No More Black Dot Leicas!

[CameraQuest]

Apparently the black dot M8.2 was the last of the black dot Leicas. The black "LEICA" dots were first introduced on the Black LHSA M6 TTL in 2000.

Why no more BLACK Leica DOTS?

Well, it turns out the Leica Microscope company does not like the black dot, and insists upon the Leica RED dot for future Leicas.

The Leica trademark is actually owned by the Leica Microscope Company. In turn the Leica camera company licenses the Leica name. Reputedly this is in order to make a hostile take over of the Leica Camera Company impossible. A wise strategy in my view.

Seems a bit odd to me, since AFAIK the red dot was only introduced relatively recently on the first 100 or so Leica M4-2's, a Canadian product of Ernst Leitz Canada!

Will BLACK DOT Leicas become collectibles? Times will tell.

Stephen

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Interesting bit of corporate culture and history... Thanks, Steve!

Now... let's see if the black dot really drives prices up.

One question: what happens with non-Leica black dots? I think you can buy them online from people not associated with Leica.

 

[Nemo]

So a hostile take over is possible on Leica Microsystems... What is the interest of Leica Microsystems on Leica Camera's ownership? Is Leica Microsystems on German hands?

I think the cause was in the original Leitz's split in three different companies years ago.

Mr. Kaufmann was trying to get the rights on the "Leitz" brand name. The Leitz family doesn't allow the use of their name from the moment in which they lost the control on the company. Leica Camera tries to have and own a brand name under control, I suppose.

 

[Rob-F]

I thought the scripted Leica trademark was owned by Leica USA. I read that someplace--probably on the internet. Of course, everything you read on the web is false. 😀

 

[spikey]

do we have to buy stocks in

do we have to buy stocks in

companies that make black markers now?

 

[Xax]

I painted mine black. Does that count?