Re: [Leica] f*** the gauntlet!

[Ruralmopics@aol.com]

In a message dated 1/19/00 11:18:32 AM, guybnt@idt.net writes:

>if the above is true, i ask again, why go with leica when there are other
>well made, perfectly functional rangefinder cameras currently available?
>leica prices are certainly steep, as you say, but that hasn't kept us from
>buying leica cameras and lenses, overpriced though they may be. the fact
>that we are willing to put out a fair amount of cash for these items
>indicates - however much we complain about it - that to us they are indeed
>'worth it.' otherwise, why not go with voigtlander, cosina, contax, konica
>or whomever.

Fair question. My answer is that for the USER the Leica is the best choice. 
The first reason -- odd as this may sound -- is price. A used M4-p is CHEAPER 
than a new Konica. There is also a greater availability of bodies and lenses 
- -- particularly USED bodies and lenses -- not to mention repair facilities. 
This means choices. None of the upstarts offer the 90 percent that a 
40-year-old M3 offers, for example. Also, just because I'm a bottom feeder 
does not mean I don't want quality. The 24mm ASPH is an outstanding lens and 
one that there simply is no replacement available for from most of the 
others. Also the others don't offer a 90mm f 2.0 or many other optics that 
Leica does offer. Most importantly though, the Leica M camera is the best 
handling/most practical of the bunch as far as I can tell. For a shooter, 
it's the right tool.

So why am I bitching about price? I'm NOT. I merely said the prices are a 
little hard to justify based solely on quality. I don't think that there is 
anyone who can argue that a 24mm lens SHOULD cost $2,000. It shouldn't and if 
you believe it should then you are drunk on the elixar of Leica mystique. 
However, I'm a reasonably smart boy. I understand that given Leica's 
production level prices are going to be high. SOME of that price is justified 
by quality (maybe half to 2/3) but the rest of it has more to do with 
production and market factors. Again, I'm not bitching. Using a Leica is 
worthwhile to me. It's becoming important actually. So I'm WILLING to bear 
the cost. That doesn't mean I have to like it. 

I'll repeat the statement -- the costs are a little hard to justify. That 
statement is not intended to criticize Leica. It's merely a recognition of 
the realities of life. 

Bob  (mama didn't raise a boy who cottons to $40 lens caps) McEowen

Bob