Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/09/23
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on 24/9/00 7:59 AM, MGMcGough@aol.com at MGMcGough@aol.com wrote:
> I guess that it is something like "if you
> can't have the real thing - a replica will do" & the Japanese
> used to sell inflatable, poly-orificed sex dolls for that ilk.
Mostly for export, I think. I assume you are in the US in which case I
would look a bit closer at your own back yard with the world's largest
pornography and sex toy market before making such comments.
There are many reasons why Leica or any other company introduce or
reintroduce products. Just because you don't understand their motivations
doesn't mean you are justified in making snide, off-colour or racist
remarks.
I think the O series is quite a nice idea and though I have no plans to buy
one I am sure they will sell to the growing retro market to which Leica is
gradually waking up. Whilst Leica have lost market share in the 35mm market
for decades they have watched others make small fortunes trading in their
'obsolete' products: finally they may be trying to get a piece of the action
what with first the reintroduction of chrome finish and then screw mount for
current lenses.
I understand that many of the special products such as cut-away camera and
the Ur Leica replica were projects for apprentices at the factory: beats
drilling holes in sheet metal, I suppose. The O Leica is likely a similar
project which does much to draw attention to Leica's prime asset: its
history.
As a professional photographer I would like to feel they would make a
greater effort to make the products I would like to help my work but I can
appreciate that professional photographers have been only a small proportion
of the Leica market from day one.
As for why make 'obsolete cameras' you might also look in the US for the
thriving wooden camera industry, the resurgence of 19th century processes
and the rather healthy market for 'obsolete' products made the old fashioned
way such as mechanical watches, Indian motorcycles, 'designer' clothes,
jewellery, fountain pens etc., etc.
Best regards
Adrian
- --
Adrian Bradshaw
Corporate and Editorial Photography
Beijing, China
tel/fax +86 10 6532 5112
mobile +86 139 108 22292
e-mail apbbeijing@yahoo.com
OR adrianpeterbradshaw@compuserve.com
website: http://www.apbphoto.com
http://www.liaisonintl.com/bradshaw.htm
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