Leica cameras and lenses are known to be expensive, but their price is about to get even higher. Starting on 1 May 2018, Leica is increasing prices of their products by an average of 5%. This will affect 66 items in total and most of the cameras and lenses will have an increase of $100-400. But there are some exceptions: for example, Leica S (Typ 007) will reach an increase of over $1,000, while the price of some items will remain unchanged.
According to a post on Red Dot Forum, the price increase will affect “most M bodies (film and digital), nearly all M lenses, the black Q, TL2, S (Typ 007), many S lenses and a few other items.” On the other hand, there are items that will remain just as expensive as they are now. There will be no price change within the SL system and for Thambar-M 90mm, Noctilux-M 75mm, and CL.
If you have planned to order a Leica camera or lens, you can still get it at old prices if you hurry. According to Digital Trends, you’ll get your gear at lower prices if you place the order before 30 April 2018. Also, if the item you order is out of stock and it doesn’t arrive by 1 May, you still get the right to buy the item on the lower price. To give you some examples, the increase within the M system goes from $200 to $500. As for the M lenses, their price increase ranges mainly between $100 and $300, although silver Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 will cost $600 more. Some items, like Summicron-TL 23mm f/2 ASPH, will have a small increase of $45. The biggest increase comes with Leica S (Typ 007), which will cost $19,995 instead of $18,950. Although, at that price, I guess $1,045 more isn’t that much of a difference. Leica says that the price increase came as a consequence of “the current exchange rates and the increase in raw materials and production costs.” If you’d like to see the full breakdown of new prices, check out this link. And if you’ve been saving up for a Leica and want to place an order, remember to do it before 30 April. [Red Dot Forum via Digital Trends]
