"The New Leica Reality"….according to Puts

[Jeff S]

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The "luxury" product that he refers to a the the end is really about pricing and value….and at current levels, the time frame to get things sorted is even more compressed.

 

Jeff

[Michael Hiles]

I strongly suspect that the compressed time frames are a serious hindrance. But some elements coming from the heritage are still there. Seems to me that the basic body design and structure remain important and are solidly based on historical lessons. The fabulous range/viewfinder is an important case in point. And the lessons regarding digital image making have been learned quickly and well. The technical quality of the images we see are pretty impressive. And quality issues (mainly specific mistakes) are certainly not worse than their competitors or other industries that rely on digital technologies.

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[mirekti]

From my perspective, as a consumer, I still think Leica is doing great job with digital too. I am using a full frame digital body which has an option to use a range of 16-135mm lenses on it. You can even expand you range of lenses nowdays with the EVF and the adapters, but that's not my game.

 

Per my taste, the IQ is top notch, and the lenses are super small. I don't see anyone else offering this kind of system at the moment.

 

And from what I read in the recent Leica's statement about the M9 sensor issue, I can only tell this is still a top class company.

[pgk]

"Leica aficionados should acknowledge that the new Leica company, located in the outskirts of Wetzlar is not like the old Leica, located in the centre of Wetzlar|"

Perhaps this needs to be realised by Leica too? In order to survive with niche products, which 'compete' to the extent that they fulfill their role rather than trade technical specifications with bigger companies, we need to appreciate that there are 'new' realities in the digital age. Being honest, in terms of what can be manufactured and what its life expectancy should be and at what price point it is viable to produce such products, is something which we all need to come to terms with - Leica and us as customers.

 

For myself, I think that in spite of the known issues and problems, Leica have done an amazing job in building excellent and competitive (in terms of image 'quality') full-frame, digital RF cameras. And I enjoy using them - something which is difficult to market and price. To continue to produce such products, Leica needs to realise that their life expectancy and price point are interlinked and the 'old' ideas of retained value are starting to diminish - lenses, yes, digital bodies, no! Whether you define Leica RF cameras as 'luxury' depends on more than their cost - anyone buying a top end camera for personal use rather than work is into a costly 'luxury' item from ANY manufacturer.

 

There are ways of adding value though. I suggested a service/repair record document in another thread as an example. Another might be a guaranteed trade-in value based on age, shutter actuations and so on (as Paramo do with their clothing). Its going to be interesting to see how Leica proceed over the next few years with image 'quality' already excellent, there is not a vast amount which can be done to improve a tried and tested camera system other than to 'tweak' it and add value in other, more innovative ways.

[thighslapper]

"a transformed Leica company that sits a bit uncomfortably between the traditional culture of engineering excellence and the current focus on luxury products"....

 

poor old Erwin ...... seems to have had another rather maudlin bout of nostalgitis after one too many sherries .....

 

.... I am sure the folk at Leica are exceedingly comfortable in their current position with a fancy new factory and a portfolio of good products.

 

Take a walk down Bond Street in London and compare it with your local UK High Street ...... the high end market has been pretty recession proof ...... whereas the low and middle has been clobbered. Leica have the right strategy.

[Herr Barnack]

+1 on what pgk said. I just hope Leica does not lose its way in terms of analog M cameras.

[sblitz]

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Considering the MA not sure it has lost its way unless the look of solid manufacture and engineering proves to be an illusion.

[Jeff S]

.... I am sure the folk at Leica are exceedingly comfortable in their current position with a fancy new factory and a portfolio of good products.

 

Oh I'm sure that the issues surrounding presumably one of their best selling digital product lines to date…the M9 and its derivatives…have them feeling "exceeding comfortable".

 

Jeff

[thighslapper]

Oh I'm sure that the issues surrounding presumably one of their best selling digital product lines to date…the M9 and its derivatives…have them feeling "exceeding comfortable".

 

Jeff

 

The cameras are no longer in the warehouse and they have the money.

 

It's some of the customers that are uncomfortable.

[Jeff S]

The cameras are no longer in the warehouse and they have the money.

.

 

Au contraire….the M-E and MM are still for sale. Not to mention the potential costs to repair damaged goods, depending on liability, insurance, etc.

 

Even more importantly, companies survive on reputation, especially at lofty price points. Leica took a hit, which I'm sure they hope to restore. Your description suggests a high degree of arrogance, not a recipe for long term success, which I'm sure Leica fully understands.

 

Jeff

Edited December 17, 2014 by Jeff S

[sc_rufctr]

What new reality??? Puts may be a smart guy but really...

 

Leica have always done their own thing. IMO this is one of the reason they are still here!

[Jeff S]

 

Leica have always done their own thing. IMO this is one of the reason they are still here!

 

They almost were not….thank a big investor.

 

Jeff