Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/05/29

[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]

Subject: Re: [Leica] "demos"
From: DonjR43198@aol.com
Date: Sat, 29 May 1999 09:15:47 EDT

In a message dated 5/29/99 7:06:17 AM Central Daylight Time, 
FIGLIO4CAP@aol.com writes:

<< I just do not see the problem. Over the years I have bought many "demo" 
items 
 from Leica dealers. They all looked like new, worked like new and lasted 
like 
 new. The price was very good and they came with a warrantee. My folks on 
E-Bay 
 are paying almost as much for "plain old used  >>

Just goes to show there are suckers born every minute and the unscrupulous 
prey on them every minute whether in the used car lot, E-Bay or camera store. 
 Selling damaged goods as "demo" is just plain and simple consumer fraud.  
Leica continues to shoot itself in the foot as a result of the "bean 
counters" MBA policies that are quickly ruining the fantastic reputation 
Leica had so meticulously developed at one time.  During that time Leica was 
a revered company both world-wide and in the USA.  Just give the "bean 
counters" an opportunity and they will destroy any organization and its 
reputation as the various writers point out is happening at Leica.  
Apparently, the last "bean counter" at Solms was so bad the board of 
directors had to run him off and try another "bean counter."  These "bean 
counters" probably cannot fix a flat tire much less comprehend the 
manufacture of a precision instrument.  All the hype in the world will not 
result in the production of fine cameras and lenses.  Where are the 90 mm 
Summicron APO-ASPH lenses that were announced over a year ago?

Since the new "bean counter" at Leica has taken over at Solms, has anyone 
noticed any improvement in quality, repair work, delivery or any other aspect 
of the Leica company?  

Suppose a person advertised a Leica item on the net as "mint" but when it 
arrived at the purchasers end, the item was obviously well used and should 
have been rated "good" even though it worked and would provide as fine an 
image on the film as a brand new factory fresh piece of equipment.  Who would 
feel the seller was being fair and honest or would you feel like you had just 
been ripped off?

Again, does anyone believe Solms does not know the Leica USA policies?  If 
so, let's talk about the transfer in ownership of a large bridge in New York 
state.