I'm sure you have all seen the many posts here about Leica's cash-flow. And I'm sure like me as a Leica user and fan that the thought of Leica going to the wall is a little upsetting. I for one would rather not have to move to another manufacturer.
I wondered however if Leica had ever really made any significant profit? The way I see it the Leica has always been a specialist marque. They don't appear to be much interested in marketing their products. I can't recall ever seeing a Leica advert in any form since I've been using their products. Perhaps they do more active marketing outside the UK? If you go to jessops I'm sure all most everything they make other than the smaller digital cameras is going to be a special order. In fact I've just checked and you cannot buy a Leica M8 on jessops.com! So unless your knowledgeable about available cameras most potential customers will probably never come across a Leica.
Surely if Leica were in financial trouble they would make a bit more effort in selling their products? Marketing campaigns for web or print are comparatively inexpensive compared to the extra sales they would generate.
I appreciate that Leica cameras is now much less associated with the rest of the company. And compared to the industrial and electronic arms of the company Leica cameras might be the runt of the financial litter. But Leica's only comparatively recent deal to supply lenses for Panasonic must have made a huge difference to Leica's cash-flow?
I guess my question really is... Leica doesn't look like it's in a good financial position. But has it ever been?