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LEICA supports the China government!


Grigorij

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This thread likely headed to Barnack's Bar - or at least the Customer Forum, since it includes the film MP product as well as the M8.2 - due to the probable political tilt.

 

Grogorij, I assume you are old enough that you spent part of your life in Poland while it was still under Russian/Soviet domination? If so, I understand your - concern - regarding a link between Leica and the last major nominally-Communist regime. And one that does not hold a stellar human rights record regardless of the specfic ideology behind it.

 

OTOH, a great many photographers who use Leica as a tool have visited the People's Republic over the decades - Marc Riboud and Henri Cartier-Bresson among them.

 

Magnumphotos

photo-eye | Auctions

Amazon.com: Marc Riboud in China (9780810944305): Marc Riboud: Books

SITE DU PHOTOGRAPHE MARC RIBOUD

 

As well as miscellaneous other Magnum photographers...

 

Magnumphotos

 

From a more mercenary point of view - China, and Asia in general, are already the fastest growing market region for Leica. I guess, if Leica MUST produce commemorative models, then playing to that market is logical.

 

To borrow from Lenin, "The capitalists will sell us the cameras with which we will photograph their hangings."

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There was a program on TV last night about Shanghai, quite amazing to see how much development is going on there and the affluent lifestyles many are leading. The Rolls Royce showroom there was empty - apparently they can't get enough cars to fulfill demand to have any left as 'stock' !

 

Why shouldn't Leica take advantage of this demand for prestige western goods?

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adan, I'm 47 years old and more than half of my life i spent in communist Country, so maybe I am queasy... But I wonder, what will happen next, what the Leica will celebrate, maybe anniversary of the Soviet Union or anniversary of Fascism? Perhaps Stalin's or Kim Ir Sen's birthday? :eek:

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Hello,

for these who are not from poland, look here to understand:

Google Nachricht

 

"Three Limited Leica - To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China has prepared a limited-edition Leica Camera Leica D-Lux 4, Leica M8.2 Leica MP and 50mm. Products has been engraved on a commemorative emblem depicting Tiananmen Square."

 

One question. Will the Leica Passport Warranty apply if your gold-plated, red leather-covered, limited-edition MP gets run over by a Chinese type 59 tank in Tiananmen Square?

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Let's not get political, but Tienanmen Square has a long history both before and after the "student uprising."

 

If you argue that Leica is supporting repression, at least recognize that you could just as well say that Leica is sticking its finger of the eye of the rulers there, reminding them of their refusal to honor human rights.

 

Note the engraving, "1949-2009." That encompasses a lot of history outside the period you want to refer to.

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Too bad the DLX4 lacks the red & gold of the MP...

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Politics aside, the MP is a beauty and will probably appreciate more than my stock portfolio over time. At least somebody's going to be getting some money out of China, with the balance of trade being what it is, that's one way to do it, sell their nouveau riche expensive bling.

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