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offshore · 05/15/08, 05:49 PM

Some time ago Nikon had a program in which they went to several small towns across the US and loaned out D40 outfits to amateurs interested in photography. The campaign produced some results that were then turned into an ad campaign that resulted in a spike in sales for the D40. Some of the key points in this campaign were the same as Leica are promoting. The gathering of images may be the initial promotion of a campaign that Leica has an agenda for that we are unaware of. The point is is that it is Leicas campaign and like it or not, participate or not criticize or not it is their campaign and they have every right to do it. It is unfortunate that some critics of the campaign have chosen to openly, and harshly I might add, lambaste those who have chosen to participate. Unless you live in a country that has restrictions it is a free world folks so get used to it and get over yourselves. Two points that are made here I fully agree with. How is Leica going to bring a new generation of photographers into rangefinder photography. Cost is an issue that will be difficult for a small company that does not have the mass production capabilities of their competitors to compete in and keep their quality standards to an acceptable level. Rumors of an affordable under $3K M camera have been circulating but since Leica cannot move quickly enough to get a product out the dollar has weakened and the under $3K camera will now cost well over $3K and most likely not be competitive with other cameras in its price range.
As to how to get a new generation interested in Leicas, well, at least they are trying with the test drive program but that is not enough to convince a young photog on a budget to plunck down more money for a body than they can pay for a body and lens from another company. That is a tough nut for Leica to crack. When I bought my first Leica from an old pro many years ago I had a big knot in my stomach when I plunked down the cash for it. I still remember him telling me rangefinder photography is not for everyone. I think that is still true today and perhaps Leica will have to find a way to survive in a nitch market.

05/15/08, 05:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
offshore Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 04/30/08 Location: Rohnert Park Posts: 266	Re: identity crisis ... or even worse ?! Some time ago Nikon had a program in which they went to several small towns across the US and loaned out D40 outfits to amateurs interested in photography. The campaign produced some results that were then turned into an ad campaign that resulted in a spike in sales for the D40. Some of the key points in this campaign were the same as Leica are promoting. The gathering of images may be the initial promotion of a campaign that Leica has an agenda for that we are unaware of. The point is is that it is Leicas campaign and like it or not, participate or not criticize or not it is their campaign and they have every right to do it. It is unfortunate that some critics of the campaign have chosen to openly, and harshly I might add, lambaste those who have chosen to participate. Unless you live in a country that has restrictions it is a free world folks so get used to it and get over yourselves. Two points that are made here I fully agree with. How is Leica going to bring a new generation of photographers into rangefinder photography. Cost is an issue that will be difficult for a small company that does not have the mass production capabilities of their competitors to compete in and keep their quality standards to an acceptable level. Rumors of an affordable under $3K M camera have been circulating but since Leica cannot move quickly enough to get a product out the dollar has weakened and the under $3K camera will now cost well over $3K and most likely not be competitive with other cameras in its price range. As to how to get a new generation interested in Leicas, well, at least they are trying with the test drive program but that is not enough to convince a young photog on a budget to plunck down more money for a body than they can pay for a body and lens from another company. That is a tough nut for Leica to crack. When I bought my first Leica from an old pro many years ago I had a big knot in my stomach when I plunked down the cash for it. I still remember him telling me rangefinder photography is not for everyone. I think that is still true today and perhaps Leica will have to find a way to survive in a nitch market.