Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/05/04

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Subject: [Leica] Leica R9 err...Minolta 9- - - NOT off topic
From: Bill Erfurth <m6rf@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 15:01:45 -0700 (PDT)

Dan Cardish wrote:

I just picked up my Minolta 9 today, for those
interested. 
Autofocus seems
very fast and sure, feels very solid and fits the hand
perfectly.  There
must be 1001 built-in functions, will see about
enrolling
in training
course  ;-).  Will try and run some film through it
today.

Dan C.

- - - - snip - - -

Hi Dan,

This is exactly what I was talking about the other day
when I wrote that if Leica was going to come out with
a new R body, that they would have to get the design
from someone else.  Minolta is a excellent example. 
In Europe, Leica and Minolta have a close working
relationship.  It would not surprise me at all to see
a slightly redesigned Minolta 9 with a RED DOT on it.

Leica's problem is three fold.  

Number one: Leica needs product to sell.  Despite what
Eric says, the R8 is a dead item.  So the answer is
bring out an R9 (a.k.a. Minolta 9).  Which also means
that they have a new AF lens line.

Number two:  Leica needs some momentium.  They shot
themselves in the foot by not launching an exciting
new M6 design last year at Photokina.  So the M line
is not going to provide the momentium they need.

Number three:  Leica does not have a lot of spare cash
to put into R&D.  The only way that they are going to
bring out a new product is by using an existing
inhouse design, or lease an equipment design from
another company.  Since using an existing inhouse
design would require time and expensive tooling, the
only option I see for them is to subcontract the
manufacture of their R9 body.  Remember,
subcontracting is not new to Leica.

If find corporate turn arounds fasinating.

Kind regards,

Bill Erfurth




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