I got an email from Dr. Kaufmann today 
To our customers
12.12.2008
Dear customers and friends of our company,
This year is no exception; suddenly Christmas is almost here, even though, four weeks ago, everyone thought there was still plenty of time. Christmas is supposed to be a peaceful season, but suddenly, everything is so hectic.
As you all know, Leica Camera quite deliberately decided to sell the brand’s products exclusively through a network of authorised Leica dealers some years ago. Because, only there can you, as a discerning customer, find the expert advice and service you deserve and expect from a brand like Leica. Our authorised dealers are the partners we all rely on!
I would like to request something important of you all: Please support your Leica dealers in these current tough times for the business world. When you are planning your Christmas presents, please spare a thought for your local dealer and our range of products. We will be actively supporting our dealers in the Christmas season and some time beyond with particularly attractive special offers and promotions. So visit your Leica dealer and take a look at the special Leica offers he has waiting just for you.
I am looking forward very much to hearing news from our partners, our authorised dealers, about your support.
In closing, I want to wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful start to the New Year!
Yours
Dr. Andreas Kaufmann
CEO of the Leica Camera AG
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3 Comments
This is truly pathetic. “Never let them see you sweat” is a long-standing and very wise rule-of-thumb in the corporate turnaround business (my specialty). When customers sniff trouble they stay away rather than support you with pity purchases. Imagine GM publishing an ad that says “We are in deep trouble so please support GM and our dealers by buying a new GM vehicle today”. Much more pathetic when the one asking for help sells cameras that are in the uber-sphere of pricing and available to only a privileged few. The M8.2 (body only) retails for close to seven grand including taxes.
P.S. I’ve been a Leica fanatic for 40 years and have owned 6 including a IIIf, a IIf, a pristine 1962 M3, an M6, M6 TTL, and an MP. While the M8 is a technological marvel it is also completely mispriced, leaving a whole generation of potential M-philes out in the cold.
RESPONDING TO THE NEEDS OF BOTH PROFESSIONAL AS WELL AS OLDER SEMI- PROFESSIOAL PHOTOGRAPHERS (THE GROUP WITH MONEY TO BUY THE S2), SERIOUS CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO MAKING THE NEW SYSTEM COMPATIBLE TO THE 35 MM FORMAT. MANY OF THE OLDER LENS ARE PRICELESS TO THE USER FOR EXCELLENT RESULTS AND UNIQUE MEMORIES OF GREAT PHOTOGRAPHIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS. DR.ANDREAS IS A FEARLESS LEADER WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LEICA’S FUTURE RETURN TO GREATNESS IN CAMERA AND LENS SYSTEM DESIGN. THANK YOU,JAMES A. O’DONNELL