Fred Miranda wrote:
"Leica has named Andreas Voll, a 44-year-old with 15 years of management experience at a luxury Swiss watch company, as its new chief executive, as the German camera manufacturer targets further growth as an upmarket tech brand.
Voll is set take the helm on April 1, succeeding Matthias Harsch, who led the company since 2017 and whose contract expires at the end of March, Leica announced on Sunday."
Interesting comment in the last sentence of the Yahoo Finance article you posted
"Kaufmann holds a 55% majority stake in the camera maker. The remaining 45% is held by financial investor Blackstone. There has recently been speculation that Kaufmann and Blackstone were considering selling a majority stake.
At present there are rumours in the market which we do not comment on," Kaufmann said. He also pointed out that all family members work at Leica or its subsidiaries. "That means we are strongly committed and plan to remain so for the future." "
It will be interesting to which direction they'll be heading, but so far all points to a strong focus on luxury.
Interestingly when Hasselblad tried to go all-in on luxury, they failed. It seems that it was only when they re-focused on products that are actually really good tools for photographers (while still being beautifully made and expensive) that they were able to stabilize. And they even brought the price of their latest model down substantially..
Now Leica is in a much better situation than Hasselblad was back then, but I still wonder how far they can stretch things before they lose their audience. In a scenario when photographers stop caring about Leica, when they become so unattainable that they're not even aspirational products anymore, how long does their brand heritage carry them?
I honestly don't know and maybe the 20th century legacy is enough. But my feeling is you need to keep some products for "real" photographers or you're screwed in the long run.
In relation to wages (in DE) the Leica M10 was the most "affordable" digital Leica, whereas the M11 is the most expensive one. And pretty likely that the M12 will become the most expensive one when it's released.
FrozenInTime wrote:
It would be interesting to see how 'investment class' Leica collectable lenses have done over time - has the reissue of lenses such as the 50/1.2 Noctilux and Steel Rim Summilux collapsed demand and hammer prices for the originals ( not to mention the effect of LLL ).
On the watch front I never understood what Leica brought to the game - a german tool watch from Stowa, Laco or Sinn seems far more practical, and avoids the marketing hype inflated prices of Rolex ... without getting near the ultra luxury end.
The Leica watches came out as marketing/branding tool. IMO it was quite successful for Leica Camera - there seem to be many Leica enthusiasts who buy into all the brand based articles even outside regular cameras. I don't know any other camera brand which manifests a strong community base supporting their brand through LSI (Leica Society International) for example.
Regarding lens prices/collector pricing, I don't think that LLL or other newer Chinese brand bite much into the price levels of these usique Leica M lenses.
I've been reading about this one for a few months now, but incase some others are not aware, another change at Leica's upper echelon includes Stefan Daniel who has the new role at Leica as "Leica Global Senior Brand Representative “Mr. M”"
You can read about this and other interesting tidbits in this article about a recent conversation with Stefan Daniel and Nico Köhler:
Leica new sensor development and a "...large dose of “lost in translation”" ?
"Inevitably, the question about the sensor in the next-generation Leica M12 came up in conversation, as this has been rumoured recently. What was made clear by Stefan is that this rumour contains a large dose of “lost in translation” between what Dr. Kaufmann said and what was reported. Dr. Kaufmann was stating that Leica were developing their own imaging sensor, but this was not connected to any particular camera.
Stefan also stated that Leica was very happy working with Sony, and that Sony had a clear road map for the future. Leica has a certain level of influence on that, but not complete influence. Sony, perhaps obviously from an economic perspective, would not want to make a custom sensor for one client. And that is the reason Leica has started development of its own sensor with its own specific functions."
LBJ2 wrote:
Interesting comment in the last sentence of the Yahoo Finance article you posted
"Kaufmann holds a 55% majority stake in the camera maker. The remaining 45% is held by financial investor Blackstone. There has recently been speculation that Kaufmann and Blackstone were considering selling a majority stake.
At present there are rumours in the market which we do not comment on," Kaufmann said. He also pointed out that all family members work at Leica or its subsidiaries. "That means we are strongly committed and plan to remain so for the future." "
Without directly naming who told me this, I will quote what was said to me directly by a person in position to absolutely know. he said "the sale is in process". So not just a rumor...
LBJ2 wrote:
I've been reading about this one for a few months now, but incase some others are not aware, another change at Leica's upper echelon includes Stefan Daniel who has the new role at Leica as "Leica Global Senior Brand Representative “Mr. M”"
You can read about this and other interesting tidbits in this article about a recent conversation with Stefan Daniel and Nico Köhler:
Leica new sensor development and a "...large dose of “lost in translation”" ?
"Inevitably, the question about the sensor in the next-generation Leica M12 came up in conversation, as this has been rumoured recently. What was made clear by Stefan is that this rumour contains a large dose of “lost in translation” between what Dr. Kaufmann said and what was reported. Dr. Kaufmann was stating that Leica were developing their own imaging sensor, but this was not connected to any particular camera.
Stefan also stated that Leica was very happy working with Sony, and that Sony had a clear road map for the future. Leica has a certain level of influence on that, but not complete influence. Sony, perhaps obviously from an economic perspective, would not want to make a custom sensor for one client. And that is the reason Leica has started development of its own sensor with its own specific functions."...Show more →
I don't know the details of what stage the sensor development is, or if it is planned for the M12 or not. I do know, and have met, the person hired in a VP level position to lead this development project. He only began working in January this year. Since it is commonly said that sensor development is a 3 to 5 year project, I don't see it being ready for the M12. The M12 sensor was likely selected a few years back. But there is more we don't know that we do know...
1bwana1 wrote:
Without directly naming who told me this, I will quote what was said to me directly by a person in position to absolutely know. he said "the sale is in process". So not just a rumor...
I took the underlined to "potentially" mean the Kaumann family might not be giving up majority stake even if the remaining Blackstone 45% is sold. OTOH, maybe this comment is to let the customer base know the Kaufmann family will still be involved with the future of Leica even if controlling stake goes to someone else. Of course, nothing more than speculation on my part.
1bwana1 wrote:
I don't know the details of what stage the sensor development is, or if it is planned for the M12 or not. I do know, and have met the person hired in a VP level position to lead this development project. He only began working in January this year. Since it is commonly said that sensor development is a 3 to 5 year project, I don't see it being ready for the M12. The M12 sensor was likely selected a few years back. But there is more we don't know that we do know...
I suspected the Leica designed sensor might be for the new Leica Medium Frame mirrorless camera. But there have been some unconfirmed forum chatter the MF project might be in trouble. Also, I think I read somewhere but don't know, the Leica designed sensor has already been in development for a few years now.
LBJ2 wrote:
I took the underlined to "potentially" mean the Kaumann family might not be giving up majority stake even if the remaining Blackstone 45% is sold. OTOH, maybe this comment is to let the customer base know the Kaufmann family will still be involved with the future of Leica even if controlling stake goes to someone else. Of course, nothing more than speculation on my part.
I have spent some time talking with various members of the Kaufman family in the last Month. Multiple generations of the family work in Leica and intend to do so for their full careers. They are very committed to this. I don't know what that implies about ownership percentages anticipated after the sale. But I take it as a good sign.
1bwana1 wrote:
I have spent some time talking with various members of the Kaufman family in the last Month. Multiple generations of the family work in Leica and intend to do so for their full careers. They are very committed to this. I don't know what that implies about ownership percentages anticipated after the sale. But I take it as a good sign.
Interesting. I knew Mrs Karin Kaufmann is or was leading the Leica Galleries initiative, but had no idea several other family members were involved in the business as well.
LBJ2 wrote:
Interesting. I knew Mrs Karin Kaufmann is or was leading the Leica Galleries initiative, but had no idea several other family members were involved in the business as well.
fjablo wrote:
It will be interesting to which direction they'll be heading, but so far all points to a strong focus on luxury.
Interestingly when Hasselblad tried to go all-in on luxury, they failed. It seems that it was only when they re-focused on products that are actually really good tools for photographers (while still being beautifully made and expensive) that they were able to stabilize. And they even brought the price of their latest model down substantially..
Now Leica is in a much better situation than Hasselblad was back then, but I still wonder how far they can stretch things before they lose their audience. In a scenario when photographers stop caring about Leica, when they become so unattainable that they're not even aspirational products anymore, how long does their brand heritage carry them?
I honestly don't know and maybe the 20th century legacy is enough. But my feeling is you need to keep some products for "real" photographers or you're screwed in the long run.
In relation to wages (in DE) the Leica M10 was the most "affordable" digital Leica, whereas the M11 is the most expensive one. And pretty likely that the M12 will become the most expensive one when it's released. ...Show more →
People aren’t all stupid and Hasselblad was clearly pimping up otherwise average cameras thinking the Hasselblad name would deliver a premium.
Obviously, Hasselblad owner DJI is much more regular consumer oriented than Leica is at the moment.
Hiring a luxury watch guy isn’t a DJI-style move, but rather point to a different strategy.
theHUN wrote:
I would have thought a camera company would have a bit more competence in portrait photography.
I usually just scroll past these types of comments, but I'm curious. What about this image suggests it wasn't shot by a competent photographer, and can you show us examples of your own portrait photography as reference?
Personally, I think the shot is just fine. Well lit, and the composition effectively ties the new face of Leica to the brand. Just my $.02.
gregfountain wrote:
What about this image suggests it wasn't shot by a competent photographer
Not saying it was not a competent photographer, but the lighting and especially where the shadows on the face are falling is less than ideal. The composition is fine.
gregfountain wrote:
I usually just scroll past these types of comments, but I'm curious. What about this image suggests it wasn't shot by a competent photographer, and can you show us examples of your own portrait photography as reference?
Personally, I think the shot is just fine. Well lit, and the composition effectively ties the new face of Leica to the brand. Just my $.02.
My own portrait shots are garbage.
I find the light source too small (only the face seems to be lit) and the shadows are too harsh as well.
The crossed hands are popular these days, but I find it a lousy and offputting pose. It also creates a bunch of wrinkles in clothes. This could have been an opportunity for the CEO to hold something in their hands - either a legacy piece or the latest and greatest product. Instead the only gadget on the subject is a watch. A wasted opportunity IMO, but I admit at least it looks genuine and honest.
Yeah the portrait is obviously mediocre, we don't have to do this, lol.
I'll likely buy an MP at some point just for the collection. I don't know if I'll ever grab a digital Leica. The idea of having one MP and something like an EV1 (EV1 seems a little half-baked) is enticing.
I find the light source too small (only the face seems to be lit) and the shadows are too harsh as well.
The crossed hands are popular these days, but I find it a lousy and offputting pose. It also creates a bunch of wrinkles in clothes. This could have been an opportunity for the CEO to hold something in their hands - either a legacy piece or the latest and greatest product. Instead the only gadget on the subject is a watch. A wasted opportunity IMO, but I admit at least it looks genuine and honest.
Fair enough. It would easy to overthink a shot like this by decorating it with slick staging and primping, but I tend to dislike that type of photography. Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time to explain your perception of the shot.
I find the light source too small (only the face seems to be lit) and the shadows are too harsh as well.
The crossed hands are popular these days, but I find it a lousy and offputting pose. It also creates a bunch of wrinkles in clothes. This could have been an opportunity for the CEO to hold something in their hands - either a legacy piece or the latest and greatest product. Instead the only gadget on the subject is a watch. A wasted opportunity IMO, but I admit at least it looks genuine and honest.
It's an intentional and stylized lighting approach for sure by Oliver Vogler. Definitely not your run-of-the-mill executive headshot--this is Leica after all. The overall composition seems to be in line with other/previous Leica leadership portraits.
I like it and I am fairly confident it went through several experienced hands before being selected for publication. Likewise there are several what appear to be carefully placed cues in the frame as well. BTW, that watch worn by the new CEO is an important signal IMO.
I know it’s just Monday and the start of the week but…. Having a marketing dood w no photo experience running Leica means he’s going to try to spin film scratching M6s:
“zee vonderful sing about zee ehm6 is each vun haz its own unique signature viz ze vay it autographs zee film emulsion. Vot vee haff created here iz somefink like ay Kabbage Patch Doll. But viz a kamera.
Each von iz zee same but different. No zwei ehm6 kameras vill haff der same markings on der film.”
