anfrve Posted September 15, 2009 Share #21 Posted September 15, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I also wish to thank all the journalists who went in Solms for the reportage, it is very useful to understand all the camera building process and for the questions - reflections asked at the management Andrea:cool: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 Hi anfrve, Take a look here Stephan Daniel M9 Interview - from Reichmann. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
sean_reid Posted September 16, 2009 Share #22 Posted September 16, 2009 you had mentioned how the M9 has optimizing focusing distance of 1 meter and M8.2 has focusing distance of 2 meters. i'm not saying that you said leica will introduce this feature, but i just hope they will, based on M8 and M8.2 history. apologies for not being more clear... I think you misunderstood. Those numbers refer to the frame line optimization. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ho_co Posted September 16, 2009 Share #23 Posted September 16, 2009 Sean, who was the perky chick in both the Stefan Daniel and the M9 Assembly videos? Your wife, I assume? Sounds like a great asset! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_reid Posted September 16, 2009 Share #24 Posted September 16, 2009 Sean, who was the perky chick in both the Stefan Daniel and the M9 Assembly videos? Your wife, I assume? Sounds like a great asset! No, there were no spouses on this trip - it really was a business and meetings thing. That was Amy Kosh, Leica USA's S2 product specialist. My wife is also a photographer and indeed a great asset but she's never been to Leica. Amy is cool and we liked her a lot. She's very much about photography above equipment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted September 16, 2009 Share #25 Posted September 16, 2009 This was a very illuminating view into Leica culture and how they played the journalism card. I enjoyed Stephan Reichmann's candor at times. When talked about adding features (updates) to the M8 it was interesting to hear him say that it came down financial resources. I now realize that that a small company like Leica can't just put out an update every few months even though they know they can improve the camera for us. It was also interesting to watch as he talked about the slow zoom speed on the M9 and he was clearly disappointed by this in his own personal sample. Moments of honest reflection about a camera that he was certainly very proud of. I came away realizing that Leica is a small company that tries very hard to listen to their customers, but at the same time understands the DNA of what the M series is all about. Clearly, they know who they are and I can trust that they are not going to change what I dearly enjoy and relate to in a camera. Watching all 70+ minutes of this video also impressed upon me that Mr. Reichmann has the patience of job and he certainly offered only as much candor as he was willing to give out to his outsider audience. The keys to the Leica business plans for future developments, let alone much inside information about the M9 sitting in front of him or the future of the M series was played close to the vest. The bulk of what Reichmann wanted to do was all about show and tell. It did tickle me, though, how much he clearly liked this camera when he was showing it off. He said something like: The smallest FF camera on the plane. Able to take advantage of the best lenses on the planet. Incorporating suggestions from Leica customers. But, still holding to the simple values of the M series. Clearly, by the end of the presentation his patience was wearing thin and he was growing tired of the sycophantic behavior. Reichmann had them eating out of his hand. Hardly, tough journalism at its finest. But, hey, its just a camera and I'd had loved to have been there with them... in the back. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Englander Posted September 17, 2009 Share #26 Posted September 17, 2009 For what it's worth, I think you have Stephan Daniel and Michael Reichman confused. Stephan Daniel was being interviewed by Michael Reichman, among others including Sean Reid and David Farkas. It was Daniel doing the on-camera talking and giving the answers. It was clear what you meant, but maybe the misnomers would cause confusion. I, too, was very impressed and appreciated the opportunity Reichman's video gave us to "listen in" and get a feeling for the folks at Leica. Joe Joe Englander Photography Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcoombs Posted September 17, 2009 Share #27 Posted September 17, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I had a chance today to finally listen to the whole interview and found it quite enlightening. Stephen Daniel handled it very well, being open and sincere in his responses, answering when he could (99% of the time) and making notes to follow up on questions where he didn't know the answer. In an interview of over an hour, prepared text or answers go out the window. It is too long, so you in fact get quite candid and honest responses to the questions. In response to those who felt it wasn't a hard hitting interogation looking for faults, I can only say that that wasn't its intent. This was more of an exploratory discussion of something that was about to come to market, hadn't been tested, and was new to all the participants. I would agree that by the end of the meeting Daniel looked like he was finished. Besides, he was holding back the other big surprise - the X1, for the next day... All in all, a fascinating discussion and I thank all the participants, and especially Michael Reichman (for the recording), for their questions and involvement. It is of great benefit for the rest of us out here. Doug Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfarkas Posted September 17, 2009 Share #28 Posted September 17, 2009 Thanks. And you know I definitely do get the sense that Leica is trying to be as open as they reasonably can be, frank about their decisions and the reasons, responsive to suggestions, etc. That doesn't make them perfect but to me the gang there seems more like a bunch of perfectionist photography enthusiasts than one might expect to find in a camera corporation. Also on that trip, BTW, were Phil Askey and Andrew Westlake and they've contributed some good info. on DPReview. (Phil, you're probably reading this, why don't you chime in?) Stefan, during that interview, was not evasive at all - he was quite straight shooting and was even willing to criticize the speed of review functions on the M9 (which have since improved though not perfectly). But he wasn't afraid to talk about that. BTW, the American voice on the right side of the frame was David, the quieter Brit was Andy, the other Brit was Phil, Mike's voice came from the camera and I was the voice on the left side of the frame (the guy who was so thrilled about the lens selection menu and who asked about frame lines, weather seals, etc.) It was a very productive trip made up primarily of factory tours, meetings and test shooting. Those who worry about the "lure" of the exotic press trip might consider that the hotel (in classic European style) had no A/C and temps hit near 100 F most days there. I didn't mind but I stress this because the trip really wasn't about trying to spoil and influence the participants. Dinners were all with Leica leaders and they were a great source of information, listened to feedback on the cameras, etc. I'd do a trip like that again in a heartbeat and I wouldn't worry at all about the conspiracy theorists pointing fingers. Cheers, Sean Sean, I think you summed it up well, and believe that John struck the nail on the head about opening the doors and letting the Leica community in though us. I, too, would do a trip like that again as well. It was hard work, but also a lot of fun. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ho_co Posted September 17, 2009 Share #29 Posted September 17, 2009 Also interesting to me is how much that is thought to be "common knowledge" isn't as well known as it should be. In the Karbe interview, one of the interviewers' questions were very fact-oriented but didn't reflect well on his understanding of lens design. One interviewer was unaware of Leica's policy of going through all cameras sent for repair, upgrading them to current standard where necessary, and giving a one-year warranty on the entire camera. I was unaware that the R8 shutter was the same as used in the M8 and M9, though Andy Barton said in another thread that this has been common knowledge on the forum ever since the appearance of the M8. No criticism in the above. We all know less than we think we do, and this kind of presentation opens the chance for all of us to learn. Leica and the people on the trip are a big help to all of us. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_reid Posted September 17, 2009 Share #30 Posted September 17, 2009 IIn response to those who felt it wasn't a hard hitting interogation looking for faults, I can only say that that wasn't its intent. This was more of an exploratory discussion of something that was about to come to market, hadn't been tested, and was new to all the participants. Doug Exactly...some folks have apparently been watching a bit too much hyped evening news. Stefan's meeting was an introduction to a new camera that we all had just gotten in our hands. This was not a Fox news expose. Some of us had a lot of questions and some were fairly quiet. I was there, primarily, to listen and my questions were primarily about weather sealing, frame lines, etc.] My most significant questions for Leica came after I had actually been testing the camera. Cheers, Sean Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_reid Posted September 17, 2009 Share #31 Posted September 17, 2009 Also interesting to me is how much that is thought to be "common knowledge" isn't as well known as it should be. In the Karbe interview, one of the interviewers' questions were very fact-oriented but didn't reflect well on his understanding of lens design. One interviewer was unaware of Leica's policy of going through all cameras sent for repair, upgrading them to current standard where necessary, and giving a one-year warranty on the entire camera. I didn't ask any questions, that I recall, during Peter's lens presentation but perhaps the person who did ask those questions can respond to your comment. I was not aware that Leica gave that one-year warranty on a camera once it was checked over. I think that's great and, as I told Leica, should be better publicized. Cheers, Sean Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted September 17, 2009 Share #32 Posted September 17, 2009 The guarantee extension was mentioned several times in this forum. I agree, Leica should publicize this great service. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_reid Posted September 17, 2009 Share #33 Posted September 17, 2009 The guarantee extension was mentioned several times in this forum. I agree, Leica should publicize this great service. I'll bet it is not well known to photography students and others who might want to buy used M8s (but who are concerned about potential repair costs). Used M8s and M8.2s are the entry level DRF now and this one-year warranty thing is important. In fact, I'm going to write a short article on this today. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEBnewyork Posted September 17, 2009 Share #34 Posted September 17, 2009 I'll bet it is not well know to photography students and others who might want to buy used M8s (but who are concerned about potential repair costs). Used M8s and M8.2s are the entry level DRF now and this one-year warranty thing is important. In fact, I'm going to write a short article on this today. This really is not widely known. I knew there was a warranty after an upgrade but basic service it didn't seem to be advertised. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenerrolrd Posted September 17, 2009 Share #35 Posted September 17, 2009 I'll bet it is not well known to photography students and others who might want to buy used M8s (but who are concerned about potential repair costs). Used M8s and M8.2s are the entry level DRF now and this one-year warranty thing is important. In fact, I'm going to write a short article on this today. Sean While this hasn t changed , historically the cost has been built into the service price. I spoke with Leica about the need for a "signiture service" shortly after the M8 was released. In the USA the warranty is not transferrable and while Leica has made repairs to 2nd hand M8 s without charging the new owner ..its not the policy. Most repairs to the M8 and M8.2 have been made under warranty ..so we hear few complaints about cost of service. It was easy to see this issue coming (digital equipment frequently become too expensive to repair). I encouraged Leica to consider a factory certified program similar to what they do on demo gear. If this could be priced reasonably (the margins are pretty thin here) , this would provide support to the M8 market, provide some assurance to entry level M users and a little profit for the dealers. Its difficult to make the math work on pricing. M8 s can be had for $2000...M8.2 for $3000 maybe a little more for a mint version . If a service runs $750-1000 which I expect it does then the cost of the warranty may be too much ...similar to an older car that needs service . Nice to know but not a game changer for entry level purchasers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_reid Posted September 17, 2009 Share #36 Posted September 17, 2009 I'm talking with Leica USA now to learn more about how this works in the USA. So far, I'm not sure that it is offered here. Cheers, Sean Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted September 17, 2009 Share #37 Posted September 17, 2009 I'll bet it is not well known to photography students and others who might want to buy used M8s (but who are concerned about potential repair costs). Used M8s and M8.2s are the entry level DRF now and this one-year warranty thing is important. In fact, I'm going to write a short article on this today. Yes- but the camera will have to visit Solms for at least a CLA for it to apply. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_reid Posted September 17, 2009 Share #38 Posted September 17, 2009 I've got messages out now to get clarification on all this. Cheers, Sean Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
oronet commander Posted September 17, 2009 Share #39 Posted September 17, 2009 If a simple CLA with no repair involved qualifies for a warranty extension and the asked price is reasonable, it would be a very interesting proposition. Sometimes the low second-hand value of a digital camera lies in the outrageous price asked for some repairs which could be needed soon after the buy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_reid Posted September 17, 2009 Share #40 Posted September 17, 2009 This really is not widely known. I knew there was a warranty after an upgrade but basic service it didn't seem to be advertised. To the best of my knowledge, based on doing some initial research on this, a program like that does not exist in the USA at least. It may not be widely known because it doesn't apply in all countries. Right now I couldn't confirm that it exists in any countries but if I find out otherwise, I'll publish on it. Cheers, Sean Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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