Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/09/07
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]There is a lively debate on the pros and cons of offering the R8, making a new batch of R7, a AF R8, etc. But these are camera bodies. Is this Leica's strength? Is the target market a bunch of older ( read that as more wealthy) amateurs that believe in the word Leitz? Does this support them long term? I think the thick wallet amateur is too small a market for Leica SLR. Defining my idea of the market that Leica should pursue is the thought that the optics are superb, and Leica is good at making glass. Their R+D efforts in mechanical design of bodies is very heavy and the need to have AF is really overdue. IS it possible to re-invent the camera maker of SLR cameras into a star by focusing in what they do best? Making Optics? GO for the Professional that requires the best in optics, but let someone else take on the R+D burden for the cameras. We all agree the strength of Leica is the glass. The image quality. What about Leica producing AF lenses for other makers' cameras? Sort of a high end Sigma, Tamron, Vivitar, etc? Would this work? Would working pros buy these lenses for their current F5? As I remember it, the French lens maker Angenieux made ( makes?) lenses for various cameras. They were highly regarded as great, but pricey. They did little to no advertising. Can Leica focus on this market? Frank Filippone red735i@earthlink.net