Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/04/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> Coenen: Low-cost models are incompatible with our brand image. If you > want something less expensive, you can buy used ones. Current M models > are compact enough as high quality 35mm film cameras. > Bring back the Barnack. This quote above coincidently to me is Leicas single biggest flaw. In the mid 50s with the M mount came a camera witch was just too big. The Leica LTM or screwmount and the other rangefinder cameras of that era are the "right size". The only decent humane size a camera outa be. No one thought about getting a point and shoot to take with them when they were not up to dragging their IIIA around. Or Contax, Nikon, Canon of that ilk. These cameras if the lens was collapsible or pancake went right in your pocket. Not vest pocket. But a nice pocket. Yes the M3 was a classic but in another way it was the beginning of the downhill for Leica. They never rethunk and went smaller. Expect when the m5 almost imploded the place. Then they just went back to the previous model. OK I almost forgot the CL CLE fiasco. They had a kind of strange hands off approach to that. Like it as a B movie someone else was putting out for them Should have taken it more seriously and stuck with it if you ask me. But put an M mount in a LTM body and you are going to sell some cameras. Bring back the Barnack. Mark Rabiner Photography Portland Oregon http://rabinergroup.com/