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[Hank Taylor]

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I recently purchased a R8 and am now thinking of getting a digital module or buying

a Digilux 3 as a way to shoot digital using the R lenses. I understand that the Digilux requires an adapter.

 

Any comments on best option? Any experiences to share with one or both of these

solutions? . I'm already using my m9 for digital but would like to take advantage of using my R lenses.. Love shooting with the R8

Thanks.

Hank

[adan]

Assuming money is no object and you can find one, the DMR is the better option. Both will crop the image, but the DMR:

 

> will allow you use all apertures without having to focus or meter stopped down - i.e. it (or rather the R8/9 body it is mounted on) has all the levers, cams, ROM contacts etc. for R lenses.

> has a much bigger brighter finder (regular R8/9 finder with the cropped area marked with a frameline on a special screen included with the DMR)

> has slightly more megapixels, 10 vs. 8 (or 6.2 for the Digilux if you crop for a true 35mm image shape)

> has less of a crop factor (1.35x vs 2x) and uses the Barnack image proportions of 3:2

> has no image-softening anti-alias filter (although not having tried the D3, I can't say how big that difference is)

 

However, the DMR:

> is rare and expensive - still close to its original price @ $4,000-$5,000

> is large - like an R8 motor drive.

 

Me - I found a used Canon 5D and R adapter. Which has the lens connectivity issues of the Digilux 2 (plus a few of its own for wide-angles), but is full-frame, 12 Mpixels, and cost $1000.

[jaapv]

I have both the Digilux3 and the DMR. The DMR is still one of the very best DSLRs out there, in terms of image qualuity and ergonmics. The Digilux3 is a dated 4/3rds camera with adequate image quality but imo only suitable as an emergency backup for the DMR in terms of getting the best out of Leica R lenses.

[johnnyj]

I have a R8, R9, DMR Back, Digilux 2, D3, and D4. I've shot the Hasselblad V and H series (digital backs). I'm looking for another DMR as a back-up. In short, that tells you what I think of the DMR and R8/R9 combo. I use the DMR personally and professionally.

[Symeon]

Digital module is bulky and awkward - a compromise. Classic M or R lenses will not work perfectly well with Digital Leica 3 (but will work with M8 or 9), adaptor or no adaptor. Better reconsider your options.

[ho_co]

Hank--

There's probably a third option coming, maybe September at photokina.

 

When Leica announced the discontinuation of the R series, they said they were looking at possibilities for a digital box to take the R lenses.

 

Rumors are that this box is now coming. They're still rumors, but reaching the point of open discussion on the Forum. See http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/digital-forum/124813-m10-new-camera-line-merged.html.

 

The Digilux 3 didn't sell too well. It's a FourThirds format camera. There are other FourThirds cameras on the market, plus the newer Micro FourThirds cameras. With an adapter, all of these will accept R lenses with a 2x crop factor.

 

The DMR has been praised by everyone who has used it, was very high-priced during its production run, produced only in very small quantity, and therefore still priced high.

 

Future rumored camera will likely be full-frame and will almost definitely accept R lenses with an adapter.

 

Optical quality will probably be best with the DMR; so will its resale value.

 

FourThirds (and Micro FourThirds) cameras will give very good results, but on a much smaller sensor.

 

Your guess is as good as mine on the camera that doesn't exist yet.

[stuny]

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Hank -

 

All of us DMR owners can attest to its ergonomics and picture quality – arguably still not surpassed in spite of over six years having gone by since the first of the 5,000 units were shipped. Some R8s would not work initially with the DMR and required a short visit, along with the DMR, to Leica for adjustment. It’s worth the effort and wait.

 

September and photokina? I hope Howard is correct, as do quite a number of other DMR owners, but it is just rumor. If it does come about then there is the issue of how soon after that will units be available.

[farnz]

I have a R8, R9, DMR Back, Digilux 2, D3, and D4. ...

D4? Do you mean the D-Lux 4?

 

Pete.

[roguewave]

Digital module is bulky and awkward - a compromise. Classic M or R lenses will not work perfectly well with Digital Leica 3 (but will work with M8 or 9), adaptor or no adaptor. Better reconsider your options.

 

Do you own or use this? I couldn't disagree more with this! The DMR is still the finest digital slr on the market. The R8/R9 is a marvel of design, engineering & utility. Most important is the image quality. Nothing comes close to the DMR & Leica lenses. No contest.

 

Awkward, compromise, bulky... You obviously haven't had any experience with using this kit in real life situations where you must nail the shots & get the best. There just isn't a better option.

 

I believe a FF R solution is in the works. Timing is uncertain & price, well you already know to expect to pay top dollar. I did with the DMR & NOTHING I have ever used in a 35mm format comes close to the images I can fashion with this gear.

[andybarton]

Prices of good used DMRs have gone up by 1/3 in the last 18 months. That tells you quite a lot.

 

They are now going for the same amount of cash as I paid for mine new. As always, I sold mine too soon...

[wildlightphoto]

... The DMR is still one of the very best DSLRs out there, in terms of image quality and ergonmics...

 

I agree, that's why I bought a backup DMR.