Hi everyone,
Great discussion but let's try to steer clear of the topic of tariffs if possible. There are plenty of places online where political discussions can happen, but here at FM, we like to keep the focus on photography. Thanks for understanding!
With previous *-P variants the price difference was around what, $1k? With the M11 it was $200-ish. Maybe Leica has finally realized that very few people think their logo looks good on a camera.
It's worth noting that a tariff was already applied to German optics in recent years. So it's not a new tariff on top of that, it's a new tariff rate. So, fingers crossed that the new prices won't actually be that much higher.
Or, I can tell my wife that prices will skyrocket and I need to buy another M11 now.....
crf59 wrote:
It's worth noting that a tariff was already applied to German optics in recent years. So it's not a new tariff on top of that, it's a new tariff rate. So, fingers crossed that the new prices won't actually be that much higher.
Or, I can tell my wife that prices will skyrocket and I need to buy another M11 now.....
From what I've read the increase will be 20% to 30% on the import level so if you are looking to buy, buy soon.
"Leica's chief executive Matthias Harsch said sales are projected to have reached a record 600 million euros ($660 million) in 2024/25, with annual growth close to 10 percent.
Total global sales of digital cameras grew by only four percent last year, to 6.8 billion euros, according to Germany's GfK consumer institute.
Innovation remains at the heart of the brand, with a research budget of "more than 10 percent of sales", according to Harsch.
North America represents around 20 percent of Leica's total sales and the company is "assessing the impact" of tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump, Harsch said.
Leica operates more than 120 of its own stores worldwide, including in the United States, with more openings planned this year."
Stephen G wrote:
I'm actually surprised that Leica NA sales are only 20% of worldwide, and I suppose if you break that down to US maybe it's 15%.
Possible seeing decreased sales at decreased margins on 15% of overall is something they aren't too bothered by.
That ... and when you are a legacy company with a "long view" of things ... and this too shall pass ... is probably more like swatting at a fly, than the sky is falling, and running for cover.
Forums and consumers probably have stronger "knee-jerk" responses than Leica does. I figure, they'll control what they can / do ... and not fret that much over what they can't / won't.
They've always done whatever it is they want to do ... and those who can come along for the ride, great. The others, somewhere down the road, maybe they get on board. I just don't see Leica being all that worried about the ups / downs ... that likely will continue to go through iterative ups / downs of things, before the dust settles.
airfrogusmc wrote:
Fred that wasn't meant to be political just a fact.
Thanks for understanding. Just a reminder that even when not intended as political, topics like tariffs often lead there quickly. Let's keep the focus on photography so FM stays the enjoyable space it's meant to be.
Whether it's discontinued or not, I love my M11. If not for the M11 I would never have starting taking pictures with a Leica M. I never found the brass top and bottom plate acceptable enough to give it a try on previous M cameras. But the lighter weight, easy access for battery, and 60MP sensor were enough to make me try the M11. Honestly I think the M11 gets a bad rap online. I've found it a great camera, best haptics of any camera I've tried, and when you nail focus and exposure the images are fantastic.
