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Today, Leica has announced that they will be offering a series of Made in Portugal M lenses. Nine of the most popular M lenses will be produced at Leica's factory in Portugal, in addition to the standard German-manufactured lenses. This new range will only be offered for sale in the US.

The motivation behind this move is straightforward. Last year, the US Trade Representative imposed a 25% tariff on a wide range of European goods, including German-made optics. Leica instituted a small price increase to partially cover some of this additional expense. In an effort to mitigate this financial burden for US customers, Leica created a new production line in their existing Portugal facility. Apart from the “Made in Portugal” instead of “Made in Germany” engraving, the lenses are identical in design, manufacture and warranty.

Leica Portugal Factory

What is different is the price. Not subject to the import tariff, the lenses are priced at pre-increase 2019 levels. This works out to an average of 10% less expensive across the board. See the list below of all the lenses which will be Made in Portugal for detailed pricing. Note that the lenses do have different product numbers and SKUs from the German-made lenses. Leica will be rolling out the lineup between now and December, starting with the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH in black, silver and black chrome finishes.

Also note that production of Made in Portugal lenses will not impact availability of the standard German-made versions. Customers will be still be able to choose either version.


 

Made in Portugal Lens Range

Product NumberDescriptionPriceAvailability
11716Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, Black (Made in Portugal)$3,995Aug 2020
11717Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, Silver (Made in Portugal)$4,195Aug 2020
11715Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, Black Chrome (Made in Portugal)$4,595Aug 2020
11708Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH, Black (Made in Portugal)$3,295Sept 2020
11709Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH, Silver (Made in Portugal)$3,495Sept 2020
11712Leica Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6, Silver (Made in Portugal)$2,595Sept 2020
11707Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH, Black (Made in Portugal)$4,395Dec 2020
11711Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH, Black (Made in Portugal)$2,295Dec 2020
11719Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2, Black (Made in Portugal)$2,395Dec 2020

 

Ordering

If you are interested in purchasing any of the Made in Portugal M lenses, you can do so at Leica Store Miami, either by clicking on any of the direct links in the table above, calling 305-921-4433 or by sending an email to info@leicastoremiami.com.


 

About The Author

Leica Specialist

David Farkas is a self-admitted Leica junkie and an avid photographer since he was seven years old. He also owns and operates leading Leica dealer Leica Store Miami in beautiful Coral Gables, Florida with his wife Juliana. David has years of experience shooting with just about every Leica camera and lens made within the last few decades.

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2 Responses

    • David Farkas

      While Leica has maintained a facility in Portugal, historically, they’ve made mechanical components for cameras and lenses, as well as producing many of the sport optics products. These lenses mark the first time that M lenses will have been produced there.

      Reply

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