richfx Posted July 3, 2012 Share #1 Posted July 3, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) I just purchased a Digilux 2 and am absolutely confounded and very disappointed by its manual focusing (or lack thereof) and terribly low ISO capabilities and thus extremely slow shutter speeds, resulting in completely blurred images in MF and AF in seemingly more than adequate light. In manual focus mode, it is impossible to attain a sharp focused image, whether with or without MF assist. There is no focus adjustment visible at all while moving the focus ring, whether in full manual mode or in MF1 or MF 2 assist modes. In auto focus and auto macro focus mode, it is almost equally disappointing, with blurred images and very slow shutter speeds (the latter likely causing the former). In addition, shooting RAW results in interminable wait times to write each file. Finally, I receive an error message after inserting a 16GB Sandisk Ultra card. The 64MB (yes, megabyte) card that came with it from the factory writes only 5 or 6 RAW files before it is filled. Kind of an amazing reminder of technology's light speed march. I have set maximum ISO at 100 because of anecdotal information / articles read concerning poor IQ above that. If this is the root of the problem, it seems to me to render the camera virtually unusable. Am I missing something here or is my copy in need of factory attention? The sensor was just replaced last month by Leica Allendale and the camera "updated" and "checked for good working order" (per the invoice). Many thanks, Rich Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 3, 2012 Posted July 3, 2012 Hi richfx, Take a look here Digilux 2 - Poor Image Quality. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
pop Posted July 3, 2012 Share #2 Posted July 3, 2012 The D2 uses SD cards but not the more recent SDHC ones. SD cards have a capacity of up to 2 GB which is ample for about 400 images in JPEG format. The RAW mode is but rarely used with the D2 because the camera produces very usable JPEG images. Unless there is a technical defect I would like to suggest you check the aperture setting. Until you feel comfortable with the camera, it might bei a good idea to set it to "auto" or wide open (small number). This might account for the long exposure times and the difficulty in focusing. The higher ISO settings are perfectly all right to use as long as you don't mind a smallish amount of noise which is perfectly bearable for smallish prints. I find the manual focus easier to use with the built-in finder (as opposed to the display on back of the camera). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
k_g_wolf ✝ Posted July 3, 2012 Share #3 Posted July 3, 2012 The camera is an OLD beast und you have to be forgiving with this dinosaur of a camera. What settings did you use ? Manual, Automatic ? Which ISO ? Raw, Jpeg ? Autofocus in general AF or AF-Macro-position ? I´am using mine mostly at ISO 200, camera set to Auto, WB set to Auto, highest Jpeg 2560, very rarely RAW but it takes much longer to write on card. I have a few older 2 GB SD-cards for the D2, bigger/ faster cards are no good. Remember, an old beast but since it had a service it should work alright. If you can´t manage to work around the quirks you are obviously too young for this camera ... best GEORG Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pop Posted July 3, 2012 Share #4 Posted July 3, 2012 Upon reflection: what do you consider "seemingly adequate light"? Would you care to post an example of one of those blurry shots? If so, do take care to leave the EXIF data intact. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjh Posted July 3, 2012 Share #5 Posted July 3, 2012 I have set maximum ISO at 100 because of anecdotal information / articles read concerning poor IQ above that. If this is the root of the problem, it seems to me to render the camera virtually unusable. The sensor is quite noisy by today’s standards even at its native sensitivity of ISO 100, so pushing it to ISO 400 (which is the maximum setting anyway) isn’t recommended. But then it’s an 8 years old camera with a sensor design dating back 11 years, so what did you expect? It was an extremely nice camera in its time though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 3, 2012 Share #6 Posted July 3, 2012 No focussing - that can't be right. One of the plusses of the camera is the very nice manual focussing action (as opposed to the AF, which is accurate but rather slow) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted July 3, 2012 Share #7 Posted July 3, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) ...In manual focus mode, it is impossible to attain a sharp focused image, whether with or without MF assist. There is no focus adjustment visible at all while moving the focus ring, whether in full manual mode or in MF1 or MF 2 assist modes.... Many thanks, Rich Rich, try manual focusing with the lens zoomed to 90mm equivalent. That is much easier than with a wider angle setting. I rarely use ISO 200 or 400; only when relying on bounce flash indoors when any result is an achievement. Noise can be reduced tolerably in Lightroom. Try using the camera indoors on a tripod. Excellent for interiors and still life subjects. With a low resolution sensor, concentrate on closer subjects rather than distant cluttered scenes. Portraits using 90mm and full aperture can be stunning. Don't spurn AF. It is reliable and accurate. Practice and make a little allowance for its age. Your research in these threads will show that there are many users of the Digilux 2 who remain very happy with the camera, provided you don't expect it to compete with an M9! I bought mine new and still use several times a week. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anasebi Posted July 3, 2012 Share #8 Posted July 3, 2012 This reminds me of how the best way to make people appreciate the tech they have now is to try the really old stuff. The Digilux 2 is almost TEN years old, it does better than its age but you really have to know how to get the best out of any camera to use it happily now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeleng Posted July 3, 2012 Share #9 Posted July 3, 2012 Hi Rich Make sure you take the focus ring off macro, ( other than for close ups ) I had a similar problem like yours with out of focus landscapes with the AF on macro. This technique might help, its what I use for static subjects. Pick out a point mid way with the camera set to 90mm and an aperture of F4 ( the sweet spot of the lens ) press the shutter half way to focus, once you get the green dot appear, zoom out to compose your picture, then press the shutter all the way. If I'm photographing static subjects, I will shoot raw, movement of any kind, then I will shoot jpeg. Take no notice when they say 400 iso is no good, use it and experiment with it you will be pleasantly suprised, I've posted some images at 400 iso on the thread Re: Do Digilux 2 photos have distinctive look? The Digilux 2 is an amazing camera with a first class lens, it will take some getting use to, just like any camera, hope this helps Regards Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dugby Posted July 4, 2012 Share #10 Posted July 4, 2012 Manual focus is a delight to use on the Digilux 2 I shot this in the mountains of Thailand ......using manual focus...ISO 100, f4 1/200 Despite the camera being almost 10 years old, it's still my favoured "travel camera" Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/183000-digilux-2-poor-image-quality/?do=findComment&comment=2054949'>More sharing options...
k_g_wolf ✝ Posted July 4, 2012 Share #11 Posted July 4, 2012 This photo should definetly go into the "distinctive look" department ... Excellent shot. best GEORG Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuny Posted July 4, 2012 Share #12 Posted July 4, 2012 Rich - The key things to sum up from this are: - 2 GB SD cards are the max. - JPGs are really good so most of us seldom use raw. - ISO 100 is best, but I usually use 200. - The lens is excellent wide open (f/2) and unless you need more DOF or there’s a lot of light most of us leave it on f/2. - For manual focus always focus zoomed in as highly as possible - You won't see focus problems at wider settings. then zoom out to shoot. - Ensure that the focus aid is turned on - If enlarges the center of the scene so you can better focus. it comes on when you move the focus ring, and you can shut it off (temporarily by touching the shutter button. - You do not have to zoom in for auto focus, but you do need to position the center of the viewfinder on what you want in focus, press the shutter button 1/2 way down to achieve focus (green light lights in the viewfinder when that happens), reframe for composition, and press the shutter button rest of the way down. - Use the same techniques as firearms target shooters do to keep the camera steady. When you get good at it you’ll produce sharp images at ¼ or even ½ second exposures. If you never reach satisfaction with the above advice place your D2 for sale in the classified ads section of the Forum. It will sell. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeleng Posted July 4, 2012 Share #13 Posted July 4, 2012 Hi Rich Here is one from Prague took at 400 iso @ F2 1/8 second hand held ( Vibration from boat stopped me from putting on the hand rail ) Its usable, yes there is some grain in the shadow area and there's slight movement from the guy on the bridge. As stuny said 100 iso is the best, but don't be afraid to use 400 iso, if it means you are going to get the shot. Regards Mike Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/183000-digilux-2-poor-image-quality/?do=findComment&comment=2055041'>More sharing options...
richfx Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share #14 Posted July 4, 2012 Thank you all for your learned advice and recommendations. The images provided are indeed stunning, and this Forum is quite amazing. After much thought (and perhaps because I am comparing my it to my M9; unfairly, to be sure), I have decided to part with the Digilux 2 and give someone else, who knows and loves it, the opportunity to use and enjoy it. For me, the actual rangefinder mechanics and experience are more to my liking and style of shooting. Perhaps, as Georg and Anasebi note, I am too young for the Digilux 2. It was well worth the effort in researching and trying it out, however, as all things Leica are of great interest to me. Rich Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anouk Posted July 4, 2012 Share #15 Posted July 4, 2012 Perhaps, as Georg and Anasebi note, I am too young for the Digilux 2.Rich This makes me feel soooo old at 43, , but I really love my D2, it's my favourite camera Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Reading Posted July 12, 2012 Share #16 Posted July 12, 2012 If you use the macro mode you must set the camera to spot focusing otherwise it has great difficulty knowing what to focus on. Once changed it provides good results. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
k_g_wolf ✝ Posted July 12, 2012 Share #17 Posted July 12, 2012 Too late, most likely Rich´s camera has gone now... It seems to be the privilege of young people not to have time switching between cameramodes. Best GEORG Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anouk Posted July 12, 2012 Share #18 Posted July 12, 2012 Too late, most likely Rich´s camera has gone now... It seems to be the privilege of young people not have time switching cameramodes. Best GEORG Hey, don't trash young people like that, we're not all the same! Oh, wait...what do you consider to be a young person?? Maybe at 43, I'm considered old and redundant Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
k_g_wolf ✝ Posted July 12, 2012 Share #19 Posted July 12, 2012 With 43, Anouk, you seem to be VERY WELL off, for the time being. 53 would be pretty bad, 63 - that´s me (+/- a few years ) - is near the end. Best GEORG Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nelly Posted July 13, 2012 Share #20 Posted July 13, 2012 Still use my digilux 2 even though I have an m9 I love tha summicron zoom on the digilux it's a great lens Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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