Kaufmann again: Interview Popular Photography May 2008

Interesting how an interview with Kaufmann turns into a discussion about a rumored new Leica-killer Nikon. Can you imagine an interview with Steve Jobs turning into a discussion about rumored Dell or HP products?

This just shows how difficult a job he's facing.
 
Please send me a shiny new "Leica-Killer" Nikon.

It wouldn't be the first time Nikon killed off Leica. They once had this odd thing called a "Nikon F" which pretty much decimated rangefinder sales and sent Leica to the brink.

digitalintrigue said:
Interesting how an interview with Kaufmann turns into a discussion about a rumored new Leica-killer Nikon. Can you imagine an interview with Steve Jobs turning into a discussion about rumored Dell or HP products?

This just shows how difficult a job he's facing.
Click to expand...
 
Interesting how an interview with Kaufmann turns into a discussion about a rumored new Leica-killer Nikon.
Click to expand...

I think it just shows how much pent-up demand their is for either an affordable rangefinder body, or a true professional grade RF body. Or both.
 
The reason why Leica donated manual Ms - because there is a whole generation of photographers entering journalism, who never held, photographed with, or (gasp) even heard of Leica. Leica along with Contax and Nikon, influenced generaions of photographers that we being of a certain age, grew up with, admired, and set the bar of achievement. If Leica was to go under, the way photographers who use and see with rangefinders, the particular kinds of images that are made with them, would be lost forever.
 
kevin m said:
I think it just shows how much pent-up demand their is for either an affordable rangefinder body, or a true professional grade RF body. Or both.
Click to expand...

I concur.

I really realized the potential for using the RF body for wedding shooting when I was shooting that burlesque show last week. It made me realize that it may actually be possible for me.

I know others have done it but I didn't think I could.. but now I'm a bit of a convert.. so yes Kevin, I would think the demand is there.

Just have to get someone to do it... sooner rather than later 😀

Dave
 
I have dreams about the merger of the D300 sensor into an RF body, it could even have autofocus, or manual with existing lenses.

There are other threads about this, without rehashing them, such a product done right, could obsolete the dSLR.
 
This is what I meant and feared earlier in this thread. People knowing Leica more then Leica themselves. People speculating about Leica's death. Speculating about Nikon. Leica with AF and Nikon's D300 sensor killing DSLRs.

What's next? A Cappucino machine integrated in the next M9 featuring a 255 Horse power sensor?

I know I have my faults and character, but I can't help myself with all the BS flying around. There is too much nonsense.
 
What part is nonsense and what part is bs?

Actually a new viewfinder as described elsewhere would eliminate the need for the mirror of the dslr. It would essentially be a TTL view but no prism.
 
I know I have my faults and character, but I can't help myself with all the BS flying around. There is too much nonsense.
Click to expand...

I hear you Ned. I feel the same way anytime someone uses "magic," "mystique" and other stripper names to describe their lens. 😀

In fairness to the speculation on this thread, there is a huge untapped market for a small, high quality digital camera. Whoever meets that demand first is going to have a hit on their hands.

Have a little imagination, fellas; just because RF's and SLR's have been around forever doesn't mean that some new method of camera viewing can't come along and replace them both.
 
In Fairness to Kaufmann

In Fairness to Kaufmann

Before Kaufmann stepped up to the plate and bought Leica, many possible buyers looked at it passed, not believing the financial risk was worth the effort.

Where were the "Leica Should Do This" experts when Leica was for sale? oh. no money or no guts, or both.

Dr. Kaufmann has put his money and his reputation on the line when no one else was willing to make that bet. He didn't become a billionaire by failing. It's obvious he believes he will be successful long term with Leica. Why not give him the benefit of the doubt and see what Leica shows at Photokina?

Stephen
 
Whats so objectionable about donating refurbished M4's? I don't see anything wrong with that charity. Are they gauche for not donating M7's and MP's? I don't think so. I think they could have donated old M3's and done good by me.
 
I didn't say that it was objectionable. I just wanted to make it clear that Leica didn't somehow build new ones.

And I guess you could see it as "charity" which wouldn't quite be my word for it. Keep in mind that the current fee for a year at RIT for a full time undergrad is $37,416.00 - including minimum room and board fees. (I'm an alumnus.) Most of the students can afford cameras.
 
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jfujita said:
Whats so objectionable about donating refurbished M4's? I don't see anything wrong with that charity. Are they gauche for not donating M7's and MP's? I don't think so. I think they could have donated old M3's and done good by me.
Click to expand...

Most companies who donate products to universities do so with the intention of getting their latest and greatest products into the hands of students who will then buy them professionally when they enter the business world. It is just weird beyond measure to donate an old product, however functional, that would encourage students to buy the very used merchandise that is such a drag on Leica's current business.

/T
 
The last time Leica really came up with a revolutionary product was M3 in 1950s. Since then it has been living basically with the goodwill of its customers and their religious belief in Leica.

In the meanwhile Nikon and Canon went to change the industry and lead it... So, its quite logical to not believe in Leica as a company anymore and put one's money where it counts - Nikon, Canon and even Sony with their sensors. These guys work for photographers and try to give them the best they can. Leica's top brass is on the other hand setting on a Ivory tower (mudtower IMO) preaching what they consider is the "proper way to photograph", with a few faithful around the pulpit ready to accept anything giving to them by Leica.

With all honesty this whole "Leica-thing" is beginning to wear on me. Not so much the products which are wonderful for what they are but all this hot bs which surrounds anything Leica. From wild-eyed enthusiats to the whole religous text associated with Leica lenses, to worship of a mechanical device far supassed by even digital P&S of today for functionality and reliability.


As absurd as it might sound, the only reason I have kept my Leica is that it should be a reminder to me that I have passed my "Leica-stage" as a photographer.

Sorry guys, I hope Leica successeds but I'm not one who's waiting for them. I have better things to do with what I have and the time I have.


It would a dream come true if Nikon releases a DRF.
 
But why do all the Leica non-believers and bashers revolve around here? Don't like it then just go.

All come here for the Leica mystique and then they start bashing Leica because it isn't as magical as they thought it would be. Talk about being a victim! They think they see what others don't see and then they feel the need to "enlighten" us.

I like Leica and all its baggage. I am a follower, dare I say to the bone. Nobody can contradict me on that. I don't care if there is something better. I like my camera to be a Leica. End of story.
 
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