I am a fan of Leica cameras for 40 years and I find they produce a new commemorative model for any historic reason. What is your opinion on this matter? Thanks. Jean-Pierre Auger.

-- Jean-Pierre Auger (paphoto@videotron.ca), July 25, 2001

Answers

They make commemorative cameras because collectors buy them. There is very little cost difference between regular production and commemorative cameras. Therefore, as the commemorative cameras sell for substancially more, Leica makes an easy profit. This easy profit is reinvested in R&D which has provided us with the 35/1.4A, 24/2.8A, 21/2.8A, 90/2AA, 135/3.4APO, 28/2A.....

Long live the commemoratives!

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), July 25, 2001.

Amen, and amen to the commemeratives. Long may they live and generate excess profits for Leica.

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), July 25, 2001.

The two M6 Black Paint cameras are the exceptions, I think. Neat in every way!

-- Steve Hoffman (shoffman2@socal.rr.com), July 25, 2001.

Me, I'm holding out for the introduction of the 2002 "Dogs playing poker" commemorative. The leatherette will be a wonderful rendition of the most important art object ever produced.

I'm also holding my breath for the 2003 "Velvet Elvis" model. I just don't understand how the people at Solms have overlooked a model celebrating "The King."

Then there's the upcoming commemorative "Lewinsky--Blue Velvet/spotted dress commemorative..."

Now these are camera's whose time is sure to come!!!

-- David S Smith (dssmith3@rmci.net), July 25, 2001.

As to the King, he was last seen with a Nikon F so I don't think Solms would care to include him (same with the Beatles...).

-- Dave Doyle (ddoyleis@home.com), July 25, 2001.

After spending $10,000 on some Royal Wedding, Jaguar or Platinum special edition, I am curious what do people actually do with these cameras? If you put them in a safe, or leave them in their box shoved away in a locked cabinet, they will eventually start growing fungus. If you leave them out on display, they will get dirty. You can't take pictures with them, because they might get a scuff mark. I know, to each his own,(I should talk-I own 4 old Italian sports cars- but I do drive them fairly frequently) and I guess there are stranger things to do with your money. If it helps keep Leica in business, then I am all for it as well.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), July 25, 2001.

I would much prefer that Leica collectors buy the silly "2004 Dragonhide" camera rather than driving up prices of user cameras and lenses like the M3, M5, 35/1.4, etc.

-- Josh Root (rootj@att.net), July 26, 2001.

Well imagine if Leica wouldnīt make those conmemorative editions, then regular ones will be higher in price.

What about a Lusenet Leica Photography edition.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), July 26, 2001.

Letīs make it easier, we can make 50 cents stikers, and patch it in our cameras.

Yes I find it ridiculous too.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), July 26, 2001.

This one is a real possibility: 2008 Beijing Olympics commemorative model; just mark my words! ;-)

-- Hoyin Lee (leehoyin@hutchcity.com), July 27, 2001.