mkuredjian wrote:
What are you on about here? AFAIK, LLL has no US legal entity nor representation (retailer): they exist as some company in China and, maybe, as some type of business in Canada, so that's who you're buying from. All LLL will do is declare to customs based on the category of item you bought and it's purchase price: LLL will not charge you $1600 for a lens and remit a portion of that to the US government, because they have no reason to; that's on you, the buyer.
And to be crystal clear: tariffs are a tax on US, imposed by the federal government. Who collects that tax on the government's behalf will change, depending on how you buy your items. Conventionally, the bill collector is the logistics company: FedEx, DHL, etc., and that's who you'd expect to get a bill from.
I think you're imagining this will work like Sony, Nikon, etc: wherein Nikon USA Inc. is importing product from Nikon Japan, and will have to pay an import tariff based on the value and type of goods, and in this scenario, Nikon will pass the cost on to you in an inflated MSRP - which you will also pay sales tax on top of.
Buying from LLL is no different than buying a jacket located in Italy off of eBay for $1000 and receiving a duty/brokerage bill from UPS for $300 several weeks later.
This is a good point. We, our family" received a letter from UPS international over the weekend that I owed $54.13 on package that is being held until this is taken care of. Well, come to find out my youngest teen girl purchased something directly from Shein, a Chinese online retailer. I put a stop to that now but the money was due and if not paid, a 10% interest was to be applied plus penalties.
ZdevilH1 wrote:
This is a good point. We, our family" received a letter from UPS international over the weekend that I owed $54.13 on package that is being held until this is taken care of. Well, come to find out my youngest teen girl purchased something directly from Shein, a Chinese online retailer. I put a stop to that now but the money was due and if not paid, a 10% interest was to be applied plus penalties.
Yeah... and that'll be the new norm until the political situation changes. FWIW, I grew up in Toronto and left for the States when I was 28, so the whole, "random bill" showing up is eerily familiar, since this is what happened with UPS, FedEx, Purolator, etc all the time: you'd order something from abroad, then get slapped with duty+brokerage, and the amount was seemingly arbitrary. All these logistics companies profit from this scheme: they act as an import broker for your parcel and slap an additional fee on top of what the government is extorting out of you. It's a racket and it's bad for commerce and bad for individual citizens.
brick33308 wrote:
you may have already mentioned this before. Any thoughts how images from this LLL compare to images from the 35 SRR?
If you meant the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux Steel Rim reissue, that lens is basically a recreation of the original pre-asph Summilux. In its time, that design was the best Leica could do before the "Double Aspherical" came along. Leica was always pushing for better correction while keeping size and cost within reason.
The Leica 35/1.4 Lux Double Aspherical, though, was a completely different level. It corrected SA far more effectively and cleaned up a lot of the classic "glow" the pre-asph design is known for. Resolution and contrast jumped noticeably, especially wide open. That is the look LLL is trying to revive with their new lens.
So comparing the Steel Rim to the LLL AA is kind of like comparing the modern 35 FLE to the old pre-asph Summilux. You get two very different characters, different rendering, different bokeh behavior, different contrast and color, and really the only things they share are the focal length and the maximum f/1.4 aperture.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Very cool, literally. Thanks for posting this.
From what was suspected in the discussion (link), the photographer who posted the samples showed that the LLL 35/1.4 AA leans toward cooler tones rather than warm ones, which is consistent with how other LLL lenses tend to render. Whether that matches the original AA is still up in the air, and the only real way to know is a same camera, side-by-side test.
Here is what Sazinzibb mentioned about its rendering:
1. Subtle cool tone
2. Strong contrast
3. Dense, tactile three dimensionality
4. Excellent detail reproduction
Very excited to see how this lens will render on my M9!
If the tariffs do end up being quite expensive it will be interesting to compare the rendering and performance to the FLE I. A good used copy can be had for about 1000 usd more than the Ti LLL. If tariffs are 500 or more, you’re looking at only another 500 for the FLE I.
I don't know.. but I can confirm that UPS would only deliver the $79 lens shade I ordered if I paid a $54 tariff. So I refused and sent the lens shade back.
This means that a $1300 lens would come with a $780 tariff... if I did the math correctly.
I suggest folks reach out to Light Lens Lab for input. I did write them and requested they be more forthcoming with anyone in the US ordering products from Light Lens Lab.. I believe this is in Canada. Certainly something to be aware of. I'm a big fan of the company and their products.. I own 3 of their lenses, all outstanding. They just need to be clear about current pricing realities.
JohnKraus wrote:
I don't know.. but I can confirm that UPS would only deliver the $79 lens shade I ordered if I paid a $54 tariff. So I refused and sent the lens shade back.
This means that a $1300 lens would come with a $780 tariff... if I did the math correctly.
I suggest folks reach out to Light Lens Lab for input. I did write them and requested they be more forthcoming with anyone in the US ordering products from Light Lens Lab.. I believe this is in Canada. Certainly something to be aware of. I'm a big fan of the company and their products.. I own 3 of their lenses, all outstanding. They just need to be clear about current pricing realities. ...Show more →
I have found their communication to be somewhat vague in general, perhaps by design. I was under the impression the lens would ship Dec 1, and I’ve started to see a few stores/photographers post on IG, but responses to when it might ship have only been “production is slower than anticipated, and hopefully by the end of 2025”. Makes me think they are potentially picking and choosing who gets them and in what order versus when orders were placed. If it’s the end of the month it’s really not a huge deal, but I do appreciate up front and honest communication in general if I was to provide them feedback.
I suspect questions about tariff charges may also be answered vaguely so we may not know until someone in the US gets theirs and comments.
If the expected duty/tariff is that high, I may just opt to refuse and return and pick up an FLE 1. I am definitely interested in this lense but if the cost begins to approach a mint/near mint used FLE 1 I don’t think the value proposition is there. With no to little incoming duty if the quality is as expected on early reviews, it seems like a good value proposition. At least that’s my thoughts on it, others may have different opinions.
Re: Tariff
I sent an email to LLL yesterday and got a response this morning. Here is what they are saying.
Now, I dont think anyone has gotten their lens yet so im not sure what he is referencing; perhaps their other lenses,
"Hello Andy, Thank you for your message. We use HS code 9002.11.90.00 to ship the 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical "118873".
Based on our experience with US customers who have already received the lens, the charge is approximately $ 30- $ 50 per order. The logistics company is now charging a fixed rate instead of a percentage.
ZdevilH1 wrote:
Re: Tariff
I sent an email to LLL yesterday and got a response this morning. Here is what they are saying.
Now, I dont think anyone has gotten their lens yet so im not sure what he is referencing; perhaps their other lenses,
"Hello Andy, Thank you for your message. We use HS code 9002.11.90.00 to ship the 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical "118873".
Based on our experience with US customers who have already received the lens, the charge is approximately $ 30- $ 50 per order. The logistics company is now charging a fixed rate instead of a percentage.
Best
David
Light Lens Lab"
30-50 would be excellent. Here’s to hoping that’s the case.
JohnKraus wrote:
If that's the case what code did they use for a $79 lens shade that had a $53 tariff/duties charge?
This has me wary of currently purchasing from LLL. I also emailed them yesterday- twice- and received no response.
You will likely find a 20-30 service charge embedded and that will be close to 40% of total, on the other hand I just had to pay 800 for my Leica auction win but the duty was the vast majority of the charge with service charge being only a small fee embedded. Basically purchasing small items is not worth it because the service fee is so high now that the 800$ exemption is gone, which had no duty hence no service fee. So best advice is not purchase little hoods soft releases etc unless part of a larger purchase - anyways that is what I am doing only making significant purchases, where I know the duty is a big piece of change but there is no excessive service fee.
Uofoducks15 wrote:
I have found their communication to be somewhat vague in general, perhaps by design. I was under the impression the lens would ship Dec 1, and I’ve started to see a few stores/photographers post on IG, but responses to when it might ship have only been “production is slower than anticipated, and hopefully by the end of 2025”. Makes me think they are potentially picking and choosing who gets them and in what order versus when orders were placed.
1. They are running a business - of course they supply long-standing wholesalers and strategic marketing partners first. There is nothing unusual about this.
2. They are launching a new product...sometimes production doesn't go as smoothly as hoped. Would you rather have it on time or correct? I think most of us would choose to have the lens be good-to-go even if that means a small delay in receiving it.
3. I don't think the communication is particularly vague. David has to answer everyone's emails, etc. He is one person. I believe he is also a student at uni, so he has other things on his plate. Let's give him some grace.
The lens is going to be a ton of fun. We are all looking forward to it.
_jim_ wrote:
1. They are running a business - of course they supply long-standing wholesalers and strategic marketing partners first. There is nothing unusual about this.
2. They are launching a new product...sometimes production doesn't go as smoothly as hoped. Would you rather have it on time or correct? I think most of us would choose to have the lens be good-to-go even if that means a small delay in receiving it.
3. I don't think the communication is particularly vague. David has to answer everyone's emails, etc. He is one person. I believe he is also a student at uni, so he has other things on his plate. Let's give him some grace.
The lens is going to be a ton of fun. We are all looking forward to it. ...Show more →
Certainly all valid opinions. Something like thinking communication is a bit vague is very subjective and what one person thinks is a bit vague can be appropriate and clear to someone else.
JohnKraus wrote:
I don't know.. but I can confirm that UPS would only deliver the $79 lens shade I ordered if I paid a $54 tariff. So I refused and sent the lens shade back.
This means that a $1300 lens would come with a $780 tariff... if I did the math correctly.
I suggest folks reach out to Light Lens Lab for input. I did write them and requested they be more forthcoming with anyone in the US ordering products from Light Lens Lab.. I believe this is in Canada. Certainly something to be aware of. I'm a big fan of the company and their products.. I own 3 of their lenses, all outstanding. They just need to be clear about current pricing realities. ...Show more →
Did you check if there was a breakdown of the fees that totaled $54? UPS always has a handling fee and the rest might actually be duty and tariffs, as depending on the item and the category it falls in for duty purposes, the duty might be considerable. And on top of that the tariff percentage for an item manufactured in China.
With regard to the lens and the harmonized code stated by LLL, typically lenses can incur a 2.3% duty if not from a country with a trade agreement, while the tariff rate for China would be additional.
If this is the case then you're looking at ~$30-50 duty depending on the version of the lens, plus the 10% China tariff rate. So probably closer to $200-250 total. But who knows. Sometimes things 'slip through' and other times not.
Fred Miranda wrote:
If you meant the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux Steel Rim reissue, that lens is basically a recreation of the original pre-asph Summilux. In its time, that design was the best Leica could do before the "Double Aspherical" came along. Leica was always pushing for better correction while keeping size and cost within reason.
The Leica 35/1.4 Lux Double Aspherical, though, was a completely different level. It corrected SA far more effectively and cleaned up a lot of the classic "glow" the pre-asph design is known for. Resolution and contrast jumped noticeably, especially wide open. That is the look LLL is trying to revive with their new lens.
So comparing the Steel Rim to the LLL AA is kind of like comparing the modern 35 FLE to the old pre-asph Summilux. You get two very different characters, different rendering, different bokeh behavior, different contrast and color, and really the only things they share are the focal length and the maximum f/1.4 aperture. ...Show more →
thanks. The SRR has a glow wide open that appeals to me immensely although perhaps not as much as the original steel rim which is fine. And both the original steel rim and SRR have the added bonus of sharpening up beautifully stopped down. Sounds like the LLL will be desired by many but I think not for me - I'll stick with the SRR which is my next favorite lens compared to first place Summilux 50 pre asph v2 (love love love that lens).
But what we can all agree - ain't it grand to have so many M lenses from which to chose that create exactly the images we have in mind. Every day I pick up my preferred Leica cam I'm filled with joy - something I NEVER experienced with my Sony cams (or Nikons before that).
Supposedly all the reciprocal tariff deals will be done in next two months and if so we should have stability to buy buy buy from where ever, including the Leica auctions - a bump in the road that will pass, or so I want to believe. Not sure the 800 exemption is ever coming back which was nice to pick up little items in Japan where the camera stores are so efficient and reliable. I want the 35/1.4 coming soon I expect from LLL so I am just going to pay whatever. Going forward the total cost value will be one thing to consider, but since I have all the LLL lenses who I am kidding I will likely buy the next one too (a 40/2 was supposed to be announced by now or soon). I also have a ms optics 73/1.5 on the way to me, I have not yet been dinged for the tariff... expecting it, but have not seen a request for payment, yet.
rscheffler wrote:
Did you check if there was a breakdown of the fees that totaled $54? UPS always has a handling fee and the rest might actually be duty and tariffs, as depending on the item and the category it falls in for duty purposes, the duty might be considerable. And on top of that the tariff percentage for an item manufactured in China.
With regard to the lens and the harmonized code stated by LLL, typically lenses can incur a 2.3% duty if not from a country with a trade agreement, while the tariff rate for China would be additional.
If this is the case then you're looking at ~$30-50 duty depending on the version of the lens, plus the 10% China tariff rate. So probably closer to $200-250 total. But who knows. Sometimes things 'slip through' and other times not....Show more →
Glad to hear David at Light Lens Lab responded to you next day. I sent several emails to him 2 days ago, yesterday and today. He has yet to respond to one email. So for me.. the lesson is to be very careful at the moment purchasing anything from LLL without knowing what the final, full price will be- including purchase, shipping and tariffs. Once you know.... if that's OK with you go for it. At least for me it's much better to know up front then find out after the fact.
I contacted LLL yesterday about shipping date and got following message:
"Thank you for your message. Your order is most likely shipped by the end of the month. We are currently shipping out orders to customers who are ahead of you. "
i ordered my Titanium version on November, 13.......
