The END of Erwin Putts AND Leica ?

That is Erwin Puts, not Elliot Erwitt.

And he does have a point, but everything changes. As long as Leica keeps offering a film camera they are ok by me. That one thing keeps them rooted in the past. When that is gone, who knows.
 
Leica always offered "collectible" bodies and outfits but lately it seems like one a week. Nothing really new or ground breaking just new weird finishes and coverings and really outrageous prices. Their lenses are great but so is almost everyone's else's, at far less.


I've used Leica (and Nikon) in 35mm since the '70's. My M9 is the last new Leica I'll buy. The last new Leica glass I've bought was in '05. Time marches on.
 
I just stumbled over this post about him by bmattock from some years ago ... it's very good! :p

You are either walking into a bear trap, or setting one. Erwin Puts is a writer, who primarily writes about Leica equipment. He is alternately loved and reviled by the Leicaphile and Leicaphobe, on alternate Wednesdays they switch. He evokes strong emotional responses, along the lines of Salman Rushdie.

As to his credentials, I have no idea. Those who hate him generally like to point out that he is not an especially inspiring photographer, as if that mattered when one is writing rather than photographing. If you like him, you may wish to keep it to yourself, lest you be debagged and radished by the Leica Sanhedrin.
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If indeed it is the musings on a shattered illusion, one might judge that the man has flown too close to the sun. Maybe it never was what Puts (Putts) thought it was nor has it become what he thinks it is...
 
First, age. Second, adaptation to digital crowd.
I doubt what many now able to read his old books and have picture projecting in those heads. Digital crowd wants to see its Bokeh on YouTube and Twitter. He doesn’t have this skills, his old model with book selling or subscription is outdated. You must show it for free, get money from clicks and else.
And Leica is ok with lens reviews done with Sony.
 
Surprised it took this long for Puts to figure out the obvious.

On second thought, Leica still has the guts to produce and sell a all mechanical, all manual 35mm camera....with no built in meter....and it's almost 2020! Even if they make only a few hundred a year, that is amazing.
 
zuiko85 said:
Surprised it took this long for Puts to figure out the obvious.

On second thought, Leica still has the guts to produce and sell a all mechanical, all manual 35mm camera....with no built in meter....and it's almost 2020! Even if they make only a few hundred a year, that is amazing.
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Yes.........+1

I do like Erwin, even if alot of the time he is so over technical ,over the top, my brain can hurt...
All Good things must come to an end, I have learned that the hard way.
Do wish him well !
 
zuiko85 said:
Surprised it took this long for Puts to figure out the obvious.

On second thought, Leica still has the guts to produce and sell a all mechanical, all manual 35mm camera....with no built in meter....and it's almost 2020! Even if they make only a few hundred a year, that is amazing.
Click to expand...

I assume the M-A is an assurance for people (I never thought Mr. Puts as one of them until this latest statement) who'd prefer Leica to be eternally stuck in the 1950's. Leica in turn conveniently markets its cameras as 1950's gadgets remodeled for modern times. The reality is it's 2019 now and it'll never be 1950's no matter whatever kind of "renaissance" we'd seem to be going through.

History shows that those who are too into "its own path" and refuse to adapt will always go. And Leica has learnt its lessons well.
 
Still enjoy his writing whether I always agree with him or not.

And my M-A works as wonderfully today as I am sure it would have, had it come out in the 50s instead.

Though I have backed away from digital sensors in the past few years in preference for film, I would still love to have a Monochrom if I could bring myself to part with the money necessary for one. Being retired and working with a fixed income makes some purchases less attractive then they might be otherwise.

I do wish Mr. Puts well and will continue to visit his site and read his books.
 
My cynical side wonders if Leica Camera, in their heady state of Instagram influencer and brand ambassador fuelled commercial success, decided to stop paying Erwin? He never denied being paid by Leica despite being asked if he was, including once face-to-face by me.

I don't think machines (or companies) have souls, but if they do maybe my film Leicas need to be exorcised before they start getting restless. Maybe the Leica glow is actually a shining?

I'm too distrustful for my own good.

Marty
 
I don't shoot digital so can relate somewhat to what he is saying. But if I do decide to go digital and it is highly possible I can buy one of the Leica M rangefinders. What is the sales volume for the M10? or the M246 Monochrom? It can't be that high and yet Leica is still making those and my M and LTM lenses work on them. If Leica had abandoned the RF and only sold rebranded Panasonics then Erwin is correct but he is not.
 
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