As a result of recently imposed tariffs and a desire to provide lower prices for consumers, Leica is beginning production of select Leica M-series lenses to Portugal. It should be noted that this does not affect the quality of workmanship of Leica products—all production standards and guidelines are being followed as before, only in a different location. As a result of this move, prices for many popular Leica M lenses in the US will be considerably lower than their German-made counterparts, without any compromises in quality. For Leica enthusiasts here in the US, this is big news.
The Portugese-made lenses, which include the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. (black), Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. (silver), Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. (black-chrome), Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. (silver), Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH (black)., Leica Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6 (silver), Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH., Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 (black), and Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH., will begin appearing on dealer shelves starting in August, and continuing through December 2020. It should still be noted that Made in Germany versions will continue to be available.
This is not the first time in Leica’s company history in which production of cameras and lenses has changed location. During the Cold War in the 1960s, Leica moved a large percentage of its camera and lens production to Ontario, Canada, for reasons of political stability. As with Leica’s latest production move, Leica products did not suffer from quality issues from the move to Canada, and the current move should prove to be as seamless and beneficial for all—Leica customers in particular.
Are you a Leica shooter? If so, what are your thoughts on Leica’s new production strategy? Let us know in the Comments section, below.
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