++L E T T E R S--T O--T H E--E D I T O R++


This is an open invitation to use this page for comments, questions and discussions of 
any topic
as long as it is related to
Leica and photography in general.

28 comments:

  1. I have red rumors about a new Leica T type 701 to be introduced soon. Can you shed some light on this?

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    1. These rumors have been floating around for quite a while now. The latest ones even included pictures and some information on a new line of lenses. A lot of it appears to be quite accurate. But rather than stirring the rumor mill, let's just wait until the end of the month when Leica will have an event in Berlin where they will introduce some new equipment. Then we will know for sure.

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  2. This morning I read about a new Leica S to be introduced at Photokina, supposedly with a 40 to 50 megapixel sensor. Anything factual about that?

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    1. As so often is the case, there is a lot of truth to some of these rumors. An increase to 40 or 50 megapixels would definitely make sense, especially in view of the fact that some of Leica's competitors in this field have introduced or will introduce cameras with similar resolution. Ove the relatively short time that Leica has been competing in this field with the Leica S line of cameras, they have gained over 25 percent of the market share. I am sure they will not take any chances of losing that position. As a matter of fact, a 50 megapixel Leica s would set itself apart from the entire competition simply by being the smallest camera available with that resolution.

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    2. Are you confirming that there will be a 50 megapixel Leica S?

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  3. No, my crystal ball is not that good. But I wouldn't be surprised. As I explained, it makes sense.

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  4. I see that you have scanned images of Barnack sketches; how do you know if these are real. Reason for the question... my father has quite a few of these. They seem to be of the same size and the sig looks the same. However can these be authenticated?

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    1. I used to own one of the sketches, the one with the word "Vorschaltblende." I obtained that one directly from the former curator of the Leica Museum, Dr. Wangorsch. The other one was given to me by a Leica collector who obtained it through the same channels. With other words, these are scans from authentic Barnack sketches.

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  5. Maybe I can scan a couple of them and email you? Let me know what you think

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    1. You are certainly welcome to do so. It would be interesting to see them.

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  6. I like your new logo.

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  7. Reader Eva Horstick-Schmitt wrote:

    Tolle Idee der Blog! Viele Grüsse

    Eva Horstick-Schmitt
    Dipl.-Fotodesignerin
    Künstlerin

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  8. Dear Sir, I discovered your blog few weeks ago and I find this very interesting, fascinating and a big resource for new discoveries inside the wonderful Leica world, my very best and sincere compliments to you and to those all that participate in the blog.
    Many years ago,I would say around 20, while browsing around I found the description of a very beautiful book about the Leica building inWetzlar, full of bw pictures. I was never able to buy it at the time and I never found any info onthe book since then, maybe you can help me with this issue. Thanks in advance and again my best compliments.
    Antonio M. fromRome

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  9. Dear Sir, I am not sure which Leica Building in Wetzlar you are referring to. A very well known one is Haus Friedwart, the former family residence of the Leitz Family. Then there are the production facilities right downtown in Wetzlar with the main administration Building which is now the City Hall of Wetzlar. The downtown production facilities are all used by Leica Microsystems now, the independent Leica branch that manufactures Microscopes.

    I also would like to thank you and let you know how much I appreciated your kind words regarding the LEICA Barnack Berek Blog. It is endorsements like yours which make the efforts I put into the blog all worthwhile.

    With best wishes,

    Heinz Richter

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  10. Perhaps an update on Sherry's story is in order. She has had my Leica CL since November 8th, 2019. Since then, I received a one- word reply asking about her progress. The last communication was in April. Every attempt to contact her since has failed.

    THAT IS UNPROFESSIONAL.

    I can't even ask for it back if she has not started, and a drive from Indiana to NY to pick it up is not an option.

    I'm a reseller, and every month she has it costs me money.

    Her failure to keep customers up to date, or to be completely unreachable, is becoming as legendary as her skills.

    Potential customers need to know what to expect from her. An update to the article will do that.

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    1. I am very sorry to hear about your problem getting your camera serviced by Sherry Krauter. That is certainly quite unexpected. Over the years I do not recall any negative experiences reported regarding her service.
      I will post your letter at the end of the article but, as bad as your experience has been, I cannot justify a single complaint as grounds for an update to the article.

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  11. Ref the article on Horst Faas: Author lists me among AP photographers mentored by Horst Faas. I was actually a United Press International competitor. But we all went to school on Faas.
    Joe Galloway

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  12. Wonderful information about Leitz Canada. Perhaps I have an addition: in 2007 I visited Midland (Ontario, Canada) with my son, and we stayed at a B&B in Midland, the owners of which had been quite familiar with the Leitz family members who lived in Midland. Learning that I was a fan and user of Leica equipment, one asked me at the time why I thought Leitz had set up shop in Ontario. I suggested the Cold War, like mentioned in your blog. But that was not the correct answer for choosingf Midland specifically: it was the geodotic tranquility of this part of Canada. There was no unrest in the earth crust, no volcanic activity what so ever. Because of the almost unearthy precision Leitz applied in its production of its camera and especially lenses AND military equipment, Leitz had chosen this spot for its production. My informants wwere quite determined about that, I I have no reason to doubt this.

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    1. I am not surprised. On my visit we were also shown the part where they tested equipment, like the accuracy of the rangefinder. This was done with very sensitive electronic equipment. However, nothing was being accomplished. Several blocks away some road construction was going on and the heavy construction equipment introduced so much vibration that the test equipment at Leitz was rendered useless even though the testing facility was in an area three floors below ground level.

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  13. Please,

    Is there somewhere a record of the Serial No. of the 1C model owned and used by Ilse Bing?

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    1. I have to do some research. I know a few individuals that could possibly answer your question. I'll let you know what I find out.

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  14. Pradolux RT 300: no light even after replacing the bulb. I've opened it up. Found two fuses, both good. Everything else seems to be working fine. Anyone know where I can find a copy of the wiring diagram? Thank You, Shawn

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    1. I think the best way is to contact Leica Service directly.

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    2. Fixed: poor solder joint on the PCB controlling the lamp.

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    3. I am glad to hear you were able to fix the problem.

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