My Love/Hate Relationship with Leica
My Love/Hate Relationship with Leica
Leica seems to have a disconnect with the real world. But, they may know their market isn't at all price sensitive so will pay whatever they charge.
That's because there are so many collectors out there that would rather fondle their cameras and show them behind display cases than actually use them. :bang:
Seriously, If I ever became mega rich, I would buy all the 'anniversary' and 'collector'' set's I could find; use the crap out of 'em, then donate them to up and coming photo students.
It really kills me to see such fine photo instruments being left unused. I was in my local camera district the other day and many of the store clerks almost had a heart attack when they saw my MP around my neck. They couldn't believe I actually used it. They commented on how scratched up and dinged it was (it's actually quite tame compared to most I've seen on this board).
Why doesn't Leica take into account all the real photographers who helped them build their name? What will happen when many of the old timers kick the bucket and there's nothing left but young blood who have no interest in Leica because Canon and Nikon were the only things accessible to them when they were learning about photography?
Leica really needs to get away from the whole 'Luxury Item' Hermes way of thinking and start working on becoming a working man's camera company again. Even working paid pro's on the LUF are commenting on how the rising Leica prices are out of their budgets.
There's no doubt I literally went to hell and back to pay for all my Leica gear, but there's only so much a young man can take. I really do hope the company takes on a new direction. I have a feeling that what happens at Photokina 2008 will either make or break Leica.
