Camera Labs

Hi

Why is leica more expensive than the other two brands?

am i wrong here? Is leica expensive ? I heard somebody saying that they are way more expensive....

is it just the build quality or is my post a stupid one here?

Regds
Mano

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Canon EOS 5D mk III|Canon EOS 7D | 70-200 F2.8 L IS II USM | 400 F5.6 L USM

Have a look here for insights into why perhaps leica is more expensive:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/video ... ntro.shtml
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/video ... ntro.shtml

Other than that, leica can be considered a luxury branding effort. Although nikon does make a more expensive camera than the M9, namely the D3x. I think you are paying for the "leica experience" when you purchase their products, they've said as much in some of their product literature. That, and hand assembly and low volumes tend to increase prices.

Although phase one I think you can safely say makes a more expensive product than the leica S2, namely the phase one P65+ that rings in around $45000.

from what i can tell...

having a leica is more of a feel...

much like my infiniti drives like a mercedes benz...

they both have four wheels and can go from point a to b. one's just more expensive.

mind you, one might have more or less features than what you would pay for...it's mainly up to what the photographer values

i don't need a v12 in a car...nor do i need to be the most comfortable driver on the planet.

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Leicas are not mass produced by machines in Japan, but by hand in Germany by the Leica elves.

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Mark Osborne
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German elves? that's a scary thought....

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
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hmm German elves... i ponder...

anyways back on topic. it's the branding

like Louis Vuitton or Coach

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Leica is very much more expensive.

Canon and Nikon are very big companies that mass produce products aimed at a large target group, Leica is different. Leica produces niche products that are aimed at a small target group of photographers with specific needs. Photographers who cherish the experience of taking photographs.

The build quality of Leica is also second to none and the performance of the lenses is unique. To achieve that requires a huge investment (especially for a small company), but is very difficult to notice. That makes it less attractive for most because the bang you get for your buck in terms of image quality is not the same as with a DSLR.

I think Leica is worth the money, but I think I'm one of the few around here.

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Buying a Leica camera is quite OK, especially compared to the top-of-the-line Nikons and Canons. Buying their lenses is what's really expensive...

- Bjorn -

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Leica M9-P (my article on Camera Labs) | Leica D-Lux 5 | 50mm Summilux

Bjorn is right. That new Leica lens for example,the 35mm F/1.4 is worth enough money for a Canon/Nikon full frame DSLR,a couple of very good lenses & some pretty decent studio equipment.

German elves are NOT worth all that money...

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
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I do believe though that the material is worth its price if the camera suits your photographic style. One day, I hope to get myself a Leica system. And I'd definitely look into the Summulix lenses. I'd even consider the Noctilux...

- Bjorn -

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Leica M9-P (my article on Camera Labs) | Leica D-Lux 5 | 50mm Summilux

the F/0.95 50mm lens?

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
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Amazons, Elves...
Orsan has been watching too much movies.
Next time, I bet he will talk about Dwarfs and Orcs.

There are Leica cameras for prices between US$15000 and US$20000 if I'm not wrong.
"Expensive" really is the word you want to use to define a Leica.

Yep, the Noctilux 50mm f/0.95. Just under 8000 euros, probably around 10.000 dollars. Combined with a Summulix 24 and 35 and Summarit 70, all I need.

The great thing about Leica gear is that it also holds more of its value over the years. A Nikon D2h is quite affordable, as Daniel and Marijn have shown. A Leica M7, which is film, is still expensive.

- Bjorn -

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Street and documentary photographer | Google+ | Twitter | Tumblr

Leica M9-P (my article on Camera Labs) | Leica D-Lux 5 | 50mm Summilux

Nah Bjorn you dont need all those lenses. Just need a 28mm (as 24mm is too wide for the finder) a 50mm and a 90mm.

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Nikon D5000 and D300 with 12-24mm, 35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.4, 60mm f2.8 Macro, 18-200mm, 17-55mm f2.8 (all Nikon)

Well Bjorn i did say if i won the lotto i would post you one.

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Mark Osborne
My life through an iPhone