Blackstone in talks to sell stake in Leica, Zeiss is “potentially interested” Read m

[fireblade]

So Blackstone have realised that they cannot persuade Kaufmann toward their business model. The 2016/17 financials are about to be released. It will be interesting to see if Leica hit the 500 million Euro figure they wanted.

 

[michaelwj]

I think, Zeiss is more interested in non photography parts from Leica.

If it ever happens, I will sell my film Leica cameras ASAP. Not Zeiss, nor any company which makes their lenses are film supporters anymore. With Zeiss most likely film Leica cameras production will be seized on the next day after take over and same will happen with service, parts later.

Zeiss would be interested in the microscope business of Leica, but that is a completely separate company (Leica Microsystems) to the camera company (Leica Camera) and also the surveying equipment (Leica Geosystems). Blackstone and the Kauffmans, only own Leica Camera, and although the three companies were at one time the same company, now they only share a common name and history. They are totally unrelated.

So what would Zeiss want with Leica Camera?
I think they would love to bring out a range of Leica SLR lenses at a higher price than the Zeiss SLR lenses and in a smaller package. The M cameras would continue to get made else there would be no M lenses to sell. Zeiss are a lens company who made an M mount camera to help sell their M mount lenses.

Out of all the potential buyers, Huawei seems like the logical choice, especially given Dr Kauffmans recent talk of a Leica phone.

 

[rscheffler]

Well now. Just because Zeiss becomes a major holder of Leica doesn't mean Leica ceases to exist as "Leica". I can see potential for both good and bad repercussions, but it wouldn't be some immediate change in product philosophy.

I like to remember that Zeiss, like Leica, has had a long history with photographers, for photographers. Of course, Zeiss, like Leica, has diversified into plenty of non-photography endeavors. Not sure if that means anything for anything 🙂

It could be an opportunity for increased support for us non-luxury photographers. That would be a welcome shift. Certainly, it could be an opportunity for better customer service! Think about the M9 sensor fiasco....which ended up screwing me. I couldn't get my camera shipped to NJ in time for the Aug 1 deadline....thus no "goodwill" sensor evaluation or replacement for me. I'm pretty unhappy with how I got screwed with this camera. I can only hope this sensor corrosion stuff doesn't happen to my M9 for years -- yeah...what luck would that be?

OK. Rant mode off.

Does Leica NJ have a different deadline than Leica AG? In the statement from Leica AG the deadline is August 15th.

This is the email I received from them May 15th:

Latest information concerning the CCD sensors of the Leica M9 / M9-P / M Monochrom and M-E camera models
Following the successfully begun and largely completed replacement programme for corroded sensors that affected M9, M9-P, M Monochrom and M-E camera models, we would now like to inform you about how this programme will be handled in the future.

Until 15 August 2017, we will continue to offer free replacement of sensors for these camera models if they are affected by the corrosion problem. This will also apply after 16 August 2017 for the models listed above, but only in cases where the cameras have been purchased as new products within the last five years.

From 16 August 2017, and until further notice, we will offer our customers the following new programme for all camera models mentioned above that were purchased longer than five years ago. Here, the customer pays a share of the replacement costs for the affected CCD sensor amounting to 982 euros (825 euros plus 19% VAT). Included in this programme is a free general overhaul* of your Leica M camera and a one year warranty on the same terms as for new products. This offer expresses our commitment to conserving the value of your camera.

We have also revised our upgrade offers with more attractive terms for our customers. Instead of a sensor replacement, we offer our customers the alternative option of sending us their camera affected by sensor corrosion in part payment for the purchase of selected Leica M camera models of the Type 240 generation at even more attractive terms. Leica Customer Care will be pleased to inform and advise interested customers about the terms and conditions of the upgraded offer.

With regard to the above, we would like to remind you that the replacement of CCD sensors and the upgrade offers apply only to cameras affected by this concrete problem, and only to the models of the Leica M-System we have listed above. Preventive replacement of sensors is not included in this programme.

 

[willie_901]

...Or even a CCD Zeiss Ikon...

The demand from 0.0004% of the new camera market would be overwhelming.

 

[Lss]

Think about the M9 sensor fiasco....which ended up screwing me. I couldn't get my camera shipped to NJ in time for the Aug 1 deadline....thus no "goodwill" sensor evaluation or replacement for me. I'm pretty unhappy with how I got screwed with this camera.

The deadline is August 15. Take a test shot, review it yourself, and in case you see issues send the file or a screenshot of a problem area to Leica service. They may confirm the corrosion via email, too.

 

[jaapv]

How freakin' great would this be? Why? Can we say a reskinned digital M sold as a Zeiss Ikon ZM digital. For 1/2 the price.
Or even a CCD Zeiss Ikon...

I've been reading this fantasy on the Internet since the M8 came out...🙄