Thoughts from a user

["Hans Pahlen" <hans.pahlen@mark.komvux.se>]

Two years ago, I was happy to hear about the M6J. I thought the finder
frames were almost perfect, as 35-50-90 mm lenses are the most used. But as
I called to order one, I learned that the prize was the same as for two new
M6 cameras. The M6J was intended to be a collectors item... Since then, we
have seen Leica announcing different M-cameras for collectors, like the
"Bruckner", etc, etc.
The problem seems to be, that Leica looks more to the interests of
M-collectors, than to the M-users. For years, I have been waiting for a
M-body with an automatic exposure system like the Minolta CLE. And why is
Leica so unwilling to produce the M6J in larger numbers at the same price
as the M6?
The answer is obvious: The collectors market is more interesting than the
users.
I also wonder why Leica are so fond of the red logo on their cameras? I
think it is because they want to create an easily identified prestige image
for their brand. -Look, I can afford a Leica (I am succesful in life)! As a
user, I dislike the logo, as it makes it easy to identify me as a person
waiting to be robbed. So, I have always put a black tape on the logo. 

The R-users have many different cameras to choose from (R6 R7 R8). It would
not be such a big deal for Leica to provide the M-users with an affordable
(black) M6J or an automatic exposure M-body. 
But, as the years go by, I guess M-users will have to continue chasing old
CLE:s and M3:s on the used market, in order to get auto exposure or a
decent finder for 90-135 mm lenses.
I have heard that the M-line were the only cameras that generated profit in
the Leica Camera group (two years ago). This money seems to have been
invested in the making of the R8. I wonder, will the R8 in its turn
generate some profit for M-developement? Or will they invent yet another
"celebration-camera"? 

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Mail: hans.pahlen@mark.komvux.se
Home: http://home2.swipnet.se/~w-24872/
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