The photographic industry
is undergoing substantial changes which also have a definite effect on the Photokina,
the largest photographic exhibition in the world. They recently changed from a biannual format
to have the show every year. However,
the most recent exhibition, planned for May 2019 was cancelled and is now
planned for May 27 to 30 in 2020.
The cancellations of
Leica, as well as Nikon and Olympus for Photokina 2020 have surprised many in
the photographic industry because Photokina represents a unique opportunity to
show the world that the topics of photo, video and imaging have not lost
relevance. The cancellation of Leica,
Nikon and Olympus are all the more surprising in view of the commitment of many
companies like Canon, CEWE, GoPro, Sony, Panasonic, Kodak Alaris, Sigma,
Tamron, Carl Zeiss, Hasselblad, Hahnemühle, Arri, Rode Microphones, DJI and
Insta360. Fujifilm on the other hand is
still deciding on their participation.
According to German
magazine PROFIFOTO, Falk Friedrich,
Managing Director Leica Camera Deutschland GmbH made the following statement:
"The strategic considerations of Leica Camera AG
and Leica Camera Deutschland GmbH for general participation in future trade
fair events have led to the decision that an appearance at Photokina 2020 is
not planned. Our strategic main task for the next year is to further publicize
and stimulate the Leitz-Park Wetzlar, a unique place of experience and
inspiration that brings the brand world and the fascination of Leica
photography to life in all its facets. Furthermore, we had already given our
commitment at closely related events in Germany. We have not decided yet on a
possible participation in the photokina 2021, meaning that Leica only pauses
".
This however should not be
misconstrued as problems for Leica and it certainly does not mean that the absence
at Photokina means that no new products from Leica will be forthcoming in the
near future.
Leica SL2 (?)
Already at the last
Photokina Leica announced a new medium format camera, the Leica S3. While not available as of yet, the release
of this new model is anticipated in the near future, as is the replacement for
the Leica SL, the SL2.
L-Mount Alliance logo
While nothing new anymore,
the L-Mount Alliance, a new strategic alliance with partners Panasonic and
Sigma, is alive and well and has brought forth several new products, cameras as
well as lenses already.
For other articles on this blog please click on Blog Archive in the column to the right
For other articles on this blog please click on Blog Archive in the column to the right