Leica, the German camera maker, has been raising the prices of its devices in the United States since Donald Trump took office. As we reported earlier, the cameras saw a massive increase last year, and it appears Leica will raise prices again this month. Which cameras are likely to get affected? Have a look here.
According to Leica Rumors, the company is increasing the prices of M, SL, and Q systems. The increases range from $25 to an eye-watering $900. The latter is largely seen in the case of cameras. Without further ado, let’s have a look at the prices.
| Product Code | Item | Current Price | New Price | Increase |
| 10557 | Leica M6, Black | $6,415 | $7,000 | +$585 |
| 10302 | Leica MP – Black (0.72) | $6,415 | $7,100 | +$685 |
| 10370 | Leica M-A (Typ 127), Black Chrome | $6,310 | $7,000 | +$690 |
| 10371 | Leica M-A (Typ 127), Silver Chrome | $6,310 | $7,000 | +$690 |
| 20208 | Leica M11 Monochrom | $10,160 | $11,050 | +$890 |
| 20211 | Leica M11-P, Black | $9,840 | $10,400 | +$560 |
| 20214 | Leica M11-P, Silver Chrome | $9,840 | $10,650 | +$810 |
| 20220 | Leica M11-D, Black | $10,055 | $10,950 | +$895 |
| 20230 | Leica M11, Glossy Black Paint | $9,840 | $10,400 | +$560 |
| 20229 | Leica M EV1 | $8,995 | $9,290 | +$295 |
| 20235 | Leica M11-P Safari | $10,495 | $10,800 | +$305 |
| 11145 | Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH | $3,845 | $4,000 | +$155 |
| 11695 | Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6 Silver | $3,420 | $3,600 | +$180 |
| 11618 | Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH III, Black | $5,775 | $6,000 | +$225 |
| 11149 | Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH III, Safari | $5,995 | $6,400 | +$405 |
| 11699 | APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH | $9,090 | $9,500 | +$410 |
| 11301 | Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4, Silver | $4,380 | $4,900 | +$520 |
| 11726 | Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH FLE II, Black | $6,415 | $6,900 | +$485 |
| 11727 | Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH FLE II, Silver | $6,630 | $7,200 | +$570 |
| 11734 | Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH FLE II, Safari | $6,795 | $7,300 | +$505 |
| 11602 | Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH | $14,225 | $14,400 | +$175 |
| 11667 | Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH, Silver | $14,225 | $14,400 | +$175 |
| 11686 | Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH, Black | $8,555 | $8,900 | +$345 |
| 11713 | Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Glossy Black | $4,595 | $5,000 | +$405 |
| 11714 | Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Silver Chrome | $4,170 | $4,600 | +$430 |
| 11728 | Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH II, Black | $5,025 | $5,500 | +$475 |
| 11729 | Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH II, Silver | $5,240 | $5,800 | +$560 |
| 11736 | Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH II, Safari | $5,495 | $5,900 | +$405 |
| 11637 | APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH | $5,240 | $5,300 | +$60 |
| 10648 | SL3-S Kit with Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 | $6,495 | $6,950 | +$455 |
| 11181 | Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH | $5,880 | $5,950 | +$70 |
| 11183 | APO-Summicron-SL 28mm f/2 ASPH | $5,560 | $5,650 | +$90 |
| 11191 | Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3 | $2,455 | $2,590 | +$135 |
| 11192 | Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH | $2,565 | $2,690 | +$125 |
| 11194 | Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH | $2,885 | $2,950 | +$65 |
| 11196 | Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH | $1,890 | $2,190 | +$300 |
| 11096 | Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH | $3,525 | $3,550 | +$25 |
| 19080 | Q3 | $6,735 | $7,350 | +$615 |
| 19084 | Q3 43 | $7,380 | $7,950 | +$570 |
| 19200 | Q3 Monochrom | $7,790 | $7,950 | +$160 |
The increase is a result of tariffs and the pressure from fluctuating import costs, which are pushing up the price of European goods in America. This is particularly hard for Leica users who want to purchase a camera or a lens soon. Models like the M11 Monochrom (+$890) and M11-D (+$895) will cost $11,000, and often one wonders whether it’s worth the money.
The same is applicable to lenses, with some, such as the Noctilux, costing over $14,000. The other option would be to buy from a brand such as Thypoch or TTArtisan, as they can offer somewhat similar image quality. For instance, as we said in the review of Thypoch Simera 35mm f1.4:
You’d be forgiven for thinking it was made by Leica themselves. It has all the good-looking qualities you’d want from a lens that would claim stake to the precious mount on your prized Leica camera. The body is finely constructed with excellent attention to detail and some admirable finishing. It’s a thing of beauty; there’s no doubt about that.
If you are considering purchasing a Leica, it’s better to do so now, as the window is short. Or you will have to wait until the next rebate reduces the prices, or that Trump’s tariffs are struck down by the court for good.