[Leica] was: 20d/d70/rd1 now: black or chrome

[red735i at earthlink.net (red735i@earthlink.net)]

No one listens...... Leica lenses are not cost driven.  A few bucks of brass 
and meachining would make no difference in the selling price.  Leica lenses 
are priced to market cinditions or perception, whichever you prefer.

The reason they must discontinue the chrome lenses is probably that they 
have too much inventory of finished goods and parts for lenses that do not 
sell very well.  Demand is just not there compared to Black.  So, at times 
of fiscal responsibility and necessity, you jettison the low sellers and 
focus efforts on the higher sellers.

Now if you want 20,000 $,2500 lenses ( which would sell for $250 from Nikon 
or Canon), you can have them made in chrome.... Just cash in advance.

Frank Filippone


Black anodizing goes on alloy base metal; chrome goes on brass base metal 
that is heavier and more expensive, since alloy is cast and brass must be 
drawn. Perhaps the reason Leica has discontinued the chrome lenses.