Digilux 3 offer.

[andamanaffair]

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My Digilux 2 succumbed to the Image Sensor problem with horizontal banding which quickly progressed to a blank screen. I sent the camera to Milton Keynes and received confirmation of receipt along with advise that the turn-around might be extended due to the unavailablilty of parts. Interestingly, their letter explains that the fault has only affected a 'few' cameras and that most have been subjected to prolonged use in tropical climates. The nearest my camera has been to the tropics is half an hour in the tropical houses of the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. Reading the forum postings, I get the impression that this problem has been both frequent and universal.

 

Leica have offered to exchange my Digilux 2 with a Digilux 3 for £895 (inc. VAT ) which is claimed to be half the RRP. Bearing in mind that I am eligible for the 'Loyalty Discount' now being offered, I could presumably purchase a D3 from a dealer for approx £1225 (inc. VAT) and still have my repaired D2. I see that D2's are still sought after on the likes of eBay for more than the difference between the above two prices. My current thinking is that I should hold on and wait for my D2 to be repaired and returned. I have a Digilux 1 which I can use in the meantime. I like the D2 and hope to continue using it.

 

Does anybody out there think I should be taking advantage of Leica's 'offer'? Is the D3 that much better than the D2 as to make the change over worthwhile? It sounds to me as if they are having trouble in shifting D3's before a new model is announced.

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[JBonner]

I took advantage of the offer some months ago and am very glad I did. The D3 is a much better camera than the D2, far more capable in every respect. I know the D2 now has a fanatical following (how different from the year or so after its launch) but it is a toy in comparison. To be able to use my R lenses is a joy and the supplied kit lens is itself a masterpiece. I don't regret for one moment getting the D3.

It is heavier, yes, and arguably less attractive, but its performance far outweighs any such considerations. The D2 was clearly flawed and I am unconvinced that the replacement sensors will necessarily be any more stable than the originals.

Digital cameras really are just for Christmas, they pay for themselves in saved processing costs and then they die. They are not keepers in the same sense that my other Leica cameras are. For me at least there is then no advantage in hanging on to one which has already shown the first intimations of mortality.

Time to move on?

[leonpro]

I agree with John on this one. I love the D3 and the quality of the pictures. The D2 is smaller and lighter, but the D3 technology makes up for the weight and size.

 

Anyway, the price they are offering you is the price of the lens alone. Why not take their offer, take the offer of the customer loyalty, then sell one.