Re: [Leica] Features or basics

["Simon Lamb" <simon@sclamb.com>]

Who says they are ignoring the imperfections?  How do you know the .58 might
not be improved and have no flare?  Do you possess the secrets files on the
inner working and business and technical plans of Leica?  I think not, so
why not wait and see what they come up with?

Simon

B. D. Colen wrote:

SNIP:

But to produce this Franklin Mint special and ignore the
> real problems in the M - not the supposed needs for modernizations - the
> damn imperfections in the present, otherwise sublime, mechanical
rangefinder
> camera is ridiculous.
> >
> >
> > There are currently a number of diatribes on this list and its companion
> > (the LEG) about the lack of features of M cameras, the price
> > level as it is
> > and compared to delivered engineering quality, the loss of manufacturing
> > quality as compared to previous models and so on. And of course
> > the elusive
> > topic of 'bad management' as "they' do not produce what 'we' want and
> > demand.
> > I have no intention to even try to start to argue about any of
> > these topics,
> > as this excercise in debating technique will end in a void, as past
> > experiences have clearly demonstrated.
> > Instead I wish to discuss these topics from another perspective, that is
> > shifting away from the focus of features or gadgets and concentrate on
> > results and satisfaction.
> > The primary argument for buying a (new) M body, in my view, is the
result
> > expected from this tool. You want to take photographs and you
> > select from a
> > vast range of products the m-body as you are convinced that this
> > camera has
> > the characteristics and means to deliver. After a while you look at the
> > pictures and you are satisfied. Fine. Period. You obviously do not need
> > additional features.  The tool occasionally lets you down? You have it
> > fixed. Another problem? You are obviously no longer satisfied and you
buy
> > another product. Why? Because the M does not deliver!
> > Now you are not satisfied with your pictures. Is it because your
> > talent and
> > technique lets you down? Do not blame the camera. Blame yourself and
> > improve! You are certain the lack of features (AF, AE, flare in
> > the finder,
> > inaccurate shutter) are the cause? Buy another camera with the
> > features you
> > need.
> > You are able to get as good a picture with Canon SLR AF etc and an M?
But
> > you like the mechanical feel of the M and are sensitive to its
> > heritage and
> > tradition. Buy an M.
> > You assume Canon is the better deal. By all means, buy one and Be
> > Satisfied.
> > You think that the current M 0.58 does not offer enough of what
> > you need? Do
> > not buy it. But do not blame the management for producing it.
> > Their goal may
> > be completely different from yours.
> > You think these guys in Solms are nuts because they offer a Null-series
> > instead of a M body with more electronics? Do you know their long
> > term plans
> > and their market?
> > A Null-series camera is most obviously not targeted at the sports
reporter
> > for the Olympics. It is for the person who wishes to rediscover
> > the style of
> > photography of the early twenties and is fascinated by it. It
> > makes sense to
> > manufacture a camera body that forces one to do some thinking
> > before making
> > a picture. If that is your style of photography? No! Fine, than the
> > Null-series is not for you!
> > The lens of the Null-Series delivers performance that will challenge
many
> > Leica users and the functions are very basic. Compare it to
> > biking? Why buy
> > a Cannondale at $3000 and kill your body in trying to get over the hill
> > while doing all the work yourself, when a second hand Suzuki jeep for
the
> > same price can do it without effort?
> > It is a matter of style, philosophy and approach!
> > The M and R systems have a set of advantages and disadvantages, which
are
> > benificial or detrimental to your type of picture taking. Choose
carefully
> > as the products are expensive. Too expensive for you: do not buy it. It
is
> > as simple as this.
> > Reading all these diatribes, I must assume that those leica users are
> > dissatisfied and dissappointed users of leica equipment. Please:
> > sell it and
> > buy products you really like!
> > I know the answer of course: consumers may and even have a duty in
> > delivering constructive comments and critique. Agreed. But what I see
here
> > is not a comment on the products as they are, but a wish list of
> > what leica
> > should try to develop, as seen by five or so individuals.
> > I wonder why some people assume Leica has no direction, no
> > imagination  and
> > no plan and no feeling with their market, just because the
> > company does not
> > produce a hexar with a red dot?
> > Maybe they are to clever to do just that!
> > The M 0.58 is a fine instrument for a number of photographers and the
> > Null-series is a fine product for persons who can and are willing to
> > rediscover and re-create the roots of photography. Both do not appeal to
> > you? Invest your money elsewhere!
> > Erwin
> >
> >
>
>