Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/02/21
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]It's not unusual for Leica to not have new product to show after a major Photokina like we had last September. IMO it is only appropriate that Leica reserves major introductions for Photokina, as it is a German company and Photokina is the major European show located in Germany. Before Photokina, which began in 1950, Leica would exhibit at the Leipzig trade fair. In fact, the Leica was introduced there in 1925. Sometimes major intros for Leica do occur at PMA, such as the R7. I did have some extensive discussions with Stefan Daniel, M Product Manager, at PMA. I also met and had a short interview with Herr Cohn, the new CEO of Leica Camera AG. He was very pleasant and he seems to understand the importance of maintaining the M camera as a unique product line. He understands that Leica cannot afford to allow the M to become a "me too" camera. If this were to happen, then Leica's unique product and position in the market would be lost and the company would not long survive. He is not a bean counter and I think this bodes well for Leica. There are indications that Leica's advertising will move away from the "luxury" image and "Leica as male jewelry" image of late. Emphasis will be put on the Leica, especially the M, as a real tool used by many great photographers to make their unforgettable images. The Leica as a tool to make great photographs. What a concept! Certainly a welcome change from the Yuppie image many have of the Leica! The near future should be exciting for us Leica (users) fans! Bill Rosauer