Re: [Leica] How to manage a camera company?

["R. Saylor" <rlsaylor@ix.netcom.com>]

Byron Rakitzis wrote (in part):

> Let me say that this belief of mine has nothing to do with the way
> I actually use M cameras. I'm a dyed-in-the-wool film user. But I
> really fail to see how any incremental improvement in the R or M line
> (autofocus? auto exposure? motor drive? be serious!) will turn around
> Leica's troubles.
> 
> Byron.

I think that improvements in the R or M lines will not significantly 
improve Leica's fortunes. This is "professional" equipment, and 
Canon and Nikon seem to have risen to dominance in this market. 
The key may be in the amateur, compact (erroneously called "point 
and shoot") line. Contax has discontinued the T2 (the most serious 
rival to the Leica Minilux). Leica can capitalize on this if they play 
their cards right. You may discount the compacts, but there is an 
enormous sales potential there. Who wouldn't want to own a "Leica?"

Richard S.