BillBingham2
Registered User
That's because cost reduction has replace quality as job #1. (Reference to an old TV commercial)
B2
Does it smell like it is from China?
Some of the heavy canvas items from China smell like they are fumigated.
Some of the heavy canvas items from China smell like they are fumigated.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
Strange. i've carried my F-5xb (I don't have an fx-5b) through France, Finland, Ontario Canada, Colorado, NYC, and countless walks and hikes, and it is still going strong. I wonder what accounts for the different results? I've had mine at least 10 or 12 years; are more recent ones less well made?
zuiko85
Veteran
I find Chinese made goods are fine for things that you just cannot get in the US at any price. Case in point. I have a very nice Olympus RC, a great little fixed lens RF. But, it has that stupid 43.5 filter size and I already have a selection of the much more common 43mm size filters. I was able to order a step down ring, 43.5 to 43mm for $4 shipped. It does not block the meter window and stays on the camera all the time. A cheap and easy solution to a operational problem.
BillBingham2
Registered User
It's NOT where it's built!!
It's NOT where it's built!!
It's not where it's built (e.g. China, U.S.A., Germany) that matters. It's the materials used, design, and manufacturing process.
B2
It's NOT where it's built!!
It's not where it's built (e.g. China, U.S.A., Germany) that matters. It's the materials used, design, and manufacturing process.
B2
SuperUJ
Well-known
Agree and more ... A co-worker (millennial) was proudly showing off his new Brooklyn made duffle bag that costed him US$150 yesterday. It looks just like any canvas duffle bag made with minor leather trim. Had it been made in countries with lower labor cost, it probably can be have in less than half the price. When asked about the main reason for his choice, he said, "It's made in the U.S.A." I realized that he has an iPhone 6. I then asked him why does he choose iPhone over SamSung Galaxy, he said, "Android phones and iPhones are all made in China and can do pretty much the same thing, but I would rather pay more to support designs that are 'original.'" This young man did not occur to me that he is one of those hardcore patriots, based on my previous interaction with him. Perhaps, perception of values varies among different generations and countries.
John
BillBingham2
Registered User
I think part of it is looking at the big picture and how deep you want to look. Google doesn't give away the Android OS out of the kindness of their hearts, they do it to build business ecosystem to sell apps and information. I'm happy to see that many folks look at the big picture rather than just the "It's an American company", makes me feel that the future is not so bleak.
I can remember when Walmart used to advertise that they sold "American Made" products, but then I'm feeling as old as dirt these days.
B2 (;->
Monz
Monz
Thanks for the heads up Joe. I just ordered one... less that £14 shipped to UK! I also have a "real" Domke that this one is based on.... so will be able to compare quality. From the pictures, it looks like a very decent bag.
SuperUJ
Well-known
In NYC, there are street vendors selling designer handbags look-alike. Upon close examination, you may find the labels spell differently, e.g., Prado as opposed to Prada. IMHO, the make-believe in style or brand name is part of the definition of "knock-off."
John
SuperUJ
Well-known
I use black gaffers tape to cover the logo/model of my black cameras to avoid distracting my subjects. The using camera bags is a foreign concept to me as I wrap my camera with thick fleece scarf and carry it in a canvas tote bag or a thermos lunch bag. Just wondered if you can share the rationale of "cutting off the 'Dollice' tag on the corner of the flap" of the bag?
John
back alley
IMAGES
i cut the labels off my bags as well...i don't wear shirts with advertising on them either...
SuperUJ
Well-known
Ah, got it. I am on the same page in regard to physically advertisement. I also avoid endorsing/mentioning special brands online, blogs, social media, etc. neither. However, I guess I wouldn't mind to associate myself with companies that I consider them socially responsible, supporting new artists, etc.
John
carlb
Established
Same as Joe really, I don't like to be a walking billboard. And it was quite a large tag that just looked silly where it was placed IMO. If it had been more discreet then I might have left it there.
zuiko85
Veteran
Does this work in reverse? Can I cut a Red Dot (note the caps) from a Leica brochure and past it on my $2 plastic camera from the Goodwill and have everyone go 'ooh ahh, what Leica is that?'
Oh this? Why it's the new super light weight (3.2oz w/film) Leica fixed lens "Shirt Pocket" camera. Yeah, it's got the 2 element, air spaced 28mm f8 'Leitz Plasticron' (version 1).
Sorry, couldn't resist
SuperUJ
Well-known
Brand names matter to me to the extent that they have to have certain level of quality (consistency and reliability) and/or its post sale service. Nothing more. A few examples:
1) My financial calculator was with me for over 15 years until I gave it to my niece who had started to study finance. After I gave it away, I realized how much I missed it and felt like I should get another one. And, I did. After a few months, the display of the new calculator stopped working (I later learned from an online forum that it's a problem of a particular batch). I called the company and a Fedex box with a brand new unit arrived in my house two days after.
2) I once asked a co-worker to use the stairs with me for a meeting as it's only one floor up. Despite wearing high heels, she reluctantly said ok. On her first step up, she was off balance a bit and dropped her brand new smartphone (day 1 before she got to get a case for it) and the screen cracked. She took it back to the shop and told them how she broke it. To our surprise, she got a replacement phone for free. Thanks to the company, I didn't feel as bad other than causing her the trouble.
3) My well used (5 year old) digital rangefinder went back to the manufacturer for a CLA for the first time. It returned to me with a new sensor at no charge at all as issues with the sensor was detected.
For me, were these goods worth the premium prices? You bet! For some other companies that don't live up the expectations, I make sure they lose a repeat customer and people around me won't do business with them.
John
1) My financial calculator was with me for over 15 years until I gave it to my niece who had started to study finance. After I gave it away, I realized how much I missed it and felt like I should get another one. And, I did. After a few months, the display of the new calculator stopped working (I later learned from an online forum that it's a problem of a particular batch). I called the company and a Fedex box with a brand new unit arrived in my house two days after.
2) I once asked a co-worker to use the stairs with me for a meeting as it's only one floor up. Despite wearing high heels, she reluctantly said ok. On her first step up, she was off balance a bit and dropped her brand new smartphone (day 1 before she got to get a case for it) and the screen cracked. She took it back to the shop and told them how she broke it. To our surprise, she got a replacement phone for free. Thanks to the company, I didn't feel as bad other than causing her the trouble.
3) My well used (5 year old) digital rangefinder went back to the manufacturer for a CLA for the first time. It returned to me with a new sensor at no charge at all as issues with the sensor was detected.
For me, were these goods worth the premium prices? You bet! For some other companies that don't live up the expectations, I make sure they lose a repeat customer and people around me won't do business with them.
John
Darthfeeble
But you can call me Steve
Beamers didn't become the "In" car just because they were expensive. Nor did Leica, Domke, Rolex or a whole host of other products. They became so because they were good, used by folks who knew quality and needed it for what ever reason and some became famous and the rest is history.
Rayt
Nonplayer Character
Ben Z
Veteran
After probably 10 years, the padding in my Billingham partitons deteriorated. I contacted them and the president of the company himself contacted me and saw to it the partitions were replaced free. Sure I could buy 3 other bags for the cost of one Billingham, but I like them and glad they are lifetime guaranteed.