Re: [Leica] Leica-an endangered species?

[apbc <apbc@public1.sta.net.cn>]

Lucien wrote,

>I'm more worried by possible bankruptcy or buying out
>because of bad strategic choices (Minox), 
>bad marketing choices (current advertisement campain*),
>bad subcontractor choices (R8 motor),
>or bad products choices (R 35-70/4, R 28/70, Mini 3, Minilux Zoom,
>and lack of R 21/2,8, 20-35/2,8, 35-90/2,8, M7 etc...)
>and  I forgot the Asian market  ;-)   ,
>than by an APS or Digital threat.

Lucien,

You seem to be one of the few who sees the larger picture ('small camera, 
big picture' don't forget!). Leica seems to be shaving away at its 
margins, failing in large measure to produce what the pro and demanding 
amateur markets want and indulging in areas which cheapen the brand 
identity (tie clips, ash trays etc., natty P&S toys). They need IMHO to 
get back in the fray and concentrate on being the ultimate professional 
cameras: if they can maintain a clear and meaningful quality edge over 
their competitors they will have the best chance at surviving and 
prospering. When they waste resources catering for the carriage trade or 
non-core lines they will suffer and possibly collapse as they have so 
nearly so many times. They no longer have microscopes and military 
contracts to bail them out.

My bet is that Leica will go out of business within ten years or they 
will be bought out by a larger competitor: now a distinct possibility 
given that they are a public company and shareholders will opt for $ (DM) 
over heritage. 

Judging from Rollei's renaissance under Samsung who knows but a 
taken-over Leica might be an exciting prospect: look at what the infusion 
of investor capital did for the M lens line and R series since they went 
public (but also look at where else they are spending money - S1, point 
and shoots, feeble advertising). Might be a terrible shame too.


Let's hope they make the right decisions!

Bests

Adrian

Adrian Bradshaw
Photojournalist
Shanghai, China