Leica Prices

[ampguy]

Fuji F30s and F31fds

Fuji F30s and F31fds

Quite a bit more appreciation than the 3 RD1s I've sold.

There is a difference in comparing 1960's and 70's Leica M-prices and todays. In those "good old days" there was really no competition! You had a M and if you wanted lenses, that's what you had to buy, either used or new,
Today we have a huge choice between Leica's M-lenses and the Zeiss ZM and the CV lenses! I am very bad at selling stuff, so I tend to keep lenses and cameras, so I am not really affected by the current "inflation" in M prices. There is really nothing in the Leica M line-up that I am lusting for (at the moment, at least). The bodies last a long, long time and I am used to them, so why change.
Among their lenses, there are really only two that are at the top of any offerings by anybody. The 50f1.4 Asph and the 75f2.0 Summicron has no match in either ZM or CV, but as for the rest - the "new boys" are just as good and in some case, better than the Leica offering and at substantial discount at that.
I just got the 35mm f2.8 Biogon last week - a Summaron for the 21 st Century? I can buy a 40-50 year old Summaron for slightly less than this new lens. which probably is better as it it is new design, new glass and new coating (still have 40 rolls waiting to be developed after coming back from Tokyo last night, so final judgement will have to wait).
Leicas problem is that they are hit by a/Euro/$ exchange and b/ slow development times of new products and c/ a tendency to be "too late" with new ideas. Companie like Zeiss and in particular VC can implement a new lens in 3-4 month or even quicker in the case of Cosina/Voigtlander.
The huge amount of used M-lenses also affects the interest in "new" offerings from Leica. So a new 35/2 Asph is close to $3000 and a used one is 1/2 of that. $1500 is not small change for most of us.
Interestingly enough, wandering around in Tokyo's camera shops I noticed that the M8 is virtually non-existent, as new or used. Obviously the sales of it in what once was a major market for Leica is a big disapointment! AND rumour has it that Epson might tak up the RD1 again as the used market for that camera is hot and heavy. What Digital camera can hold its value - 4 years after its introduction it is still selling at 60-65% of its new price!!!!!!!

 

[Hacker]

Time to switch to a Nikon SP 2005. I hear that the prices are falling. Anyone has one for sale?

 

[Tuolumne]

Gasoline/Euro/Rice/Sterling Pound/Gold Troy ounce price increases = business in trouble?
Yahoo! share prices decreasing = Yahoo! shares in great shape!

What business school teaches the price increase = indication of business problem Axiom?

I see...so you think they're raising prices because business is so good? What business school teaches that axiom?

In the mean time, Japanese camera prices are holding steady while subject to the same global pricing forces as Leica. Which company would you rather own stock in? Leica or Canon/Nikon/Panasonic/etc?

/T

 

[Turtle]

Inflation + rising oil prices + falling US dollar = "GREED". Got it.

But Leicas have gone up VERY considerably elsewhere too. not just a US thing. I would venture that the rises over the last 5 years have a lot more to do with Leica's pricing (post meltdown) than oil or the USD. Surely if it was just background 'inflation' we would see similar increased for other products? Have BMWs gone up 25% (guesstimate) in the last 2 years? maybe they have???

I would not say it is neccessarily greed as they have to stay afloat. might not be wise in the long term however. mind you, 3 years ago epay doulbed their fees and still seem to be doing just fine. I have hardly used them in 3 years however, but those that now pay double more than compensate for those that sell elsewhere. maybe it is the same with leica? If only zeiss had produced a body with the solidity, simplicity and feel of a MP I would not care!

 

[yanidel]

Many economists on this forum ... will the next Milton Friedman come out of RFF ? 😀
Pricing is a function of supply, demand and production costs. Any normal company has a pricing department and its a joint work with operations, marketing and the economist to determine the pricing strategy (at least it works like that in mine). Either you say that Leica has a bad pricing manager or that they know what they are doing. I would opt for #2.

 

[Tuolumne]

Many economists on this forum ... will the next Milton Friedman come out of RFF ? 😀
Pricing is a function of supply, demand and production costs. Any normal company has a pricing department and its a joint work with operations, marketing and the economist to determine the pricing strategy (at least it works like that in mine). Either you say that Leica has a bad pricing manager or that they know what they are doing. I would opt for #2.

I think that would be Olsen. 😀

In any case, there is no pricing manager at Leica. There is Mr. Kaufman, sole proprietor and CEO. He looked at the books; he gave the word and it was executed.

/T

 

[swoop]

Ugh, This seriously puts a damper on my plans for second M7.

 

[35mmdelux]

prices are indeed jacked up. Two yrs ago a shade for my 35 s-lux ASPH cost $85 (US), I checked the big site in NYC yesterday and now it cost $208(US).