[LRflex] Re: London Blow out of Demo R lenses

Howard wrote:

>I frankly don't know what to think. I know that Leica is working on 
>an R10 integrated digital camera (not a separate digital back) but 
>with the DMR gone and the R 10 not likely available for 2 years, 
>there is this gap in digital platforms which can only be filled, for 
>some, with less than complete satisfaction, by the 4/3rds system. 
>Maybe the dealers are just reducing stock which isn't moving - but I 
>doubt they could do that without agreement from Leica. So, I don't
>know what to think. ;-)(

If it weren't for the success of the M8, then the future for Leica 
would indeed be looking bleak. I would certainly think that these 
discounts indicate that dealers are stuffed with R film camera stock 
which no-one wants.

The major problem with the R10 is that it's going to be so late into 
the market. As we're well aware, they were late with the original 
'flexes, by which time the Nikon F system had taken over the pro 
market. The 'flexes are fine instruments, but true system cameras 
they ain't.

By the time the R10 actually arrives (if it ever arrives), 
competitors' DSLRs will have moved on another generation, and this 
will be very difficult for Leica to predict or match.

There is also the question of retro-compatibility. One of the main 
reasons I bought a Nikon D200 was that it was the first mid-priced 
Nikon digital which would work well with most of my old Nikon manual 
focus lenses, as well as having excellent AF capability.

This must be a given for the R10 too, as I, for one, would not be at 
all happy having to upgrade all my R glass at Leica prices. But they 
also have to address the latest bells and whistles, particularly 
image stabilisation systems, which seem to be getting better and 
better.

  I hope we won't have a repeat of the 'flex fiasco, but I wouldn't 
bet the farm on it.

Best

Alex
-- 
Alex & Carmel Hurst
Waterfall
Near Cork
Ireland

Tel: +353 21 454 3328
Mobile: +353 87 245 7048 (A)
+353 87 988 9927 (C)

email: corkflor@xxxxxx
Home Pages: http://www.iol.ie/~corkflor
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