Re: [Leica] Leica technology, creative control

[Mark Kronquist <mak@teleport.com>]

If "dentists" make it possible for Leica to survive and even prosper and
continue to innovate so we "photo-buffs" can purchase the new Tri-Elmar or
M6H, perhaps we should be a bit less judgemental...if collectors want to pay
a premium for a special engraving great! That means the company that makes
the cameras I choose to use will remain in business. 
- ----------
> From: "B. D. Colen" <bdcolen@earthlink.net>
> To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us> 
> Subject: RE: [Leica] Leica technology, creative control 
> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 1998 12:35:27 -0400 
> 
>
>TEAShea@aol.com wrote:
>>
>> << Even though most people had a
>>  reasonable amount of Leica hardware (and Tom Brichta, the Leica rep,
>>  supplied them with more stuff) it was evident that most of them did not
>>  understand how depth of field is controlled, what hyperfocal distance
is,
>>  or how to use long lenses and slow shutter speeds. >>
>>
>> This is really sad.  A bunch of third rate morons with Leicas.  What a
>waste.
>>
>
>not at all !!! a bunch of people who (1) have sufficient funds to purchase
>leica gear and (2) are willing to take the time to go on a course and get
>educated.
>
>not a waste at all ? i would have thought that leica need a whole lot more
>people like that. or should leica introduce a "user test" before accepting
>a purchaser "into the fold" ?
>
>mark
>
>REPLY:
>
>What  some people don't seem to get is that, because of its price, Leica
>gear, particularly new Leica gear, is owned by three types of people - if I
>may deal in GROSS generalities for a moment - 1.) an ever declining, small,
>group of dedicated pros; 2.) An ever declining (in terms of new equipment)
>group of dedicated photo-buffs 3.) Dentists.
>
>Dentists? People with a great deal of disposable income and a desire to own
>"the best" what ever it may be - cam, car, micro wave, even if they don't
>know how to use it. I once new a "dentists" - who was actually a guy in the
>construction business - with a complete Bollex outfit and a Nikon FTn with
a
>zillion lens, none of which he really had the vaguest idea how to use.
>
>IF- and I know this will never happen - Leica figures out a way to lower
>prices, more pros and dedicated buffs, and fewer dentists, would buy new
>equipment.
>
>;-)
>
>P.S. You are absolutely right that it's great to see people learning how to
>use the equipment.
>
>B. D.
>