Digilux 3, to buy, or not to buy

[canus]

Hi everyone;

I'm not a regular user here, but, I somewhat have a dilemma that I'm hoping someone can help me with. As of right now, I have the D-Lux 3, and I'm very happy with it, but, I just checked out a Digilux 3, which is in great shape, no scratches, dents, dings, etc..., and the store is selling it for 1325$ + tax = 1500$. It comes with all the accessories that it originally came with in the box. So, I just want your opinions please. First of all, is 1500$ (Canadian) worth it, what is your impressions with this camera, of course, for those of you who have it or have used it before. I would greatly appreciate your input. Oh, I almost forgot, it comes with an in store 3 month warranty also.

Thanx

[earleygallery]

Hi, personally I wouldn't bother. It's a discontinued model and Leica are also out of the 4/3 market (although there is a hint that they may make micro 4/3 lenses in the future).

I think there are better options out there.

[canus]

Thank you, I appreciate your input.

[rsolomon]

I happen to think its a great camera - the price seems a bit high to me. i use the kit lens with AF and also an assortment of R lenses that i have had over the years. results of image quality is the bottom line, and in that arena the digilux 3 scores high. i do hope that leica produces a Digilux 4 (it is doubtful they will) this camera lacks a few things i would like:

1. cleaner at higher iso
2. 3200 or 6400 iso for indoor sports
3. 5 fps instead of 2.5-3

i love the feel of this camera, i like the looks as well

[canus]

First of all, thanx, I appreciate you advice.
But, don't forget, I'm talking Canadian dollars here. If you were also thinking that price in Can. dollars is too much, how much would you suggest?

[rsolomon]

umm...... in not from canada so maybe the numbers are off for me -- in us. For a used Digilux 3 i would say $1000 is a great price, $1200 about right, and I would pay no more then $1300. keep in mind since its discontinued they probably want to sell it.

....and just because its discontinued doesn't mean its no good, it depends how you will use it. My 1989 560 merceedes is also discontinued but i get a lot of value from it

[John Thawley]

Originally Posted by canus

First of all, thanx, I appreciate you advice.
But, don't forget, I'm talking Canadian dollars here. If you were also thinking that price in Can. dollars is too much, how much would you suggest?

I sold mine about 6 months ago... very near perfect condition for $1200 US.

I went back to the Digilux 2... seems to be much more suitable for how I wanted to use the camera.

For me, the Digilux 3 was a stepchild in a house full of full blown DSLRs. There was not advantage in my picking up the Digilux 3 to something my Canon cameras were more adept at. The image quality was excellent... don't get me wrong. But my lens collection for the Canons was broader and covered focal lengths not available for the Digilux 3.... and 3 fps @ 7mp fell short too.

For me, the Digilux 2 is the prefect walk around camera. Beautiful image quality... fantastic lens... and a relaxed personality. Very nice in the hands... bit slow... but that's OK... when I'm out with the Digilux 2, I'm pretty much relaxing.

JT

I nearly forgot to mention, I have a D-Lux 3 also... but it's been delegated to true pocket camera status. Beautiful camera... and gorgeous images. But, it doesn't have the "romance" of the Digilux 2.

[canus]

I would like to thank everybody on their suggestions, point of views and advice.

[jerryharwood]

I had one, and didn't like it at all- it is heavy, unbalanced and noisy; you certainly couldn't use it anywhere there was a rquirement for silence, ie theatre or such. The pictures it took were OK, but in a limited way. It didn't sell at all well in the UK, and dealers are trying to dump it, with out much success.
You might like it, but don't pay over the odds for it, you will regret it !

[Paul Edwards]

Hi
I have the D3 and I also have a couple of nikon DSLRS and although it took a little getting used to at first I find that I reach for the D3 with its kit lens first every time.
I also subsequently got the panasonic version of the D3 with a different lens on it and that is a good camera also.
I have a D2 which is a very good camera but different to the D3.
As I said before the D3 took a little getting used to but now it is so easy to use.
It is a solid and reliable camera to use and if you can get it at a good price then go for it.

[stevev1969]

I really like my Digilux 3, it handles like my old film cameras without too much reliance on menu's and produces stunning picture quality. There are plenty of Sigma and Oly lenses to go at and the 25mm f1.4 lens is stunning.

I'd commend it to you and the price looks on a par with UK.

Steve

[dwind]

I also have a digilux 3 and love it. With the kit lens it is superb. It feels great, not heavy but a bit bulky. I wouldn't pay anymore than $1k US for it.

[ravduc]

It's a very good camera, a bit on the heavy side with the kit lens and fairly large. It takes a bit of time to get use to how it handles. Its a very different camera from any of my other cameras (D2, E-1, E-300, E-3) but I always enjoy using it. It is unique and if this is what you are looking for, then you will be pleased. I purchased mine (demo) online from the Westcoast cameras for 1195 usd. The price you mentioned in CAD sounds about right.

[canus]

Well, thanx again everyone. Your help has been more than appreciated.
I was able to talk down the price from 1500$ which includes our 2 taxes
to the price before taxes which is 1325$.

I'm going to buy it in the next several hours, I'm so excited. Thanx to all
of you again

[marc_dufour]

Digilux 3 is a good camera, I enjoy with.
Have a look to these samples, taken with D and R lenses:
La Palma Island, Canaries Archipelago
Landscapes from France
Nature V, La Palma island
Seascapes
Hope you enjoy it.

[canus]

Holy macro, those were done with a Digilux 3?
Man, I will freely admit to you, one of the main reason's I started to like Leica camera's was because of Jim Redcliffe's photo's (see dpreview.com (leica section with the D-lux 4 and the M8)), he can do some amazing things with a camera. But, now, after seeing what you did with the Digilux 3, I'm completely impressed. I know it will take me ions to learn to do what you do with a camera, but, I will give it my best. Thanx for the inspiration!

[mark_a_h]

Hell yes. I'd snap that up for $1500. (I paid $1200 CDN for a used D2 a few years ago.)

[uptong]

If anyone is interested Ffordes Photograohic currently have a s/h L1 version complete for £499 which seems a good price going by what people are saying about prices.If you dont mind not having the red dot
Condition described as Slight Signs of Use

[marc_dufour]

It's to me, Canus? Not sure...
If it is: all these pictures were taken with Digilux 3 (as most of these other ones: Seashores), and later using the Raw files and balancing with CS3 tools.
Some details about each picture are available by clicking on the the small camera above the photo.
Thanks (if it was to me) and cheers,
Marc

[canus]

Hi Marc;

yes, it was absolutely to you my man. I'm going to go and check out the recent link you just sent me.
By the way, I'm playing around right now with the DOF (depth of field) with this camera and lens. Do you have any suggestions?