Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/08/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]posted on the l-camera-forum ----------------------------- I am sworn to secrecy on the alleged M9 issue, but have good news on the matter of R lenses on digital cameras. I can reveal that Leica Camera will offer a 'turn-it-in' service where you send your R lenses in for conversion to DSLR fitting, fixed price per lens 50 Euro, plus Insured Shipping & Handling just 15 Euro per lens. There will also be a rangefinder-coupling conversion service to Leica M for focal lengths up to 90mm, cost 150 Euro per lens. M8 and M8.2 Passport holders to get priority. Time in workshop guaranteed only one day, but waiting time depends on demand. This explains why Leica Camera has been recruiting instrument mechanics from other German companies and running 'behind closed doors' training sessions since April 1. Licensing agreement was signed with Nikon, Olympus and Sony on 27 May this year ,and with Canon on 31 July. Pentax are still holding out for better terms - Leica has offered them a royalty of 25 Euros for each conversion but Pentax are holding out for the same deal as the others, 27.50 Euros. No reason has been given for the discriminatory deal against Pentax, but another industry source claims it is because Leica anticipate such a huge take-up from Pentax lens owners, saying 'They estimate a lot of Pentax lens owners could want to take it up'. A Leica executive, who has asked not to be named said earlier today 'We would like to get Pentax on board, but I guess we can live without them'. She refused to confirm that Panasonic have been given preferential terms, but agreed that they too are part of the agreement and continue 'to be valued co-partners'. She refused to be drawn on whether R lens production will re-start but confirmed that the new management ethos at Leica Camera is 'to go with the flow'. This is surely the best news in a long time and should reassure the doubters that Leica Camera is a major force in the camera industry, with a firm grasp of market trends. Please feel free to post this news on any forum you wish a matter of public service .. --------------------------- Regards, George Lottermoser george at imagist.com http://www.imagist.com http://www.imagist.com/blog http://www.linkedin.com/in/imagist