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/200706241....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