Is Lumix Leica real Leica?

I've now found what would seem to be the definitive story.
The original page is missing (for the moment at least),
but is archived at
<http://web.archive.org/web/20070624160310/http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/lumix/popup/behind_the_scenes/vol3.html>
or <http://tinyurl.com/3ble8x>
In short:
* Lumix Leica lenses are designed by Panasonic
* Designs are reviewed and accepted or rejected by Leica
* Leica demands Leica level performance for acceptance
* Leica specifies manufacturing quality control
* Lumix Leica lenses exhibit Leica level performance
I personally think that makes them "real" Leica lenses,
but as always, YMMV.

--
Best regards,
John Navas
Panasonic DMC-FZ8 (and several others)

John Navas wrote:
> I've now found what would seem to be the definitive story.
> The original page is missing (for the moment at least),
> but is archived at
>
<http://web.archive.org/web/20070624160310/http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/globa
l/lumix/popup/behind_the_scenes/vol3.html>
> or <http://tinyurl.com/3ble8x>
> In short:
> * Lumix Leica lenses are designed by Panasonic
> * Designs are reviewed and accepted or rejected by Leica
> * Leica demands Leica level performance for acceptance
> * Leica specifies manufacturing quality control
> * Lumix Leica lenses exhibit Leica level performance
> I personally think that makes them "real" Leica lenses,
> but as always, YMMV.

As with cars and laptops, you don't know where they are made, but the badge
on them is, and always should be, a guarantee of top quality workmanship and
superior design technology.

DP