[Leica] The Real Cost of Leicas

[alal at poly.edu (Akhil Lal)]

In general, most questions like this one are answered by referring to the
rate of inflation.  However, I prefer to use an alternative measure when
assessing the true cost of  hobby or luxury item: the ratio of the  price
paid for the item to the median value of a house/apartment in your
city/country at the time of purchase.

I ask Luggers to run their numbers and report back to the group. If you
haven't tried this before, the numbers will surprise you. 


 
-----Original Message-----
From: lug-bounces+alal=poly.edu at leica-users.org
[mailto:lug-bounces+alal=poly.edu at leica-users.org] On Behalf Of Bob Adler
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2014 8:07 PM
To: Leica Users Group
Subject: [Leica] The Real Cost of Leicas

Just curious if any of the finance wizards in the LUG can calculate the real
cost of a Leica camera and lenses (say best in class and excluding the
Noctilux) on today's dollars vs 15 or 20 years ago. 

My gut tells me Leicas have always been exorbitantly expensive. Current LUG
members are aging boomers who must be, of necessity, more conservative with
their spending. 

Frank? Jayanand? Others? Anyone have MSRP over the years and annual real
inflation numbers?
Best,
Bob

Bob Adler