jtact Posted April 6, 2007 Share #1 Posted April 6, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello everyone, Thank you for this forum! It's the first photo forum I've ever been to and it's great to be able to read the posts from all the pros here. I hope this question is on-topic. I'm 22 and have never taken pictures with a film camera except when I was a very little kid. When I was 18, I got my first camera, a toy Sony digital. I was thrilled with the ability to walk... see something or someone... shoot, and then have this memory kept like that for all time. I was amazed that even a compact camera like that would sometimes capture things I had not noticed. As I get older and get better jobs, I guess the camera is the thing I really want to improve on. Currently I use a Samsung NV7 which, despite having a stabilised Schneider lens (apparently that is a good kind of lens?) is let down by its tiny sensor, and produces photographs that are occasionally unusable at ISO 100 due to sensor noise. It's possible to remove the noise but the filtering has to be so aggressive that I lose all the detail: see attached photos taken at a mate's 21st party last week. It also likes to make my photos very ... saturated. There is a used DMC-LC1, which I gather is very similar to the beautiful Digilux 2, currently on eBay for US$825. I expect it will sell for above US$1000 which will really break my bank. These cameras are in such short supply. But the comments I have read on this camera (and its Leica sister) are so glowing... and when I compare the sample photos from the Digilux 2 thread here, to the photos I'm taking now, it's like different worlds. I don't want megapixels, I just want to be able to shoot what I see and I've read the D2/LC1 can get close. Do you think the LC1 is worth this amount? Thanks for your advice, happy Easter! 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/20733-digilux-2-lc1-huge-amount-of-money/?do=findComment&comment=221492'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 6, 2007 Posted April 6, 2007 Hi jtact, Take a look here Digilux 2 / LC1 - huge amount of money?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
audidudi Posted April 6, 2007 Share #2 Posted April 6, 2007 I don't know from which part of the world you're posting, but here in the US, you shouldn't have any difficulty whatsoever buying an LC1 on the US eBay site for US$825 or less. In fact, one sold just this evening for slightly under $725 and another one recently sold for $675, so if you keep your eyes open, you should be able to do quite a bit better than $825. There's also a camera store in Japan that regularly sells what appear to be mint LC1s on the US eBay site with buy-it-now prices of $750 or less ... so, I guess what I'm saying is that No, I wouldn't pay $1000 for an LC1, even though I wouldn't want to be without one. [EDIT: Oh, yeah ... nice photos, especially the second one!] Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted April 6, 2007 Share #3 Posted April 6, 2007 I see that Adorama currently has a D2 on eBay at $999 - so that might be tempting, it equates to around £525 which looking at UK D2 prices is pretty good (4 days to make up your mind). I agree with audiaudi that $825 would be top dollar for a LC1 - so be patient (difficult I know) and one will come along. Good luck, and welcome to the Forum! Oh - and photo #2 is very good - well done! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
asabet Posted April 6, 2007 Share #4 Posted April 6, 2007 Ebay is variable, and some LC1 and D2 cameras seem to sell for more than they are worth. One place to look would be the Buy/Sell forum at FredMiranda.com. I've seen unblemished D2s go there for $800 shipped and LC1s for less. Unfortunately you have to be a paying member at FM to post a "Want to Buy" listing, but you don't have to pay to respond to a "For sale" listing. Another place to look is Tamarkin.com, a Leica dealer in New York, which seems to frequently have some used D2s to sell. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steich Posted April 6, 2007 Share #5 Posted April 6, 2007 Just sold my DL2 for 850€ (approx. 1100 USD; 1 year old, just checked and cleaned at Solms, with one more year Leica warranty; including 2 extra batteries, a Pana Near lens, a Heliopan UV Filter and an extra battery loader from Hahnel). Both me and the guy who bought it had looked at ebay before...we considered it a fair price. Regards Stefan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wparsonsgisnet Posted April 6, 2007 Share #6 Posted April 6, 2007 JT, you've got lots of price perspectives. How 'bout a camera perspective. The D2/LC1 is the only way to get a Leica-look photo from a less expensive digital camera. The images from this camera are nothing less than superb. It's just money and the camera will capture incredible images for you for years. (I paid almost US$2k for mine, not to mention the razor blades. Has anyone told you how much you'll be laying out for software and external hard disks???) Go for it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtact Posted April 6, 2007 Author Share #7 Posted April 6, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thanks for these great responses. I'm located in Australia, by the way. Bill, you're right about perspectives, and I am convinced that one of these fine cameras is worth every cent. I'm wary that eBay can get a bit out of hand. Often people look no further when they want to buy a lot of things. If everyone uses the existing eBay price as their guide, sometimes prices shoot up. Also, if a second-hand camera website says: Leica Digilux 2, E69 Helio C. Pol., Ex- $679.00 What does that mean? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
larry Posted April 6, 2007 Share #8 Posted April 6, 2007 It includes a circular polarizer (size and brand are listed). Larry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
audidudi Posted April 6, 2007 Share #9 Posted April 6, 2007 Also, if a second-hand camera website says: Leica Digilux 2, E69 Helio C. Pol., Ex- $679.00 What does that mean? It means you should buy it, as this sounds like a great deal! Seriously ... $679 for the camera alone would actually be a good deal for an LC1 and a very good deal for a Digilux 2, but add the polarizer (which are becoming harder to find and more costly when you do) and it becomes hard to pass up. In fact, if you don't want, please let me know where it is so that I can buy it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wparsonsgisnet Posted April 6, 2007 Share #10 Posted April 6, 2007 ... Also, if a second-hand camera website says:Leica Digilux 2, E69 Helio C. Pol., Ex- $679.00 What does that mean? I would interpret it as follows: E69 = 69mm Helio C. Pol = Heliopan circular polarizer filter Ex = excellent condition Excellent is good. I have a polarizer for my D2 and it is often very useful. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtact Posted April 6, 2007 Author Share #11 Posted April 6, 2007 I just spoke with them about it, apparently it was last used by a lady at a sheep ranch in Wyoming and is "very worn", with a slight abrasion on the lens that does not affect the light path - apparently it's close to the bottom. It comes with everything except the string for the lens cap, and doesn't have Photoshop Elements. I asked him, if he was in the market for a Digilux 2, whether he himself would buy it. He paused for a full second and said "probably... I probably would. It's an awfully good price." I'm awake at 5am on a Saturday here in Australia calling these shops! Shows the lengths I'll go to to get one of these cameras! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
asabet Posted April 6, 2007 Share #12 Posted April 6, 2007 Also, if a second-hand camera website says: Leica Digilux 2, E69 Helio C. Pol., Ex- $679.00 What does that mean? I would ask them what exactly is meant by "Ex-." One store's "excellent minus" might be another store's "bargain." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtact Posted April 6, 2007 Author Share #13 Posted April 6, 2007 These are their rankings. I think I could cope with "Average condition, signs of normal use" - as long as the camera works and the guy says it does. And if the polarising filter is a good deal too, then perhaps I should just go for this one? # Mint - Like new, no signs of use or wear # Near Mint - Only one or two insignificant signs of use # Ex++ - Excellent, only very slight marks from use # Ex+ - Better than average, used but not abused # Ex - Average condition, signs of normal use # Very Good - Well-used but working fine Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted April 7, 2007 Share #14 Posted April 7, 2007 On the face of it - it sounds like a good buy. BUT... do you have come-back if the lens mark does affect the image, or it's in worse condition than described? Could he send you a photo of the camera? It's that "probably" that gives me cause for concern! Sorry if I'm raining on your parade - but one must be a bit careful - even if it could turn out to be a great deal. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted April 7, 2007 Share #15 Posted April 7, 2007 I forgot to add - if it's from a dealer - you should be paying by credit card so there's a bit of added safety if it is unsatisfactory. Check that really does come with "everything" (afaik there ain't no "string for the lens cap" - and there should be 2 caps - one for the lens and one that fits the lens hood). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stumac Posted April 7, 2007 Share #16 Posted April 7, 2007 $679 seems a good price, equates to approx $A 1000 plus shipping, insurance etc.. !8 months ago I managed to get one of the last remaning new Digilux 2 in Melbourne, just short of $A 3000, my introduction to digital, no regrets except not enough time to fully explore its capabilites. Regards, Stuart Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
audidudi Posted April 7, 2007 Share #17 Posted April 7, 2007 Well, Jaytee, I'm sorry to be the one to break this news to you, but earlier this morning, I reduced the pool of LC1s available for sale by one: Yes, I bought myself a spare. I'm planning to keep my L1 also but will now permanently dedicate it to use as a digital back for my view camera and use my pair of LC1s for everything else until either something else better comes along or they die an unrepairable death... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpsawin Posted April 9, 2007 Share #18 Posted April 9, 2007 You will be very pleased with the LC1. I have bought and then sold other dslr's and the LC1 remains. It is easy, uncomplicated to use and the results are superb. My only "complaint" with the camera is the evf. But, I'm learning to use it and make peace with it as well. Good luck, Bob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtact Posted May 12, 2007 Author Share #19 Posted May 12, 2007 Great news! I finally settled on the Leica, rather than the Panasonic, and for around $800, an "Ex++" Digilux 2 is on its way to me here in Australia. As soon as it arrives, I'll be shooting away, and I hope to post some of the results here. Thank you to those who advised that two things were crucial in purchasing a Digilux 2: - waiting - not relying on eBay. eBay can create a sort of micromarket for items in high demand, usually tending towards artificially high prices. The average sell price for the Digilux 2s I've been seeing is US$1000-US$1400: it seems you can save a lot if you look outside eBay. That is the price perspective taken care of. For the image perspective, well, I'll report back soon By the way, the Digilux 2 mentioned above with polarising filter is still available from the shop in New York - but I wanted one in better condition. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogopix Posted May 12, 2007 Share #20 Posted May 12, 2007 I dont think you will be sorry. I have, contax, Phase back, Leica R, M8 and a lot of glass, but I still like what I can get out of the D-2 (yes Leica,and yes we pd almost $2,000, when 1st came out) some images are good enough to enlarge and our 'std' 8x10 from a Kodak dye sub are sellable! regards Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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