M-lens availability issues? (wanting a 50 'cron or 'lux)

There's a few rumors flying about... Leica only makes certain lenses at a certain time of year, some lenses have huge waiting lists (so they are always out of stock even if Leica makes them), parts shortage due to Japan's disasters, more cameras (m4/3, nex, etc) using M lenses now than in many, many years.
 
Thanks for the info! I already thought I was missing out on something. Big bummer though, almost all of the Zeiss M lenses are unavailable as well...
 
I have noticed this as well. It seems to be a somewhat recent phenomenon. Things weren't like this last year. But that's just my unscientific anecdotal info.

If you're not too concerned about warranty, etc., you could always dig around in the used market. Sometimes there actually are reasonable prices on Leica glass, if you are patient and do some research.
 
leica is a small company of a thousand staff. Leica's total "system camera" sales (as they call M and S cameras and lenses) to N. America last year was about $15m. Considering how much the average item in this category costs, $15m doesnt buy you much at all. It's a drop in the ocean.

Conclusion: take a ticket, get in line, allow a few months, be patient, search ebay for used lenses to kill your time :)
 
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amoz said:
Big bummer though, almost all of the Zeiss M lenses are unavailable as well...
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and many CV lenses (and DSLR stuff) as well. That leads me to believe that the disasters in Japan have a lot to do with it. A certain specialized part or something must not be available.
 
I'm truly greatful that I was able to find everything I wanted. Manufactuers must be happy that the demand for its items is there. Hopefully they won't take too long to capitilize on it.
 
Spyro said:
leica is a small company of a thousand staff. Leica's total "system camera" sales (as they call M and S cameras and lenses) to N. America last year was about $15m. Considering how much the average item in this category costs, $15m doesnt buy you much at all. It's a drop in the ocean.
Click to expand...

Wow, $15 million? That is close to zero!! Didn't know Leica was that small. Leica rangefinder fans are playing in a tinier market than I thought. Pity...

Mark
 
Now is about the worst time I've experienced in trying to buy Leica glass, even R glass. Great if you need to sell, but really bad if you are looking for a particular model.

And the modern stuff is really scarce. The older classical stuff not much better. And if it is available, the prices are high.

...Happy hunting....
 
I was happy to pickup a ZM C-Sonnar from Popflash 10 days ago. They had been backordered for months, and I was on a waiting list. I think their 4 lenses sold out the day they came in. ask to be on a waiting list if you want new. Try the Want to Buy ads in the classifieds here on RFF, free of charge.
 
Still no news on this, guys? Anyone with a –maybe insider's– view on the production? Prices on the used market make me go bezerk.
 
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