Don't discount the Digilux 3 so soon...

[peterb]

You know, dim viewfinder, perhaps too many buttons and the clackity clack of going to liveview notwithstanding, with the R adapter this camera could be one incredible picture taking machine.

For starters the 4/3 chip yields a fairly respectable pixel size which should yield some reasonably low noise jpegs and certainly fine RAW files.

The 28mm to 100mm (equiv.) zoom I'm sure is fantastic. Although you could also substitute any of the existing zooms if you felt that necessary.

But the big thing, I think, taking advantage of the 2X crop size, with the R adapter ring, the 90mm APO Summicron would be a reasonably less expensive f2 APO 180 (reltative to the existing one for the R)

And if you DO spend the bucks, the 180mm f2 would become an 360mm f2 APO!!! WHERE ON EARTH COULD YOU FIND THAT?

[sean_reid]

You do have sample pictures for us don't you? <G>

I certainly want to test the D3 before drawing any kind of conclusions about it.

Cheers,

Sean

[peterb]

Absolutely right Sean!

I was merely saying that the D3 with the ability to hook up with R Lenses could be a very interesting possibility.

Look if the results from the D2's 2.5" sensor in your words produced some incredibly impressive files in RAW (and I had some equally fine jpegs at ISO 100), then I was speculating that with a larger sensor and more and larger pixels, the possibilities for superb images with some known optics may turn out a rather surprising picture taking machine.

P

[spylaw4]

Fingers crossed!

[rob_x2004]

I would say if they meant you to sit R lenses in front of it they would have made the collar to take them. All said, I have little doubt that the lens they have developed, albeit a friggin mastadon, suits the camera and is the right lens for the job, as will be any follow up lenses. You haven't the viewfinder of the R bodies, why would you not want the advantages of an AF lens. They also have a market place to consider. Market dictates. I could care less about the reviews. It will be a stunnning camera. I do not want one.

[sdommin]

Originally Posted by peterb

But the big thing, I think, taking advantage of the 2X crop size, with the R adapter ring, the 90mm APO Summicron would be a reasonably less expensive f2 APO 180 (reltative to the existing one for the R)

I wonder if the adapter ring would add some distance between the camera and lens, and make it even more than a 2X crop size.

[abrewer]

Very nice work on your site, Scott.

Welcome to the Forum!

Thanks.

Allan

[sdommin]

Originally Posted by abrewer

Very nice work on your site, Scott.

Welcome to the Forum!

Thanks.

Allan

Hi Allan,

Thanks! I spent lots of time in the "old" Leica Forum, but I'll accept your welcome anyway!

[J Mitchum]

Originally Posted by peterb

But the big thing, I think, taking advantage of the 2X crop size, with the R adapter ring, the 90mm APO Summicron would be a reasonably less expensive f2 APO 180 (reltative to the existing one for the R)

An advantage for some is a disadvantage for others. The 2x crop factor may be good for nature and sports photographers (though the slow write speeds may negate this) it is not good for those who need normal and wide-angle focal lengths. Also, a 90mm lens with a 2x crop is not the same as using a 180mm lens with no crop. There are many factors (image quality, perspective, etc.) that would make the 180mm lens a better choice. The lenses made specifically for the 4/3 format help alleviate these problems to some degree but an R lens via an adaptor would not. Something to consider.

[albertwang]

In the long run, no one really cares what camera was used to shoot the picture if it is with a leica lens... the post processing will win whether or not you shoot with a D3 or not.

[J Mitchum]

Originally Posted by albertwang

In the long run, no one really cares what camera was used to shoot the picture if it is with a leica lens... the post processing will win whether or not you shoot with a D3 or not.

Well now that's just silly brand loyalty. A lens by Leica might make a good camera better but it won't make a bad camera great. No amount of Leica "magic" can do that. Having a Leica lens is no guarantee of superior image quality. There are too many other factors that contribute to the final result.

[sdai]

Originally Posted by J Mitchum

A lens by Leica might make a good camera better but it won't make a bad camera great. No amount of Leica "magic" can do that. Having a Leica lens is no guarantee of superior image quality.

How true ... especially when it is only a LEICA-WANNA-BE.

[telyt]

Originally Posted by peterb

... the D3 with the ability to hook up with R Lenses could be a very interesting possibility

Lenses specifically designed to cover only the smaller 4/3 image circle can (potentially) offer higher performance along with smaller size.

Originally Posted by sdommin

I wonder if the adapter ring would add some distance between the camera and lens, and make it even more than a 2X crop size.

??? I'm not sure what you're trying to say here.

If the adapter adds distance beyond that nessesary to make up the difference between the 4/3 body thickness and the R body thickness, you'd get closer focussing and you'd lose infinity focus. Might be better to have an extension tube on hand instead.