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2003 Leica (Panasonic) D-Lux


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There seems to be very little information on the original D-Lux model released in 2003 I know it's a Panny really and not a real Leica but seems to be missing even on site listing all Leica models. Was the camera a complete flop and so bad it was white washed from all records I wonder ?

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It was a very capable point and shoot which has been surpassed by five or so generations of D-Lux cameras, so it seems to have dropped off just about everybody's radar.  I've had several of those generations, either in Panny or Leica version, and currently have the latest one which I usually use as a back-up in case of failure during travels, but also when a larger camera is impractical or banned.

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Never been interested in the newer Lux range, no viewfinder always a mistake I felt I am an old so and so and cannot get used to holding a camera and looking at a screen there not for me I love to feel the camera up next to my face and compose using my eye. Someone was selling a D-Lux (2003) with a viewfinder I was going to ask him what he wanted but no idea of the price and as you say very old tech now shame they never kept the viewfinder on newer model but I suppose it kept the price down.

Edited by pr1uk
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Never been interested in the newer Lux range, no viewfinder always a mistake I felt I am an old so and so and cannot get used to holding a camera and looking at a screen there not for me I love to feel the camera up next to my face and compose using my eye. Someone was selling a D-Lux (2003) with a viewfinder I was going to ask him what he wanted but no idea of the price and as you say very old tech now shame they never kept the viewfinder on newer model but I suppose it kept the price down.

 

The actual D-Lux (109) has a very good viewfinder and also a larger sensor than the older D-Lux models. It has been released in November 2014.

 

Andreas

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The current D-Lux which Andreas references is an exceptional little camera.

 

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Want a great pocket camera ....Search out a Panasonic LX7.  Its a great camera and wonderful value....It's the Leica D Lux 6 from 2014

 

Is it going to make a difference for a D-Lux 5 with a viewfinder as compared to a D-Lux 6 without one? (I am looking for something that is with a viewfinder preferably, however with a lower price range ><)

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Panny LX7 nice but no viewfinder a little while ago I could have bought a secondhand X1 (real Leica I think) but I looked at one but I just cannot get used to not holding a camera to my face and looking through the viewfinder. Anyway I have no idea why I joined I will never be able to afford a real Leica and the chap with an old D-Lux said I can have it so I will have an old Digilux 1 and next week a D-Lux (2003) will come into my hands. OK old rubbish maybe and yes my phone as a bigger sensor and more MP's but at least they feel like a proper camera in use.

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As an only camera I would recommend the Panasonic  LX7 over the X1 or 2.
I have both a Dlux 6 and an X2 and although the X2 is a wonderful camera with great IQ. The Panasonic/Dlux is more of an everything camera....action ,close ups etc

I would stop worrying about if a camera is real Leia or not and concern yourself with what you want to take photos of ...and why?

Also with the wonders of auto focus a viewfinder is overrated.....don't get hung up on that. The viewfinder has nothing to do with the end result.
 

Can you afford a Panasonic LX7 at $200. used?
Its a real enough for Leica that they choose to put their name on it

 

As for a viewfinder Panasonic makes one. I'm sure is cheap enough..... used as well.

IMO EVF's of this era are more trouble than there worth because of lag

 

Take photos have fun ....any camera is better than no camera :)

 

As a second camera the X2 is a Joy ......but its slow and only has 35mm lens.....Its a wonderful but specific experience

Edited by ECohen
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Alternatively, the Panasonic LX100 is essentially the same camera as the V-Lux 109 and has a fine electronic viewfinder.  The Panasonic is much less expensive than the Leica, and perhaps you can get one used even cheaper.

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Another vote for the LX100 from my side. On the 109 I missed the LX100s little grip, which gives for my hands a convenient rest for the middle finger in portrait orientation. Technically, both LX100 and 109 are the same.

 

A very nice features of this series is the multi-format switch: if the image circle of the lens would cover the full sensor, the lens would be larger; so a small part of the sensor stays uncovered by the image circle. By selecting the aspect-ratio (3:2 4:3, 16:9 and a 1:1, which is the only aspect ratio, which could be created by cropping as well), full coverage of the smaller image circle is ensured.

 

Another nice feature of the LX100/109 is the option to set the digital viewfinder to black-and-white, which, to my feeling supports composition.

 

Stefan

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I agree with you both but the 109 is a little out of my pension price range

Alternatively, the Panasonic LX100 is essentially the same camera as the V-Lux 109 and has a fine electronic viewfinder.  The Panasonic is much less expensive than the Leica, and perhaps you can get one used even cheaper.

I have had the LX 100 for 2 years and find it an excellent performer. At the time I got mine the price was 50% of the Leica branded version . Camera / spare battery/ case / 5 year warranty and memory card for £475. As a special pro mo. I have seen it cheaper since buying mine.

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  • 2 weeks later...

While the LX100 and the D-Lux (109) are essentially the same camera, the Leica version has a few stylistic touches which improve the look of it. However, the Panny has a (small) handgrip, and I had to go to a lot of trouble to get something similar for my 109.

The auto lens cap is available for both versions, and I can thoroughly recommend it. As usual, the thing is the same for both sorts, but if you want it to say Leica instead of Panasonic, it's going to cost.

As a camera, the 100/109 packs a lot in to a small package. The lens is excellent, the controls are well thought out and implemented, the results are all you could wish for, short of something a lot more expensive and larger. IMHO, it's the perfect compromise between size and performance. I can stick it in a jacket pocket (or some baggy trousers) and have a good camera for all situations. The ƒ1.7 lens has a useful range, and there will be few shots missed on account of it.

The earlier D-Lux models were good performers, but you had to work harder to get results, what with limitations on screen quality, no EVF, and controls that didn't quite give enough. Others may like delving into the menu system to set things, but not me. I could maybe use another control wheel on my 109 - something for ISO, perhaps, but that's okay.

I just love the way you can set aperture and shutter speed via physical controls, and each wheel has an Auto setting, giving you the usual PASM functionality quickly and easily.

Astounding travel camera, and I have to laugh at all these people lugging around some hulking DSLR with lenses to match. Unless someone's paying for the FF quality, what's the point? 

Worth keeping an eye on eBay - these cameras come up regularly, and for good prices.

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