Re: [Leica] Leica's position at the end of the millenium

[Aaron Ruby <aruby@rci.rutgers.edu>]

Erwin wrote:

"Leica cannot stay complacent and new models or variants of models are
needed, but not because of this competition but because the Leica way
of photography needs some  fresh rethinking. That is Leica should
develop their own philosophy of taking photograps by looking back
into their roots.  The future for Leica is not the Hexar RF. As soon
as a company strays away from its roots and just copies the
competition (however excellent that may be), then we may pray and
hope. The strength of Leica has always been their independent and
unique view  on photographic instruments and their ability to design
very effective tools for taking pictures."



Erwin, this is a very interesting perspective, and I agree wholeheartedly
with the sentiment above, although I still think a lower-priced, entry-level
M--say an M2 analogue--would be a good idea. In any event, the question I
have for you though is the following: What sort of innovations do you
personally envision as the sort that would invigorate the Leica RF line? (I
assume that you were speaking primarily of that line.) Are you one of those
who agree that Leica is severely constrained in its R&D capabilities due to
strained resources, etc.? If so, do you think that such a 'rethinking' of
the RF is something the consumer should even hope for? Do you think that
Leica leadership is aware of this and capable of executing such a project?

I know that these questions are wildly speculative and that you are
generally reticent to engage in that kind of thing, but I for one would be
interested in hearing more. I think you're definitely on the right track.
Hmmm. . . very interesting, indeed.

Best,

Aaron