bill Posted October 6, 2009 Share #61 Posted October 6, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I hear Grays of Westminster is going to start stocking Holga... Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 6, 2009 Posted October 6, 2009 Hi bill, Take a look here Leica Mayfair Store Open. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Guest BigSplash Posted October 6, 2009 Share #62 Posted October 6, 2009 I have apologised for the mix up re Robert White and Richard Caplan. When you write "workshop", do you mean a Brett workshop, or a man with a screwdriver and a magnifying glass workshop? Leica Mayfair should be a showroom for their products.There is an argument for them not selling any product at all, but just use it as a window into the Leica world, with the established dealers reaping the rewards. I know of one high end German white good manufacturer who has exactly this concept - they don't sell anything in their showroom, but direct you to a dealer. What they do do, is have demonstrations and hands-on time with their products, exactly as Leica do with their workshops upstairs. Andy when I say workshop I normally mean Brett type workshop, which as you know I think is very valuable and certainly helped me. That said I do believe that the Mayfair facility should have first line servicing that can: Clean a sensor, and also ideally show a Leica owner how to do this safely and then ideally sell the kit to do it. Adjust a rangefinder .......if I remember correctly Jaapv does this and some forum members where directed to a site where they can buy the special tool. Check the shutter speed, which requires a simple kit to time the 1/15th shutter speed as I remember it.....adjustment is a little more involved and requires some Leica tools. Provide rapid collection and delivery to an off site facility for everything else. Andy the more I read through the various postings it is becoming clearer to me that the Mayfair shop for M users needs some work as to its market positioning. These are the options that people have suggested, which are all over the place: You Andy propose a demo facility that has everything Leica wishes to sell but you cannot buy it there. That certainly is a viable model that others have indeed used....this is NOT what Mayfair are doing currently or plan. Others suggest a model where you can see things at Mayfair and then: Buy the item in Mayfair Go to a dealer who may not have the item in stock. Andy the suggestion of some is that the dealer will give a reduced price or bundle other items such as filters or a memory card with the purchase. This is something that it is believed and dealers hope that Leica Mayfair will never do. I guess time will tell. Meanwhile the dealers are expected to invest in stock but increasingly are voicing concerns that Mayfair has a strategy to become a competitor to them with priviliged access to scarce products and obviously in theory have more margin to play with. Personally I plan to remain loyal to RG Lewis and I made this clear to Mayfair, but if I can get a deal at Mayfair and have product ex stock I might feel differently. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BigSplash Posted October 6, 2009 Share #63 Posted October 6, 2009 I hear Grays of Westminster is going to start stocking Holga... Regards, Bill Bill I know you are trying to be humorous as always but I think how we are served and supported is surely a serious point. Grays of Westminster is exclusively Nikon with a long history with this marque. I am trying to see which is the equivalent 100% Leica establishment of similar size that carries the full range of new leica stock.....plus used equipment. I guess Richard Caplan and Red Dot may be candidates but do they really have the full Leica catalogue on show? ....try seeing a Pradovit! or the new Noctilux. All of the other dealers seem to carry Nikon, Canon etc (Ffordes, Richard White, RG Lewis, Jessops ....and Classic Camera). I therefore do see a role for Mayfair but surely this has to be in a way that accomodates the existing dealer network that have supported Leica through some difficult times. I believe that this is what Mayfair is attempting to do...... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted October 6, 2009 Share #64 Posted October 6, 2009 I am sure that Red Dot would carry a Noctilux if there were able to source one. Ivor seems to have just about everything else in stock. The dealers will really start to complain, with justification, when Mayfair get all the M9s and the Noctiluxes and all the other big ticket, big profit, items, and they don't get a look in. That is very likely to happen, I suspect when you consider that Leica will make double profit on everything they sell in their own stores. However, I am sure that Leica know what they are doing with this new venture, and I wish them well with it. And Frank, btw, it is not necessary to use my name in every sentence when you post here. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted October 6, 2009 Share #65 Posted October 6, 2009 Adjust a rangefinder .......if I remember correctly Jaapv does this and some forum members where directed to a site where they can buy the special tool. Certainly not too long ago Leica UK weren't able to adjust the rangefinder on M8s as it required a special jig that was in Solms - I don't know if that's still the case. With the M8 rangefinder I don't think it's as simple as adjusting the rangefinder for one distance and then everything will fall into place for other distances. I get the impression there are several actions in adjusting the M8 (and I assume M8) rangefinder each of which have an impact at other distances. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted October 6, 2009 Share #66 Posted October 6, 2009 Frank seems to think that Leica have opened a shop and are now wondering what to do with it. Can't we just accept that Leica have their own idea's and plans, which are what they are? I'm sure if they wanted more idea's they'd ask for them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BigSplash Posted October 6, 2009 Share #67 Posted October 6, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am sure that Red Dot would carry a Noctilux if there were able to source one. Ivor seems to have just about everything else in stock. The dealers will really start to complain, with justification, when Mayfair get all the M9s and the Noctiluxes and all the other big ticket, big profit, items, and they don't get a look in. That is very likely to happen, I suspect when you consider that Leica will make double profit on everything they sell in their own stores. However, I am sure that Leica know what they are doing with this new venture, and I wish them well with it. And Frank, btw, it is not necessary to use my name in every sentence when you post here. Andy I wish any business venture well and Leica is not an exception ...actually I am very supportive of them as a company, the brand and their store in Mayfair. I also think that the dealers who are expected to invest their money should have a fair and flat equal opportunity. ...........I would however query: Eric Clapton apparently had one of the very first new Noctiluxes in the country from Leica UK. OK was this part of a w/wide Leica marcom initiative (like Sean's S2 endorsement) ....apparently not. That you say above that "This is very likely to happen" ...........surely this is exactly the sentiment that Mayfair must avoid or lose their loyal dealers Ivor, who is exclusively focussed on Leica had 3 used Noctiluxes a week ago ...and he cannot get a new one from Leica UK ? Andy why are you sensitive to using your name when I am addressing your points....sorry if this embarasses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted October 6, 2009 Share #68 Posted October 6, 2009 Andy why are you sensitive to using your name when I am addressing your points....sorry if this embarasses. Because it's patronising and unnecessary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted October 6, 2009 Share #69 Posted October 6, 2009 Because it's patronising and unnecessary ...and it's an extremely old and crispy sales technique that went out of fashion long ago - think Dale Carnegie: Saying people's names in a sales situation | LinkedIn Answers | LinkedIn Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bybrett Posted October 6, 2009 Share #70 Posted October 6, 2009 I am sure that Red Dot would carry a Noctilux if there were able to source one. Ivor seems to have just about everything else in stock. The dealers will really start to complain, with justification, when Mayfair get all the M9s and the Noctiluxes and all the other big ticket, big profit, items, and they don't get a look in. That is very likely to happen, I suspect when you consider that Leica will make double profit on everything they sell in their own stores. However, I am sure that Leica know what they are doing with this new venture, and I wish them well with it. And Frank, btw, it is not necessary to use my name in every sentence when you post here. Last time I was in London Red Dot had a 0.95 Noctilux in stock. Mayfair has not had one for sale or demo to date. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevelap Posted October 7, 2009 Share #71 Posted October 7, 2009 ....................Personally I plan to remain loyal to RG Lewis and I made this clear to Mayfair, but if I can get a deal at Mayfair and have product ex stock I might feel differently. Frank, from my discussions with them the one thing you won't get at Mayfair is a deal. They have been set up to sell new items only, at list price, and will not take trade-ins or stock used items. In that respect they are mindful of the need to avoid treading on the toes of the traditional dealers. They exist to showcase the full range of current Leica products in a location suited to a flagship store, following a model that will see several such stores established around the globe. As you know, these stores are also equipped with seminar and studio space suitable for training workshops and hands on demonstration of the top of the range products. From what I've seen of Mayfair so far they're off to a fine start and are making good progress towards fulfilling that brief. All Leica need to do now is make a success of the flagship store concept without scuppering the existing dealer network. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbaron Posted October 7, 2009 Share #72 Posted October 7, 2009 Frank, Frank, Frank... Why not just open your own store and be done with it? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BigSplash Posted October 7, 2009 Share #73 Posted October 7, 2009 Frank, from my discussions with them the one thing you won't get at Mayfair is a deal. They have been set up to sell new items only, at list price, and will not take trade-ins or stock used items. In that respect they are mindful of the need to avoid treading on the toes of the traditional dealers. They exist to showcase the full range of current Leica products in a location suited to a flagship store, following a model that will see several such stores established around the globe. As you know, these stores are also equipped with seminar and studio space suitable for training workshops and hands on demonstration of the top of the range products. From what I've seen of Mayfair so far they're off to a fine start and are making good progress towards fulfilling that brief. All Leica need to do now is make a success of the flagship store concept without scuppering the existing dealer network. I am delighted to hear this and I must say it is my impression also. Various people in this forum have suggested that the Mayfair shop may drift into other directions and if it does that would be a huge mistake in my opinion. The concept of a central place where all Leica products are available to handle, and buy at full retail price is great. Add a training workshop, and a studio is even better. For me if they added availability of small Leica items such as lens M rear caps etc, and a on site simple maintenance (sensor cleaning) plus collection / delivery of items for service ....that would be really great. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BigSplash Posted October 7, 2009 Share #74 Posted October 7, 2009 Frank, Frank, Frank... Why not just open your own store and be done with it? Not sure I would want to serve some Leica users............ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BigSplash Posted October 7, 2009 Share #75 Posted October 7, 2009 I hear Grays of Westminster is going to start stocking Holga... Regards, Bill ...and it's an extremely old and crispy sales technique that went out of fashion long ago - think Dale Carnegie: Saying people's names in a sales situation | LinkedIn Answers | LinkedIn Regards, Bill Quote: Great stuff this new filtering software. Lets you home in on the true intent behind any post. Regards, Bill Bill, above are your last three posts sent in one day. Not one of these expresses any opinion on the Mayfair store, or Leica. Not one post that is constructive or useful or focussed about the issue on the OP Just your usual consistent sniping, clever devil remarks , cheap shots and perhaps on occassions an attempt at humour. As has been said before "by others" its juvenile and tiring I really wish that you would try to add value on the subject rather than trying to be clever in every thread that you post . I am told that you were the originator of the one challenge and have a lot of experience etc...... I guess given years of experience with film and now a M9 it is true.. ...I just have never been fortunate enough to see it, but I live in hope. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elansprint72 Posted October 7, 2009 Share #76 Posted October 7, 2009 Empty vessels make most sound. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbaron Posted October 7, 2009 Share #77 Posted October 7, 2009 Bill, you devil, you! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted October 7, 2009 Share #78 Posted October 7, 2009 Bill, you devil, you! I have changed my signature accordingly... Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
microview Posted October 7, 2009 Share #79 Posted October 7, 2009 Leica will make double profit on everything they sell in their own stores. It's worth noting that the Mayfair staff complement is at least four (all of whom I have spoken with), whereas at RD it's just Ivor and his very nice wife. So the Mayfair investment is considerable – plus of course Westminster business rates vs. Old Street (Islington). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted October 7, 2009 Share #80 Posted October 7, 2009 I have held off contributing to this thread until now, but I feel it is time to chime in with a bit of understanding gained from sitting on the other side of the fence, as it were. The relationship between Leica UK, the Leica Shop and the official dealers is as you can imagine a lot more complex than has been made out in this thread. They are all more than capable of managing their respective businesses and IMO it is no business of anyone leaping in and trying to tell them what to do or how to do it. As regards the Leica shop stocking non-Leica products, other perhaps than related minor accessories, the shop is a flagship store for the promotion of Leica photographic products. To use an analogy, one would not expect the Apple Store to sell Motorola phones in competition with its own product, would one? Other than sensor cleaning which if offered as a paying service will require someone properly trained and very competent to carry it out, camera adjustments are best carried out by a qualified technician in a proper workshop with the necessary equipment and tools; and not in a shop back-office. The official dealers will, unlike the Leica Shop, accept trade-ins, deal in second-hand items, and frequently discount prices. Please bear in mind that any £ spent in the Leica shop is one less £ spent with the official dealers and you all need to continue to support your local dealer who has given you excellent service in the past. The alternative could well be the gradual demise of the dealers and the consequent lack of choice and facilities. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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