Leica Prices Increasing on May 1st

On May 1, 2018 Leica is increasing prices on a range of products by an average of about 5%. Affected products include 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 (66 in total). To quote Leica “this revision is necessary due to the current exchange rates and the increase in raw materials and production costs.” This does make sense, as every year about this time we tend to see some increases, designed to reflect the ever-rising costs involved with manufacturing hand-built products from exotic, expensive materials.

Notably, there are zero increases within the SL-system, and recently announced products such as the Thambar-M 90mm, Noctilux-M 75mm, and CL are not affected. The good news here is that we have nearly a month of advance notice. All orders placed by April 30th will be honored at the pre-increase price – even if the item is not in stock until on or after May 1. If you were thinking about the M10, best to grab one before months' end as the price is going up $400. The black Q sees an increase of $245 (making it the same price as the silver Q) and TL2 bodies go up $245 as well.

Keep reading for a full breakdown of the changes.

Leica M System Cameras

The increase among M-system cameras that stands out most is certainly the M10, especially considering the model is barely one year old, and was subject to a $300 price increase last year. It is also interesting to see some of the older digital models creeping up in price. Absent from both this current and last year's price increases is the M-D…makes you wonder if those LCD screens are worth it!

Leica M Lenses

While the majority of the prices here are only going up $100-200, the Noctilux in black goes up $500 and its silver counterpart goes up $600. Apparently the 90mm f/2 APO must be a tricky lens to make as it sees a $400 increase. Overall these changes are in line with what we see just about every year.

Leica S-System

The S007's price goes up for a second year in a row. Don't forget you can still take advantage of Leica's S Trade-Up Program before the end of April to bring the current price down even further before the increase. Seems like the only lens NOT getting a price increase is also the most expensive one in the S lens lineup: the Vario-Elmar-S 30-90mm.

Leica APS-C System

With its price creeping closer to the CL (which it shares a sensor with), the TL2 does not look quite as appealing from a feature-set versus price standpoint. However, it still offers beautiful design with a unique and minimalist touchscreen interface if that's what you are looking for. Minor adjustments to a few APS-C lenses round out changes here.

All-in-One Cameras

At nearly three years old, the Q is still difficult for most dealers to keep in stock. It makes sense to have the black and silver models now priced the same, as their differences were purely cosmetic. The X-U gets a bump too, but it's still a camera that has no real direct competitor in the marketplace.

If you are considering any of the above products, you can click any of the associated links in the table above, email us or call Leica Store Miami at 305-921-4433 to lock in your order at the pre-increase price. As long as your order is in by April 30 you are eligible, whether or not the item is in stock at the time of your order.