support and am willing to pay for

it. When I have problems the dealer, whom I bought it from, and

the distributor have always given me good friendly service. I

supported them, they support me. You want to pay less so do

not be surprised if you get less.

While the above comment by John Collier is essentially true, the

equipment Delta sells does come with international warranty. Delta

has always been truthful with me about what was and wasn't included

by way of warranty. Passport USA warranty is expensive, if you

consider it as a service, and Delta leaves this out to lower the

price. There are alternatives to buying either USA or gray market,

though. Robert White in England sells many Leica items at prices

below USA list, even with customs duties, and a UK Passport warranty

is included.

I have bought from Delta and have no quarrel with their service, but

nothing I bought was defective. They are less expensive than other

gray marketers, at least for Leica. But recently, with the $200

rebate and another 10% at a Leica Day, you can often get a full USA

Passport for very little more. I also second the endorsement of

Robert White in England, especially for Billingham bags and Gitzo

tripods.

I've purchased Leica lenses, the SF-20 flash and two Leica filters

from Betty at Delta. With the money I saved from those purchases, I

had enough dough left over to buy a 90 Elmarit, so I did!

<p>

Great service, price and attitude. Sure, it's a gamble buying non-

USA, but my lenses (50 1.4 and 35 1.4 Summies) arrived quickly, in

perfect new condition and for the best price on the planet.

<p>

Hard to resist...

<p>

Next lens I buy will also be from Delta....

I have to second the comments above that applaud Delta's prices and

customer service. In the past year, I've purchased a number of lenses

and accessories from Betty at Delta and never had a hitch. BTW, their

lenses and bodies do come with a third party warranty. Whether this is

worth the paper it is written on, I can't say as I've never had to

avail myself of warranty service.

<p>

I also agree that with the current rebates, and an additional 10% off

on Leica Days, it probably makes sense to buy bodies with the full

U.S. Passport for the difference in the final price versus Delta's

gray price.

<p>

There is a lot more likelihood of needing service on a body than on a

lens, especially an M lens IMHO.

Delta International I believe probably has the best price for many of

the Voigtlander SM lenses for Leica. I bought my Voigtlander 21mm/4.0

from Delta International for at least $150 less than the best asking

price of many well regarded Leica mail order stores in NY. I did not

have any problems with the service nor the merchandise from Delte

International. My Voigtlander 21/4 Skopar came in brand new and is

covered with 3 years Mack warranty. If you were in the market for the

Voigtlander SM lens for your Leica, check out DeltaInternational.

I bought a Leica R8 from Delta International earlier this year. It

came with a 3 year USA warranty provided by MACK Corp. I have not

had any problems with the camera. I paid about 30% less than Leica

USA warrantied equipment. The savings alone are enough to buy a new

50mm Summicron lens!