[Leica] Re: uninspired Leica ads

[Walter S Delesandri <walt@jove.acs.unt.edu>]

While I once would have agreed totally with this post, 
I have watched folks (amateurs/semi-pros) buy EOS-1ns and F4-5s -- 
With the current rebate/price of M6 bodies, they can be CHEAPER than 
top line Canon/Nikon/Contax! and look at all the weekenders using 
645s at the "park" for "environmental" portraiture.  These ain't cheap, either.

What I don't understand is why Leica can't make their new lens designs for 
the true believers, BUT keep the older f2-2.8 designs AND LOWER THE DAMN LENS 
PRICES!!!  Quit designing them years ago, but still they're absurdly priced.  

For those who remember using Nikon in the late seventies, they had an 
across the board PRICE CUT on common lenses.  This, plus the cheaper (FT3,FM)
bodies of the day increased the number of Nikon users (amateur, particularly) 
I sold 'em then.....ya know what? most of those folks still use/buy NIKON!!!!

KEEP the std M-6.  price it at $1495 out the door.  Make a 35 f2 (old style, non-aspheric)
and a decent 90 2.8.  Do what they have to do to sell 'em for $699 each, street price, 
and you'll DOUBLE the number of buyers.  Then, they'll have to have that 21, 24, 135 apo,
etc................

Just a thought........And please wizeasses, don't tell ME to make them... I don't 
grind glass.......

Walt

On Tue, 24 Nov 1998 15:25:00 +0200 cb <chribeck@mdc-berlin.de> wrote: 
> Ted, 
> 
> as far as I have witnessed it many people buy Leica to impress others. I
> have seen enough Leica-'wearers' to understand that for many it is an
> attitude.
> The usual wearer is male, in it's fourties, relatively wealthy, married,
> one or two children. High standards but lost connection with photography
> over the years while building that career and the family.
> You can see these guys on saturdays when the streets are crowded and
> wearing the jewlery hoping to be recognized as a Leica owner (here in
> europe there are always people who know a Leica).
> What do you think all the 'better than mint' M4-P and M6 come from that
> are on the secondhand market?
> 
> I bet the advertising agency has analysed the market and identified the
> potential buyers.  The Leica Ads MUST be as they are to let Leica
> survive.
> 
> Yes we can dream of an Ad showing e.g. Hilmar Pabel with a battered M
> 1968 in Prague while russian tanks are on the street. But those who
> would be impressed by such an Ad probably don't have the money to buy
> Leica. 
> 
> Christian