No Leicas in Singapore

[NZDavid]

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I guess there must be but apart from mine I spotted absolutely none in Singapore in all the mega shopping centers or at the airport. On previous visits I recall seeing the various Digilux and D-Lux models.

 

I was attending a media launch by Samsung for a whole host of products. The big new cameras were the GX10, an APS-sensor mirrorless DSLR system, and a new compact APS-sensor wideangle (a possible rival for the X1). Both looked interesting. Samsung is pushing an aggressive marketing policy.

 

One can't help contrasting the marketing push of new camera companies with the invisibility/non availability of Leica. OK, it's a small company, but I would have expected to see some models in the shops.

[waileong]

It's available in specialty shops, like Cathay Photo.

 

You won't find it at the mass electronics retailers-- nor should you.

 

One doesn't find Lamborghini's all over Singapore car dealers, only exclusive ones.

 

Same for Leica.

 

 

I guess there must be but apart from mine I spotted absolutely none in Singapore in all the mega shopping centers or at the airport. On previous visits I recall seeing the various Digilux and D-Lux models.

 

I was attending a media launch by Samsung for a whole host of products. The big new cameras were the GX10, an APS-sensor mirrorless DSLR system, and a new compact APS-sensor wideangle (a possible rival for the X1). Both looked interesting. Samsung is pushing an aggressive marketing policy.

 

One can't help contrasting the marketing push of new camera companies with the invisibility/non availability of Leica. OK, it's a small company, but I would have expected to see some models in the shops.

[NZDavid]

Leica isn't Lamborghini. My point was that Leica did used to be available in far more stores than seems the case nowadays, and I'm wondering why, if it is due to very limited supply (the rare as a white rhino M9 and the mythical X1 -- does this camera even really exist?)

[StS]

Well, I assume the typical holidaymaker picking up a camera at the airport is usually not in the market for high end cameras.

 

As mentioned by Waileong:

Cathay Photo | Sharply focused on meeting your needs...

The area might be worth a trip anyhow, North Bridge Road around Funan Centre (Metro station "City Hall") appears to be a good place for photographic equipment, especially, if one is looking for a larger selection of film out of a fridge or development services. Singapore appears to be one of the most "film-friendly" cities in Asia. There are cities, where they try to sell one a digital camera, when asking for film development.

 

I have the feeling Leicas cost more or less the same all over the world. Some months ago several Germans bought in the UK, since the prices were more attractive due to currency fluctuations. Sometimes the large Tokyo camera stores offer a special deal on single Leicas. It is also an excellent place to get services around film.

 

Stefan