My Leica D-Lux 8 Customs Ordeal – And What You Can Learn from it

OM System / Olympus cameras have been my primary camera brand for well over a decade.  I really love OM System cameras, their design, and especially their computational photography features.

However, after a decade with OM System cameras, I was itching to try something new.  While on a photography workshop, I got the opportunity to try a photography friend’s Leica D-Lux 8 camera and was immediately interested in getting one.

In this blog, I discuss the struggles I had in trying to acquire the Leica D-Lux 8 with the new U.S. customs rules and tariffs, and hopefully this will help you to avoid a similar situation.

Why a D-Lux 8?

This summer I plan on doing less travel. I plan on staying home and doing more day trips for photography.  I was looking for a small all-in-one camera I could use on day trips.  I could use my OM System OM-5 paired with one of the small Olympus 1.8 primes or a non-pro zoom.  But, I wanted to try something new.  Yes, this could be GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome).

What I like about the Leica D-Lux 8

• Tactical feel with an aperture ring on the lens, shutter speed dial, manual, autofocus, and macro switch, and an aspect ratio switch.
• The ability to quickly change aspect ratio was a feature that could add more creativity to my photography.
• I’m interested in doing more street photography and this would be a perfect small, all in one camera for street photography.
• I wanted to see (and report in the blog) if the Leica brand was really worth its higher price tag.

The D-Lux 8 is really Hard to Find

The Leica D-Lux 8 is difficult to find.  It is sold out everywhere, and used models are going for $500+ USD more than the MSRP.  I finally found a Pre-demo model from Leica in the United Kingdom for a good price – $1,128 GBP / $1,527 USD – and I bought it.  This is where the fun begins.

The Customs Nightmare

The process started out well.  Leica shipped the camera within 2 days and told me that I would work with DHL to provide additional information and pay any tariffs that were due. Then things started to go south.  Below is the timeline for the shipment of the Leica D-Lux 8.

Leica D-Lux 8 Shipping Timeline

• Sunday May 25^th – Ordered the camera from Leica Classics UK
• Monday May 26^th – Leica notified me that the order would be shipped on May 27^th due to a bank holiday.  One extra day, no big deal
• Wednesday May 28th – DHL returned the camera to Leica because the labeling was incorrect to ship the camera battery.  OK, only a couple of lost days.
• Wednesday May 28^th – Leica scheduled the new shipment with DHL
• Friday May 30^th, 2:12am – Camera arrived at DHL facility in Cincinnati
• Monday Jun 2^nd – I was notified by DHL that additional information was needed to clear customs.
  • I needed to provide proof of my social security number and a phone number for customs.
  • Leica needed to provide the name and address of the facility where the product was manufactured.
• Monday Jun 2^nd – Tuesday Jun 11^th – worked with DLH and Leica on getting the additional information required to clear customs.
• Wednesday Jun 12^th.  I was notified by DHL that the camera was being returned to the shipper because they refused to provide the information required to clear customs.

I contacted DHL and found out that Leica refused to provide the name and address of the Chinese manufacturing facility where the camera was made.  The information they provided indicated it was a German product made by Leica even though the invoice indicated it was manufactured in China.

Leica’s Response

Leica informed me that due to recent changes in US customs regulations, DHL required specific manufacturer details that they not authorized to disclose. They would issue a refund once the shipment is returned.

I found this interesting since it is common knowledge that the D-Lux 8 was manufactured in China under Leica specifications, quite possibly in partnership with Panasonic like the prior D-Lux models.  While researching the camera prior to purchase, I came across this Chinese manufacturing information multiple times.

U.S. Customs and Tariff Lessons Insights Gained

• The US Tariffs policies and customs rules are very dynamic.  DHL told me that over the past few months, tariff rates and processes have changed over 250 times.  It’s no wonder that manufacturers, suppliers, and transport companies don’t know the US import requirements.
• The process moves very slow.  Some of this was probably due to the time zone differences.  But also rapidly changing policies and staffing levels which probably have not been increased to support the import process changes, also have had an impact on customs delays.
• The tariff rates are based on where the product is manufactured, not where the company is located.  This is the case even for used products.  The tariff rates have been changing frequently, and you will be charged the current tariff rate at the time the shipment clears customs.

If you do decide to purchase camera gear directly from an overseas company, be prepared for a long and confusing process.  If your gear does arrive quickly, it will be a pleasant surprise, but prepare yourself for a delay.  I was prepared for to wait several weeks to receive the D-Lux 8, but I wasn’t prepared to not receive the camera at all.

What’s Next for Me

I’m going to continue my search for a new camera as a daily carry.  After this experience, I am going to scratch Leica off my list of candidates.  I wasn’t very happy with the experience, explanation, and the outcome.