Re: [Leica] Leica and a new M?

[Andre Jean Quintal <megamax@abacom.com>]

Mark Rabiner wrote :
. . .
 Sounds to me like a new beginning.
Let's not forget that it's the Leica R that is not doing well and that the
Leica
M IS doing well.
And we are now entering an era of new cheap good lenses for the Leica M.

	--> Some of the (other) Luggers enjoy pessimism,
	it would seem. To me, Leica is just having a rough ride
	for a while and I am 100% convinced it's well financed
	and that Leica business basics would make some executives
	of other technology companies drool with envy.

	So, I'll modify my original post with these words:
	"using Leica ' R ' people and production chains"
	towards the new Leica ' U ' system".
	Because I really think these people know how to make
	great cameras; let's just give them a new mandate
	with some fresh thinking and things should return to
	normal before the firm sustains more serious damage.

	--> About the Leica ' U ', I'd like to restate earlier posts
	that it COULD be a new rangefinder, with a set of functions
	that maximize the serious photographer as part of the loop
	but, still, with enough automation options to more readily
	appeal to the affluent casual crowd who prefer point & shoot
	photo shot grabbing with superlative Leica made optics.

	To me, the Leica ' U ' incorporates most Leica ' R '
	functions in a rangefinder system approach and could
	quite easily be made available in various configurations,
	from the 'entry level' fixed zoom to a high range multi lens
	dream machine, with many common components, spanning
	the void between the Minilux Zoom and the Leica ' M ' and
	' R ' price points. Think of the Leica ' U ' as a rangefinder,
	somewhat smaller than the M6, but it really owes a lot to
	Leica R8 styling, migrated to a new take on quality cameras,
	a new synthesis . . . : Leica ' U '.

	It doesn't mean abandoning the Single Lens Reflex markets,
	it means grabbing shopping people's imagination in the camera shops
	of the World.

	Leica has had rough times in the past and events fell in
	place on time to let the firm retain its business appeal
	and viability. I also believe in the management's qualifications
	and responsible business sense, per track records.
	They face quite an intricate decision taking process, though.
	Business is war. Some current Leica enthusiasts don't realize
	that is a street level reality but who'd ever claim the Leica
	management and sales force doesn't enjoy a good uphill
	battle once in a while.

	When the Leica ' U ' comes out, they'll just have to manage
	waiting lists for a gem of a camera system, as the ' U ' lenses
	are ready for production.

	A new beginning indeed !

	Best regards,

	Andre Jean Quintal