Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/02/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Erwin et al, Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Leica rangefinder camera gained so much success initially because it was on the leading edge--small, handy compared to box cameras. I'm not sure even quality was a factor, although present. The M has maintained a niche market mostly because there is no other (including the Contax G) which has the quiet operation and confident focus indication (the G1 light just doesn't do it for me). The Ms continue to maintain the lead in this, despite old technology. Today the leading edge is exposure (since most professional work is transparency), autofocus and flash fill (vital). These are sort of entry level requirements to play on the field. Few professionals have the luxury to be precious about things. The job comes up, we show up, the client has changed mind, invalidating all the planning, and on the fly you need to get the picture and deliver the film by Fedex that night. But interestingly, the qualities of a camera that help the professional, help the amateurs. And I doubt any camera manufacturer could make it selling only to professionals. Most professionals I know don't take Leica seriously. They view them as a sort of combination of tractor and Rolls Royce--tough, precisely built, rugged, hugely expensive and just not very practical as day to day transportation. The R8 is a bridge to the future and the quality of the new lens designs gives me faith that Leica is not longer resting on its history. On the other hand, the success of the Mamiya 6 and 7 shows a stong market for basic cameras with quality optics. So maybe between listening to the Luddites (who obsess over technical quality and craftsmanship) and the Star Warriors (who like feature-rich technology) Leica will evolve as a useful compromise. I feel like I have one foot on the stable LHSA dock and the other foot on the boat that is drifting away. Should I just buy a Nikonos??? Donal Philby San Diego