No longer a rumor: Leica to close UK office, warehouse, expands Mayfair facility

Official statement from Leica UK regarding the closing of their offices in the UK and moving to the Mayfair facilities. Leica will close also their warehouse and move to “European direct distribution”:

Leica Camera Ltd statement regarding expansion of Leica Mayfair facilities and changes to Milton Keynes office 

Expansion of Leica Mayfair facilities
The company has taken the first floor of 25 Bruton Place, directly opposite the Leica Store. This is to enable on-site Leica camera sensor cleaning and other product support. This new facility is due to be operative by mid summer 2010.

Milton Keynes Service Department and product technical support
The company is proposing to restructure how it provides these services and is currently concluding an internal restructure consultation programme. Subject to completion of the consultation programme, the company is proposing to cease offering these services from Milton Keynes. The company is proposing to create three new Client Care positions to be located at Bruton Place, supporting all UK Leica owners.

Milton Keynes Warehouse
In line with many other international brands, Leica Camera Ltd is to move to European direct distribution. Ordering, billing and stock enquiries will continue via the UK Sales Desk. There will be a phased transition between closing the Milton Keynes warehouse and transferring the distribution. The Milton Keynes warehouse is due to close in mid summer.

Milton Keynes Finance, Sales Desk and Administration
These departments are due to vacate our Davy Avenue, Milton Keynes offices by mid summer, moving to a new Milton Keynes location. The registered office address of Leica Camera Ltd will switch to our Bruton Place Leica facility.

Source

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Rumor: Leica to close UK office

Leica store at Mayfair

The Leica Store Mayfair (credit: Nelson Wu/flickr)

This just got reported by Amateurphotographer:

“Amateur Photographer has received unconfirmed reports that Leica’s UK office in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire will close on 31 August.  Amateur Photographer understands that Leica Camera Ltd, the UK division of Leica Camera AG, will continue to run its operations from its shop in Mayfair, London.”

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Gold-plated Leica MP camera unveiled in China

The new Leica 60th Anniversary of People’s Republic of China limited MP edition was officially unveiled in China on June 2nd, 2010:

“The camera is decorated with red leather, the red picture of Tiananmen Square and the words “Long Live People’s Republic of China” are engraved on the upside of the camera. The left side of the viewfinder is engraved with the words “the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, 1949-2009.” Only 61 will be sold worldwide.”

Source

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Leica M10 concept

Leica M10 concept designed by Mizanur Rahman:

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Steve Jobs on the new iPhone 4: “It’s like a beautiful old Leica camera”

Update – here is the actual video:

This is what Steve Jobs said just few minutes ago when he was describing the new iPhone 4:

10:32AM “You gotta see this in person. This is beyond the doubt, the most precise thing, and one of the most beautiful we’ve ever made. Glass on the front and back, and steel around the sides. It’s like a beautiful old Leica camera.”

Via Engadget

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The Leica Forum Users book is now available

The Leica Forum Users Book is now available at Blurb. Proceeds of the book will support the Association for International Cancer Research (£5 from the sale of each book goes to charity). Over £7000 are raised so far from entries and donations. The book is selling at over 1 book per hour.
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New bag from Artisan & Artist COV-8000

Artisan & Artist have a new bag – model COV-8000 (not yet listed on their website). The bag is currently available on eBay:

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