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Contemplating trading in my Digilux2...

Graham (G4FUJ)

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Graham (G4FUJ)

Graham (G4FUJ)

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... against a D-Lux (Type109).

 

I hardly ever use the built in flash, so thats not an issue.

I also rarely zoom the lens out to it's longer focal lengths, so probably not an issue.

 

Two things that are essential to me are a shutter speed dial on camera and aperture ring on lens. EV compensation dial would also be advantageous.  The first two essentials are why I did not join the digital brigade until relatively recently.

 

I really like the Digilux-2 and it's smaller file sizes for car events and as a convenient camera to carry for everyday general use. However, I'm now thinking of a newer item for everyday use.

 

I have no doubt there may be a negative or two (thoughts?).  Just waiting for my local dealer to get one in stock so I can have a play... It's where the Digilux-2 was purchased :)  Are there many who could provide back to back comparisons between the two, who have or do, own both?

 

Cheers,

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Andreas Braun

Andreas Braun

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... against a D-Lux (Type109).

 

I hardly ever use the built in flash, so thats not an issue.

I also rarely zoom the lens out to it's longer focal lengths, so probably not an issue.

 

Two things that are essential to me are a shutter speed dial on camera and aperture ring on lens. EV compensation dial would also be advantageous.  The first two essentials are why I did not join the digital brigade until relatively recently.

 

I really like the Digilux-2 and it's smaller file sizes for car events and as a convenient camera to carry for everyday general use. However, I'm now thinking of a newer item for everyday use.

 

I have no doubt there may be a negative or two (thoughts?).  Just waiting for my local dealer to get one in stock so I can have a play... It's where the Digilux-2 was purchased :)  Are there many who could provide back to back comparisons between the two, who have or do, own both?

 

Cheers,

Graham, I've got the D-Lux in November 2014 and after thousands of images I've come to the conclusion: I'd buy it any moment again in case it would break.

 

One caveat though: I'm using it exclusively with RAW (Adobe PSE 15 with ACR). Although the JPG output isn't bad the RAW is much more suited to take advantage of the real potential of this cam.

 

There are sometimes complaints about occasional dust problems - can be handled by warranty, my D-Lux didn't have this problem. The missing built in flash is no problem since only within small rooms a flash can be useful, and the external small flash is then handy. OTOH, a REAL BIG advantage is the extraordinary low light capability due to the fast lens together with an effective stabilizer and the use of ISO values up to 1600 without much noise. I've shot tons of churchrooms or late evening street sceneries without tripod where a flash wouldn't have been of any help.

 

Bottom line: I've had cameras since 1956 and always only one at a time. The D-Lux also is my single cam without missing anything at all.

 

Andreas

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wda

wda

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Graham, I have both cameras. Technology has moved on and the DL109 is far mor capable and gives significantly better results. I still enjoy using the Digilux 2, but its tiny sensor is a major shortcoming in today's world.

 

With a fast zoom lens and good ISO performance, don't even think of missing a flash unit. Your results will be far more natural without intrusive flash from a small camera.

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Graham (G4FUJ)

Graham (G4FUJ)

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Thank you all, very helpful and the kind of result I expected!

I think I've only used the flash twice in 3 years and in one case binned the result straight away, so the lack of built-in flash was never going to be a problem.

 

Time to talk to my local dealer I guess! :)

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  • 2 weeks later...
pr1uk

pr1uk

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Thank you all, very helpful and the kind of result I expected!

I think I've only used the flash twice in 3 years and in one case binned the result straight away, so the lack of built-in flash was never going to be a problem.

 

Time to talk to my local dealer I guess! :)

 

 Doubt if any dealer will give you much put it on eBay there are people still interest in these older cameras, just like me :-)

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dkCambridgeshire

dkCambridgeshire

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... against a D-Lux (Type109).

 

I hardly ever use the built in flash, so thats not an issue.

I also rarely zoom the lens out to it's longer focal lengths, so probably not an issue.

 

Two things that are essential to me are a shutter speed dial on camera and aperture ring on lens. EV compensation dial would also be advantageous.  The first two essentials are why I did not join the digital brigade until relatively recently.

 

I really like the Digilux-2 and it's smaller file sizes for car events and as a convenient camera to carry for everyday general use. However, I'm now thinking of a newer item for everyday use.

 

I have no doubt there may be a negative or two (thoughts?).  Just waiting for my local dealer to get one in stock so I can have a play... It's where the Digilux-2 was purchased :)  Are there many who could provide back to back comparisons between the two, who have or do, own both?

 

Cheers,

 

When did you purchase your D2 and was it new or secondhand  …  and if s/h do you know if the sensor has been replaced or if the SN indicates it likely has a Mk II sensor ?  Mk I D2 cameras with SN below 3000000 are subject to sensor failure thus dealers are unlikely to offer a PX deal … and even those with a Mk II sensor have low-ish resale values.  If you want to save some ££ you could consider buying a new Panasonic LX100 for c. £450 nett of current cash back offer; both the D Lux 109 and LX 100 cameras have the same Leica lens, sensor and internals  https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/54881613

 

And there several comparison threads within the forum e.g.   https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/235280-d-lux-type-109-or-panasonic-lx100-choice-now-more-difficult/?p=2701158

 

 

dunk 

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Graham (G4FUJ)

Graham (G4FUJ)

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Hi Dunk,

Purchased used, with all the bits + case from Leica dealer.

s/n is in 3011xxx range. It may end up on Fleabay.

I'm familiar with the Panasonics, having owned more than one earlier model, all of which frustrated me with having to dive through menus for aperture and/or shutter speed. I have considered the LX100.

With a couple of large bills coming up, any change will have to wait for a while...

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farnz

farnz

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Graham,

 

I have 2 Digilux 2's and owned the D-Lux 109 for 6 months or so.  I eventually released the D109 back into the wild because I never bonded with it in the way that I immediately did with my D2's all those years ago and continue to despite also having M's and an SL.  The beauty of the D2 for me is that pretty much everything i need is on the outside: aperture, shutter speed, zoom, manual focus, metering modes, macro focussing.  

 

What irritated me with the D109, and ultimately led to me letting it go, was having to delve into the sprawling and (to me) unintuitive menu system to change many of the important parameters.  And finding how to turn something off or on that I didn't want on or off starting from scratch was pretty challenging even with Alexander S White's excellent instruction book.

 

I had no issue with the pictures the D109 produced - they're excellent but I found the camera frustrating to use particularly being used to the D2's straightforward controls.

 

I've replaced the D109 with a Leica C as my 'always in my pocket' camera and I am constantly amazed by what this camera can do with its 24 to 200 mm zoom and tiny form factor that fits easily into a front trouser pocket.

 

Alternatively, if you can do without a zoom then the Q might be interesting to you since its size and handling is more akin to the D2.

 

Pete.

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Graham (G4FUJ)

Graham (G4FUJ)

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Thanks Pete.

I am presently reading Alexander's book on the D109 and have been thinking that this may be far more complicated than I need.

I will investigate the other two, but having manual control on the lens / shutter on the camera are important.  My D2 replaced a Fuji x100, which was a wonderful camera, but could also be incredibly frustrating, particularly when out in a car. I should have bought a case for it which would stop it switching on and changing settings as it moved about while driving.

I am impressed with how the D2 copes with different lighting situations and even though it has a small sensor still returns some pretty good photos. A couple of car "snapshots" are posted in the Technology and Industry section.

With additional large (to me) bills appearing and becoming a part-time carer to my wife, photography has to take a back seat for the present. But at least I have time to do more research :)

 

Regards,

Graham

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Radi9red

Radi9red

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Hi i am a new user from singapore. Just to share my views, i have both the cams , D2 and D typ 109, one of the most apparent difference is the zoom. The typ 109 zoom is fully motorized unlike d2. There are not many compact similar to D2 that is mechanical zoom and without barrel extension. The d typ 109 will be prone to dust due to the barrel movement. I never find the iso or low mp of D2 to be a constraint. The handling of the d2 is better in many ways.. However if you like stills and occassional video then typ 109 is one of the best.

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