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Digilux 2 - resale value through the roof (recent eBay sales)


AlbertoDeRoma

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I would suggest that people be very careful with this 'Miracle Cloth'. Scratches, however minor or shallow in any paintwork, cannot be illuminated unless the paintwork is redone, (not advisable) or an abrasive product is used (T Cut!) to 'rub out' the scratch, which I would again suggest as inadvisable for Leica cameras. This cloth uses the latter system and works in much the same way as, 'Dualit' wadding, for those who know of this metal cleaner, which also goes black when used. Such products remove tarnish by slight abrasive action, and would eventually remove silver plate, or indeed, paint. After trying this 'Miracle Cloth' on the bottom of my D2, I found that the cloth polished out the slight satin paintwork finish. Consequently. I needed to carefully use it all over the base of the camera to blend in with any minor improvement it had made, which wasn't much. It left a slight sheen to the finish that wasn't there before. If you were to use it on the top-plate of your camera, you might be disappointed. Perhaps using the cloth on the side where the strap lugs have made scratches would give an improved appearance, but I would be careful elsewhere.

 

Sounds like you rubbed to hard. Plain and simple. ANYTHING will damage the surface if you rub too hard.

 

Bottom line, if that's your concern, leave it alone. ;) I've used these cloths for YEARS (like 15) without a problem... cleaning silver and other metals. I just cleaned a $1200 fountain pen with it. The Digilux 2 is PAINT. If you rub too hard, you'll rub the paint of... just like the strap is doing. :)

 

JT

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Just giving additional information, that's all. Just trying to be helpful in making people aware of how this cloth works. The D2 paint finish is not meant to be shiny.

If the scratch isn't coming out, people might continue with it which is the same as rubbing harder.

If you got results that you're happy with, that's fine.;)

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Just giving additional information, that's all. Just trying to be helpful in making people aware of how this cloth works. The D2 paint finish is not meant to be shiny.

If the scratch isn't coming out, people might continue with it which is the same as rubbing harder.

If you got results that you're happy with, that's fine.;)

 

My D2 paint finish isn't shiny. Nor is the area where I used the cloth. Other than putting too much muscle into it, I can't imagine what you did. It's a cloth... it's not steel wool. :) It's a simple little dust cloth. LOL

 

But.. yes, I'm happy with the results and continue to recommend the cloth to those that are unhappy with the "rub" marks in the sides of their Digilux 2. And I guess to qualify the comments, the cloth DOES NOT remove scratches. You'd have to "fill" scratches.

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No, I didn't rub too hard. Look, I'm not challenging your views of this thing, nor undermining your recommendation.:) Just adding my experiences of how I found this cloth to work. I used it carefully on an area on the bottom of my camera and discovered how it works: as written above. I just posted my findings for people. I'm sure it's good for the sides where the lugs are, but the bottom plate is a larger surface area.

Come on, it's not a simple dust cloth. It's obviously impregnated with something, which is how and why it works.

So, perhaps some might find what I said to be useful information. For sure, It'll become repetitive if we peruse this endlessly, so I'm leaving it now.

J.

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Sigh, I started looking at leica digilux 2's again and after discovering Herr Overgaard's magnificent article on the camera I wanted it even more. I was looking last year and this winter, but read some bad reviews and missed out on some deals. I was more interested in the digilux 3 which I have since read not so good things about. I decided I wanted a film rangefinder so went that route instead. I want a leica slr too so started spending too much time looking at cameras and lenses. and then I figured I might want a decent digital camera too... Problem is I never have any money so came to the conclusion that the digilux 2 would give me a sort of slr sort of rangefinder with an amazing lens that is all manual and would not have to buy several lenses. The strange thing is in 2003 I actually had money so could have afforded a digilux 2 and wanted to buy one. I was talked out of it by a know it all boyfriend who said leica's were elitist blah blah and pushed a nikon instead.

I can't help it, I'm always attracted to expensive uberquality finely made cult classic things.

I have a leica digilux 4.3 which is an amusing camera but do not use it much. My husband has the dlux 3 but I can't stand it. Oh I'm the one in the house that buys cameras AND shoes! So it's him shaking his head at my obsession and showing me $30 old konica slr's in second hand shops.

As for the price going up, quel dommage! I've been reading alot of hype articles of late, so I can see demand is going up, but it is an older camera, things can die, people should be fair. I can't really afford to spend THAT much on a 2003 camera, but would very much like to get one. Or two-one for my mom who is a fabulous photographer but does not want to get back into having gear but needs a decent camera. So please hoarders, save one for me!

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Hi Heather, and welcome!

 

One of the basic principles in capitalism is that the value of a commodity is judged by the market, so the value of the D2 is what someone is willing to pay for it. There seem to be substantial price fluctuations in respect of the D2 and possibly bargain deals are still being made, e.g. Gabrielnoraa's purchase on ebay.se above.

 

The competition is closing in (e.g. the upcomming Fuji X100), but the D2 still offers a unique (wo)man-machine interface combined with excellent optics. Together, this commands the current prices.

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Thank you!

Capitalism, so much to answer for.... It's great for people with D2's sitting around unused, but also makes it difficult for those who cannot afford the growing price for a camera that could go kaput due to pitfalls of technology and age. Mind you I have quite a history of being willing to pay more for something that is absolutely fantastic and deservedly sought after, but maybe not quite worth THAT much. There is a digilux 2 on ebay in Canada relatively close by so shipping would be easy and custom headache free, BUT has already passed my threshold, yet at the same time another D2 from the UK has barely broken the $350 mark. So I know one can be found. I do not want the panasonic version. I strongly dislike that black blobby high tech look of most digital cameras.

what is this fuji x100 people speak of? will google, but, it is not a leica.

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  • 2 weeks later...

By total chance I spotted a Digilux 2 this morning at a local seller: 190€ with a 1-yr warranty. Some wear around the strap lugs, but great condition, only 3k shutter actuations, two batteries, hood, etc.

 

I would have never thought it, but now I'm a proud D2 owner. :)

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Just purchased a s/hand d2 today off ebay for £363 or approx $540. Had sensor replaced in 2008 .Lady owner from new.

I used to own one of these in approx 2004 and regretted selling it for years. Im looking for some of the usefull settings sharpness etc. Will only be shooting in jpeg. So any tips tricks will be usfull.

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Just purchased a s/hand d2 today off ebay for £363 or approx $540. Had sensor replaced in 2008 .Lady owner from new.

I used to own one of these in approx 2004 and regretted selling it for years. Im looking for some of the usefull settings sharpness etc. Will only be shooting in jpeg. So any tips tricks will be usfull.

 

I'd strongly urge you to leave the settings in their default positions (sharpness, contrast etc) - the jpegs from the camera are exceptionally good and a pinch of color/contrast and a touch of unsharpen mask is all you'll need in post processing.

 

I would customize the Function settings that allow you to put Quality, ISO, White Balance and White Bal. Adj. controls in the sequence you prefer. Turn the Grid overlay on (great for keeping horizons straight and awareness to the Rule of Thirds. The other control I use most often is the EV button to get to the Flash power frequently. I'm constantly pushing the Flash power up and down depending on if I'm bouncing it or using it as a little touch of fill. And, I use the camera in manual modes and employ auto focus.

 

Good luck.

 

JT

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