[Leica] As I see it . . .

[Ruralmopics@aol.com]

I'm a newcomer to Leica but here goes . . . 

Speaking first of M cameras:

If Leica counted on pro shooters or even serious amatuer photographers to 
support it, the company would have been gone years ago. I suspect that vast 
majority of Leica cameras are sold to well-heeled folks with a certain degree 
of sophistication to appreciate fine things. These are the same folks who buy 
a Rolex when they could get what is arguably a "better" watch (keeps better 
time) for a fraction of the cost. They may or may not be serious 
photographers. The great number of "like new" M3, M2 and M4 bodies seen on 
the used market seems to indicate that a lot of Leicas don't see much use.

Given this assumption, it would probably be sucicidal for Leica to replace 
the M6 with a whizz-bang M camera. Imagine an electronic-shuttered, AE 
operated M camera that sold for $1,000 or so. Where would be the allure in 
that be for the traditional Leica customer. It might produce a short term 
surge in sales but would likely turn off those seeking the tradition, 
elegance and reserved sophistication that the traditional M camera offers. 

Shooters on the other hand would welcome such a machine, whether it was made 
by Leica, Minolta, Nikon or whoever. But as I proposed before, the small 
cadre of professional photojournalists using Leica M cameras will not keep 
the company afloat.

Regarding R cameras:
I really am not familiar enough with the R line to comment but I suspect that 
SLRs -- leica or otherwise, simply do not appeal to the traditional 
blue-blood Leica customer like a rangefinder does. In that sense the Leica R 
cameras simply don't stand much of a chance. If the traditional customer base 
doesn't embrace them, who will? Only those serious shooters who want Leica 
glass on an SLR body. ANd again, there simply aren't enough serious shooters 
out there to keep the company going -- certainly not at Leica prices. 

The solution, such that it is, seems to me to be for Leica to continue doing 
what it's doing, appealing to the money-is-no-object class while continuing 
to offer products suitable for pros and serious amatuers. THe rumored 
proliferation of imitation M cameras can only help. As more and more serious 
shooters and professionals give rangefinders a try at least some are bound to 
cross over to Leica -- especially if the lens mount is the same and they can 
slowly incorporate Leica optics (probably purchased used) into their systems 
and then eventually bodies . . .

In short, Leica's niche seems safe and secure to me. Any expectations that 
the company will become the next Canon or Nikon, though, are hopeless . . . 
That's not their place. In fact, I see the company's ONLY hope for survival 
is to remain that exclusive counter at the camera shop. Cheapening the 
product would be a recipe for destruction. 

But geez, do they have to charge $40 for a lens cap!!!!???

Bob (I like Leica just the way it is  -- except for the $40 caps) McEowen