To Wait or Not to Wait?

[GCHA]

Having been using a Kodak DCS14n DSLR (14Mp) since 2003, mostly for B&W printing, I have been quite satisfied. Great image quality, etc.,etc., but I wanted to have a smaller camera to carry around all the time.. so I purchased a new D Lux 4. I have been astounded by the image quality and color rendering of this little camera! I, for the first time in several years have become more interested in doing color work again.. Since Kodak no longer supports the DCS14n, and I have a renewed interest in Leica and color photography, would moving to a Leica Digilux 2 or 3 be the thing to do? And would I be satisfied with their image quality, compared to that of the Kodak DCS14n? Or perhaps, just hold out and wait till Leica comes out with a Digilux 2 Mark II. I do not see me being able to afford an M8 at this time (Retired/No Income/etc.)!!! Would either of these cameras just be another version of my D Lux 4, or would they be substantially closer to the DCS14n?
Thanks for your opinions in advance,
Gary

[enboe]

An option you do not list is an older M, like an M2, M3, or an M4-2, an older 35 or 50 lens, and a few rolls of B&W film. I just shot some Ilford XP2 and had it processed at a minilab. I was very happy with the results. The camera was an M2, bought this year for $600, and the lens a 35/3.5, bought this year for $170. I expect I could get at least $600 back out of the set if I ever tire of it.

Have fun.

[GCHA]

Thanks for the reply. Since I am interested in landscape and fine art photography, a high resolution 13X19 inch would be desireable. So, large sensors are of interest... Thus the questions about image quality and printability exclusive of the amount of pixles! Although film is a posibility, I would probably be more interested in medium or large format. However, I would need a scanner, darkroom stuff, etc. I really don't want to go there at this time. Another path would to stay with the Nikon system and invest in a D700 body. But, would a D2 or D3 give me the same image quality?
Thanks,
Gary

[wparsonsgisnet]

Gary, I would wait until the M8 market softens and buy a used M8. 'Course you need lenses, but that's the whole idea: Leica glass!

From my point of view, there is no alternative to Leica glass. I've been using the M8 for a couple of years now (and film M's since 1970). The M8 lets me make better pictures than I could ever do before.

All that said, it's not a bad camera.

[Bo_Lorentzen]

Gary,

I have the Digilux 3, worked with the 14n.... there is no comparison. Hold out for a scratched up M8 (after I get mine) or get a spare 14n. The Digilux is nice, but not that nice... or pick up a used M body and stick some film in it..

[roguewave]

Gary, the D2 was my first digital Leica. For the purposes you state, I believe it is most excellent & very affordable. With the magnificent glass and a 28mm wide angle that is truly distortion free, I have taken many of my finest landscapes and Central Park images. It is light, easy to operate and provides excellent, sharp images. Don't overlook this jewel. I also have several other Leicas, film & digital. I think the M8 is not a wonderful landscape camera, unless you make it so. The default contrast often forces the loss of detail and subtle tonal gradations that make both B&W and color landscape imagery magical. I must confess that after using the M8 for various periods of time, it leaves me cold. I have never felt that way about any image I have garnered with the D2 or any film M such as my M2, M3 or CL. The same glass renders an image much different in film that than the raw file of any M8. They are fine cameras, but I don't believe landscapes are their strength. Besides, they are so overpriced for a less than full frame image taker and they fail at an extraordinary rate. Start with the D2, you will love this camera.

[stuny]

Gary -

Welcome to the Forum. The D2 was my first digital camera, and as it approaches 5 years old, I still use it frequently. It has its limitations, but it is a true gem. Have a look at Thorsten Overgaard's D2 site: leica.overgaard.dk - Thorsten Overgaard's Leica Sites - Leica Digilux 2 sample photos and tests (as well as Panasonic DMC-LC1)

[John Thawley]

I've added a "personal" review of the Digilux 2 to my journal also. Though, I bow to Thorsten's page as he has been shooting the Digilux 2 since the beginning of time... or thereabouts.

JT