egpj
50 Summilux is da DEVIL!
Just thought I would ask to see if someone has purchased any new gear after the prices went up.
zeos 386sx
Well-known
There were thousands who purchased new equipment right after the price increase. They're out taking pictures right now and just don't have time to answer.
I'm here and able to post because I've committed the next 10 years of my life to saving-up for a new digital M.
I'm here and able to post because I've committed the next 10 years of my life to saving-up for a new digital M.
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
Never purchased new Leica gear before and really see no reason to now. especially after the increase.
Bob
Bob
captainslack
Five Goats Hunter
From the scuttlebutt on CVUG, a lot of the Leica dealers are still waiting for official work from the company for the increase to go into effect. Apparently, the deadline came and went with no word.
aizan
Veteran
there's been discussion on the cvug. it looks like dealers don't have to increase prices at all.
FrankS
Registered User
Never bought anything marked Leitz or Leica new, never will. I'm just not that rich.
My question was whether the dealer cost of Leica gear has gone up... The answer was yes, so I'd say it's inevitable that dealers will hike their prices on the gear they have to pay more for. Resistance is futile...aizan said:
Uncle Bill
Well-known
Gee another reason to buy pre-loved. I am not a fan of the luxury goods thinking behind the current team at the helm at Leica, must be the Hermes influence.
Bill
Bill
aizan
Veteran
Doug said:My question was whether the dealer cost of Leica gear has gone up... The answer was yes, so I'd say it's inevitable that dealers will hike their prices on the gear they have to pay more for. Resistance is futile...
damn! will they raise prices for stuff they already have, or just new stock?
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
aizan said:
There would be no way to tell as a buyer and being a cynic you know what I would think would be done.
Bob
The word (on RFList I believe) was that Leica had instructed dealers to raise all prices on a specific date; old stock, new stock, any stock. That some dealers didn't has raised some questions. But I think as dealers pay more for new stock, they'll have to pass on the higher costs to their customers.
I feel fortunate that last month I bought a new-old-stock 28mm Summicron ASPH from an authorized Leica dealer, with the price based on his original dealer cost, obviously giving him profit but at hundred$ le$$ than then-current retail. At this date, and if he followed Leica instructions, well, I just couldn't have done the deal.
But I think as dealers pay more for new stock, they'll have to pass on the higher costs to their customers.I feel fortunate that last month I bought a new-old-stock 28mm Summicron ASPH from an authorized Leica dealer, with the price based on his original dealer cost, obviously giving him profit but at hundred$ le$$ than then-current retail. At this date, and if he followed Leica instructions, well, I just couldn't have done the deal.
S
Sumo_du_Jour
Guest
Had a great experience in February. After doing homework on CLA for an M4-2 in need of TLC, I decided to check out my trade-in options.
My local Leica dealer had just received three black MP bodies and a handful of lenses claimed to be the last stock before the price rises. They had instructions to send customers to the "Boutique" for new purchases (this was in Feb).
The change-over amount on a discounted MP was less than a CLA with shutter replacement on the M4-2.
One thing I didn't count on was the extent of emotional attachment that existed with the M4-2. It's been a slow process taking the MP to heart.
For your info, the discounted price on the MP was AUS$3,000 (about US$2,250).
My local Leica dealer had just received three black MP bodies and a handful of lenses claimed to be the last stock before the price rises. They had instructions to send customers to the "Boutique" for new purchases (this was in Feb).
The change-over amount on a discounted MP was less than a CLA with shutter replacement on the M4-2.
One thing I didn't count on was the extent of emotional attachment that existed with the M4-2. It's been a slow process taking the MP to heart.
For your info, the discounted price on the MP was AUS$3,000 (about US$2,250).
Terence T
Where'd my Bessa go?
That's not a bad price on a new MP, even cheaper than in Hong Kong, real surprising.
I picked up a M7 just 2 weeks back before my dealer increased his prices in line with the Jul 1st price bump. I'm just wondering if the new increases will affect the value of newer used Leicas.
I picked up a M7 just 2 weeks back before my dealer increased his prices in line with the Jul 1st price bump. I'm just wondering if the new increases will affect the value of newer used Leicas.
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
It should drag all used M bodies up as they are the only alternative to a new M and still be Leica. That is if the price increase sticks.
Bob
Bob
egpj
50 Summilux is da DEVIL!
That is kind of nice if you are looking to sell your old Leica equipment but who would do that now? After all, the cost of replacement down the road makes it impossible. I have an R9 I was really thinking about getting rid of it but why should I now? Imagine having a great system then selling it when you are not in dire need of the cash. Then having to replace it later after a price increase. Ouch!
Part of the reason I asked if anyone was buying was to determine if Leica was still viable. People here love the brand but if they have alienated their following then Leica will get really bad off really fast.
Part of the reason I asked if anyone was buying was to determine if Leica was still viable. People here love the brand but if they have alienated their following then Leica will get really bad off really fast.
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
You really wonder about the mentality behind the idea that they have too much stock so we will increase prices to clear it out. Maybe someone with a business degree can make sense of it, forgot that they are probably running the company. Love the brand all you want, I do, and I love Rolls Royce too but you don't see me running out to buy a new one, for the same reason too much money.
DerekF
Established
I've been looking to get a 35mm lens for my new MP (purchased new just a week before the July 1 price increase in the US as a treat to myself), but I'm definitely holding off until I can find a used one at a decent price or until Leica USA drops its prices. Somehow, I suspect I'll have better luck with the former option for the near term...
On another note, can anyone comment on how the Leica USA price increases have affected Canadian prices? Prior to the increase in the US, Canadian prices were considerably higher, even after the exchange was factored in (a local dealer was asking 3600 CAD + tax for an MP), which is why I ordered my Leica kit from PopFlash. But if the Canadian prices haven't risen in tandem with the US prices, then it might level the playing field just enough to make ordering from a Canadian distributor that much more appealing.
Of course, that's if I was willing to buy new gear at the current prices anyway...
On another note, can anyone comment on how the Leica USA price increases have affected Canadian prices? Prior to the increase in the US, Canadian prices were considerably higher, even after the exchange was factored in (a local dealer was asking 3600 CAD + tax for an MP), which is why I ordered my Leica kit from PopFlash. But if the Canadian prices haven't risen in tandem with the US prices, then it might level the playing field just enough to make ordering from a Canadian distributor that much more appealing.
Of course, that's if I was willing to buy new gear at the current prices anyway...
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
Derek
To my knowledge there is NO Canadian importer of Leica and everything is done through Leica USA. If this is true, my guess would be that the prices here on dealers shelves will increase also.
Bob
To my knowledge there is NO Canadian importer of Leica and everything is done through Leica USA. If this is true, my guess would be that the prices here on dealers shelves will increase also.
Bob
egpj
50 Summilux is da DEVIL!
Ouch! I was under the impression that the price increase was to get the prices in the states on a level playing field with Europe. After the dollar fell things have been very uneven for a while. If that is true then the Canadian prices should remain the same regardless of Leica USA doing the importing. Too bad we do not have some Leica dealers who frequent this forum and can give us the scoop on this stuff.
My impression from all the posts here suggest that Leica is in for a cash shortage immediately after the increase. They probably knew that this was going to happen. People have to become reserved to the higher prices but with such prolific used market I doubt that the can dig themselves out of their hole by raising prices. Really, I would love to buy a couple of collectors pieces but they have priced themselves out of the "sweet spot" for me. The little Oskar Barnack camera with fixed 5cm lens was very appealing as a little retro point and shoot.
My impression from all the posts here suggest that Leica is in for a cash shortage immediately after the increase. They probably knew that this was going to happen. People have to become reserved to the higher prices but with such prolific used market I doubt that the can dig themselves out of their hole by raising prices. Really, I would love to buy a couple of collectors pieces but they have priced themselves out of the "sweet spot" for me. The little Oskar Barnack camera with fixed 5cm lens was very appealing as a little retro point and shoot.
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
egpj
I meant that Canadian prices will also increase with everything being done through the US. That still leaves grey market items though. There is a price level beyond which you will sell fewer products and Leica have really pushed it. They may not be able to make the increase stick if not enough buyers come back into the market place after the initial shock. When you are dealing with a limited pool of buyers of new equipment can you really afford to knock a few more out of that pool? Time will tell.
Bob
I meant that Canadian prices will also increase with everything being done through the US. That still leaves grey market items though. There is a price level beyond which you will sell fewer products and Leica have really pushed it. They may not be able to make the increase stick if not enough buyers come back into the market place after the initial shock. When you are dealing with a limited pool of buyers of new equipment can you really afford to knock a few more out of that pool? Time will tell.
Bob