Perceptions of camera equipment

[tlitody]

A good number of years ago I worked in Germany for about 18 months in two stints. One thing I noticed was how a lot of Mercedes and BMWs had body jobs done on them and wings on the boot (that's trunk for those in US😀) and go faster stripes and wheel trims etc etc etc. In the UK it would be sacrilidge to do those things to those cars as they are highly acclaimed. But then I saw an awful lot of Jaguars in Germany which were a very highly prised vehicle whereas in the UK used Jags are two penny (to buy but maybe not service).
So I figured that the rarity or being from another country gives status and not the quality of the product.
So, after the long preamble, I have to ask; Is a Leica really only desirable because of its reputation, price, and foreigness and do people in Germany hold it in such high esteem as the rest of the world does?

 

[patois]

People like Leica because it is expensive and it is about the achievement of ownership.

 

[andreaffm]

do people in Germany hold it in such high esteem as the rest of the world does?

Yes, they do. I do. And I get asked frequently on the street about it.

 

[ricnak]

I am a Ukrainian Pom living in Australia. After seeing the results of a Leica, I feel it is a privilege to have one.

If I was German, I would would be proud of the Leica product.

 

[Spider67]

Leica prices in Austria and Germany are rather steep. For a very long time there were no user Leica as most of them were sold as collectibles regardless of dings and scratches.
It is only lately that they could be found at prices comparable to those in countries lieke the US or Great Britain. I live in Austria but I bought my Barnack from Australia and my M 6 from Spain.

 

[sepiareverb]

That the lenses allow me to make larger prints is the main reason I choose Leicas. The simplicity of the cameras is also part of it.

 

[hipsterdufus]

I think that, many times, the fact that something is imported gives the product higher esteem abroad than within the product's home country. However, there are many products that are produced domestically that are held in high esteem domestically as well.

For instance, who in America doesn't want a 1963 Split Rear Window Corvette, even though it was built here? Many, many Americans hold these cars in high esteem and their value only increases throughout the years. A classic product is a classic product. And I think that Leica is a classic product whether you're German or another nationality.

 

[daveleo]

Leica

Leica

Leica makes an excellent product line. It's up to the individual to decide if each product is worth X times more $$$$ than the competition.

I have a $1800 Leica D2 and a $200 used nikon D60 and the nikon makes better images for 8X10 prints. I love the Leica (sitting under glass, and it gets lots of comments) but I take pictures with the nikon.

To each his own.