lesh Posted October 23, 2009 Share #1 Posted October 23, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Is it my imagination, or are posts on the merits and use of the D2 (and the LC1) by far the most prevalent on this forum? A while back there was an effort to launch a separate D2 forum, and a "Social Group" was launched (apparently reluctantly) but a quick glance will confirm there's not much action there. Maybe it's in too much of a backwater, and so discussion of the D2 seems to continue to dominate this forum. How do they feel at Wetzlar when a discontinued camera creates so much more passionate debate and discussion than most of their current lineup? Think the reaction of most manufacturers would have been to build a Mark II version, sharpish. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 23, 2009 Posted October 23, 2009 Hi lesh, Take a look here D2 Dominates the Conversation. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
wilfredo Posted October 23, 2009 Share #2 Posted October 23, 2009 Is it my imagination, or are posts on the merits and use of the D2 (and the LC1) by far the most prevalent on this forum?A while back there was an effort to launch a separate D2 forum, and a "Social Group" was launched (apparently reluctantly) but a quick glance will confirm there's not much action there. Maybe it's in too much of a backwater, and so discussion of the D2 seems to continue to dominate this forum. How do they feel at Wetzlar when a discontinued camera creates so much more passionate debate and discussion than most of their current lineup? Think the reaction of most manufacturers would have been to build a Mark II version, sharpish. I've also noticed the increased buzz around the D2. One of my general observations is that certain Leica cameras seem destined to become classics, and never become completely obsolete regardless of the fast pace of technology. It would appear that the D2 is in that category. I believe the M8 will also move into that category at least until the M10 is introduced to the market and perhaps even after that. These are cameras that will maintain their usefulness and relevance regardless of new advances and added bells and whistles in the world of digital cameras. I've been wanting a "leisure" camera for a while, and haven't really found one I liked. I tried a Canon G9 and Olympus 410 and sold both within a year of ownership. I've decided to try the D2 and picked-up a used D2 yesterday. Here it is. Already I can sense an intuitive connection. I'm looking forward to taking out into the field. Cheers! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
comapedrosa Posted October 23, 2009 Share #3 Posted October 23, 2009 +1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvan01 Posted October 23, 2009 Share #4 Posted October 23, 2009 I think the D2 along with the Dlux 4 dominate the digital forum. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nhabedi Posted October 23, 2009 Share #5 Posted October 23, 2009 I'd think that an updated Digilux 2 (faster overall operation, better EVF, sensor the same size but with a few more pixels and improved high-ISO behaviour, otherwise unchanged) would still be a great camera today, especially because there is no other digital camera in sight that comes close to its concept. However, it seems pretty obvious that this won't happen as both Panasonic and Leica are pursuing other routes now. Stefan Daniel has explicitly stated that Leica's new digital policy is to have the highest possible quality with large sensors and with a significantly larger sensor (even if it "only" had the size of the X1 sensor) a zoom lens comparable to that of the Digilux 2 would unfortunately be extremely big, heavy, and expensive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemalk Posted October 23, 2009 Share #6 Posted October 23, 2009 We probably won't see the likes of the Digilux 2 or LC1 again - it existed as a flagship model that would bring respectability to Panasonic as a serious camera maker and to Leica as a solid step into the digital realm. It was expensive and a luxury item. Panasonic no longer needs to prove their worth among other camera makers and Leica is on another path. I love my LC1. I'd never part with it. But it is an orphaned product that continues to live on in the DNA of countless other cameras made to this day. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted October 23, 2009 Share #7 Posted October 23, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) "" I'd think that an updated Digilux 2 (faster overall operation, better EVF, sensor the same size but with a few more pixels and improved high-ISO behaviour, otherwise unchanged) would still be a great camera today, especially because there is no other digital camera in sight that comes close to its concept. However, it seems pretty obvious that this won't happen as both Panasonic and Leica are pursuing other routes now." It's too bad this won't happen, a lost opportunity. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Algo Posted October 23, 2009 Share #8 Posted October 23, 2009 Hi gentlemen, Perhaps, D2 don't dominate only conversation ? ! I'm a former film photograph, reflex Pentax Me Super, B&W, process and so ... Since digital, I was looking for the gear that offer to manage picture, like I know. When D2 came out, I understand that's should be this one, but I couldn't : out of range ... By luck, time was on my side and 4.5 years later that's an ebay bargain ! So I could answer to another topic : I have the bug !! But twice the bug : cause this September the sensor fail. In Paris, we've got a Leica repair service workshop, let's go. Above the average work : 3 weeks later, sensor changed, WB tuned, cleaned, front grip fixed. Leica AG extended warranty = free of charge. Respect, that's great. Definitively, Digilux 2 is second to none. Who said legend ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overgaard Posted October 23, 2009 Share #9 Posted October 23, 2009 I'd think that an updated Digilux 2 (faster overall operation, better EVF, sensor the same size but with a few more pixels and improved high-ISO behaviour, otherwise unchanged) would still be a great camera today, especially because there is no other digital camera in sight that comes close to its concept. However, it seems pretty obvious that this won't happen as both Panasonic and Leica are pursuing other routes now. Stefan Daniel has explicitly stated that Leica's new digital policy is to have the highest possible quality with large sensors and with a significantly larger sensor (even if it "only" had the size of the X1 sensor) a zoom lens comparable to that of the Digilux 2 would unfortunately be extremely big, heavy, and expensive. I wouldn't rule it out. Some of the responses I heard to the new Canon 1D Mark XVIII was that many photojournalists already use small RAW files on the old one. More than 8 MP is simply overload for their workflow of downloading from camera and selecting the shots going to the paper. So at least in my book high quality is not the same as high megapixel numbers. And the D2 confirms that with it's excellent image quality at only 5 MP. If Leica comes with the new D2, and I think they do when they've come out on top from the M9 and S2 and X1 development, it's important to keep all things as they were on the D2 and only improve what is already there. Buffer, EVF, AF-speed, face recognition, slightly better quality feel of the lens. There's no doubt things would be easier if Panasonic will participate in developing a new D2, but even if they don't, I think it will come. Logic might say the D2 could cannibalize the M9 sale, but actual research would tell that those who have D2 also have or aim for an M9. You can't get 21/1.4, 35/1.4, 50/0,95 or 75/2 from a Digilux 2. And the feel of the M9 is so different one can't sleep once the idea is there. So that's why. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nhabedi Posted October 23, 2009 Share #10 Posted October 23, 2009 So at least in my book high quality is not the same as high megapixel numbers. And that's not what I said either. Please don't put words in my mouth. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Algo Posted October 23, 2009 Share #11 Posted October 23, 2009 (...) If Leica comes with the new D2, and I think they do when they've come out on top from the M9 and S2 and X1 development, it's important to keep all things as they were on the D2 and only improve what is already there. Buffer, EVF, AF-speed, face recognition, slightly better quality feel of the lens. (...) + 1 : do not change nothing please : upgrade ! May I add some idea : How to improve the Manual Focus ? Keep the bridge system, improve EVF and add a second micro sensor. So it should be possible to emulate M range finder system by digital processing ? Why not, I'm just computer scientist not optics ? PS. And so many thanks to every www D2 fans : Thorsten, John and every one in there ! Yours faithfully. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overgaard Posted October 23, 2009 Share #12 Posted October 23, 2009 And that's not what I said either. Please don't put words in my mouth. I wouldn't. I'm just referring to the normal buzz about more megapixels and even more megapixels. And the a real lot of megapixels. But the don't improve image quality, nor workflow or happiness. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lesh Posted October 23, 2009 Author Share #13 Posted October 23, 2009 It's a pleasant thought that Leica might, even without the participation of big P, get around to creating an updated D2. Maybe call it the TT model (Thorsten/Thawley)? It's a tantalizing one, and although maybe too much time has passed, surely it could be done if there was a will to. What an achievement if all the wishful posts on the topic for the past couple or three years finally got the message through, like water dripping on a stone. I'd like to believe it, but.......... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildpanda86 Posted October 23, 2009 Share #14 Posted October 23, 2009 I would think the successor to the D2 is Panasonic's own GF1... too bad you can't get one with a red dot on it:( Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlosecpf Posted October 23, 2009 Share #15 Posted October 23, 2009 I wouldn't. I'm just referring to the normal buzz about more megapixels and even more megapixels. And the a real lot of megapixels. But the don't improve image quality, nor workflow or happiness. Love it!! Indeed it doesn't bring happiness at all! As I am studying more photography, I am transitioning to from auto-everything pixel peeper to a think-before-shoot and mechanical photographer. And this forum has played an instrumental role in this transition. I don't know if I am a better photographer or not, but I am having much more fun than before! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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