FX trading
Established
I think that this is a subject that needs attention and comment, and I have therefore merged and expanded upon some comments of mine from another thread earlier today.
It should be noted that Leica are now owned by a Private Equity group, an arrangement that is not necessarily very stable in the current financial market turmoil (which unfortunately continues to get worse by the month). Unless the new management show exceptional skill and dexterity, we may not in fact be able to buy new analogue M's and a la cartes (or any other German models) for very much longer- a very sad prospect, so let's try to see what can be done
Interestingly, it seems that one of the main reasons for Leica's projected forthcoming move to Wetzlar is the need to expand lens production. Perhaps if (when) they are sold they will continue R+D and high-end optics manufacture at Wetzlar, with the bulk of production transferred to a convenient Asian location. It would be surprising if M8 component production were also not transferred to Asia, with (assuming demand justifies) the possibility of final assembly in Europe. However, a careful analysis of current priorities would seem to indicate that their primary focus is on optics, which probably also show greater growth potential as well.
As far as analogue and special edition (including a la carte) cameras are concerned, I would suggest that Leica spin out to their German managemnet and workforce most aspects of traditional camera manufacture, together with servicing and parts, as this would probably enable them to continue ticking over albeit in a reduced format. A good case could be made that this arrangement would maintain the premium aura surrounding the brand, with beneficial effects on the rest of the (Panasonic-made) product range. This would enable Panasonic (or eventual purchaser) to continue to expand production of electronic cameras and equipment and derive the benefits of the Leica brand positioning, while also safeguarding the traditional Leica customer base.
Such a move would also enable the optics range to be expanded, which would benefit everyone, and ensure that Panasonic (or eventual purchaser) were able to get a satisfactory return on their investment.
In spite of the digital brigade, I am certain that 35mm film-based photography demand will continue, in part due to the stabilty of the medium (any digital equipment and format is rapidly superseded), as well as it's convenience (no dependency on chargers, battery packs, laptops and long-term archival problems). The analog and custom-made side of the business will very effectively complement the digital business in the marketplace. As often is the case, the cachet of the premium brand will colour perceptions of the volume products, where the money is made in any case.
Let's try to assist Leica with our comments so that we can continue to enjoy their products and support.
It should be noted that Leica are now owned by a Private Equity group, an arrangement that is not necessarily very stable in the current financial market turmoil (which unfortunately continues to get worse by the month). Unless the new management show exceptional skill and dexterity, we may not in fact be able to buy new analogue M's and a la cartes (or any other German models) for very much longer- a very sad prospect, so let's try to see what can be done
Interestingly, it seems that one of the main reasons for Leica's projected forthcoming move to Wetzlar is the need to expand lens production. Perhaps if (when) they are sold they will continue R+D and high-end optics manufacture at Wetzlar, with the bulk of production transferred to a convenient Asian location. It would be surprising if M8 component production were also not transferred to Asia, with (assuming demand justifies) the possibility of final assembly in Europe. However, a careful analysis of current priorities would seem to indicate that their primary focus is on optics, which probably also show greater growth potential as well.
As far as analogue and special edition (including a la carte) cameras are concerned, I would suggest that Leica spin out to their German managemnet and workforce most aspects of traditional camera manufacture, together with servicing and parts, as this would probably enable them to continue ticking over albeit in a reduced format. A good case could be made that this arrangement would maintain the premium aura surrounding the brand, with beneficial effects on the rest of the (Panasonic-made) product range. This would enable Panasonic (or eventual purchaser) to continue to expand production of electronic cameras and equipment and derive the benefits of the Leica brand positioning, while also safeguarding the traditional Leica customer base.
Such a move would also enable the optics range to be expanded, which would benefit everyone, and ensure that Panasonic (or eventual purchaser) were able to get a satisfactory return on their investment.
In spite of the digital brigade, I am certain that 35mm film-based photography demand will continue, in part due to the stabilty of the medium (any digital equipment and format is rapidly superseded), as well as it's convenience (no dependency on chargers, battery packs, laptops and long-term archival problems). The analog and custom-made side of the business will very effectively complement the digital business in the marketplace. As often is the case, the cachet of the premium brand will colour perceptions of the volume products, where the money is made in any case.
Let's try to assist Leica with our comments so that we can continue to enjoy their products and support.
