Question For The Technical Minded

[DavGreg]

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We all know of the fondness of users, current and past, for the Digilux 2 camera and it seems that new people keep finding their way to it's unique design. We all also know that a day will come when the supply of working Digilux 2 ( & Panasonic LC1) cameras will run out and that marvelous lens will go dark.

 

I truly think that if Leica were to release an update of the Digilux 2 it would sell well and could probably be developed for minimal cost (CCD, Logic Board, Software). Technology has certainly improved greatly since the early 2000's design timeframe and herein lies my question:

 

If Leica were do release a new camera built around the Digilux 2's lens (essentially the same physical size sensor), what kind of Megapixel count could be achieved today? Secondly, if a Foveon sensor was used, could the pixel count be even higher. The relatively fast glass of the Digilux 2 lens would seem to be custom made for a Foveon sensor.

 

Not being a geek about such things, I was wondering if those who are would humor me with their speculation as to what kind of performance 2010 CCD technology could cram in that small sensor size.

[integrale]

5MP is enough for me; I would prefer not to have higher pixel-count (most likely at the cost of reduced IQ).

 

What I would like to see is a revised D2, perhaps based on the X1 design but with a more traditional approach to the controls (focus ring on lens and EVIL, e.g.). I wouldn't mind loosing the zoom to get this.

[Digitom]

...

I truly think that if Leica were to release an update of the Digilux 2 ...

...If Leica were do release a new camera built around the Digilux 2's lens...

...if a Foveon sensor was used, could the pixel count be even higher.

 

Too many "if´s" and "could be", "would be", "might be" etc.pp.

We should accept that Leica (means: together with Panasonic, that is the main reason why not!) will NEVER produce a successor for the Digiliux 2. It was a marvellous camera which was IMHO surely a product which was "too good" for that price that days. We should be happy using our Digilux 2 until is is out of support, and then change to other cameras. There are surely cameras nowadays which will be good substitutes to affordable prices: µFT Cameras like the Pen2 will be a good solution when using with M lenses, or also the X1 can be such a camera (partially). Finally do not forget the M8, which is now available for a good price! Maybe Leicas plan of an "adequate solution" for using R lenses in the future could be such a successor, but today that is speculation!

 

But I am really tired of hearing these frequently crying: "we want a Digilux 4"!

Just forget it! Stop dreaming and make photos with your D2 as long as it works!

[AlbertoDeRoma]

...

But I am really tired of hearing these frequently crying: "we want a Digilux 4"!

Just forget it! Stop dreaming and make photos with your D2 as long as it works!

 

Hear! hear!

 

The D2 is a perfect example of how higher pixel count does not necessarily mean better IQ - and definitely not better pictures.

 

I compared the D2 to tubes in audio before. While tubes, especially when used in single-ended circuits, measure worse (often much worse) than transistors in terms of distortion, "speed", etc., the sound that comes out of them is often "magical" and much more engaging than their better measuring transistors counterparts.

 

I own both an M8u and and a D-Lux 4. The M8 + 28mm Asph. 'cron is, by all technical measures, a better camera but, more often than not, I get more enjoyment and take photos I like better with the D2.

 

When my D2 stops working, I'll move to my first spare one. When that stops working, to my third one. Hopefully, I'll be shooting with the D2 for years to come.

 

Alberto

[DavGreg]

My likes for the Digilux 2 are the way it handles- as in a conventional film camera and the viewfinder. The poison in the X1 brew are it's fixed lens and lack of a viewfinder. I have no interest in a hotshoe mounted chunk of glass.

 

That lens is wonderful and my point was that an updated logic board and CCD could make an amazing camera. I doubt I am alone, as people still continue to discover this unique camera. A boutique manufacturer such as Leica is exactly who should be hitting such markets.

 

I already have a Lumix L1 (Digilux 3) and an iPhone does fine for point and shoot, but the DL2 fills a gap in-between and the X1 just doesn't get it-especially for the price.

[adan]

2/3rds" sensors are pretty much gone from the market. I think Fuji is the only company still using one (and that's in a 2-year-old camera - 11.1 Mpixels, BTW): FujiFilm FinePix S100fs Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

 

Update: S100fs is discontinued per Fujifilm web site.

 

Since the D2 lens is designed for a 2/3rds sensor - that pretty much ends that discussion.

 

I think the only likelihood of another D2-like camera from Leica is something like an X2 with a zoom lens and a built-in eyelevel finder of some kind (I'll let you guys argue over EVF vs. optical). A 16-50 (24-75 equivalent) f/2-2.8 might just be possible in a size not much bigger than the Vario-Summicron.

[Digitom]

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...

When my D2 stops working, I'll move to my first spare one. When that stops working, to my third one. Hopefully, I'll be shooting with the D2 for years to come.

 

Alberto

 

 

Hi Alberto,

 

that "backup strategy" is very good.

 

I do same since years with my HP200LX Palmtop computer whose production was stopped 2001! My 1st machine (from 1994) still working (an old DOS Palmtop PC, no color, no internet, no multitasking but marvellous PIM Software and database - I LOVE it because of its robustness). I am member in a forum of the last users of that tiny machine, and most heard topic since about 10 years is "will there be a successor for the Hewlett Packard 200LX"? All people say frequently "NO", and when I come here to the Leica Forum I really get sometimes a "deja vu" when it comes to the Digilux 2 (by the way: I own three HP20LX ) and unfortunately only one D2...

 

But that brings me back to the point: we just should accept the fact that no successor is on the market, the Digilux 2 is an outstanding product, a kind of technical masterpiece due to its handling. But sure there are other cameras which will take the place when the last Digilux 2 on this planet will die! I love the Digilux 2 but finally I say I will not stop photography when it is broken! We all should be well grounded and realistic.

[lct]

...A 16-50 (24-75 equivalent) f/2-2.8 might just be possible in a size not much bigger than the Vario-Summicron.

Would be significantly bigger i'm afraid. Something like the Nikkor 17-55/2.8. 11cm long, 755g or worst for an f/2 lens i guess.