When it comes to Leica everything is expensive no matter it's a DSLR camera. Point and Shoot camera or just ancient film camera. What makes these Leica cameras are so expensive ? Does Leica makes better camera than Canon or Nikon ? or It's just a luxury item ?
I think one reason is these Leica are not mass produced like Canon or Nikon cameras which only Lens made in Japan and read usually made in China or East Asian countries. But Leica cameras are made in German by skilled high paid German workers that basically make the cameras by hand.
Another reason is Leica is a brand from a time when the best cameras and lenses came from Germany. Maybe Canon and Nikon have same quality cameras now but still Leica reputation for world great cameras let them to bill high prices for their cameras. They make camera for high-end market and don't make budget models so they have maintain their prices just liek Rolex.
Sensor for Leica cameras like Leica M9 and Leica S2 are specialized and production cost is really high. Also Lenses made for the best quality glass used in market. Just like the Difference between Toyota and Mercedes cars. I wonder if they use anything Made in China for Leica cameras ?
Bottom like is Leica DSLR cameras are not for average photographers. Not everyone can afford or can understand whats so special about these cameras. I have seen so many argument about this, questioning the if Leica camera price really can be justified or not. Maybe its not something you can compare.
Leica S2-P DSLR camera. This camera came with a price tag between 25,000 - 30,000 USD ! and now after couple of years price has done down to 15,000 USD at Amazon. There aren't lots of buyers but I have seen users boasting how cool is this camera.
Leica M9 Digital Range finder camera Comes with a price tag of $7000 at Amazon. They tell it's the Smallest full frame digital camera in the world; first Rangefinder camera with a 24 x 36mm format sensor. Also18-megapixel sensor allows the full 35mm format, custom-designed CCD sensor for optimal performance. Someone mentioned in their Amazon review about this camera,
The M9 is best when you're working in a slow and methodical way, carefully composing, adjusting every setting, leaving nothing to chance. If you're the type of photographer who keeps his auto-focus lenses on "manual" most of the time, rarely letting the camera make important exposure decisions, then Leica might appeal to you. You probably also use your favorite prime lens more than any zoom.
So Leica is still a mystery to me. Unless you have enough money to give away for this kind of camera it's not something to be bothered about.
