Another M9 review (from a Nikon guy)

[twf]

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I really enjoyed your review of the M9 along with your photographs. The M series Leicas are light in weight and small which makes them a delight to carry compared to a Cannon D5 Mark II. I am still waiting for my M9, but I am still enjoying my M8.

[Puplet]

I was wondering about this statement from early on in your piece:

 

"And who's buying Leicas in Asia, you think? Professional photographers? Not very likely. Instead, you'll find a new class of wealthy Chinese showing off their brand new European Leica cameras in the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. And then there's the Japanese collectors, of course.

 

There's nothing wrong with any of this - it's just an observation. "

 

I've read the annual report you cite elsewhere and realise that Asia+Australia has been a big market for Leica but the report says nothing about the type of customers it has in this area. Is it really true that the M8 is an ostentatious, show-off item for Chinese people in China? Are there really loads of Leica users in Tiananmen Square? And, if so, are they showing off or are they just taking pictures like everyone else?

[jaasland]

Is it really true that the M8 is an ostentatious, show-off item for Chinese people in China? Are there really loads of Leica users in Tiananmen Square? And, if so, are they showing off or are they just taking pictures like everyone else?

There's no doubt that a Leica M camera is considered a status symbol practically everywhere - including China. There's also little doubt that the majority of owners are "enthusiasts", rather than "professionals". That doesn't mean that Leica owners are less interested in photography - or more pretentious - than other photographers. Don't read too much into it.

 

Jarle