Steve Ash Posted May 24, 2014 Share #1 Posted May 24, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) On a regular basis I visit the a la carte section of Leica's website. Having in mind to upgrade my M8.2 to a full frame camera sooner or later I would like Leica to open their a la carte program which is currently only available for the M7/MP to the M240 and their successors. I do not mind to see as Leica is pulling a considerable amount of extra cash from collectors for a special anniversary engraving and special set as such. But why should a simple stainless steel cover and bottom plate not be available for regular users. I agree to those who say it is just a tool but I care about the outer appearance/design. Yes, it is a tool only and I treat it like that. Nevertheless, as the purchase of a Leica M involves a considerable amount of cash I would prefer the possibility to adjust the camera to my liking. This applies to the body (Black, chrome, or SS), lethering, red dot etc. The non availability of this option is especially hard to comprehend as the option is already available in-house for the M7/MP. Leica, please open the a la carte program for the M. Regards, Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 24, 2014 Posted May 24, 2014 Hi Steve Ash, Take a look here M a la carte. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Overgaard Posted May 24, 2014 Share #2 Posted May 24, 2014 The a la carte program for Leica M 240 (and Leica M9) has been open for quite a while. All you have to do is ask Leica in Wetzlar for something and they will either say no (or nothing), or give a quote and delivery time. This goes for engraving (or lack of engraving), changing of color/metal of the camera, special leather and more. If you notice, there are people who have had silver chrome buttons added to black camera bodies, people who have bought leather elsewhere and had Leica mount it for them. It's all handmade, so there is really no other limit than what Leica want to do. Some have asked for lenses in special colors, with or without focusing tabs, etc - some times they get it, some times not. I recently asked if I could get a chrome Monochrom by taking the M9-P parts and use them on a MM. No answer (because they would be doing a silver chrome them self). I have also asked for other things in the past that resulted in no answer. For example if they could paint one of the M9 Titanium hot shoe covers in black and deliver. Twice they said it was a spare part and I could get it, then the third time they said it was not possible. I have heard people asking about the most crazy things, like a whole camera made of another metal. And they had gotten a yes, but high price and long delivery time. And also the 1600mm Telyt-R lens is an example of a la carte taken to the extreme. But they made one. The M7/MP a la carte program is merely an organized program with brochures, samples and all in the stores. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Ash Posted May 24, 2014 Author Share #3 Posted May 24, 2014 Thanks Thorsten, I have read about the examples you mentioned. But these also show that there is currently a love and hate relationship at Leica regarding this topic. Obviously my financial capabilities are very much limited to the one's of Al-Thani. When I step into the Deutsche Bank I usually do not leave their premises with a 20% ownership[emoji1]. The example of the MM which was delivered to atufte is a very good one, that Leica should straighten their mind. You cannot treat your customer by different measures. One got the MM delivered as chrome, other inquiries were refused. Regards, Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thighslapper Posted May 24, 2014 Share #4 Posted May 24, 2014 Sorry ...... there is a second chrome MM ....... sitting on my desk by my chrome M. ...... I asked ...... and the lovely Andrea was only too happy to oblige (20 months ago) and then it was all hands on deck making M's before the launch ..... and they suddenly became very uncooperative when anyone else asked ....... I think a lot depends on whether they have spare production capacity ...... and hopefully now they are relocated and settled, the opportunity of 'specials' will increase ..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanhulsenbeek Posted May 24, 2014 Share #5 Posted May 24, 2014 On a regular basis I visit the a la carte section of Leica's website. Having in mind to upgrade my M8.2 to a full frame camera sooner or later... IRegards, Steve That upgrade is called the M9. An upgrade of the 8.2 is not available, and will never be AFAIK Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Ash Posted May 24, 2014 Author Share #6 Posted May 24, 2014 Well, with upgrade I mean the purchase of a new camera body. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted May 25, 2014 Share #7 Posted May 25, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Sorry ...... there is a second chrome MM ....... sitting on my desk by my chrome M. ...... Actually, there's a third :-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thighslapper Posted May 25, 2014 Share #8 Posted May 25, 2014 Actually, there's a third :-).... .... shame Leica didn't number them or give us an exclusive logo .... before the rest of the riff-raff got in on the act .... a Leica limited edition of 3 would have been a real investment.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulsydaus Posted May 26, 2014 Share #9 Posted May 26, 2014 I think it's funny how in the a la cart program, to remove engraving costs extra money! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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