Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/12/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]The problem is that we're forgetting that Leica doesn't manufacture photographic equipment any longer -- it is the purveyor of high quality, luxury accessories. I'm not sure when the trend started, but I'd venture a guess that the M6TTL marked the start of a transition that the M7 has carried on. The R8 (remember the motordrive?) and R9 are further steps in that transition. The binoculars, as far as I know, have always been this. As such, arguing about price vs. practicality is about as meaningful as arguing whether Hermes scarfes are good clothing items when it's -10C and snowing. The business model that applies is less "North Face" and more "Jaeger-LeCoultre". In fact, given the recent competition from Cosina-Voigtländer, the best thing Leica could do is probably stop regular production, go all-digital, drop the SLR line altogether, allow each camera to be custom finished according to the individual customer (titanium, black paint, chrome, platinum, gold, jewel-encrusted, a choice of leathers), only allow Leica cameras to be sold through Leica dealership networks, and double or triple the price. M. - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html