X1 Lens

[Allnm]

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If it was made in Japan does that mean it's not a Leica lens? If so, why?

 

It doesnt really matter where its made, as you say, but I think the question is more about brand loyalty and the fact that Leica is a traditional German company offering individual products. They dont have to be the best or the cheapest as long as the customer perceives that he ( or, of course, she) is getting a unique and or exclusive product.

 

People buy a Leica ( or other branded product) because they perceive the brand offers product features, product image, or a level of quality that they desire and distinguishes that brand in a memorable and positive manner. The image surrounding a company's brand is the principal source of its competitive advantage and is therefore a valuable strategic asset.

 

In my opinion, Leica has compromised its image lately by developing products with other manufacturers and branding similar products, (ie, D-Lux and Digilux range) but charging a huge premium.

 

This practice is bound to instill doubt as to the integrity of a Leica product and if people are paying premium prices they want to know that what they are buying is " the real McCoy"

 

Years ago, people bought a Leica because of its name and exclusiveness. There was a sort of 'Gentlemans Club" of owners.

 

Long story coming up!

 

I remember years ago phoning a Leica dealer to buy a Leica lens. It was a lot of money and I wanted to be sure that it was right for me and I started asking questions about its performance and about what I could expect from the lens. The seller didnt try to justify the quality of the lens but said he would post it for me to try it out for myself. I told him I would send a cheque and would expect the lens in a couple of weeks after the cheque cleared.( pre internet / credit cards, etc)

His answer was that he would send the lens and if I liked it I could send the cheque. If not, I could return the lens.

I asked if he wanted a deposit, his answer was " Why? your a Leica man arent you?

 

The trust in me as an honest person because I was "a Leica Man" is similar to the trust I had in Leica, because of its heritage. No one questioned where bodies or lenses were made, they trusted Leica to come up with the goods.

 

This doesnt seem to be that case anymore, hence the OP's question.

 

Oh, and I kept the lens and sent my cheque the following week.

 

Allan

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[mjh]

No one questioned where bodies or lenses were made, they trusted Leica to come up with the goods.

And that is true today just as it was true in the past. People have come to expect a certain level of performance from Leica, especially when it comes to lenses. Does the lens of the X1 conform to those expections or does it not? That’s the real issue.

[Solar B]

It doesnt really matter where its made, as you say, but I think the question is more about brand loyalty and the fact that Leica is a traditional German company offering individual products. They dont have to be the best or the cheapest as long as the customer perceives that he ( or, of course, she) is getting a unique and or exclusive product.

 

People buy a Leica ( or other branded product) because they perceive the brand offers product features, product image, or a level of quality that they desire and distinguishes that brand in a memorable and positive manner. The image surrounding a company's brand is the principal source of its competitive advantage and is therefore a valuable strategic asset.

 

In my opinion, Leica has compromised its image lately by developing products with other manufacturers and branding similar products, (ie, D-Lux and Digilux range) but charging a huge premium.

 

This practice is bound to instill doubt as to the integrity of a Leica product and if people are paying premium prices they want to know that what they are buying is " the real McCoy"

 

Years ago, people bought a Leica because of its name and exclusiveness. There was a sort of 'Gentlemans Club" of owners.

 

Long story coming up!

 

I remember years ago phoning a Leica dealer to buy a Leica lens. It was a lot of money and I wanted to be sure that it was right for me and I started asking questions about its performance and about what I could expect from the lens. The seller didnt try to justify the quality of the lens but said he would post it for me to try it out for myself. I told him I would send a cheque and would expect the lens in a couple of weeks after the cheque cleared.( pre internet / credit cards, etc)

His answer was that he would send the lens and if I liked it I could send the cheque. If not, I could return the lens.

I asked if he wanted a deposit, his answer was " Why? your a Leica man arent you?

 

The trust in me as an honest person because I was "a Leica Man" is similar to the trust I had in Leica, because of its heritage. No one questioned where bodies or lenses were made, they trusted Leica to come up with the goods.

 

This doesnt seem to be that case anymore, hence the OP's question.

 

Oh, and I kept the lens and sent my cheque the following week.

 

Allan

 

This all makes sense to me Allan ... Thanks for the insight

 

Brian

[Guest badbob]

If it doesn't matter where it's made, then what is it? If a Rolex watch were stamped Made In China, would you find that acceptable? I doubt it. I could give other examples. If Panasonic wanted to be totally honest about their Leica lenses, they could say "Leica design, made by Panasonic", in much the same way Apple's products say "Designed in California, Made In China". But there seems to be some embarrassmet about Leica's own in-house (and high priced) products, with people making excuses for them when they don't reveal where the goods are made.