[Leica] Maybe it's time for a LUG convention???

[jshul at comcast.net (Jim Shulman)]

OK, Vick has a great point:

We're a fun group.
We tend to use our cameras.
We like to share information.

So, any interest in a LUG convention?  Since I'm not getting to the Love
Parade in Berlin anytime soon, perhaps this could be a good substitute.


Jim Shulman
Bryn Mawr, PA
(who got about half the folks who said, "Sure, I'll be at your LUG lunch"
actually AT the LUG lunch.)



-----Original Message-----
From: lug-bounces+jshul=comcast.net@leica-users.org
[mailto:lug-bounces+jshul=comcast.net@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of
vick.ko@sympatico.ca
Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2006 11:20 AM
To: lug@leica-users.org
Subject: [Leica] Rejuvenation of LHSA - was "incompetency"

I'm following the former thread with great interest.  I also belong to the
Nikon Historical Society, and after also attending PhotoHistory (once) and a
number of camera shows, I am quite intrigued at the demographics of these
groups.

As far as I can tell, the "Societies" are an elderly crowd.  Most of the
crowd at the one "PhotoHistory" seminar was older.  But at the camera shows
that I have gone to, there is a presence of younger people (20's ).  I am
guessing that the younger crowd are photography students or hobbyists.

So the question is "How to get a younger crowd" interested in the camera
historical societies?  

One mention was made on the rejuvenation of a car society.  I can see how
that happens, as the thrill of driving is not tied to "age", and there is a
bonus of driving in something unique.  

Photography, or "image capture" doesn't quite drive the same adrenalin or
thrill.  And the combination of "photography" with "photography using old
equipment" doesn't sound like a winning combination to a youngster.  

So what is there?  

Respect and admiration for a previously majestic company like Leitz?   Hard
to do, in today's fiercely competitive market where Leica doesn't stand out
any differently than Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Epson, etc.  In fact, Leica may
even be perceived as "way behind, too pricey, and flawed".  

LHSA as a fun-loving and great group, offering an "edge" when one is a
member, and increases one's status when one is a member?   Well, I like
getting the Viewfinder.  I haven't participated on any of the conventions or
annual meetings, but don't feel that I've missed anything.  It all appears
that users of Leica's are a nice group (my observations via LUG), but not
all LUG members are LHSA members.

LHSA members have special advantages with access to Leica product?  I
haven't seen that happen.  I can't see that bringing in "youth"

I think it'll be a hard problem to solve.

...Vick


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