Leica digilux3 two 14-50mm lenses

[Einst_Stein]

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Just encountered a Leica Digilux-3 with 14-50mm f3.8-5.6 kit lens. 

I remember when Digilux-3 was releases, it came with 14-50mm f2.8-3.5 kit lens. Just a year later Leica (actually  Panasonic ) released  a downgraded version 14-50mm f 3.8-5.6.  Since it was in the name of Leica, it is sort of strange, why down grade ? Was it because 14-50mm f2.8-35 had any problem?  It seemed people are about equally happy with the later version, though down graded.

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[PwoS]

In 2006 Leica launched the Digilux 3 as it's first and only Four-Thirds-DSLR. The same camera was marketed by Panasonic as the Lumix DMC-L1. The Kit-Lens for both was the Leica D Vario-Elmarit ASPH. 14-50/2,8-3,5. In 2007 Panasonic needed a less expensive Kit-Zoom for the then new Lumix DMC-L10 camera to offer a bundle at a lower price point. So they came up with the Leica D Vario-Elmar ASPH. 14-50/3,8-5,6. The slower lens was never sold by Leica itself, just by Panasonic. Aside the slower speed I don't think the Elmar is any inferior to the Elmarit. Both have been licensed by Leica but manufactured (and probably also designed) by Panasonic.

Edited April 24, 2024 by PwoS
typo

[war]

Still shoot with my Digilux 3 when i need something longer than my 28 (Q2). It works and feels like a film camera that I have always liked and I still like the quality of the images with that lens.  

The only problem I've had with the lens over the years, perhaps three times, one of the screws inside gets loose and the barrel sticks at 18mm. I take it apart, tighten the screw, reassemble it and I'm back in business.  Probably should put some locktite on it, but then why didn't Leica.

[war]

20 minutes ago, PwoS said:

In 2006 Leica launched the Digilux 3 as it's first and only Four-Thirds-DSLR. The same camera was marketed by Panasonic as the Lumix DMC-L1. The Kit-Lens for both was the Leica D Vario-Elmarit ASPH. 14-50/2,8-3,5. In 2007 Panasonic needed a less expensive Kit-Zoom for the then new Lumix DMC-L10 camera to offer a bundle at a lower price point. So they came up with the Leica D Vario-Elmar ASPH. 14-50/3,8-5,6. The slower lens was never sold by Leica itself, just by Panasonic. Aside the slower speed I don't think the Elmar is any inferior to the Elmarit. Both have been licensed by Leica but manufactured (and probably also designed) by Panasonic.

Good explanation. 

[Einst_Stein]

Thanks. It seems the newer version, though downgraded 1 stop, the corner performance is significantly improved.

[stuny]

It's probably lighter in weight than the original version.