Justification of price difference between Leica and Lumix

[Einst_Stein]

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If you own the a Dlux or Vlux or Clux, you must have gone through this exercise.

In each generation, the price gap between Leica and Lumix of the same camera ( OK, not exc  aptly the same) is bigger and bigger. What’s your reason to choose Leica?

[stuny]

Very little:  Longer warrantee, Lightroom, red dot mystique.

[roydonian]

As a participant in a Leica Historical Society visit to Leica UK, I asked this question when the Digilux 1 was launched. The response from the company was that the software of the camera had been written to create the sort of colour images that European users preferred. The Japanese taste was for images of higher saturation and more dramatic colour, we were told.

[stuny]

I wonder if that's still the case.

[jhluxton]

I today have just taken delivery of a Leica V-Lux 5 - why?  Because I buy Leica cameras. 

It is actually replacing a 10 year old V-Lux 3, which in turn replaced a V-Lux 1. 

I need a long lens zoom camera for certain shots - ships in particular - my pair of Ms are not suitable obviously nor my X1.  

V-Lux 5 seems a competitively priced camera for what it offers as were the previous two V-Lux models I have owned.  

John

[Ko.Fe.]

Quote

Justification of price difference between Leica and Lumix

None. It is strictly hosing those who wants to feel good. 

I would be one of those, but Leica Camera AG choice of current Panasonic models is troubled one.

LX100 series are terrible for getting dust on the sensor. I just read today how careful person has to return MKII within two weeks after opening it from the box. And it is not the first time I read about this trouble. 

And superzoom re-badged Lumix, can't memorize this fiasco model name  has big issues with lens quality. DPR tested two and only one has non defective lens.

I like and see Leica rendering on my tiny old Lumix. Always wanted it as Leica camera with Leica lens. Just to feel good.

But the only camera which is worth it currently is LX10/15. With 24 1.4 Summilux and narrower slower zoom range, but still f2.8.

[jhluxton]

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12 hours ago, Ko.Fe. said:

LX100 series are terrible for getting dust on the sensor. I just read today how careful person has to return MKII within two weeks after opening it from the box. And it is not the first time I read about this trouble. 

I had an almost out of the box dust problem with my Leica X1 which resulted in a return within two months of purchase - though it has been okay since and that wasn't a "Leicasonic" though I suspect that there was some Panasonic input into it. 

One thing that did strike me on unpacking and setting up the V-Lux 5 yesterday was that I noticed that the matt plastic didn't seem of quite the same quality as that used on the V-Lux 3. Also the neck strap lugs are all plastic - on the V-Lux 3 they are reinforced with metal. This was not something I picked up on in any pre purchase reviews I read. 

Oh well I have had 10 years use out of the V-Lux3, quite intensive at times. Will be interesting to see if the V-Lux 5 lasts as long. 

John

 

 

[rjans]

Back in 2013 when the Leica C Typ112 was launched the price difference with the Panasonic Lumix LF-1 was approx. 70€. The Leica included a download for Lightroom 5 (approx. value of 129€) and its design was more attractive. I'm still using it.

These days if I would like to buy a D-Lux or C-Lux, for me the price difference is bigger because I don't need a subscription for Lightroom. I would buy the Leica version for the looks, the nice accessories that are available and the customer service from Leica. 

Best

[adan]

On 7/4/2021 at 4:31 AM, roydonian said:

As a participant in a Leica Historical Society visit to Leica UK, I asked this question when the Digilux 1 was launched. The response from the company was that the software of the camera had been written to create the sort of colour images that European users preferred. The Japanese taste was for images of higher saturation and more dramatic colour, we were told.

That was claimed for the Digilux-2 as well - but I never bothered to compare them to find out. The D2 did seem to capture the same slight cyan-green tint I'd gotten from Mandler lenses on my M6s and Velvia.

(Shades of the M9/M10 debate).

Only PanaLeica I ever got was the D2, and that was mostly because Leica was easier to get locally.

Denver had three Leica dealerships at the time (2004), and zero Panasonic dealers (except maybe Wal*Mart and other appliance stores).