Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/07/31

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Subject: Re: Wetzlar/Solms Quality
From: Stephen <cameras@jetlink.net>
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 09:15:47 -0700

Ben Holmes wrote:

> So are they of lesser quality, or are you poo-pooing them because of
> the
> snobbery?
>
> I'm still not clear as to why you and your collector friends don't
> consider
> the Solms cameras to be of "Leica quality".

Being a dealer and owning hundreds of Leicas over the years,  as Marvin
has,  gives a much different and more complete  perspective than owning
and using  few Leicas for personal use.

The reason you don't understand Marvin's point of view is that you don't
have enough experience yet.   This isn't a flame, just an
observation.    20 years and several hundred Leicas down the line, and
you will eventually understand.

While the Leitz family owned Leica, they were dedicated to making the
best cameras.  After it was sold, they were dedicated to making
money--or at least trying to.  This fundamental change of  attitude
colors all of their products and services.   Had this new attitude been
with Leica from day 1, the  Leica  "mystique"  and reputation for
quality would never have existed.

I am curious why you discontinued the serial #'s.  Seemed a good idea to
me.

Stephen Gandy