[Leica] Re: Leica R Vario Elmarit 35-70/2.8 ASPH

[Da-Jie Lin <dajielin@home.com>]

Hi, everyone:

After spending so much $$ on my R system (15, 19, 28, 50, 100, 180,
70-180, 105-280, of course 35-70 f4) and waiting for almost two years,
you can image how upset I am.  The lenses I use most are 35-70 and
100APO and I can expect I would use 35-70f2.8 50% of my R-time if I
could get one. Please don't blame me beause I don't give Leica a break
or I waste the bandwidth.  We are just a bunch of guyes who want to make
Leica to rethink their decision and not to spend too much time in
producing beautifule catalogs (claim how good their optical designs are
but not available in shops), special M6 models (aren't we tired of them
already?  Leica , you got me this one, I still want to get your M6 balck
paint with matching lenses but I can give up the desire if you need the
manpower to work on your 35-70 ASPH), and redesign those
already-very-good designs (like Tri-Elmar; in fact, I think the old one
is better looking, the new one has the ulgy DoF engraving).  Leica
announced that they were making this lens at a rate of 15 pieces a month
in many situations even last November so I don't think they have a
problem to make it.  This lens just takes more time and this problem can
be solved by increasing the price (from $1500) or hire more people (or
from the M6 production line) or outsourcing.  Leica just doesn't want to
face their problems like a kid. As they claim that they already have
1000 orders but they don't want the business!  I was even thinking if I
am stupid to support this kind of company so loyally and they don't
treat their customers fair.  If I were the boss of Leica (or the biggest
share holder), I would still make it even at a slower rate like 5 pieces
a month and even I had to lose money.  Or even better to face the
problem and take some necessary steps to satisfy customers' demands.
This is not exotic lenses like 400/2.8 but a very useful standard zoom
for every users.  If Leica has problems to deliever one like other
makes, how can they claim they are the best?


PS: I just tried my AF-S 17-35 and its performance is stunning: good
enough to compete with my R-19 without being too bulky plus a lot more
flexibility.  Zeiss is going to offer the same thing to their customers
soon.  Leica, when can you deliever your wide angle zoom?