Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/03/26
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Jay, what I'm disagreeing with is your statement that this is a "Leica" thing. What I'm saying is that it's a "manufacturing" thing regardless of the type of product. Doug Herr Birdman of Sacramento http://www.wildlightphoto.com -----Original Message----- From: Leicajay@aol.com Sent: Mar 26, 2004 10:51 AM To: lug@leica-users.org Subject: Re: [Leica] m4-p rangefinder adjustment / realignment in Chicago? Well let's see: Last run of the M4-P had top-plate with M6 windows--including the silvered strip which is of absolutely no use on the non-metered body. Leica economizing or pumping good money into a soon-to-be-discontinued model? I say the former, you will no doubt disagree. Last run of M6TTL have brass top plates and blank enclosure inside where M7 DX contacts go, and M7-style pressure-plate with 4 attaching screws. Leica economizing or pumping good money into a soon-to-be-discontinued model? I say the former, you will no doubt disagree. First run of M7 have identical rangefinder mechanism to M6TTL, but as soon as MP goes into production less than a year later, it switches to MP mechanism. Leica using up parts or -- well, there is no "or" unless you believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. First run of MP have identical filmspeed dial to M6TTL, but in very short order changed to less-complicated and less sure-locking type similar to that on M7 minus exposure compensation. Leica using up parts or -- well, there is no "or" unless you believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. There is a very clear distinction between a manufacturer making changes during a long product life, versus using up parts from the old model at the beginning of the new, or switching to some parts from an upcoming model at the very end of the old. The latter, from a business perspective, would be lunacy if it were done for any other reason than economy. Pretty stupid to re-tool for a product about to be discontinued, unless the retooling costs were expected to be amortized over the new model.