Leica launches Professional Business Unit [Merged]

[pgk]

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one to 2 weeks, seems a pro enough service for me ?

 

I've registered as a pro (proof required) and although I've rarely had to use it, have found Leica's Pro service to be the fastest I've experienced. Shipped a camera off and it was back from Germany within a week. I struggle to get my Canon's sorted as fast.

[willeica]

With the implosion of the compact and consumer camera markets, it probably makes sense for Leica to target the professional end of the market. This will involve considerable improvement in the areas of QC and QOS targeted on professionals. It will also involve expanding the range of products which are deemed to be necessary for professional work. While in the period up to 1960 Leica had one of the widest ranges available, that is not the case today and they have a long way to go to catch up with Nikon and Canon. The recently published SL lens road map indicates that Leica realises the need to go in that direction. To go from being a niche player to being a mainstream professional market player is a considerable jump for Leica. I wish them every success in going in a new direction. 

 

The rangefinder camera has identified Leica since 1932 when the II Model D was introduced with an integrated rangefinder. I feel that Leica would be foolish to abandon that part of its identity. As for whether the M is 'professional' this does not bother me. Back in the 1950s the M had a considerable number of accessory options which do not exist today because the 'SLR' has essentially captured the relevant market spaces. Digital has also had a considerable impact on functionality. Yes some professionals still use a Leica M but for most professional areas a DSLR is still the best option. The EVF is, however, likely to replace the flapping mirror in the coming years though and with the SL Leica has shown the way forward. It will be interesting to see how all of this progresses. As for myself, as an amateur, I am not interested in the S or SL etc and I am quite happy to stay with with my Ms and LTMs. I hope that Leica will continue to provide good products for the market segment which I and, others like me, represent.

 

William

[pgk]

As for whether the M is 'professional' this does not bother me.

 

The EVF is, however, likely to replace the flapping mirror in the coming years though and with the SL Leica has shown the way forward.

 

The M system IS supported as a 'professional' camera system - I've had my camera bodies dealt with under Leica's 'Professional' scheme - fast. I don't know why there is the assumption that a system like the M system is not used professionally and isn't supported - it is on both counts.

 

If the EVF replaces the mirror, this will leave the current type of M camera in the unique position of offering a viewfinder not requiring that the viewer looks into an electronic and hence very virtual world. This is already valued by many (as is the lack of SLR type 'blackout' during exposure). As EVFs become more commonplace the virtues of the M system may well become even more appreciated. I see its future as niche but strong and certainly professional.