Quick thought about range finder sales

[thegman]

I saw a figure around here and some other places that Leica make about 35 M9 cameras a month. I've no idea how many Epson R-D1x models are made a month. These are the only two digital range finders being right now. Film range finders are being currently made by Leica and Cosina Voigtlander in the form of Bessa, Zeiss Ikon, and Fujifilm GF670 models.

It make me wonder that combined, do film range finders outsell digital? Assuming that Fujifilm did not grossly overestimate it's ability to sell 5000 GF670 models, is not possible that the GF670 *alone* outsells the M9?

Just an interesting thought, when we read about M9 "fever" on Leica sites, maybe there is more "fever" for a medium format folder.

I just find it an interesting thought, I don't mean to slight the M9, I'd love to have one, and it looks like an outstanding camera. Also I expect Leica could sell a lot more than 35 a month if it could make them quicker.

 

[Roger Hicks]

An M9 takes about a day to build in total assembly-line time, which implies 30-35 per month per person, so I think the 35 cameras/month figure is not realistic.

Are Epsons still being made?

Cheers,

R.

 

[thegman]

I was under the impression Epson was still making some variant of the R-D1, R-D1x is a current product according to Wikipedia, but only in Japan.

I always thought 35 a month was pretty low, I'll defer to you on that one. I'd just be interested to know how film range finders compare in sales.