Is Leica overpriced?

[dc2]

Originally Posted by Narsuitus

Yes they are.

Most digital cameras are also overpriced.

All digitals are over priced

[scoundrel1728]

Originally Posted by dc2

All digitals are over priced

Not when you consider that you aren't just buying a camera but a lifetime of "film" and processing (but not printing) too. In fact, the payback in lower incremental cost per exposure is usually quite rapid for pro photographers.

[dc2]

Originally Posted by scoundrel1728

Not when you consider that you aren't just buying a camera but a lifetime of "film" and processing (but not printing) too. In fact, the payback in lower incremental cost per exposure is usually quite rapid for pro photographers.

Agreed with the savings on film .though a life time erm most people dont keep a digital very long nowdays ,
I refer to my 3 year old 10D as my old camera ,then I think I would never have said that about a film camera of that age, I guess its because I would expect to have a film camera much longer,
Still cannot imagine going back to full time to film And still have soft spot for my 10D in fact compared to my 1ds2 its given me no trouble what so ever Speaking of the 1Ds2 I am off to the service center to get it back
and not only for what I took it in for Bah humbug digital sent to drive us nuts

[Tom Caldwell]

Originally Posted by JDArt

Every time I look at Leica equipment, I think "too much money" for what you get.

Why is Leica so expensive? Is there a reason that I'm not seeing?

Dunno. I have an LC1 and I think it takes great images as well as being a dream to use. I also have a number of other Panasonic digital cameras and if they are let down by anything it is their sensors and not their Leica lens systems. If you want to try a Leica lens on the cheap then try a Panasonic FZ30 you will be glad you did as I certainly was.

Tom

[Jim Jones]

Originally Posted by JDArt

Every time I look at Leica equipment, I think "too much money" for what you get.

Why is Leica so expensive? Is there a reason that I'm not seeing?

I've used Leicas (and other 35mm brands) for 53 years, and my current M4 for 36 years. That's one reason. The M4 body cost $210 (US) overseas, and the older normal lens much less. The most expensive lens in my battery was a little over $200 35 years ago. That's certainly not too much money for that kind of service. Images from those early days compare with images from current digital cameras. That's another reason. To quote an ad from a different product, "It fits in your hand like the hand of a friend." That's another reason. Today's digital cameras become obsolescent in a few years. I don't consider my M4 as obsolescent: Lenses, accessories, and service are still available. That's another reason. For someone who uses cameras long and hard, Leicas are inexpensive. So is my Nikon F system. It's not the tool, but how the craftsman uses the tool, that really counts. Fine tools do help, though. Leicas are fine tools.

[JDArt]

Nice to hear your perspective, Jim. Welcome to the site.

[blumesan]

Originally Posted by JDArt

Every time I look at Leica equipment, I think "too much money" for what you get.

Why is Leica so expensive? Is there a reason that I'm not seeing?

We generally tend to think that price should be based on the cost to produce a product plus a reasonable (or even unreasonable) margin of profit.* Economics 101 teaches us that this is almost never the case.* Price is determined by supply and demand.* The producer will always set the price at the highest possible level that a sufficient number of buyers are willing to pay.*

Now "too much money for what you get" is a different discussion.* Is it worth the price?* That's an argument in which I do not wish to engage.

Cheers/Mike.

[cyclohexane]

Personally, I felt that Leica was overpriced until I used the family M3 (currently belongs to my uncle). After shooting with it, now... I wouldn't spend too much time thinking before buying Leica equipment- if I had the money. The cameras have a feel to them that's "unique"- probably due to the name on the top plate of the camera, if nothing else.

[bobbyw59]

Originally Posted by AlbertP

And do they lose metering?

Hi Albert,

I'm not a pro but I do use Leica optics on my canon bodies. Yes you do lose everything automatic: auto exposure adjustment, autofocus, and auto aperture stop-down. Losing all that automation does slow one down, but I find that I have just as many keepers even if I end up shooting less.

Here are some photos taken with a 2/90mm Summicron.

[Jose]

Yes, like are Mercedes and BMWs.