Sales of Leica ‘system cameras’ fell 26.9% in the year to 31 March 2009, compared to the previous 12 months.

Sales of Leica compact cameras dropped 10.3% and revenue from sales of ‘sports optics’ fell 16.6%.

Company chairman Rudolf Spiller blamed the decline on ‘negative economic developments of our relevant international markets’.

He said the results also reflected the phasing out of products ‘due to their life cycles’, as well as ‘delayed market introduction of new products’.

The firm cited the Asian market as its most lucrative, accounting for 36.6% of total sales.

The group reported a group net loss of ?4.8m. But Spiller remained buoyant, pointing to potential profits expected to stem from the Leica S2 (pictured) which is due to debut in October.

He said this is among ‘more than eight’ new products due for launch in 2009.

Total sales at Leica Camera AG fell to ?134.2m from ?156.2m – a 14.1% decline on the previous year.

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