Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/06/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Jeff, I know for a fact you are right. I've got quite a few friends in their early twenties, including a couple of electronic imaging geeks, who really consider the M as their ultimate dream photographic system. The cultural elements behind the Leica lineage hit a sweet (red) spot among very many people of all generations who show an interest in photography, in image (in the full sense) and in the historical evolution of imaging technologies, as well as in the history of the artistic expressions related to imaging. There is no generation question here. There are cultural and financial questions. On the 'non-pro' side of the market, I'm absolutely convinced most keen SLR photographers would buy Leica if they felt they could afford it. There is huge respect out there for that hardware, despite the sarcasm that trickles in this list. On the 'pro' side of the market, quite a few reasonable arguments related to productivity and support cumulate with a trend towards standardisation to marginalise the Leica option, especially for SLR types of applications. I am BTW convinced that 'absolute best image quality' is an 'amateur' grail, and that the requirement for most pros is 'get fast the images that'll sell' . Leica (R) is usually not the best option for the latter. I've read on this list quite a few posts of people explaining they use Canon or Nikon systems for their professional work, and rely on a basic Leica R system when they are masters of their time and production. It is also a well documented fact that a lot of hard working SLR equipped professionals keep a M+35 in the gear bag at all times. I fully understand those choices. It is not the lack of modern features that keeps Leica in a marginal niche. It is the price level of the systems. But it is also that price level that has allowed a small company like Leica to market the absolute best in 35mm photographic hardware for three quarters of a century. Thanks to very dedicated, loyal, knowledgeable and lucky users. Alan On mardi 8 juin 1999 7:04, 4season [SMTP:4season@boulder.net] wrote: >......SNIP...... > Assuming this sort of thing still holds true, I'll bet some > teens would still find the Leica M really cool. Not many, but maybe > enough.