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Leica was among Fujifilm, Canon, and Sigma, which have declared the increase in prices of gear due to Donald Trump’s declaration of tariffs. While the company didn’t reveal how much the prices will grow, there is now a clear indication that the company has seen both a minor and major increase in the prices of gear. Leica equipment is already expensive, but with the new announcement, this only adds to the challenges of rising prices of cameras and lenses.
According to L-Rumors, we have seen the price of a few cameras, which are largely made in Germany, with one created in China. As a result, the latter saw a far higher hike than other models:
- Leica D-Lux 8: The camera saw a 90% price increase, going from $1,595 to $2,790, as it is made in China.
- Leica M11 Monochrome: Only a 10% price increase from $9,195 to $10,160.
- Leica M11-D: Saw a 7% price rise from $9,195 to $9,839.
- Leica M11-P: a 7% rise from $9,195 to the new price of $9,840.
- Leica SL3: Also noticed a 7% price hike from $6,995 to $7,485.
- Leica Q3: Saw about a $12% rise, as the original was $6000, but now it costs $6,735.
- Leica Q3 43: Saw a 7% rise from $6,895 to $7,380.
- Leica SL3s: Also noticed a 7% increase from $5,295 to $5,665.
- Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH: A 7% increase from $3,295 to $3,525.
- APO-Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH: Also a 7% increase from $5195 to $5,560.
- Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH: A 24% increase from $5,495 to $6,845.
- APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f2.8-4: A 22% increase from $6395 to $7,805.
- Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH: A 14% increase from $5,495 to $6,310.
- Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3 lens: An 11% increase from $2,195 to $2,455.
From the looks of it, some cameras and lenses have seen a less than 10% increase, with a few going above 15%. This is particularly visible in the case of zoom lenses, with the Leica 16-35mm seeing a 24% rise. We aren’t sure what the reason is behind this, but our best guess would be the inclusion of imported parts, which may or may not have been created in China. Other than that, it is unclear as to why zoom lenses alone would see a bigger shift in price.
Either way, companies like Leica have found ways to ensure that the price hike is not too significant, otherwise, some may delay their launch. But a hike has been inevitable. In addition, it remains unclear what Donald Trump may announce after the 90-day pause, as that means Leica may face a 20% tariff, which was originally suggested by the President. However, if Europe and China can both barter a deal, the prices may stay the same, which is still better than an additional hike.
Leica’s legacy is built on the creation of cameras that can last a lifetime, and their after-sales service is just as great. As a result, some photographers do not mind paying an additional few thousand, if it means they get a camera that can last for more than a decade or two. But even then, some may face a challenge, since this means that luxury cameras may become unachievable.
Edit: After much debate, the United States and China have announced a new 90-day reduction in tariffs on April 12. The US has a 30% tariff on Chinese goods, which was initially 145%, while China will tax the U.S.-imported goods at 10%, from 125% as previously announced. The development was announced following the price hike from Leica.
