Did Leica miss out?

[Krosya]

Hello there,
Well, after readinf some of the posts here and other forums, I was wondering - did Leica miss out on making a less expensive line of cameras? I mean - look how well Cosina is doing, even with all the QC problems there are many loyal followers and users. I think that if Leica had a similarly priced, but better built camera - it would be great. Or was that try with Minolta CL/CLE it's attempt at the less expensive line? I think Leica could do better.
What do you think?

[Ken Ford]

Too bad they picked Minolta as a partner instead of Nikon back in the day - could you imagine a Leica based on the FM chassis, ala C-V and their SLR-derived RFs?

[saltyfli]

Too bad they picked Minolta as a partner instead of Canon back in the day - could you imagine a Leica based on the F1 or F1n chassis, ala C-V and their SLR-derived RFs?

[Nachkebia]

Nikon and Leica, must be heaven

[jaapv]

Originally Posted by Krosya

Hello there,
Well, after readinf some of the posts here and other forums, I was wondering - did Leica miss out on making a less expensive line of cameras? I mean - look how well Cosina is doing, even with all the QC problems there are many loyal followers and users. I think that if Leica had a similarly priced, but better built camera - it would be great. Or was that try with Minolta CL/CLE it's attempt at the less expensive line? I think Leica could do better.
What do you think?

Not that easy- Better built means M7 vs Bessa. The RD 1 was 1500$ more expensive because of the sensor, the M8 1500 $ more than the M7. I don't think there would be much gain there. I think they are wise to badge-engineer their less expensive cameras. They could never finance the R&D and keep the price more or less competetive themselves.

[Sparrow]

I’m not sure but I don’t think this is about the m8, I thought the OP was speaking historically, film based

[roundg]

The reason I buy leica is that it's leica. If it starts to expand its line to low-middle level. I think I will quit it immediately.

[Xmas]

Cosina in far distant past made lots of other branded cameras - I think I have two, they dont 'feel' like the origional manufacturers, too much plastic, but they are servicable, I've used super glue to fix one cracked piece part, but no complaints at all.

If you complain and the camera stays in production the later ones may have fixes, the dealers who do swaps will complain like h3ll, and send (the) whole body(ies) back.

Noel

The M2 is (was) a cheap M3...

[Sparrow]

Originally Posted by Krosya

Hello there,
Well, after readinf some of the posts here and other forums, I was wondering - did Leica miss out on making a less expensive line of cameras? I mean - look how well Cosina is doing, even with all the QC problems there are many loyal followers and users. I think that if Leica had a similarly priced, but better built camera - it would be great. Or was that try with Minolta CL/CLE it's attempt at the less expensive line? I think Leica could do better.
What do you think?

As I understand it the CL and CLE undermined the sales of German cameras so they ended the agreement

[Xmas]

Later M finders are derived from M2s rather then M3s? The CL and CLE were not really leicas i.e. working photog's did not use. e.g. Renee Burri used a M2 for his iconic Che photos. Might a got Che killed more then anything else...

Noel

[Sparrow]

I watched a TV documentary about that photo and was surprised how cropped it is, grainy and contrasty just like the t shirt.

[Xmas]

Stewart

Early Tri-x (from rebate) was grainy...

Noel

[KM-25]

Originally Posted by roundg

The reason I buy leica is that it's leica. If it starts to expand its line to low-middle level. I think I will quit it immediately.

Well that seems a bit odd, I guess I don't understand. How does the introduction of a new camera make the ones you already have less desirable to make images with?

It really is all about making images with these fine tools, not much else matters.

I am positive that if Leica came out with a cheaper model of camera, my M6 would still serve me day in day out.

[jaapv]

Originally Posted by Sparrow

I’m not sure but I don’t think this is about the m8, I thought the OP was speaking historically, film based

Well, the CL is a bit of a traumatic memory in Wetzlar-Solms. I doubt if they are keen to repeat the experiment.

[varjag]

Originally Posted by roundg

The reason I buy leica is that it's leica. If it starts to expand its line to low-middle level. I think I will quit it immediately.

They do it already with their panalympuses.

[Sparrow]

Originally Posted by Xmas

Stewart

Early Tri-x (from rebate) was grainy...

Noel

Didn’t notice that, Ilford man myself

[rxmd]

Originally Posted by Xmas

The CL and CLE were not really leicas i.e. working photog's did not use.

Well, they did buy the CL in droves instead of the M5, which got both of them killed (the latter for lack of buyers, the former for killing the M5)

Philipp

[Turtle]

leica can make any junk as long as it keeps them in business. I will love my MPs no less for it as long as standards there remain the same. I certainly cannot undertstand a previous comment about 'quitting Leica' if they introduced a budget camera.

[sungnee]

Actually, I think back then Leica did approach Nikon (and then Canon), but neither of them were interested. Minolta was the only one willing.

So it wasn't really a choice by Leica, but a choice by Minolta.