stric
Member
When did Leica M prices go up? A few months ago M7 and Mp were below $3K. Now, they are above. Is this primarily due to exchange rate difference between Euro and dollar? Or was this pricing decision based on something else?
phototone
Well-known
Yep, a few months ago they had an official price increase. It was probably based on Leica needing to raise money.
Add another 6% at the begining of the year from what I hear.
peter_n
Veteran
I believe Jorge is correct. And the current free Leica winder/Leicavit offer for U.S. purchases expires Dec. 31. Time to buy... 
FrankS
Registered User
Time to buy used.
peter_n
Veteran
Or both!
celluloidprop
Well-known
Stephen Gandy's site still lists gray-market bodies for $2495. I'm not sure what the Hong Kong sellers are getting.
I think I'd buy gray with Stephen's warranty and then take out some kind of equipment insurance for the next couple of years - if anything stopped working, the camera might 'accidentally' take a fall off my roof.
I think I'd buy gray with Stephen's warranty and then take out some kind of equipment insurance for the next couple of years - if anything stopped working, the camera might 'accidentally' take a fall off my roof.
jaapv
RFF Sponsoring Member.
Seeing prices were raised far more in the USA than in the rest of the world, I think international money-markets mainly are to blame.. Having said that I don't foresee prices coming down if and when the dollar stars to rise again.
Toby
On the alert
I don't know if I'd invest that kind of money in (probably) obsolete technology made by a near bankrupt company.
V
varjag
Guest
Well, rangefinder technology *is* obsolete. Even artillery have switched from optical rangefinders years ago
Hektor
Leicapile
Toby said:
What about an M-digi ???
particularly if you'd already got a few lenses, and CV don't seem able to make a reliable digi-body.
Toby
On the alert
Hektor said:
Well yes a digi body is another thing entirely but spending £2000 on an M7 is a big bet on the future of film. I'd be more inclined towards a nice M6 myself
Hektor
Leicapile
Yes, I know what you mean, - I think an M4-P is the best value for money, particularly if you're used to working without a meter in the camera. --- also,one less thing to go wrong.
peter_n
Veteran
Film will be around for a long time.
Ben Z
Veteran
The price raises seem to be the hugist in the US. Either Leica USA's management are complete idiots, fiscally-suicidal, or have decided that the only market they care about are wealthy collectors. In any case, they've priced Leica products out of the reach of a very large proportion of us fans. Fortunately for us, but disastrous for Leica, is the fact the used market is glutted with Leica equipment from people swarming to digital. That includes many people who know they will not be able to afford the Digital M and don't consider the RD1 good value, especially in light of Canon's 5D.
Last edited:
peter_n
Veteran
And/or are not interested in the digital M, the RD1, or anything else digital at the camera end. I for one really like the look of film, will be able to use film cameras until I kick the bucket, and I'd be perfectly happy to spend more money on a really good film scanner rather than a digital body.Ben Z said:
tajart
ancien
love of m
love of m
i feel fortunate to have bought my m7 when they first came out. i recall that it was 2350 us$, and i remember thinking, ouch. but i'm glad i did it. and being early it is prone to the occasional flare...but i still love it and use it as my primary body. i had my m6 rebuilt by dag and my r7 by sherry and they are both like new if not better.
i think peter is right on, invest in a quality scanner. film is so good.
love of m
i feel fortunate to have bought my m7 when they first came out. i recall that it was 2350 us$, and i remember thinking, ouch. but i'm glad i did it. and being early it is prone to the occasional flare...but i still love it and use it as my primary body. i had my m6 rebuilt by dag and my r7 by sherry and they are both like new if not better.
i think peter is right on, invest in a quality scanner. film is so good.
zpuskas
Well-known
I agree with Ben Z, it makes no sense to raise prices when the demand for your product is falling. Usually one lowers prices or at the least no increases.
Thankfully we have a fine used market-- and instant selling ability with the Internet--to buy and sell.
Thankfully we have a fine used market-- and instant selling ability with the Internet--to buy and sell.
jaapv
RFF Sponsoring Member.
zpuskas said:
That would be quite correct- if sales were dropping. Actually they are rising quite sharply worldwide (with the exception of Germany) - see their latest half-year report. Prices have been rather stable - they just compensated for the disastrously low dollar.
Ben Z
Veteran
jaapv said:
Ok, in Leica's own words:
"The integration of digital technology into the existing product range was also decisive for the 30.5 % growth experienced in the Leica system cameras division, which posted sales of € 16.6 million. The delivery of the LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R had a favourable effect on the sales of this division. The module is a globally unique digital complement to existing 35mm SLR cameras, as well as an example of the combination of classic Leica values and useful system complements. The demand for LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R will continue to exceed the Company’s manufacturing capacities. In addition, the analogue reportage cameras and lenses of the Leica rangefinder system experienced a slightly positive development .
So the "sharp rise" is clearly due mostly to the initial feeding-frenzy over the DMR. No doubt there are a few individuals with limitless funds who are availing themselves of vanity Leicas through the ala carte program, the LHSA commemoratives, and one or both of the outrageously expensive standard lenses 75/2 and 50/1.4-ASPH. That's all short-term. Long-term IMO these flagrant price hikes are dooming Leica to a boutique for self-indulgent rich collectors.
Last edited: