Would a NEW Leica Society be a Good Idea?

[______]

For those who are, or have been, members of such organizations, it should be instantly obvious to you this framework offers members much more for much less than any Leica group that I am aware of. Then, those who never bothered to read the fine print might not be aware of the differences. Perhaps the biggest differences would be an involved democratically led membership with a purpose - appreciation of better Leica products and services.Stephen

I have been a member of many organizations in my life.

Based on your outline, it isn't instantly obvious that your proposed society offers anything, much less much more for much less.

Just what does it offer?

Would you consider that the owner of the Voigtlander distributorship in the US, which sells products to Leica owners, would have a conflict of interest in serving as a member of the Board of Directors of such a society?

 

[jbhthescots]

I'm sure dentists' can afford much more than $25 per annum.

 

[Rayt]

I'm sure dentists' can afford much more than $25 per annum.

Dentists? Oh I get it. Dentist = elite = well off = fondler = Leica fan boy.

 

[CameraQuest]

I have been a member of many organizations in my life.

Based on your outline, it isn't instantly obvious that your proposed society offers anything, much less much more for much less.

Just what does it offer?

Would you consider that the owner of the Voigtlander distributorship in the US, which sells products to Leica owners, would have a conflict of interest in serving as a member of the Board of Directors of such a society?

1) All organizations are not the same. If you have not paid dues in a Leica organization, join one and then come back and join this one. Then you will be able to see the difference.

Each item 1 to 9 in the opening post is a different take on those issues than some organizations. If you don't happen to agree with most of 1-9, joining probably would not be for you.

2) If this idea does take off and becomes fact, I would hope it will present similar venues and services for its members as other Leica organizations, only better and more refined. Exactly what will be offered and how remains to be seen.

3) I am not elected to the Board yet. Were I elected, I would make a point of not having a dealer display at meetings. I was well known as a Leica fan long before I ever sold a new Voigtlander product.

Stephen

 

[noisycheese]

The proposal seems quite reasonable to me. I would consider joining.

Same here.

The comments posted thus far have been... Revealing.

I never would have suspected that a modest membership fee of $25/year would cause such fear, loathing and disgruntlement from people who (supposedly) have thousands of dollars invested in Leica M cameras and lenses.

Perhaps a membership requirement should be a photograph of the proposed member that has been notarized and a signed statement that reads something along the lines of "I hereby certify under penalty of criminal perjury that I actually own and use the Leica M cameras and lenses with which I am shown in the attached photograph submitted for verification of M camera and lens ownership; I further certify that I am not a small-minded, spiteful and ill tempered wart on the ass of humanity." 😀

 

[jdriffill]

How would such an organisation differ from what the Leica Forum (www.l-camera-forum.com) does -- or tries to do?

 

[Mackinaw]

I dropped my membership to LHSA years ago, so, yeah, I'd be interested in what you're talking about.

Jim B.

 

[farlymac]

I'm kind of new to this whole Leica thing, having recently kitted up a small R3 outfit. I should hope it would be a society not focused only on the rangefinder side of the business. You see, I'm not a dentist, but a retired railroader.

PF

 

[Brian Legge]

Context: I've never been a LHSA member. I regularly shoot a film M and have a variety of lenses from different manufacturers including Leica. I haven't purchased any new gear from Leica primarily due to price though I do have a couple of modern Leica lenses.

From this perspective, I don't know that my input would be of any interest to Leica. That the value I see getting out of #1. Items #3-#5 are interesting if I was heavily involved in an organization but not a big point for someone coming in; it doesn't provide value directly to me in any way. #5-#9 are important practical points but again don't provide direct value to me as a user/shooter/community member.

As I haven't been a member of a similar organization in the past, I can only read what was laid out directly in your proposal. The only direct value to me for my money is the ability to express my priorities to Leica. I assume there is more to it that wasn't directly expressed but it would be good to see other 'benefits' explicitly stated before I'd consider spending any money.

 

[alan davus]

Count me in...$25 bucks a year = 5 coffees. I can afford it.

 

[nobbylon]

Ouch....Seems to be some rather harsh Tones discussing an 'Idea' and it's Possibilities ...
I guess that's the World of the Internet. 🙄

Makes me think I would not like to meet various people anymore
What's happened to Charm, keen Wit & Civility, oh well

Cheers ~ H

Helen,
I've re read this thread and the first harsh tones as verified by subsequent supportive posts came in at post number 3! I can't see that anyone here is hiding behind internet anonymity at all, far from it. Stephen has asked others opinions and I believe is receiving candid replies. Isn't that the idea or am I missing the point? Some will support it and others will not,
regards john

 

[ferider]

I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.

 

[Paulbe]

Stephen--an excellent idea! I'd join for sure. The LHSA is simply not worth it.

 

[brennanphotoguy]

I guess it really depends on what the club offers. At the end of the day $25/yr isn't gonna break the bank but I wouldn't just give money to something just to say that I'm apart of it. There has to be a perceived benefit aside from flying somewhere for a meeting and rubbing elbows with other people. A magazine that comes out twice a year with articles and photos similar to "M" magazine, exclusive forum that maybe the Leica executives or someone apart of their design team or something that can view and exchange ideas for future products or how to better the experience of their current ones, maybe even some small trips or organized photo meetups in different places and better rates on new products for members? And for these voting meetings or something it would be cool to livestream it to those of the club who can't make it for whatever reason. Those are just a few things that I think would be really cool and help with engagement and building a community.

 

[giganova]

I would join if there would be clear benefits for its members other than given Leica the benefit of unsolicited advice. Member benefits could be regular meetings, workshops, talks by famous photographers, museum curators, etc, a newsletter, Leica representatives visiting and showing new products, etc.

The $25 membership seems to be too low; I doubt that you would be able to run an organization on such a small fee. But generally speaking, a fee is necessary to discriminate between people who care and want to be an active part of such a club, and other who don't. So yes, I think there needs to be a fee, but maybe $50/year instead of $25. I would even go so far and make it $100/year to include a "free" subscription of LFI magazine (which is stellar!), which could have a monthly society column and club announcements.

I am not a member of LHSA because I couldn't care less about the history of a brand and because most members seem to be collectors, not shooters. I'm interested in the future.

 

[jarski]

"Stalin style election" ? Wouldn't it be better FSU Camera Society then? 🙂

 

[KM-25]

I'd join if it would assure me no more than 2 week turn around times on repairs and loaner gear if it needs to go beyond that.

In fact, I would pay $100 a year for that service...

 

[B-9]

I am unfortunately on the naysayer side,

I really do not see the value, plus that's 30 cold beers here in the Mit.

I also bailed on the Nikonians site, and have been keeping low on NHS.

The fact we charge each other to talk about our similar interests is beyond me.

The day RFF charges dues, is the day I'll say goodbye to online camera forums.

 

[Lss]

As long as it's not on facebook.

 

[bob338]

I'm in.
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