[Leica] Re: Leica and Hasselblad

[Jim Brick <jim@brick.org>]

I personally believe that Hasselblad enjoys the endorsement of professional
photography. Leica does as well, but in a limited manner. Keeble and
Shuchat photography, having the largest North western Leica sales, also has
the largest North western Hasselblad sales. But Hasselblad sales are 1000:1
over Leica sales. It takes six months for Leica to sell what Hasselblad
sells in a couple of weeks. These numbers are, of course, my estimates. I
spend perhaps two to three hours at KSP each week. The Hasselblad equipment
is just running out the door. A steady stream. I personally know all of the
sales staff and they continually say "we cannot keep this stuff in stock."
The day I bought my 40mm Distagon ($3900) I got the last one and two other
people walked in, while I was there, and wanted one. So they had to wait a
week or two. The N. CA Hasselblad rep, leaves every Tuesday with a huge
order list. It is an amazing sight. All of these sales are to professional
photographers in the San Francisco / Northern CA area. Very few amateur sales.

So what is the key to this success?

Jim


At 06:36 AM 9/6/99 -0700, Frank Filippone wrote:
>There are 2 small but repsected camera makers left, Hasselblad and Leica.
>Many of us own both.
>
>What makes Hasselblad so well received, at the enormous prices they charge,
>and yet Leica has problems with professional and amateur acceptance?  Is
>there a lesson in here for Leitz?
>
>The biggest difference on the surface is that Leitz is, first and foremost,
>an optical house.  Hasselblad is a mechanical house (  Zeiss designed and
>manufactured Lenses).
>
>(Acceptance being defined as making money through customer acceptance, not
>optical or mechanical performance.)
>
>
>
>Frank Filippone
>red735i@earthlink.net
>