Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/10/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Mike wrote: > >At any rate, I'd better clarify. > >First, all I was saying was what's true for me. I wasn't suggesting anyone >else ought to feel the same way. > >Second, of course there _are_ workingman's Leicas...the concept just >doesn't >seem to be relevant to Leica's recent directions in marketing, is all I was >saying. Is Jim suggesting that hardcore pros are the ones who buy Leicas, >simply because the chromes look better? First of all, that's not true, but >if it were, then why all the emphasis from Solms on limited editions, >special finishes, premium prices, etc.? Does a working pro really need an >O-product or a black-paint M6 with the old-fashioned script on the >top-plate >and an M3-style rewind knob for $600 more than a plain M6? > >I, uh, don't think so. Follow the money...Special Editions will comprise of at least 10% of M production this year, but probably DOUBLE that percentage in profit. I see the special edition cameras as a way for Leica to stay afloat and still produce some of the money loosers we love, like the exotic zooms and for that matter most of the R system. While I too would love to see an M-mount IIIF or some other SMALL, entry priced camera that takes modern lenses I am not counting on it. Leica is no longer a volume producer. They just are not set up to produce large quantities of cameras, and thats what they would need to do to make a profit on an 800.00 pro quality camera. For that matter it seems that NONE of the biggies can make a pro-quality rangefinder for a reasonable price. The G Contax is a nice camera, but in no way suitable for a pro.(no camera that can not be manually focus verified can work for a pro in the long haul) The Konica MAY be pro quality, but it is pro priced also. The Bessa R is a nice way for amateurs to get a new rangefinder, but it's about as pro quality as the cosina SLR's it was based on. Even that "bargin" is $500-600. (way the hell too much) Sadly the mass market is moving away from quality cameras. This means low volume production and higher prices for the remaining minority. Best Wishes Dan States Madison WI _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com.