Update: it seems that the price of the M9, X1 and S2 will stay unchanged (according to this post of David Farkas), everything else will go up (including M lenses). I will try to get the complete list.
8% – 15%
All Leica products will go up in price in the US starting January 2010. The expected price increase will be between 8% to 15%. This will make the Leica M9 even more desirable and… unavailable.
Besides getting on the waiting list at your local dealer, I still believe your best chance to get a M9 is B&H:
If you remember my previous post – I received notifications that at least two M9s were shipped from B&H to readers of this blog – they placed their orders on November 20th. B&H did not take pre-orders before that date, so they did not have a waiting list.
Ebay currently has two M9s for sell.
Back to the prices: for example the new MSRP of the Leica D-Lux 4 will be $880 (currently selling for $699 at Amazon). I will try to get the complete price list and will post more details.
I have no information on a price increase in other countries.
A new hand strap for Leica X1 is expected. Delivery in January 2010, price: $100.
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11 Comments
Does the price increase all the lenses as well??
Ok that was just bad English. Let me rephrase: Will the price increase apply to all of the lenses as well?
As Dave Farkas, major US dealer, just posted on LUF, The M9, S2, X1 and S lenses will stay at the 2009 prices. D-lux 4, M lenses and accesories will indeed go up. That makes the Leica cameras in the USA darn cheap for the rest of the world with the $ at 66 Eurocent and dropping…
Leica Prices in Asia were increased as well
jaapv: thanks – I just saw his comment and updated the post. This is good news!
Actually, B&H did take pre-orders, but over the phone; however, this wasn’t advertised or announced. I pre-ordered with them over a month ago and still haven’t received my steel grey M9. I talked with one of their reps last week and he told me that they were expecting a shipment this week. I sure hope so!
I got my 50mm f.95 last week, the 15% would hurt.
Now just waiting for m9
Only one M9 left on eBay, the other one did not sell as the bidding did not reach the reserve price; bidding went up to $7,500.
BTW very envious of the 50mm /0.95! If you decide you don’t like it let me know!
makes me want to be a student even more.
or… students can now pay for their tuition by reselling leica gears.
It is surprising that the program restrictions does not prohibit you from reselling the discounted equipment, or a maximum number of products that can be purchased under the program, etc etc.
Can someone confirm my understanding that Leica typically raises prices across the board at least once a year? Perhaps this year’s raise in the U.S. is particularly noteworthy due to the dollar’s decline, but does anyone here happen to know Leica’s price increase history?