Hi from new D-Lux 5 owner......

[DaveyA]

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Well almost, I ordered it today and I am expecting delivery tomorrow. I am so looking forward to it arriving. I have been dipping in and out of the forums for a while on here and I have finally decided to take the plunge and order myself a camera. I got interested in photography a few years back and bought a DSLR, then followed the usual acquisition of lenses filters etc etc. Trouble is I have eventually put myself off taking the camera out because, a. I don't enjoy lugging all the stuff around. b. I do feel a little self conscious when actually using the thing, but that's just me. I just enjoy taking pictures whether on a walk in the hills or on a day out in the car. So I decided to find something that was more discreet and easier to carry around, but also capable of taking good pictures (even if I am not, yet). After what seems days looking at various options on the net I finally decided on a Leica and in particular the D-lux 5. I think it fits in nicely with my level of skill and budget. I almost went for the Panasonic GF1 which I liked a lot, but I realised I would probably end up going down the same route as I did before and convince myself that I needed just one more lens or some other accessory. This brings me nicely to what will undoubtedly be the first of many questions to come. Which case would you recommend? The genuine Leica one seems to me the obvious choice but I just wondered whether anyone had another recommendation. I noticed an earlier poster asking a similar question so I will keep an eye on replies there too.

Many thanks in advance

Dave

[DwF]

Hi Davey, and welcome!

 

I have the LX5 but really enjoy these cameras and bet you will be happy with what you get. I would suggest (and I have carried my camera across continents) that you get a small pouch style case that will accommodate an extra battery. keep it small and snug. Lowepro or Tamrac make nice ones. If you go out with a Laptop brief as I often do, the pouch is nice protection.

From there, what I like to do is go out with the camera out of the case on a wrist strap and in a side pocket of my coat or jacket. Or I place it in a small fanny pack that I have or small camera bag with my X1. It is a very easy to carry camera so finding a case is a matter of what works and feels right.

 

David

[macjim]

You could also get yourself a Lenspen, it's a cleaning brush at one end and a round pad at the other end (a cleaning pad) which I use to remove smears and marks which gather on the lens over time, just remember to use the brush first before using the cleaning pad so not to scratch the glass!

A spare battery would be handy but I do find for general use, the battery charge last a long time with the D-Lux 5. A case or small bag would certainly be a good idea, and be careful that the rear screen doesn't get scratched when carrying it outside of a anorak, as I have found out the hard way, the zip teeth can Mark the screen. You might be able to purchase a clear film to go over it — I've seen them available for the M9's.

You could also go for the electronic viewfinder but that is quite expensive, it let's you put the camera up to your eye and gives you a much steadier hold on the camera but, it isn't necessary as most users don't bother with them as the anti shake is very good — it only comes into its own when you are out taking photographs in very sunny days.

But most of all, don't get hung up on what bits and bobs you could get — just go out and enjoy using it, it's a great wee camera!

 

welcome to the forum!

[Campievanner]

Hi Davey

I am like you with a Nikon DSLR but wanted something to carry at all times. I had a compact but on a trip to see Tutenkhamun recreation found the no flash pictures awful. My iPhone was much better.

I have bought a D Lux 5 this month and love it so far. Love being able to change things without having to fiddle with the menu.

I bought the Alexander S White book which is good.

I chose the soft leather case and put a lens cloth, spare card and a £10 note in (well you never know)

I can't find a spare battery yet but that will improve.

Let us know how you get on.

[farnz]

Hi, Dave,

 

Welcome to the forum, congratulations on your new DL5 and welcome to Stage 2 of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)!

 

I use the tan leather case from my departed DL4 because I prefer it to the darker DL5 case. It's a snug fit and probably benefitted from seeing a bit of use.

 

I agree with Campievanner that you should buy a copy of Alexander S White's book because it is light years ahead of the manual and written from a DL5 users point of view.

 

You may find the lens cap to be a nuisance because when you forget to remove it for a quick shot - as you will - the DL5 will sulkily tell that you haven't removed the lens cap and refuse to fire until you do, by which time you will have missed the shot. And when you've taken the lens cap off you've got to find a place to put it but they're expertly trained at getting lost. Yes, you can attach the nylon cord but that's expertly trained to tangle itself around any near object and yank the DL5 from your grasp. I've replaced my lens cap with the JJC 'barn doors' lens cap* where the barn doors part and the lens glides through the middle. You might like to consider acquiring one - you just unscrew the filter ring and screw on the barn doors cap and you're ready to shoot.

 

When you feel ready, please post some pictures in the photo forums.

 

Pete.

 

* Link provided for info only and I have no connection with, or knowledge of, this vendor.

[macjim]

Yes, I forgot to mention the Photographers Guide to the D-Lux5 book as I have a PDF copy on my iPad and iPhone 4 which is useful to keep with me — a good book!

Regarding the flip lens cap — does it keep the dust and dirt off the lens? Does it scrape to lens barrel in use? Would like to hear more about that cover. Oh, and how do you take the ring off too?

 

PS: I too have a Nikon D90 and find it too heavy to carry about.

[Fang]

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Hi Dave,

 

Congratulation on your new purchase.

 

I bought my D-Lux5 more than 3 months ago to replace my D-Lux 3.

 

I also own a DSLR but I find that I have been using the D-Lux 5 so much more than the DSLR not only because it is small, convenient and easily accessible/portability but also because of the quality of photos I can get from it - the low-light shooting abilities and features. It is truly part of the Leica camera philosophy.

 

I carry the D-Lux 5 around on a hand strap in the Leica Leather 18723 Case tucked in my leather belt on my hip - just like a pistol - ready to shoot.

 

I have since added a Richard Franiec's Grip and uses a Panasonic Lumix Viewfinder (for outdoor use).

 

You will be surprise with the results from the D-Lux 5.

 

Enjoy.:)

[farnz]

...

Regarding the flip lens cap — does it keep the dust and dirt off the lens? Does it scrape to lens barrel in use? Would like to hear more about that cover. Oh, and how do you take the ring off too?

Jim,

 

I've had no problem with dust or dirt on the lens although there is a 1 mm or so gap between the doors. The barn doors are very light and very lightly sprung so they don't mark the anodised lens barrel as it glides through. I used a similar hood (Ricoh LC-1) on my D-Lux 4 for about 3 years and it left no marks.

 

The ring can be unscrewed with the fingers but if it's a bit stubborn I should think that a rubber glove would provide enough purchase to unscrew it.

 

Pete.

[DaveyA]

Thanks for the welcoming messages and suggestions everyone. Well, the camera arrived today but to my great disappointment they forgot to include the memory card that was included in the package so I am going to have to wait until tomorrow when the card should hopefully arrive. How frustrating to have the camera in my hands and not be able to try it out:(

Never mind, it will give the battery time to charge up I suppose! Does the offer of Lightroom still apply to this camera and if so how do I go about downloading it?

[macjim]

Lightroom, yes. Go to the Leica web site: https://owners.leica-camera.com/en/login

Register your camera and then follow the downloads link. You'll need to enter the code which is included with your documentation and that will allow you to download Lightroom 3!

If you bought the camera from an authorised Leica dealer, send your receipt, or a copy, with the Leica passport booklet back to them to get your Leica Passport warranty. The dealer should have stamped the passport booklet.

This will give you a replace if damaged (1 year) warranty and a further year faults warranty so it's worth getting.

Hope that helps…

 

Cheers, Macjim.

[farnz]

... How frustrating to have the camera in my hands and not be able to try it out:( ...

Dave,

 

Shoot away! The DL5 has 40 MB resident memory in the camera that you can use until your SD card arrives. You can store up to 2 RAW images, 9 images in jpeg Fine, or 400 of the lowest quality jpeg images.

 

Pete.

[shandy]

Hi Dave.

Congratulations.I got mine this week also and love it,big improvement in all aspects (especially ease of manual control) over my old D-Lux 3.

 

I am waiting for one of the Leica cases to be delivered but in the meantime purchased a lowpro D-Pod 40 flexible sided case which fits the camera perfectly and has room for a spare SD card and battery but is not bulky.