Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/11/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In a message dated 11/12/99 5:30:08 PM Central Standard Time, cameras@jetlink.net writes: << Optics are the exception, where new designs continue to excel. Stephen Gandy >> How do the current Leica lenses really compare with the Sigma and other lenses that are using current design? I have not seen any comparison. Do the current Leica lenses that are 3-4 times more expensive provide 3-4 times better resolution or 3-4 times anything except price? Or are these lenses like the caps that are so grossly overpriced that Leica is guilty of gouging the loyal customers? Pride of ownership is one thing, but being ripped off is another. Unless Leitz quality is maintained by Solms, one will not be able to even delude himself or herself that he or she has something in which pride of ownership may be legitimately claimed. At one time, owning a Leica camera and lens meant the photographer could stop longing for better quality camera and lens, and look elsewhere for photo quality improvement. From what I see on the LUG, persons are beginning to question that old rule. The confusion that is flowing from Solms makes one wonder if there is even a "quarterback" in charge. Certainly the "quarterback" has no prior playing experience in building the finest quality photographic equipment on the market. It is my view that until persons who know what is quality when it runs over them in the middle of the street are put in charge, the quality problems reported on the LUG will increase. Most "bean counters" go in with the idea of making the product barely acceptable to some customers so the product may be made more cheaply thus enhancing profits not quality. We have been advised on the LUG that numerous parts of the M-6 are now different from the earlier M cameras to reduce manufacturing costs. How many of the rumored 100 employees let go were from quality control? Perhaps the continued losses reported each quarter are directly attributable to loss of customers who really want the finest that money can buy and no longer derive the warm and fuzzy feeling they once secured from the ownership of Leitz cameras and lenses. Has anyone done an in-depth examination of Solms in regard to quality of its product and to its ability to survive?