Leica Low on U.S. M-Lenses in Stock?

[m410]

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Hi,

I have been trying to purchase several M-Leica lenses lately with no luck.  Shopped several different U.S. sources and all stores seem to be very low or even no items in stock. This has been both well before the April 1st increases and after.  I have been looking for a 50mm APO and 90mm Macro-Elmar...no luck.  M-Cameras, batteries etc. seem to also be very lock stock.

Also in line for a 35mm APO, but the way things may be going, perhaps that won't happen until the Fall.

Anyone else experiences low-stock?  Any knowledge as to why this is happening apparently across the M-line?

Thanks for any info.

[Jeff S]

I’ve heard that, besides pandemic related delays, current production is slowed due to a scheduled inventory process.  This is affecting cameras as well as lenses, as I similarly await M10 Monochrom shipment.  No rush for me, though, as lack of quality gear is not the obstacle to improving my photography.

Another person was recently frustrated looking for a 50 APO M Summicron, and a quick search showed availability at Popflash and Camera West.  Sometimes it just takes some better search efforts.

Jeff

Edited April 8, 2021 by Jeff S

[logan2z]

23 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

as lack of quality gear is not the obstacle to improving my photography

I think that applies to most of us 😉

To the OP, I don't know what their current stock situation is, but I was in the market for a couple of lenses a few months ago and Tamarkin had them both in stock.  Might be worth checking with them if you haven't already.

[logan2z]

Leica  USA's online store seems to have the 90 Macro Elmar in stock:

https://leicacamerausa.com/90mm-f4-macro-elmar-e39-m.html

The 50 APO shows backordered, though.

Edited April 8, 2021 by logan2z

[Jeff S]

B&H lists 90 Macro Elmar in stock.  First place I looked; likely around elsewhere.

Edit.. Leica Store DC, too. Surely others.

Jeff

Edited April 8, 2021 by Jeff S

[Jean-Michel]

To the OP, m410,. If you are still looking for a 90 Macro-Elmar, the Leica shop I deal with in Montreal, Canada has a used one available : https://shop.camtecphoto.com/en/Leica/Demos-Pre-Owned-etc

I can vouch for their excellent knowledge and service. the Canadian price listed price works out to about $2300 US .

[Pixeleater]

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Leica just finished their fiscal year. I was told by a Leica store that year end inventory processing has contributed to some delays (and as Jeff S observed). I ordered a 90-280 prior to the price increase and the store can't tell me when it will ship. Hopefully it'll arrive before the dogwood blooms drop. 

Edited April 8, 2021 by Pixeleater

[dkmoore]

4 hours ago, Jeff S said:

I’ve heard that, besides pandemic related delays, current production is slowed due to a scheduled inventory process.  This is affecting cameras as well as lenses, as I similarly await M10 Monochrom shipment.  No rush for me, though, as lack of quality gear is not the obstacle to improving my photography.

Another person was recently frustrated looking for a 50 APO M Summicron, and a quick search showed availability at Popflash and Camera West.  Sometimes it just takes some better search efforts.

Jeff

I know you are ok with waiting but just a heads up leica.com has both the M10M and M10M Wetzler. 
 

I am surprised your leica dealer is still having you wait.

Edited April 8, 2021 by dkmoore

[Jeff S]

16 minutes ago, dkmoore said:

I know you are ok with waiting but just a heads up leica.com has both the M10M and M10M Wetzler. 
 

I am surprised your leica dealer is still having you wait.

I got an offer that I couldn’t refuse. Plus, I like the relationship. 😉

Jeff

Edited April 8, 2021 by Jeff S

[Wonka]

9 hours ago, Jeff S said:Sometimes it just takes some better search efforts.

Jeff

Or sometimes the places we look are the places we normally do business with

[Jeff S]

2 minutes ago, Wonka said:

Or sometimes the places we look are the places we normally do business with

I’ve never had a problem finding Leica gear, even when there were long wait lists at the usual suspects, typically from smaller lesser known places.  The places I found your desired 50 APO were among the well known places.... simple quick search.
 

Jeff

[Wonka]

Good for you. Thanks for your internet advice. Not sure why you feel the need to come on here and critique others search skills. If you have an answer to a question then great, but no need to slam others. Take care. 

[Jeff S]

Just now, Wonka said:

Good for you. Thanks for your internet advice. Not sure why you feel the need to come on here and critique others search skills. If you have an answer to a question then great, but no need to slam others. Take care. 

I helped you find your gear.  And now you think I’m criticizing?  What was you intent in post # 10?

Jeff

[logan2z]

9 hours ago, dkmoore said:

I know you are ok with waiting but just a heads up leica.com has both the M10M and M10M Wetzler. 
 

I am surprised your leica dealer is still having you wait.

When I was looking for a 50mm Summicron a few months back the dealer I was planning on purchasing from did not have it in stock.  I checked leica.com and it was listed as in stock.  So I asked the dealer if they could get the lens from Leica USA and they said they could not.  Apparently Leica USA maintains its own stock for sale through its web site and will not make that stock available to dealers.  

[m410]

8 hours ago, logan2z said:

When I was looking for a 50mm Summicron a few months back the dealer I was planning on purchasing from did not have it in stock.  I checked leica.com and it was listed as in stock.  So I asked the dealer if they could get the lens from Leica USA and they said they could not.  Apparently Leica USA maintains its own stock for sale through its web site and will not make that stock available to dealers.  

Interesting.  Seems they would want to support their sales network established over the years...at least make their stock available on request from the dealerships.  My observations so far is that overall, the Leica stock in the U.S. is very low.  

Edited April 9, 2021 by m410

[logan2z]

1 hour ago, m410 said:

Interesting.  Seems they would want to support their sales network established over the years...at least make their stock available on request from the dealerships.  My observations so far is that overall, the Leica stock in the U.S. is very low.  

I found it surprising as well. I ended up buying from another dealer that did have it in stock (Tamarkin). 

[dkmoore]

On 4/9/2021 at 3:32 AM, logan2z said:

When I was looking for a 50mm Summicron a few months back the dealer I was planning on purchasing from did not have it in stock.  I checked leica.com and it was listed as in stock.  So I asked the dealer if they could get the lens from Leica USA and they said they could not.  Apparently Leica USA maintains its own stock for sale through its web site and will not make that stock available to dealers.  

Depends on the dealer I guess because they have done it for me. I do buy a ton far too much Leica gear so many that plays into it. 

[logan2z]

1 hour ago, dkmoore said:

Depends on the dealer I guess because they have done it for me. I do buy a ton far too much Leica gear so many that plays into it. 

In my case, the dealer in question said that they were unable to obtain the lens, despite Leica USA having it in stock.  Now, they may have been unwilling rather than unable since I had never purchased from them before.  But if that's the case, they were dumb since they lost the sale - and future sales, since that led me to Tamarkin who has been a pleasure to deal with and will get all of my future Leica business.