[Leica] Curious decision by Epson on the 4000

[abridge at dcn.org (Adam Bridge)]

I wandered into my local favorite camera store (Camera Arts in Sacramento) to
buy some XTOL. They had a Digilux 2 in so I played with it (boy I DO hate that
electronic viewfinder - shuddering) but liked the way it held although it was
boxier than I thought.

While I was forking over the bucks for the XTOL and some mounting tape, I asked
the proprietor if he had gotten in any of the 4000's. He had been very eager to
get them.

"You haven't heard," he said.

"Clearly not" I replied.

"Epson is keeping distribution of the 4000 in their professional imaging retail
outlets. We won't be getting any."

There are no Epson professional imaging outlets in Sacramento. To buy one I'd
have to go to the same place as I would for the 7600 or 9000.

This stinks. I figure I could order one from B&H or maybe from one of the
dealers here on this list, maybe. But to keep them out of the stores that handle
high-quality cameras - it's amazing.

Is there someone with some insight who can explain this?

Thanks

Adam Bridge