Shocked by Kaufmanns performance in S2 video

[Fokus]

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As I said in reply to another poster in this thread, I kind of agree with this. And as I also said in the other reply the "peeking in the notes" part of the video takes something away from this "real" and "trust" part - IMHO.

 

Hallo Richard,

of course, Dr. Kaufmann didn´t make the pefect show in this video. Even me as a German had that impression, too. But if he did the perfect show, would we really believe him?

 

I think he was authentic and I think one could see that he put very much enthusiasm and energy in this very special project called S2. You could see that he wanted to tell something he is standing for personally.

 

I like people who stand for their dreams and their work. Also the two employees were very authentic and proud of their product. Impressive.

 

Which employee of other camera-manufacturers did you ever see?

 

These days we can see that money doesn´t last for ever. But when you have people with visions and ideas, then you are lucky. I think these days, Leica has that kind of luck.

 

Greetings

Ralf

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[guywalder]

So you think that I, by speaking my opinion about their promo video, are showing him disrespect? Or is it my ignorance by leaving out his doctor title?

 

Honestly, I think I made it clear that I have faith in the outlines of the S2 system, and Dr. Kaufmann is probably a very intelligent and experienced man, something I don't doubt for a second. That being said, I felt that the video was a bit less than convincing so I started questioning what's the real purpose of it.

 

If you think their performance would be better in German (you might have a valid point), then they should make it in German, text it, and maybe it will have some charm on the top.

 

hey guess what? they did make the video in German, now theres a thing...

 

to your original post, since you ask, I think it is very refreshing that they chose to put company employees in the video. Personally I find (marketing wise) no greater turn-off than having some smarmy professional actor/actress spouting lines they often neither understand still less believe in an effort to sell me something. I hate such corporate videos with a passion, and find them a utterly facile effort at 'convincing' me of anything.

That said, if a company is going to make a video, I would much rather see real company people, who at least know what they are talking about.

 

Incidentally, in Germany qualifications are taken quite seriously, so many Germans would consider it disrespectful to omit the Dr title, whether Dr Kaufmann does or not, I have no idea. Similarly, using a two letter abreviation to denote a geographical location is a local habit not an international standard, so while it may be understandable to you and your countrymen, it means absolutely nothing to billions of other people.

 

Have a nice day

[doug_m]

I don't know Dr Kaufmann. However, I've been very impressed with what I've read about him. I also hear really good things about him from the US side of things and I think that Roger Horn- the head of Leica USA- is really superb.

 

I would not knock Kaufmann. I'll bet he's trying to do the right thing for customer's and employees both. And my good feelings for Leica very much influence how I spend.

[Richard.no]

hey guess what? they did make the video in German, now theres a thing...

 

to your original post, since you ask, I think it is very refreshing that they chose to put company employees in the video. Personally I find (marketing wise) no greater turn-off than having some smarmy professional actor/actress spouting lines they often neither understand still less believe in an effort to sell me something. I hate such corporate videos with a passion, and find them a utterly facile effort at 'convincing' me of anything.

That said, if a company is going to make a video, I would much rather see real company people, who at least know what they are talking about.

 

Have a nice day

 

But for these same reasons, don't you think he and they should have managed through the video without looking like they were looking around for what to say next? As I've replied to others, I agree that using the owner and those in head of development or product management is a great idea. That's not what I am criticising here.

 

It looks like a first take. It need not be glossy, it could well be grainy, but it sure shouldn't appear to be something they're being told to say, which, in my opinion, it appers to be.

 

I understand I am causing a little bit of a stirr, partly because being ignorant to the doctor title, and mostly because you disagree and think this video is great and real and so on. I say it again, that's been the point I've been trying to make all along: it just doesn't seem real and it's not because the people are not real or clever or whatever, it's just because they seem to look for some kind of feedback during the take, and I couldn't get the feeling whether they were trying to talk to me or someone else elsewhere.

 

As for the geographical part of the story, I can only say that you're right, .no means nothing, unless you've been around the Internet a bit. I'd understand a .de for example, or .ru, or .lt or you name it. I was merely trying to respond as stupidly as the poster that came back 5 minutes later to throw words at me.

[Richard.no]

Thanks, I can use all of the positive support I can get these days - as the economy has crashed and taken most of my work with it. You wouldn't be in the position of contracting architectural photographers would you? I'll travel to Norway or anywhere else in the world.

 

Unfortunately for Leica, this is a terrible time to bring out new expensive equipment. Whereas two or three years ago, it would have been much more appealing to me. Especially the 24mm and the 30 TS. By next summer,when the S2 is available, I may be working at McDonalds. :(

 

I am sorry to hear this story, but I have no problems imagining the problems arising - everywhere - from the finanical breakdown. Companies and households have and will continue to have to turn every dime and cent and ask themselves whether it could be better spent.

 

I wouldn't be in the position to find you a job here in Norway I suppose, and anyway we're being hit as well, although a 1,5-2 years later than the US, as usually.

 

All of this actually put my own post, the replies here and Dr. Kaufmann and Co's video into perspective. Does anything really matters as we see the system around us deteriorate?

 

Anyway, maybe it's time to find a plan B niche? Like taking that 4x5 and make some more "fine art". As bonds give zero, banks fail and the stock market is hardly a place you'd want to be, maybe the really rich people will make an art rally?

[Richard.no]

I don't know Dr Kaufmann. However, I've been very impressed with what I've read about him. I also hear really good things about him from the US side of things and I think that Roger Horn- the head of Leica USA- is really superb.

 

I would not knock Kaufmann. I'll bet he's trying to do the right thing for customer's and employees both. And my good feelings for Leica very much influence how I spend.

 

It was not my intentions to "knock" Dr. Kaufmann. I've said the purpose of the video is very unclear to me. Are they talking to me? Or someone else in the back of the room there?

 

Ok, it's real, they're real people and they are for sure very clever, intelligent and good people.

 

Can't you see beyond that and ask yourselves what's the purpose of the video? It's on their international site and must be intended to profile their new flagship product. If you were the "director" of the video, would you say "OK, that's a wrap, let's go home, just upload it already".

[ptomsu]

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It took you 4 minutes after your first post in this thread to gulp up this?

 

I thought some common geography knowledge would explain the .no ending of my nickname.

 

I guess you get annoyed by my goofy critisism of the video, but you should realize that it is just my response to what I see as an unfinished product.

 

Well nobody,

 

it took you so many posts in between to answer?

 

Great performance! Wonder how you would look like in a video?

[leicagator]

Dear Richard,

 

I do not know Dr. Kaufmann or any of the Leica folks personally and I do not think that the video is a masterpiece,

 

but: You go back and forth with your statements and thereby show that - in fact - you have nothing in particular to say (quite opposite to Dr. Kaufmann in the video). First you criticize the "unprofessional" video as such, then you denote it as the "first take" followed by characterizing it as being unreal; later you call the message insincere, and finally, you admit that you did not understand its purpose...

 

I am glad that Dr. Kaufmann shows greater consistency both in his words and his actions for the benefit of Leica and hence the Leica customer community. I am especially glad that we are not given a superficial, but perfect mega presentation lacking any content (or minimal content that is incredulously beefed up). There are many others in economy, politics, etc. who are perfect in performing these mega shows these days..., thank god, Leica does not follow this path!

 

P.S. Yes, I think it is a sign of disrespect to call Dr. Kaufmann "Kaufmann" (and I think this has been your intention right away - if not, it reveals a certain lack of ...

[oronet commander]

I watched the video out of curiosity for this thread and, to be honest, the only fault I saw in Dr. Kaufmann's performance was some insecurity on his eyes, like seeking approval. It's the first time I've seen him live and don't know if his gesturing is always so passionate, but liked it.

[stevelap]

Hallo Richard,

of course, Dr. Kaufmann didn´t make the pefect show in this video. Even me as a German had that impression, too. But if he did the perfect show, would we really believe him?

 

I think he was authentic and I think one could see that he put very much enthusiasm and energy in this very special project called S2. You could see that he wanted to tell something he is standing for personally.

 

I like people who stand for their dreams and their work. Also the two employees were very authentic and proud of their product. Impressive.

 

Which employee of other camera-manufacturers did you ever see?

 

These days we can see that money doesn´t last for ever. But when you have people with visions and ideas, then you are lucky. I think these days, Leica has that kind of luck.

 

Greetings

Ralf

 

 

I agree Ralf, impressive indeed.

[wattsy]

Incidentally, in Germany qualifications are taken quite seriously, so many Germans would consider it disrespectful to omit the Dr title

 

But most of us (at least on the English language part of this forum) are not in or from Germany. Here (UK) it is standard practice when referring to people in the third person to simply use their surname - I don't see where a lack of respect comes into it.

 

On a side-note, there has to be something rather pretentious in the use of Dr. (and other academic titles) outside of an academic environment. You see a lot of it nowadays with company chairmen (often with just an honorary Doctorate) styling themselves this way. I have a Ph.D (as, I suspect, do many in this forum) and would find it a bit embarrassing to be referred to as Dr. Watts. I guess it's different in Germany.

 

Getting back on-topic, I think the video is fine.

[bill]

Have to say, this seems to me to be a lot of fuss about nothing, and it's got quite snippy. There is enough sniping in the M8 ghetto - please can we not export it to the S2??!

 

Public speaking does not come naturally to everyone and Dr. Kaufmann was speaking in a language other than his own. I have media training and have done this sort of thing on a number of occasions and it is not necessarily easy. I can accept the comment that the video itself came across as somewhat amateurish, but as has already been said, I would rather that than some insincere "talking head". Credibility comes from honesty.

 

Finally, I do believe it is a courtesy to use the honorific if that is the norm within the individual's culture. Ignorance of that culture is not a valid excuse. I also find the use of the bare patronymic mildly insulting since in my experience it is usually used, in the media and elsewhere, in a pejorative manner.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[guywalder]

I don't see where a lack of respect comes into it.

 

apart from lack of respect for the German culture, presumably?

 

In my modest experience, judging other countries through your own set of cultural prejudices does little for your understanding of anything outside your own country.

 

However those very same characteristics will stand you in good stead if you want to run an English Pub on the Costa Del Sol.....

 

All depends on your priorities I suppose.

 

Bill is right of course, this thread is a whole load of fuss about nothing.

[AlanG]

I am sorry to hear this story, but I have no problems imagining the problems arising - everywhere - from the finanical breakdown. Companies and households have and will continue to have to turn every dime and cent and ask themselves whether it could be better spent...

 

 

I just want you to know that I was exaggerating a bit. My commissioned work is way off, but I'm getting by. I'm doing some fine art personal projects too. I probably won't have to work at McDonalds.

[Guest guy_mancuso]

I'm going for Burger King Alan, they have better burgers. LOL

 

It's no picnic out here right now , wanna turn Pro. WAIT it out.

[Richard.no]

I just want you to know that I was exaggerating a bit. My commissioned work is way off, but I'm getting by. I'm doing some fine art personal projects too. I probably won't have to work at McDonalds.

 

I realized that you were exaggerating "a bit" At the same time it's too bad to hear business weaken the way it does, and as you say, it's not an easy market to move any expensive goods, be it diamonds, Leicas or other expensive items like your excellent architectural photographs

[marknorton]

"That woman" as someone so politely wrote is Maike Harberts who is, by all accounts, brilliant. Perhaps you'd like Paris Hilton instead.

 

I think the video is fine; we all railed against the pointless 3 1/2 Love Stories, or whatever it was, this is honest and features people who have been closely involved with the product. How much better is that than some cheesy video with an American accent voice-over?

 

For a real fingers down throat experience, try the video Porsche show you if you visit their plant in Leipzig...

[elansprint72]

"That woman" as someone so politely wrote is Maike Harberts who is, by all accounts, brilliant. Perhaps you'd like Paris Hilton instead.

 

 

Well, Paris is the best presidential candidate I've seen so far, (apologies to Joad Cressbeckler of course).

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[Fokus]

"That woman" as someone so politely wrote is Maike Harberts who is, by all accounts, brilliant.

 

Maike Harberts made a very good performance while introducing the S2 as a completely new system, especially in British Journal of Photography 22 September 2008.

[leicagator]

Talking about "respect for German culture" ... Dr. Kaufmann is a native of Austria, but Germany, Austria what is the difference? Ignorance? This is all about respect for individuals, not about country customs ... but, whatever ...