good 6x4" prints from D-LUX 2, would M8 be better?

[mnsh]

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Dear Leica colleagues

 

For some months I have been following with interest all the M8 debate here, and the lens discussions. Also I read a long essay 'Secrets Revealed' by Erwin Puts about Leica lenses from the Leica website which was most informative. Particularly his point that the photographer themself is the weakest link in the chain from scene to great image. I'm only an amatuer photographer, but not bad. My output is to print my best pictures on 6x4 photo paper at home on an Epson Photo printer R300, although I look at them all on screen when reviewing. My wife is my best critic. For over a year I have used the Leica D-LUX 2 which is a brilliant little camera. Auto function is good but I know how to use Manual including focus when needed. Does anyone have MTF diagrams for the DC VARIO-ELMARIT 1:2.8-4.9/6.3-25.2 ASPH lens it uses? I've been looking for its 'sweet spots' but it seems sweet throughout. It has a good range of optical zoom equivalent to 28 - 112mm for 35mm film. It's easily carried in a pocket. Please do not despise me, as I'm sure this camera is beneath the attention of all the power users here, but my point is that since I'm printing small prints for home use, do I need anything better? Sure, I would like to have an M8 and I could afford it, but will it actually make my pictures better? Will I be able to use an M8 while walking a dog? I find the D-LUX 2 good for the home and garden, views of Cambridge Colleges by day and night (using mini-tripod), and all sorts of weather including stormy. The AWB is usually spot on. It can take RAW but my efforts in Photoshop usually worsen the picture. Its most obvious weakness is indoors with my toddler niece who moves quickly, and in bright sun when viewing the LCD can be difficult.

 

My first post, please bear with me and apologies if the photos should be posted in the Gallery not here, I'll explain why. For your critique, I venture to post 4 ordinary JPG pictures taken on a recent holiday in the Highlands of Scotland, including one b/w as I enjoy this idiom.

 

There should be four attachments: a cottage, an anchor, a loch, and a chain. Haven't done this before but the computer was busy for some time so hope they are there. [Edited, no they aren't there yet, will keep trying]

 

My question is this: if I had taken them by M8 and printed on my printer, by how much would they be any better? Thanks for your advice.

 

Matthew Hunt

Cottenham, Cambridge, UK

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[mnsh]

hope this works

 

D:\My Pictures\any JPGs out\L1060349.JPG

 

D:\My Pictures\any JPGs out\L1060415.JPG

 

 

D:\My Pictures\any JPGs out\L1060109.JPG

 

D:\My Pictures\any JPGs out\L1060779.JPG

 

still can't do it, dialogue box for insert picture wants a URL but the pictures are not on the internet but on my computer. Given up

[Guest sirvine]

Matthew,

 

Try attaching them directly to the message (assuming they're not too large). This allows you to upload directly to this site. Don't give up...

[sean_reid]

Dear Leica colleagues

 

For some months I have been following with interest all the M8 debate here, and the lens discussions. Also I read a long essay 'Secrets Revealed' by Erwin Puts about Leica lenses from the Leica website which was most informative. Particularly his point that the photographer themself is the weakest link in the chain from scene to great image. I'm only an amatuer photographer, but not bad. My output is to print my best pictures on 6x4 photo paper at home on an Epson Photo printer R300, although I look at them all on screen when reviewing. My wife is my best critic. For over a year I have used the Leica D-LUX 2 which is a brilliant little camera. Auto function is good but I know how to use Manual including focus when needed. Does anyone have MTF diagrams for the DC VARIO-ELMARIT 1:2.8-4.9/6.3-25.2 ASPH lens it uses? I've been looking for its 'sweet spots' but it seems sweet throughout. It has a good range of optical zoom equivalent to 28 - 112mm for 35mm film. It's easily carried in a pocket. Please do not despise me, as I'm sure this camera is beneath the attention of all the power users here, but my point is that since I'm printing small prints for home use, do I need anything better? Sure, I would like to have an M8 and I could afford it, but will it actually make my pictures better? Will I be able to use an M8 while walking a dog? I find the D-LUX 2 good for the home and garden, views of Cambridge Colleges by day and night (using mini-tripod), and all sorts of weather including stormy. The AWB is usually spot on. It can take RAW but my efforts in Photoshop usually worsen the picture. Its most obvious weakness is indoors with my toddler niece who moves quickly, and in bright sun when viewing the LCD can be difficult.

 

My first post, please bear with me and apologies if the photos should be posted in the Gallery not here, I'll explain why. For your critique, I venture to post 4 ordinary JPG pictures taken on a recent holiday in the Highlands of Scotland, including one b/w as I enjoy this idiom.

 

There should be four attachments: a cottage, an anchor, a loch, and a chain. Haven't done this before but the computer was busy for some time so hope they are there. [Edited, no they aren't there yet, will keep trying]

 

My question is this: if I had taken them by M8 and printed on my printer, by how much would they be any better? Thanks for your advice.

 

Matthew Hunt

Cottenham, Cambridge, UK

 

The D-Lux 2 and 3 are wonderful little cameras. I'd stick with yours and instead concentrate on how to get the most from those RAW files. I doubt that you need a change of cameras. 4 x 6 prints don't place huge demands on digital files.

 

Cheers,

[asabet]

Matthew, you will not see the difference in 4x6" prints when you are shooting in good light with a large depth of field. The M8 will allow you to have many different possibilities, some of which will be apparent in 4x6" prints, including shallow depth of field, less noise in lower light, and better manual controls for everything. The viewfinder also changes the experience.

[audidudi]

My question is this: if I had taken them by M8 and printed on my printer, by how much would they be any better? Thanks for your advice.

Yes, they would be "better" but it's unlikely this would matter much given the fact that your needs aren't exactly pushing the edge of the envelope with regard to the camera's capabilities.

 

If, on the other hand, you're looking to justify buying a camera with a more traditional form-factor, a used Digilux 2 might well be perfect for you. It does a great job at 10"x8" so 6"x4" would hardly be a challenge; it has a faster, higher-quality lens than your DL2, and using it in manual mode (which will likely become more important to you as your skills become more advanced) is much easier than with the DL2. I know I'm an unbashed cheerleader for the LC1/D2 despite its looming "dinosaur" status among digicams but its output is still competitive today (provided you can live with its several shortcomings) and speaks for itself...

 

That said, if you're happy with the camera you're using and it meets your needs, why change things just because?

[rick123]

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Hi Matthew,

 

I find myself in a similar situation. My D-Lux 2 (& the retro brown leather case) are with me always. The photos, for the most part, are nothing short of astonishing. And yes, bright sunlight making the LCD screen black and the the weak flash are the camera's 2 weaknesses.

I too have a M6 and Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 - which I may use with the >M8, if I decide to get one. But for now, all the problems and limitations of the current M digital version, let alone the additional expense, do not justify me to make the move (my wife was going to surprise me with one for Christmas, but I kindly thanked her when I found out and asked her to wait for now).

I wonder if you would care to share your D-Lux 2 setttings?

Many thanks,

 

Rick

[ho_co]

Matthew--

I once complained that a review of the Digilux 2 didn't include MTF plots and was surprised to be informed that MTF graphs are only possible with lenses that can be removed from the camera. That's why you don't find them in comparisons and reviews of the simpler digicams.

 

--HC

 

PS--And welcome to the forum!

[mnsh]

Matthew,

 

Try attaching them directly to the message (assuming they're not too large). This allows you to upload directly to this site. Don't give up...

 

Thanks I have downsized them to about 200kB and am trying again, hope they are here now.

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!

[rob_x2004]

Matthew,

Welcome to the forum. You know about the photo forum? Post some stuff there.

You are right though...in the vernacular the Lux2/3 or Lx1/2 "works gud" and the files are pretty good for small prints and for uploadable net viewable images. Give it a propper flogging.

Again, welcome, post stuff.

 

Regards

[jaapv]

Welcome to the forum; Your post would fit perfectly in this http://www.leica-camera-user.com/digital-forum/20265-do-digilux-2-photos-have-distinctive.html thread.

 

Quite a number of the members here use the M8 and D2 side by side.

[Stevez4]

I use both, Mathew. And for the "6x4 print" you may be more than satisfied with the d-lux 2. My d-lux has been fitted with a hot shoe that holds external veiw finders. That increases its usefulness for me. Sean Reid has an extensive review of the dlux 3, which includes comments of Mitch Allard who uses it solely. Highly recommended reading.

[andit]

Hi Matthew,

 

The D-Lux 2 is a great little camera, easy to use and produces great shots. You should get away with prints larger than 6 x 4 and still have acceptable prints. The M8 is an altogether different kettle of fish. Basically, it comes down to returing to the essence of photography. You have to do everything manually - focus, aperture and shutter speeds (if not set to A). While that makes photography fun, it can also mean missing shots. In terms of using the camera while walking the dog - the M8 is definately a 2 hands camera.

 

If you're happy with your D-Lux 2, stick with it - it is a great camera. Hope this helps you.

 

Andreas

[wda]

Matthew,

 

Your pictures are stunning and I question your need for a different camera if your continuing photographic requirement is as stated.

 

Do post more in the Photo Forums.

 

David

[asabet]

Matthew, with photos that beautiful you should strongly consider printing larger than 4x6"!

[bill vann]

I have an M8 and recently picked up a panasonic DMC LX2 (D-LUX3 counterpart saving $$$ for the WATE), to keep in my briefcase. it is a surprisingly good camera and for 4x6 prints i'd be hard pressed to tell one from the other except for knowing how each renders a scene slightly different.

 

bill

[mnsh]

Matthew,

 

Your pictures are stunning and I question your need for a different camera if your continuing photographic requirement is as stated.

 

Do post more in the Photo Forums.

 

David

 

Dear David

 

Thank you for your compliments, I shall work away at re-sizing and post a few more but it may take a little time. I have Cambridge / Flowers / Harbour / for example...

 

Matthew

[mnsh]

Matthew, with photos that beautiful you should strongly consider printing larger than 4x6"!

 

You're right, I have considered it, but where does one put them as they build up?

M

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Hallo,

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[mnsh]

Hi Matthew,

 

I find myself in a similar situation. My D-Lux 2 (& the retro brown leather case) are with me always. The photos, for the most part, are nothing short of astonishing. And yes, bright sunlight making the LCD screen black and the the weak flash are the camera's 2 weaknesses.

I too have a M6 and Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 - which I may use with the >M8, if I decide to get one. But for now, all the problems and limitations of the current M digital version, let alone the additional expense, do not justify me to make the move (my wife was going to surprise me with one for Christmas, but I kindly thanked her when I found out and asked her to wait for now).

I wonder if you would care to share your D-Lux 2 setttings?

Many thanks,

 

Rick

 

Dear Rick

 

D-LUX 2 settings

If it's good light and scenery I go for Auto which does a good job, and I can't improve by Manual I have found.

If conditions aren't perfect, ot I'm shooting into the light, I go for Manual, and play around with the exposure and histogram readouts.

If it's pretty good light, I chose P mode, and adjust the aperture to nearly full open.

I use a mini-tripod extensively if light is low, but for the loch above I was trying a tripopd just to get the feel of it.

Auto-focus and AWB are usually spot-on, but I change AWB to 'sunny' when shooting dusk or dawn.

I'll post some more pictures later on.

 

Matthew

[stuny]

Matthew -

 

Welcome to the Forum. You have an excellent eye and you're making fine use of a very good little camera. One of the strengths of your D-Lux-2 (and the other Leica X-Lux-X) is its small size so you can have it with you almost anywhere. Consequently, you will shoot more frequently.

 

Regarding a build-up of printed photos: We assemble massive binders of 4x6 prints following each of our holidays, and the binders are taking over one side of a room. The binders are 3-ring notebooks with extra clear pages, each holding 3 photos (US standard 8 1/2 x 11 inch pages). We also post subsets of the photos on our website.

 

I like all four of your photos, but most especially the 1st and 3rd for their composition, details, light, color and content.