Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/02/28
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Tom, thanks, your information is, as always, extensive and appreciated. Jem - -----Original Message----- From: TTAbrahams@aol.com [SMTP:TTAbrahams@aol.com] Sent: 28 February 2001 00:47 To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us Subject: [Leica] Re: Cosina Distribution in the US Jem, Voigtlander is imported to the US through THK (Tokina- Hoya- Kenko). It is not a very good fit as THK is rather ignorant about cameras. The Voigtlander lens line is not a difficult one to sell, there are enough users of M-mount and LTM mounts to provide a good market. The bodies (Bessa-R, Bessa-L and Bessa-?. I do know but I can't tell yet!) are a different case altogether. Mechanically they are quite remarkable, I have had my Bessa-R and Bessa-L most likely longer than anyone outside of Japan and neither one has given me a single instance of problem. I do not "baby" cameras - they have to take the use and abuse that shooting 2-3 rolls a day constitutes. So far I have replaced the batteries in the Bessa-L once and the Bessa R is still on its original set. Now, my M6 TTL's is different story! I agree, the Bessa bodies feel less solid than the M bodies but if they had brass top-plates and metal back-doord, they would cost close to what a Leica costs. The analogy with something like the Nikon FM/FM-2 is somewhat incorrect. It is very cost efficient to make 250 000 top-plates and design the camera to fit the supply. Both the Bessa-R and L were "new" designs and the fact that Cosina could use parts that they produce for other cameras, cut the cost dramatically. The shutter and chassi are Nikon FM-10/Olympos-2000 parts and I would assume that the production of Bessa cameras is considerably smaller than either of the Nikon or Olympos models. I for one appreciate the cameras and lenses that Cosina/Voigtlander is putting out. It has allowed me to use stuff like ultra-wide angles 12/15 mm lenses at a price that i could not even get the finder for a Leica version. The 50/1,5 is sharper than the Summilux (and I do not mind the "bokeh"), the 75/2,5 is a perfect pocketable long normal. The Cosina products have not stopped me from buying and using Leica products, but it has filled in some of the "blanks" in my lens cabinet. An other aspect of the Voigtlander line is that in two years, they have produced a line of lenses and cameras that it took Leica 45 years to do and they are not through yet! Tom A