[LRflex] Re: why leicas are expensive

I think the reason has changed over time. Ms were more
expensive to build, largely because of the RF. But
that feat of the 50s could be duplicated by any
competent optical firm today. The Leicaflexes were
another story. They are easily the most sophisticated
mechanical SLRs ever designed. They leave the
Contarexes in the dust IMHO. Not sure what the parts
count is but I would guess it set an SLR record. I
would also guess that a flex built today would easily
cost 5000. 

Today, though, I think it's more snob appeal than
anything else.
They still make the best camera bodies but the only
competitors in the class are the Cosinas the Zeiss,
maybe the Hexar and I guess the Nikon fm/4.

Of course, the lenses are absolutely great and there
is no other R entry point except an R or a flex! 

Javier



> sub mani <kpsubramani@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
> > I checked many cameras for price. I found leica
> > cameras are very expensive than Nikon or canon.
> > Could anyone tell me what could be the reason. Is
> it
> > because of sheer brand image 
> 
> There are numerous detractors of the brand who claim
> it's all because of the brand image.
> 
> Consider the cost of small-volume, hand manufacture
> vs. high-volume automated manufacture; also consider
> the cost of planned non-obsolescence: Leica
> maintains stocks of repair parts for many decades
> beyond a product's discontinuation, which few other
> manufacturers do.
> 
> The lenses are in a class by themselves.  Other
> manufacturers make selected lenses that may equal
> Leica lenses at moderate apertures while the vast
> majority of Leica lenses outperform other brands at
> full aperture.  In order to take full advantage of
> Leica lenses, it's best to use a Leica body.
> 
> Also consider ergonomic design; it's not something
> you can put into numbers to compare with competing
> brands.
> 
> I was a detractor until I tried the Leicaflex SL and
> 400mm f/6.8 Telyt.  The ergonomic design is a
> delight, the results on film were clearly better
> than I had been getting with Nikon equipment, and
> now 30+ years later Leica still services and
> re-warrantees the SL.  Each of us must decide
> individually whether the higher initial cost of
> Leica equipment is worthwhile.  It has been for me.
> 
> 
> Doug Herr
> Birdman of Sacramento
> http://www.wildlightphoto.com
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