Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/07/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]On Tue, 30 Jun 98 22:59:58 +0800 apbc <apbc@public1.sta.net.cn> writes: >Just to follow up about my earlier intention to make an informal poll >of >the white house press corps and their camera usage: most of the white >house press corps I saw today use Canon closely followed by Nikon with [snip!] >But if Leica does not have much credibility amongst such >photojournalists >where will it find a market in future? I'm not sure we can really conclude that Leica does not have much credibility amongst PJ's nor that the Leica isn't the best tool for the job just because the WH press corps is going digital. What I see is that press corps customers are demanding digital images because they are easier for them (the customer) to process. They don't seem to mind that the results may not be as good with digital as they could be with film. It appears to be just a matter of convenience for them. If the customer demanded medium format film images, because they are easier for them to process since that's what they have always used (that is a hypothetical example), that would not automatically mean 35mm isn't the best tool for the job. It just means medium format is what is required so by default becomes the only acceptable tool for the job. Leica may have tons of credibility amongst PJ's. But if customer demand stipulates what is acceptable it is essentially immaterial. Much as the customer base for stock shooters, magazines, etc. are set up to process slide film, not color negative film. That doesn't automatically mean that color negative film may not be the best tool for the job. In many cases it may be because of its typically wider latitude, ability to better deal with extreme contrast situations (shadow detail), etc. If the customer base for PJ's products are going digital then Leica must either redefine _its_ customer base or jump into the digital market with a unique product. Most pro digital cameras seem to be huge. Perhaps there's room for an M6 size digital camera that accepts our wonderful Leica lenses? I am not a PJ nor anything resembling a pro but I would be very interested in a digital camera that would allow me to use my current crop of M lenses. I suspect lots of others might also. Afterall, what pro wouldn't want to reduce the size and weight of the load they must carry if the results are stunning? Just some thoughts. Don Boise, Idaho _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]