Re: [Leica] Leica S1

[TEAShea@aol.com]

<< Is it just me, or doesn't it occur to anybody that if Contax can sell it's
 outstanding G series lenses (I know they're made in Japan - they are still
 fabulous lenses) for a fraction of what the same focal length and aperture
 Leica lenses sell for, then Leica could slash its prices, exponentially
 increase its market share, and really be back in the RF camera business? >>

I think there are three factors here.  

First, I suspect that the Japanese production is far more efficient than the
German production.  The photos of the Leica factory show workers hand
assembling each body from hundreds of separate parts.  The design of the M
goes back many years - before modern efficient engineering was a big deal for
such small, relatively expensive items.  The present design of the bodies and
lenses hinders more efficient production techniques.  On the other hand the
deign of the G system would have taken production efficiencies into account.

Second, I wonder if Leica has considered if the M and R systems would appeal
to a lot more people if they were less expensive.   Perhaps they need to study
this.  

Third, perhaps Leica considers the expensive nature and exclusivity of their
products to be an essential part of the appeal of Leicas.  

Tom Shea