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The LEICA M6 Rooster replicated a
proven "successful" marketing formula used by some of the previously released
Leica Special Edition rangefinder camera models such as the LEICA M6 Platinum 150 Jahre Anniversary Edition as well as the LEICA M6 COLOMBO '92. i.e. limited quantity + reconfigured body dressing + matching lens
with special engraving/serial number to enhance collectible properties in widen its
appeal to Leica enthusiasts as well as collectors. Come to think of it, it was quite
adventurous for a regional distributor Schmidt,
Hong Kong in making such a daring business attempt for a special edition LEICA camera model with limited marketing appeal
as previously, a known effort was with similar initiative was handled by Leica Swiss
distributor with a special release of a LEICA M6G Edition in 1991. The M6G, rarely
surfaced or transacted in the used equipment market, has a gold Leica roundel (logo),
first of its kind that was approved by LEICA AG in an official released camera that
had their world renown trade mark being modified in different configuration. We do
know LEICA does had this with a gray/black logo with newer special releases today
in some of the selective editions such as the LEICA M6 TTL LHSA Black Paint Edition, 2000 or the LEICA M7 Titanium Special Edition
in 2004 etc.
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The highlights of the LEICA M6 Year of
the Rooster, 1993 was with its uncustomary Ostrich/ emu leather work body covering;
engraved "Rooster" emblem with Chinese character on the top plate as well
as specified quantity and name of Schmidt at the rear section and supplied with a
Summicron-M 50mm f/2.0 with special engraving in Chinese charactor on the lens data
ring as well as matching serial code with the S/N engraved on the camera body. The
M6 Rooster was supplied with a wooden display box which also has a wood carving of
Rooster emblem and Chinese characters. The Chinese characters in straught translation
means "LEICA lives in ever Peacefulness and good fortune" - something
like the old Qing dynasty days where people used to send regards to the royal family
members.
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The use of Ostrich/Emu leatherwork was not entirely an original idea. The uncommon
adoption was first being used in the very fashionable LEICA M6/T in 1992. But imprinting of foreign languaese on not new in the LEICA M6 too
as the Italian edition M6 Colombo '92 has all Intalian engraving. However, the M6
Rooster can comfortably claim as the first LEICA M-Series model that has been engraved
with Chinese characters and perhaps it has helped LEICA indirectly creating an opening
for an emerging economic giant as early as in early '90. Today, with the benefits
of economic booms that has lasted for the two decades which has indirectly resulted
in cherishing a new pool of financially capable, medium and high income group of
keen Chinese photographers, Leica had truly started to enjoy its early entry into
the Chinese community with the M6 Rooster. I am a Malaysian Chinese but I can share
with you that many Chinese easily can get association with any global brand that
will acknowledge their global existence by simple thing like this. They have great
respect for German products in quality and reliability. For an example, Volkswagon
may not be regarded as a major car producer 20 years ago, but Chinese simply remember
how the old Volkswagon used to be and they started to adopt the Volks's SANTANA car
as the primarily choice as public transport vihicle, it sold millions in China over
the last decdades and almost single handedly bring Volkswagon financial back to black
those days. Today, Volkswagon with renewed global strategy that works incredibly
well, is back as the world's 4th largest automobile maker. In short, Chinese simply
trust the German quality. Overall, Chinese are photography fanatic and if Leica is
playing its cards well, they should go one step further from here. It isvery comforting
to notice LEICA has direct link with series of Dealers all over in the China mainland
today.
In recent years, there are Leica cameras
which have Chinese engraved, one recent example was the LEICA M7 made in request
for Photohraphic Society of China in limited edition of 50 sets only. But as LEICA
has a new à la carte
division to entertain any
form of special request or tailored made Leica bodies in any specified quantity (if $$$ is not an
issue kind of customer(s); this has certainly dilute the appeal in this regards as
RARITY can be redefined in many ways as it goes.
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Except for the base plate which I will
show it at the nest section, this page has illustrated all the major elements to
make up the LEICA M6 Year of the Rooster 300 units edition by Schimdt Group which
was issued in 1993. The M6 Rooster is eesntially use the LEICA M6 Classic as the
basis with Schimdt pre-specified and own configured specifications to produced for
its release. Essentially the camera shares basic camera operation with the M6 Classic
model. The camera handling remains similar to any M6 Classic model and for those
who may be familaier with the M6, it shouldn't provide any operational issue for
shooting. IF your new purchase of the camera is without an instruction manual, you
can refer to the bottom section to download a copy for future reference.
<<<-- The
metering cell that resides at the top right hand corner section is for measuring
reflective light from the white circular spot pained on the first shutter curtain.
It then relay the processed exposure guide thru' finder .
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previous |
NEXT - Other views as well as a mini showcase on this Leica M6 Rooster Edition rangefinder
camera model
| Part 1
| Part 2 | Part 3 |
Main Index Page
- Leica M6-series models / Main Index Page - Leica-M Series
Rangefinder camera ModelsNomenclature
/ Main Reference Map applicable to Leica M6 Year of the Rooster Edtion:-
Leica
M6 Standard Model(s)
except for the engravings and special leatherette
Instruction Manuals applicable to the Leica M6 Year of the Rooster Edtion:- Leica M6 Classic
in PDF (3.8mb)
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