Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/03/24
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Austin wrote: [ snip ] . . . Personally, I see it as a very limited market item... and as such, would probably kill it. --> I beg to differ in opinion. How many new discrete parts would it take Leica to come up with to generate a WIDE ANGLE version Leica M6 TTL from the current M6 TTL 0.72 / 0.85 ? NOT that many ... 10, 20, not much more, though I'm not an optics technician. So it's manageable from a production point of view. From a PHOTO point of view, it's a strike of genius. Perhaps could we concede the 21mm and associated visor, but I'm convinced a Leica M6 TTL 'WIDE' capable of using the 24 - 28 - 35 mm (perhaps 50 mm) Leica M lenses "out of the box", especially considering the new Summicron soon to be available, most definitely represents a fine LINE EXTENSION for the Leica M product family, both for Leica Camera A.G. and the well advised advanced amateurs and photo professionals. It made sense, business wise, to produce the Leica M6J, less than 2000 units if I'm well informed. I'm convinced a Leica M6 TTL 'WIDE' would appeal to 10% or more of the Leica M markets and I'd guesstimate a 3 to 5% extra number of units sold overall per year for the World market. FURTHER, I'll venture to propose a next generation Minilux with a real viewfinder and a 24mm or 28mm f/2.8 or f/3.4 prime lens, as MINILUX 'W I D E', could generate interesting sales, world wide, with proper product definition and design, far beyond the CL 1. It doesn't have to be 100% German but a close resemblance to the Leica M and a general "family camera" attitude could make for very substantial sales and world market share increases for Leica. I'd make it "All Weather" as a premium. It could be called the Leica Lite-Touch 28 PRO . . . ! Yes, there IS a market ! Andre Jean Quintal