sanyasi Posted August 28, 2015 Share #1 Posted August 28, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) I called my Leica dealer today on the off chance that a new monochrome had arrived. I leave for an 11-day photo trip on Saturday, and I though it would be fun to use the new camera. I have been on the list for three or four months, so eventually it will show up. Nothing came in, so I will be taking my original monochrome, which has served me well in the past. After thinking about Leica's failure to meet demand, I had a number of questions: Why does Leica keep developing new consumer models when it can't satisfy demand for its flagship line? Is this trend being driven by all the company stores and the need to bring customers in who want a Leica, but not a $7,000 Leica? If so, is it a viable strategy given the competition in the consumer market from Sony, Olympus, and Fuji? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 28, 2015 Posted August 28, 2015 Hi sanyasi, Take a look here Of Stores and Cameras. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Manoleica Posted August 28, 2015 Share #2 Posted August 28, 2015 I called my Leica dealer today on the off chance that a new monochrome had arrived. I leave for an 11-day photo trip on Saturday, and I though it would be fun to use the new camera. I have been on the list for three or four months, so eventually it will show up. Nothing came in, so I will be taking my original monochrome, which has served me well in the past. After thinking about Leica's failure to meet demand, I had a number of questions: Why does Leica keep developing new consumer models when it can't satisfy demand for its flagship line? Is this trend being driven by all the company stores and the need to bring customers in who want a Leica, but not a $7,000 Leica? If so, is it a viable strategy given the competition in the consumer market from Sony, Olympus, and Fuji? Sad that the new camera will not arrive, as for the last sentence in the last paragraph.. Ask Leica.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted August 28, 2015 Share #3 Posted August 28, 2015 It's a fair question. I'm surprised quite frankly that there's any shortage at this stage in the product cycle, given that the M is rumoured for an update later this year. The X/Q/T models are to greater or lesser degree manufactured for Leica elsewhere so that would possibly explain the difference in availability, although I understand that Q supplies seem to have dried up too, but that could be other issues to do with reported faults from the early adopters. It seems to be a problem for Leica. They need to get product to market, but they also need to address their quality control issues. On top of all this they're about to release another new system camera..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanJW Posted August 31, 2015 Share #4 Posted August 31, 2015 It's a fair question. I'm surprised quite frankly that there's any shortage at this stage in the product cycle, given that the M is rumoured for an update later this year. The X/Q/T models are to greater or lesser degree manufactured for Leica elsewhere so that would possibly explain the difference in availability, although I understand that Q supplies seem to have dried up too, but that could be other issues to do with reported faults from the early adopters. It seems to be a problem for Leica. They need to get product to market, but they also need to address their quality control issues. On top of all this they're about to release another new system camera..... I don't disagree that Leica has been slow to meet demand but it is not clear from the OP whether he had one on order that hadn't come in or was intending to walk in and buy. Many small dealers do not stock a lot of Leicas, especially niche products like the MM, because of the outlay required. Instead they take and fill orders. That's the way it works for me anyhow. As for the Q all indications are that it has been selling well and demand has simply exceeded supply. If you want to buy a T, on the other hand, they are plentiful. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanyasi Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted September 1, 2015 I have had an order since late April. May, June, July, August. I do note that the day Canon released the two new DSLR 50mm pixel cameras, I just so happened to be in NYC and was at BH Photo. They were in stock despite big pentup demand--I didn't buy one. I recognize Leica is a much more boutique, but I must admit, it bothers me to see them opening all these stores and flooding the market with all these new cameras--when there are probably better executions in other brands, but the bread and butter of the line is back ordered for months. Seems like a lousy way to do business. The M owners are lifers. Many who buy the more consumer friendly cameras will buy the next shiny bauble in two years, and it won't necessary be a Leica. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edward Louis Marit Posted September 6, 2015 Share #6 Posted September 6, 2015 It must depend on the dealer because I phoned mine and asked him to get me one may 25, and I had it June 2. And I am in a much smaller market than New York. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herr Barnack Posted September 10, 2015 Share #7 Posted September 10, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) It seems that Leica's production capabilities cannot keep pace with customer demand for their M products. In spite of their relatively new headquarters in Wetzlar, they apparently need to expand their production facilities - again. But then there's the issue of finding qualified people to build M cameras and lenses and getting them trained properly; that takes time. These are good times for Leica - what a turnaround from the days of February 2005 when Leica was almost sucked under. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted September 10, 2015 Share #8 Posted September 10, 2015 I'm sure their experience with fluctuating demand cycles makes Leica wary of increasing capacity too fast and then having to make cuts when demand falls. I think their traditional customer base hasn't been driven to have the latest product immediately, and so can be patient with production cycles. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted September 10, 2015 Share #9 Posted September 10, 2015 I'm sure their experience with fluctuating demand cycles makes Leica wary of increasing capacity too fast and then having to make cuts when demand falls. Perhaps one of our Continental friends can inform us - I think it is very difficult to cut manufacturing staff in Germany. True, no? . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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