Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/07/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> > You're right about Panasonic. Are they making the lenses for Sigma to sell > to Leica? <G> > ========================== > Eric Welch > Grants Pass Daily Courier > NPPA Job Information Bank Chair > Region 11 > Cross river *THEN* insult alligator. Actually, Eric, there are some "R" lenses, like a 70-210mm and a 28-70mm, that are marked made in Japan...and are made by Sigma...and are sold under the Leica name...for the "R" cameras.Some people think that they are made by Minolta, but indeed this is not the case. They usually are much cheaper on the second -hand market (about 50%less) than their Solm counter-parts. If you look carefully, though, they will be marked "made in Japan." Actually, many Japanese photo companies that are so-well known, are owned, in part, or whole by Mitsubishi. They are now sort of the General Motors of Japan...or, more properly, all of southeast Asia. Actually, they are probably larger than the US General Motors. (Yes, Daddy, who REALLY won WWII?) So, actually now we have Mitsubishi Leicas, and Mitsubishi Leica lenses...But we also have, in all fairness, Mitsubishi Nikons...and Mitsubishi Canons...and believe it or not Mitsubishi Toyotas...and Mitsubishi Nissons... The extent of Mitsubishi stock-holding is immense...mind-boggling in fact. Of course, the Mitsubishi brand name is not on the product. But Mitsubishi is involved as a principal investor, and as an active/participating manager... So...is the dog wagging the tail...or is the tail wagging the dog??? Whad'ya think? Cordially, Jack Hamilton Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA