Are Leica lenses hand-made?

[intinsifi]

A lot of people ask me why Leicas are so expensive, and I don't really know how to answer that question. I always assumed they were expensiver because of the high quality, low volume, and the name.

I know the M cameras are hand-made, but are Leica's lenses hand-made also? Is that why most places are always out of stock on Leica lenses and cameras?

 

[Socke]

What IS handmade?

 

[kshapero]

Making something with Play-do is handmade.

 

[ZeissFan]

In general, Leica and Carl Zeiss have in place stricter quality control than what you'll find in so-called consumer lenses.

Rejection is higher, which pushes up the price. And that means lower production. But it's a smaller target market.

As you might notice, many of the so-called kit lenses from Canon, Nikon, Pentax and others are made in countries with very low labor costs (China, Indonesia, Thailand, for example).

Those lenses use plastic barrels, plastic lens elements and random sampling. Of course, you get what you pay for. Some of these kit lenses will be good. Some lenses won't. But what can you expect for $100?

The German lenses should offer better speed, better resolution, better contrast and less distortion than a consumer lens.

However, for the average user, the lower costs lenses probably are good enough. And some of the lower cost prime lenses can be very decent. Most 50mm lenses today are copies of the Zeiss Planar.

 

[colyn]

As has been pointed out Leica has tighter quality control. That in itself will drive up the cost of production and cost to you.

These lens are hand assembled and checked each and every step of the way.

 

[ferider]

Not clear what you compare to.

You can safely assume that Leitz and Zeiss have similar quality control.
I also doubt that Nikkor or Canon pro lenses are manufactured in an inferior
process.

Still, equivalent Leitz lenses are factors more expensive.

Sadly, manufacturing costs are not directly related to consumer price.

It's not "you get what you pay for"

it's "you pay what other people pay for".

Roland.

 

[photogdave]

Anyone who has done the Leica factory tour will tell you that the lenses are hand assembled and go through a ridiculously scrupulous inspection process for defects.
Does this make them any better than a high=end Nikon or Canon lens?
I don't care because I can't afford them anyway. Long live Cossina!

 

[aizan]

is every leica lens really checked at every step? they should all be perfect if they were, i'd think.

 

[erikhaugsby]

is every leica lens really checked at every step? they should all be perfect if they were, i'd think.

Aren't they?
edit: yes, there are some slight variations in focus/aperture ring dampening between lenses, but for the vast majority of lenses there is nothing noticeably flawed with them.

 

[35mmdelux]

No, they are not hand made. Hand assembled, but not hand made. For one, if they were hand made Leica gear would cost alot more. Secondly, hand made items could not consistently keep the exceptional high tolerances.

One of the obvious differences in Leica lenses and bodies is that they are machined (CNC computer) from ingot (body) or bar stock (lenses). Lower cost brands generally stamp out parts or make in plastic - lowering costs dramatically.

Leica also manufactures in low quantity, which also increases costs and prices.

 

[Xmas]

I though the chassis was an Aluminium casting? I'm wrong again?

Noel

 

[Finder]

I always assumed they were expensiver because of the high quality, low volume, and the name.

That is a pretty good answer. I don't think the name is the significant factor though.

 

[x-ray]

It's my understanidng there are plastic components in Leica lenses. As to quality controll, from the problens that I've had in the past couple of years with Leica lenses i can't believe their quality controll is any better or as good as Nikon, Canon or any other pro brand. In the past couple of years i've had more problems, 4 major issues, with leica lens mounts and focusing mounts and have only had one from a non Leica lens in 40 years. Untill the late 70's Leica did have better quality controll but not any more. Leica is high because people will pay the price not because there's an advantage to their lenses but because some believe they are better. Leica like Canon and Nikon are hand assembled but not hand made. Elements are maching ground and mounts are made by machine. I don't believe you will find a production lens today that doesn't have plastic in it.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

No, they are not hand made. Hand assembled, but not hand made. For one, if they were hand made Leica gear would cost alot more. Secondly, hand made items could not consistently keep the exceptional high tolerances.

One of the obvious differences in Leica lenses and bodies is that they are machined (CNC computer) from ingot (body) or bar stock (lenses). Lower cost brands generally stamp out parts or make in plastic - lowering costs dramatically.

Leica also manufactures in low quantity, which also increases costs and prices.

Paul - is that the photo of Rudy you mentioned on the phone?



Ben Marks

 

[35mmdelux]

Paul - is that the photo of Rudy you mentioned on the phone?



Ben Marks

Hi Ben,

Yes, that is one of them. I got another of him speaking at portable podium which is remarkable. Haven't had much time to analyze, but people have lined up to buy enlargements. I had just programmed my new D200 which was set to bottom out at 1/30 sec. I've adjusted to 1/60 sec. before ramping up ISO.

Perhaps not as sharp as my Leica lenses but I'm satisfied. It is what it is, precluded D&P and scanning. Each (film, digital) with different goal in mind.

For corner-to-corner sharpness I'd go with my Leicas. Here, for quick results digi worked best.

Best - Paul

(Shipping 50 collaps tomorrow)

 

[35mmdelux]

I though the chassis was an Aluminium casting? I'm wrong again?

Noel

Brass (lenses) or aluminum chasis ingot still has to be "hogged" out and refined via CNC machine. ditto bar stock.

 

[normclarke]

Hi,
I beleive that the body is machine finished from a mag. alloy casting made for many years for Leica by the same German company. The top plate of the MP range is an NC machined part from solid. If anyone is interested I can find the name of the company but do not have it to hand at this moment.

Cheers,

normclarke

 

[mad_boy]

One great cost element of the lenses is the design of it.
Designing good lenses takes time (=cost). Designing top of the range lenses takes even more time.

The money spend on the design needs to be paid back with sales (as for every company). The smaller the number produced, the larger the design costs per unit.

mad_boy