Question regarding the Pan DMW-L69 . . .

[Lonestarchitect]

About the Panasonic DMW-L69 (aka the wide angle lens converter for the D2/LC-1) . .

I have heard of the same part number being either a .7X or a .82X converter and I was wondering which of these numbers was correct (or if even both of them were correct, but you would think they would have a different part number . . . . ) The former would convert the 28mm to about a 19.5mm, which would be useful, while the latter convert a 28mm to a 23mm, which would be significantly less useful . . . .

I do a lot of architectural photography, and the D2 is an excellent all around camera, but indoors (or for congested urban areas) it can be difficult to get the shot I need with a 28mm. I MIGHT carry a converter if it could get me in the sub 20's, but I'm probably not going to tote around that gargantuan piece of glass if it's only going to get me down to a 23mm . . . .

For what it's worth, I know that Mr. Overgaard (excellent photos, by the way) states that the DMW-LW69 is a 0.7X, but I have also seen online images which refer to the lens as a 0.7X, but in the image of the item you can clearly see where it says "Lumix Wide Conversion Lens 0.82X" around the perimeter.

So, any ideas?

Thanks,

-sam

[ho_co]

Welcome to the forum, Sam!

It's 0.82x, I'm afraid. I checked with Panasonic at the time to answer that same question.

Several people tried it and said it was optically good, but a bit bulky and heavy, so they tended not to carry it along.

I don't know where the .7x figure came from, except that as you say, it would make the attachment more salable.


I hadn't noticed Thorsten's mention that it was .7x. He's definitely the most knowledgeable person here in matters concerning the Digilux 2, as well as in producing excellent images with it. I guess this one got by him.

[overgaardcom]

I actually has it as 0.7x on my page and I guess I got it from somewhere. I'll check.

Here is a nice gallery of images using the wide converter Panasonic DMW-LW69 Wide Lens on my Leica Digilux 2 Timeblog

The D2 works perfect for architecture, considering how easy it is to use and how easy it is to shoot handheld at even very slow times. I prefer handheld for architecture indoor as slight changes in placing the camera can do wonders - and then a tripod is in the way.

[audidudi]

Originally Posted by Lonestarchitect

I have heard of the same part number being either a .7X or a .82X converter and I was wondering which of these numbers was correct (or if even both of them were correct, but you would think they would have a different part number . . . . ) The former would convert the 28mm to about a 19.5mm, which would be useful, while the latter convert a 28mm to a 23mm, which would be significantly less useful . . . .

It's .82X ... or at least that's what mine says on the side of it. As you noted further on, it's a huge piece of glass and although I do use mine occasionally, it does make the camera a bit unwieldy for handheld use as it becomes rather nose heavy when it's attached. It's a good performer, though, and if you need it, it's worth getting. (Note that they do turn up on eBay regularly and often sell for very attractive prices ... IIRC, I paid less than $200 for mine, new in the box.)

[Lonestarchitect]

Thanks for the the quick responses on this. Someone's offering the DMW-L69 for $275 delivered (I'm in Osaka), so I might give it a try . . . . I'm going to be in Tokyo in late March, and would like to have it in hand by then, so waiting for a cheaper price on ebay may/may not pay off . . . .