[Leica] Rejuvenation of LHSA - was "incompetency"

[vick.ko at sympatico.ca (vick.ko@sympatico.ca)]

I'm following the former thread with great interest.  I also belong to the 
Nikon Historical Society, and after also attending PhotoHistory (once) and a 
number of camera shows, I am quite intrigued at the demographics of these 
groups.

As far as I can tell, the "Societies" are an elderly crowd.  Most of the 
crowd at the one "PhotoHistory" seminar was older.  But at the camera shows 
that I have gone to, there is a presence of younger people (20's ).  I am 
guessing that the younger crowd are photography students or hobbyists.

So the question is "How to get a younger crowd" interested in the camera 
historical societies?  

One mention was made on the rejuvenation of a car society.  I can see how 
that happens, as the thrill of driving is not tied to "age", and there is a 
bonus of driving in something unique.  

Photography, or "image capture" doesn't quite drive the same adrenalin or 
thrill.  And the combination of "photography" with "photography using old 
equipment" doesn't sound like a winning combination to a youngster.  

So what is there?  

Respect and admiration for a previously majestic company like Leitz?   Hard 
to do, in today's fiercely competitive market where Leica doesn't stand out 
any differently than Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Epson, etc.  In fact, Leica may 
even be perceived as "way behind, too pricey, and flawed".  

LHSA as a fun-loving and great group, offering an "edge" when one is a 
member, and increases one's status when one is a member?   Well, I like 
getting the Viewfinder.  I haven't participated on any of the conventions or 
annual meetings, but don't feel that I've missed anything.  It all appears 
that users of Leica's are a nice group (my observations via LUG), but not 
all LUG members are LHSA members.

LHSA members have special advantages with access to Leica product?  I 
haven't seen that happen.  I can't see that bringing in "youth"

I think it'll be a hard problem to solve.

...Vick