Saturday 19 September 2009

The most ridiculous article of the year thus far goes to... Amateur Photographer (26.09.09)

In very large black text with an accompanying close-up of Leica's M9 and famous red dot, Amateur Photographer, a magazine published weekly in the UK, boldly announces on page 6...


Photographers ditch DSLR gear for M9

It goes on to gleefully report... 

Demand for Leica's M9 is outstripping supply (not hard) as customers, who included professionals trading in their DSLRs, snapped up the full-frame camera within minutes of it Wednesday's launch!

RG Lewis, billed as London's 'oldest Leica shop' (thus surely unlikely to talk up the M9's market debut!) confirmed that initial stocks have "come and gone". 

A spokesman said: "We had eight ...and 14 minutes later we didn't.

That's almost stock in double digits, and this stunning statement of sales achievement, or unfulfillment, depending on your take on things,  left me reeling, with it's almost profound effect!   

Then followed this most classic of quotes later in the article...

Clients have also included a man who traded in his nikon D3 DSLR and lenses - to the great relief of his wife who, apparently, was glad to be rid of the DSLR kit that took up precious space at home.  What?!?! 

Apparently though another Leica camera store reports that "98% of new M9 customers are existing Leica owners" and that there's a four week waiting list for new orders!!

Have you ever known a respected photographic magazine publish such trite and utter drivel?