[Leica] Country of Manufacture

["Emanuel Lowi" <mano@proxyma.net>]

Where my Leicas are made (and I'm only using M cameras and lenses) is very important
to me. 

I'm pretty sure production did not shift to Portugal because they're better at making
cameras over there than the Germans were (pop quizz: name a famous Portuguese camera
manufacturer? Bzzzzt! Time's up!). Leicas are made in Portugal because it's cheaper
that way. 

After much trial and error, I've come to the financially burdensome conclusion that
most things that cost less usually ARE less - there is frequently a direct
correlation between price and quality (although maybe Hermés scarves are overpriced
for the quality :-))

When Leicas were made in Canada, the company advertised this fact with some pride,
even running ads with the Maple Leaf flag in them. Have we seen a similar pride from
Solms about the Familicao operation? Nope. They're actually covering it up pretty
thoroughly. They sometimes mark the boxes "Portugal," not the M cameras or lenses
(dunno squat about R). Many many Leica owners are surprised (read: shocked) when you
tell them about Leica and Portugal.

I'll be happy to discuss this over a nice codfish dinner or over a bottle of Porto.
Play me some fado and I'll dance. Hell, I'll even buy a Portuguese leather belt to
hold my pants up so my hands are free to take pictures. But no Portuguese Leicas for
me, thank you very much.

Emanuel Lowi
Montreal