[LRflex] For high end Leica, Nikon's and Canon's small digicam growth is a tough act to follow.

Hi all,

IMHO, Leica has to continually evolve their business model and strike
strategic development + manufacturing partnerships, otherwise I just
don't see how they can compete with the likes of mass consumerism:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070220/tc_nm/nikon_digicams_dc_2

If they can carefully deliver the low end product line at a slightly
exclusive price point that is competitive in product feature set,
w/out making the mistakes like Rollei (not Franke & Heidecke), and get
a foot hold with products that appeal to the discriminating comsumer,
then maybe consumer-level cameras with mass sales can fuel R&D for the
R10 and so forth.  Leica also depends a lot on the scopes and
binoculars to supplement the bottomline, just like Olympus with their
endoscopic division.  Thank goodness they have a strong arm in that
sector of their business.

The recent demise of the DMR with no new replacement in sight is a
clear reminder that when high dollar, high end gear is discontinued,
the people that tend to lose the most are those that have invested
into that system......Leica doesn't have to worry that much since
there is still the M8 serving as a cash cow of sorts with a long
waiting list.

Just some random thoughts at the beginning of the Year of the Pig, may
this year be bringing in some "pork" for Leica!

~ Eric
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