EXPANDING THE LEICA MARKET: Leica Pricing, Markets Addressed, Economics of New & Used

[Ko.Fe.]

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3 hours ago, pgk said:

With all due respect Ko.Fe. you have clearly never used Leica's Pro service. I have done, just a couple of times, and it has surpassed any other camera manufacturer's so-called 'pro' service by far. Camera/lens shipped to Germany and returned fully repaired within a week. Leica don't seem to require a minimum amount of owned equipment but do require proof of professional status. Other makers seem to require a minimum ownership of 'pro' designated gear and don't seem to need proof of absolute (full-time' professional status - often their 'pro' service systems look more like a 'status club' than genuine pro repair system as they used to be decades ago. I've given up with dealing with the maker's pro status/repair systems and just use good repairers these days - apart from Leica which I've had to use for accidental damage and once or twice for a camera repair and this is in the last 14 years and have found them to be excellent.

Why I have to, if Canon service is in twenty minutes drive and treat regular customers like Pro with reasonable pricing. Total win vs not existing Leica Canada service. And good luck with getting it is done via shipping these days. A week is not going to happen.

To me my Leica gear is just pleasure to own and handle items. Very nicely build. But for guaranteed results, I have better cameras with better service. Would I have more disposable cash  I would get more Leicas just for pleasure :).

But you might be right about quick Leica Pro service. With only one professional whom I personally know to use Leica for paid photography they might be not this busy :).  

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[pgk]

3 hours ago, mmradman said:

Nice story, please enlighten us when was it last time you received prompt one week turnaround  professional service.

Pretty sure it was for an M9 sensor change.

[willeica]

7 hours ago, pgk said:

With all due respect Ko.Fe. you have clearly never used Leica's Pro service. I have done, just a couple of times, and it has surpassed any other camera manufacturer's so-called 'pro' service by far. Camera/lens shipped to Germany and returned fully repaired within a week. Leica don't seem to require a minimum amount of owned equipment but do require proof of professional status. Other makers seem to require a minimum ownership of 'pro' designated gear and don't seem to need proof of absolute (full-time' professional status - often their 'pro' service systems look more like a 'status club' than genuine pro repair system as they used to be decades ago. I've given up with dealing with the maker's pro status/repair systems and just use good repairers these days - apart from Leica which I've had to use for accidental damage and once or twice for a camera repair and this is in the last 14 years and have found them to be excellent.

As a non pro I have never had such good service from Leica, Paul. I have had items indicated as repaired and then sit for 3 weeks in the workshop until I reminded them to send it to me. You cannot judge the quality of service the rest of us receive from the 'executive class' service given to pros. These days I mainly use my vintage cameras and if one does not work, I have plenty of others to use instead. I also have my own repair department here in Dublin in the guise of a superb CLA guy and he does more than Leicas.

To be fair, I do believe that Dr Kaufmann is aware that repair service is a weak point in Leica's offering and he intends to do something about it . 

William 

[pgk]

2 minutes ago, willeica said:

As a non pro I have never had such good service from Leica, Paul.

Well, I was addressing a specific comment. My experience is that, having had 'pro' status with the two biggest players, Leica has actually surpassed both in terms of 'pro' service. I would also say that 'pro' service is often restricted to current/recent high end models and lenses. 

[LocalHero1953]

Sadly though, Leica's pro service plan is of no value whatsoever to those of us who are the main targets for their marketing and sales. The fact that Leica equipment can be and is used by pros does not make that their target market (except for cine lenses). Leica does some things very well indeed, and I have just been the beneficiary of some of its best beyond-the-call-of-duty sales and delivery service. But servicing is definitely their weak spot.

[willeica]

3 hours ago, pgk said:

Well, I was addressing a specific comment. My experience is that, having had 'pro' status with the two biggest players, Leica has actually surpassed both in terms of 'pro' service. I would also say that 'pro' service is often restricted to current/recent high end models and lenses. 

Thanks Paul. I absolutely believe what you are saying. However, at its price point, Leica's service should not only be rapid, but it should also be a seamless air-cushioned ride for all customers. I believe it is the intention, and indeed it is an imperative, to have this. In a contracting market Leica needs to have quality stamped all over its operation from end to end. It is the little things that go wrong that people remember and tell their friends about. There is more than enough market survey material to confirm this type of consumer behaviour going back for many years.

William