Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2008/09/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>> only photo group I know where at least five people actually read the Wall Street Journal and post about it ;-)...Make that six.<< Make that Seven! The comments regarding distribution were interesting. A lot of my Leica purchases over the years have been spontaneous. I bought something because I had the camera or lens in my hand. I'm pretty certain that if I'd had an M8 in my hands by now I'd own one. The problem is that I haven't. It's not like I'm on a deserted island. I've been in numerous camera shops and I've had my hands on every other top-of-the-line body from other manufacturers. I came close to buying a D3, and if I were still photographing for a living I probably would have done so. My real interest is in a digital M. I'm interested in the M8 because of what people whose opinions I value (mainly on the LUG) have said. But a personal test drive, even a small one, is important to me. That option hasn't been there with the M8. I don't know if the lack of demo units, distribution channels, or the changing world of retail. It may be hurting Leica sales in general. I'm a little perplexed by the difference between a Kiosk and a regular dealer that has a demo unit and one or more units in stock for sale. Perhaps I'll be buying my first M8 while whisking through an airport terminal, or my hands on experience will be with a camera that's tethered by a wire to a display at Costco. DaveR