M9 to M9-P

[snoopytan]

Let's hope they don't charge an arm and a leg here for this.
_____

Allendale, NJ (August 2, 2011) – Leica Camera announces a new service for Leica M9 owners to incorporate the product features of the Leica M9-P into their existing M-System camera, resulting in an alternative, even more discreet and resilient design. Owners taking advantage of the service will also receive a one-year warranty extension. Through the North American Headquarters in Allendale, NJ, Leica will be offering a “Sapphire Glass” upgrade package and a “Top Cover and Sapphire Glass” upgrade package. Interested customers are encouraged to schedule appointments starting August 8, 2011 for upgrades from October 3, 2011 through Leica Camera, Inc.

The “Sapphire Glass” upgrade package offers the replacement of the M9 monitor cover with the M9-P’s scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal cover, a choice between vulcanite and smooth MP-style leatherette trim and a one-year warranty extension. The package will be available for $1,295. The second option, “Top Cover and Sapphire Glass”, includes the replacement of the monitor glass with sapphire crystal cover and the replacement of the top deck and base plate with silver chrome or black paint. The package also includes the choice of vulcanite or smooth MP-style leatherette trim and a one-year warranty extension. The package will be available for $1,995.

All upgrades will be performed by specifically trained technicians and will be a part of Leica’s regular repair service. Reservations are on a first come first serve basis and upgrade time is dependent upon demand. M9 owners can schedule upgrades beginning August 8, 2011 by calling 1-800-222-0118 x 9930.

Please visit the Leica website at www.leica-camera.com shortly before the start of the upgrade program for further information about the offer and the upgrading procedure.

 

[artspraken]

This upgrade option may have very interesting effect on future market for Leica.

My thoughts:

• Will M9 price increase? If M9P is sold out in October, then M9 upgrade is the only way to get M9P.
• Will Leica cut production of M9P to increase revenue from M9 upgrade option? (ie. Does Leica earn more profit (margin) from selling (i) the entire M9P, or (ii) just the top cover + sapphire glass + upgrade service?) My guess is the latter.
• In resale market, M9P will cost a lot more post-upgraded from M9. This is because seller must factor the Leica upgrade overhead – Will price increase?

The big question in October: How does Leica allocate factory resources to (i) production of M9P (whole camera); and (ii) upgrade to M9P (cosmetic upgrade service). What is the comparative rate of increase of each? [I think its alot faster to upgrade than to build a whole camera]

From my layman analysis, the notion of ‘upgrade’ is a clever gimmick:

2. to afford Leica 1 more revenue stream for doing only a cosmetic work and selling cosmetics;
3. to artificially (arguable ok, don't flame me) maintain the high price of M9 and M9P, which are otherwise supposed to depreciate as digital bodies (straight line depreciation in 1 year hor!);
4. to enable Leica greater control/flexibity over the market – by slowing production of M9-P, Leica will indirectly increase the no. of M9 upgraders. Greater profit margin from selling cosmetics instead of cameras.

Of course, the above theory rests on an assumption people actually want to upgrade. Not sure exactly what is the demand for the 'P' look.


Yours sincerely,
ARTSPRAKEN

aspiring marketing agent for leica <---come hire me pls lol

 

[Cougar159]

I was told by a local source to change sapphire glass, it will cost S$1.3k.

To change glass, top and bottom brass, will cost S$2.6k.

All will come with 1 year Leica extended warranty, international.

Downtime, 6-10 weeks turnaround, Solms, Germany.

Maybe better off buying a new M9-P set.

 

[zixaw]

I think it was reported recently that there is a major shortage of parts because some parts suppliers have not fully recovered from the Japan quake and the wait time for a M9 and M9-P is now 3 months and it is 1 year for the Noctilux!

Not sure how this will affect the upgrading of a M9 to M9-P.

 

[Dfive]

I never waited fro my M9-P...... walked in to the Leica store let THUR (28TH) and picked it up on the spot

They MAY have 2 sets left ????

ALL other dealers will get them in about 2-3 weeks.... as the Leica Store ( They say by Leica....but I think MAX's Singapore as I can tell from the C/Card receipts ) will have new items 2-4 weeks before others..... ???

M9-P will have a lessor market so sell to..... so MAY hold its value better.... I only assume ???

Thx.

 

[zixaw]

Singapore launched later than other parts of the world and they just started selling the M9-P here so there is still stock available, in fact, Cathay, Gopes, Max and Alan Photo just started selling it yesterday or today.

But once this batch is gone, it is supposed to be a 3 month wait.

I personally got mine about a month ago from Hong Kong for alot less than what they are selling in Singapore. For those that are nostalgic, it even came with a Schmidt warranty card. LOL

 

[artspraken]

I think it was reported recently that there is a major shortage of parts because some parts suppliers have not fully recovered from the Japan quake and the wait time for a M9 and M9-P is now 3 months and it is 1 year for the Noctilux!

Not sure how this will affect the upgrading of a M9 to M9-P.

M9 got parts made in Japan meh? I tot M9 parts are made in portugal

 

[Dfive]

M9 got parts made in Japan meh? I tot M9 parts are made in portugal

Yup and parts from USA... the Sensor from kodak factory same like their S2 ( New York factory as I know ).

LEICA now gets it from the best and then when and where required.

 

[Dfive]

singapore launched later than other parts of the world and they just started selling the m9-p here so there is still stock available, in fact, cathay, gopes, max and alan photo just started selling it yesterday or today.

But once this batch is gone, it is supposed to be a 3 month wait.

I personally got mine about a month ago from hong kong for alot less than what they are selling in singapore. For those that are nostalgic, it even came with a schmidt warranty card. Lol

cool

 

[NazgulKing]

M9 got parts made in Japan meh? I tot M9 parts are made in portugal

Japanese chips and electronics are pretty ubiquitous, so no surprise really. Also, Hoya and others makes a lot of glass.

 

[snoopytan]

I was told by a local source to change sapphire glass, it will cost S$1.3k.

To change glass, top and bottom brass, will cost S$2.6k.

All will come with 1 year Leica extended warranty, international.

Downtime, 6-10 weeks turnaround, Solms, Germany.

Maybe better off buying a new M9-P set.

Yes, they will take in sets beginning 1 Oct.

 

[funtasy]

May I know from those brothers here who owned a M9-P, do you still use a screen protector on the LCD screen? Is it necessary? Thanks!

 

[artspraken]

Use iPhone screen protector. Cheap!

 

[Cactus jACK]

I personally got mine about a month ago from Hong Kong for alot less than what they are selling in Singapore. For those that are nostalgic, it even came with a Schmidt warranty card. LOL

:bsmilie:

 

[Canonised]

Latest from the Leica Internet Team

Recently we announced a new option for owners of the Leica M9 to incorporate the special product features of the Leica M9-P. Owners who take advantage of this service will also receive a one-year warranty extension. With this offer that lets current owners of M9 cameras take advantage of the latest developments in the M-System, Leica Camera AG once again proves their commitment to full system compatibility and the enduring values of the M-Series. The service will begin from 1 October 2011.


Leica will be offering two packages: a 'Sapphire Glass' upgrade package and a 'Top Cover and Sapphire Glass' upgrade package. The 'Sapphire Glass' package offers a replacement of the M9 LCD monitor cover with the Leica M9-P's scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal cover, and a one-year warranty extension. The second option, 'Top Cover and Sapphire Glass', includes the replacement of the LCD monitor glass with a sapphire crystal cover and the replacement of the top and base plates with silver chrome or black paint, plus a one-year warranty extension. The silver chrome option also includes the replacement of the leatherette covering with the vulcanite trim of the Leica M9-P.

M9 owners can order upgrades for their cameras at Leica Customer Service in Solms and at Leica Service Partners in the USA, Korea and Hong Kong. Owners bear the costs of shipping their cameras to Leica. Within the EU, camera owners can take advantage of the fast or express service at an extra charge. Please note: we recommend that owners contact Leica before sending in their cameras to arrange an appointment for the upgrade and avoid longer waiting times.

Please visit the Leica website at www.leica-camera.com before the start of the upgrade programme for further information about the offer and the upgrading procedure.