steve_l Posted September 27, 2008 Share #1 Posted September 27, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) For either Dlux4 or Panasonic LX3 - did they think to somehow mark the zoom with indications of what focal length was being used? So that you could use accessory viewfinders for 24, 28, 35 and zoom to that setting by choice, as you effectively do with the M8? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 27, 2008 Posted September 27, 2008 Hi steve_l, Take a look here Dlux4 zoom question. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
miami91 Posted September 27, 2008 Share #2 Posted September 27, 2008 For either Dlux4 or Panasonic LX3 - did they think to somehow mark the zoom with indications of what focal length was being used? So that you could use accessory viewfinders for 24, 28, 35 and zoom to that setting by choice, as you effectively do with the M8? Even though I haven't seen either camera in person, I think the answer is clearly "no". Assuming they work the same as the DLux3, you zoom with a little lever surrounding the shutter release --- you don't zoom with a ring on the lens itself like an M. So all the way to the left is the wideangle setting, all the way to the right is telephoto (well, more like normal length in this case), and anywhere in between you have to consult the readout on the LCD to know for sure what focal length you're at. Jeff. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_l Posted September 27, 2008 Author Share #3 Posted September 27, 2008 I understand that is how it must work....I was just hoping that they had thought to provide some indication (on the LCD?) of "virtual click stops" for the common focal lengths. Too much to hope for, I know. It is just that I really like the option of 24mm - I just wouldn't want to have to use it all the time or have the LCD as the only option. Regardless of how clear the LCD is, you can't see detail in it compared to a full size viewfinder. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elgenper Posted September 27, 2008 Share #4 Posted September 27, 2008 No, like almost all digicam makers, they didn´t think that far... Still, it is easy to mark the barrels yourself. This is the "preliminary, working marks" I made on my Dlux 3 with just a lead pencil, meaning to fill them in with a silver marker later. Only, I never got around to it, so the lead marks are still what I use. Point is, the middle barrel (the one where I wrote the focal lengths) is the one that rotates when zooming, while the frontmost one (with the single index mark) doesn´t rotate. Both change in extension, so the marks have to be long enough to remain visible all the way. Focussing doesn´t move anything on the outer barrels. Atleast, this is the way the Dlux 3 lens works. I would guess the Dlux 4 is similar. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/63932-dlux4-zoom-question/?do=findComment&comment=668454'>More sharing options...
steve_l Posted September 27, 2008 Author Share #5 Posted September 27, 2008 Very nicely done! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nhmitchell Posted September 27, 2008 Share #6 Posted September 27, 2008 elgenper: Sorry, I don't know your name. Your solution is brilliant. Thanks for sharing this. It begs the question: Why aren't these notations etched on the lens by the factory? You are definitely on to something. Well done. Kudos. Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nhmitchell Posted September 27, 2008 Share #7 Posted September 27, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I hope you have seen this post in another thread: No, like almost all digicam makers, they didn´t think that far... Still, it is easy to mark the barrels yourself. This is the "preliminary, working marks" I made on my Dlux 3 with just a lead pencil, meaning to fill them in with a silver marker later. Only, I never got around to it, so the lead marks are still what I use. Point is, the middle barrel (the one where I wrote the focal lengths) is the one that rotates when zooming, while the frontmost one (with the single index mark) doesn´t rotate. Both change in extension, so the marks have to be long enough to remain visible all the way. Focussing doesn´t move anything on the outer barrels. Atleast, this is the way the Dlux 3 lens works. I would guess the Dlux 4 is similar. What an amazing idea. Why cant Panasonic/Leica etch this info on the lens? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elgenper Posted September 28, 2008 Share #8 Posted September 28, 2008 elgenper: Sorry, I don't know your name. Your solution is brilliant. Thanks for sharing this. ... Thank you, Nick! I have to add that I don´t claim any priority whatsoever for the idea; I´m sure many others have thought of it before. In fact, this is the third digicam I do it on. First one was a Canon Ixus V2, then a Canon G3, both years back. Worked great on them, too. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grillo Posted September 28, 2008 Share #9 Posted September 28, 2008 A related question: I guess that when the camera starts, the lens is at the 24mm position. Is it possible to configure it so that when it is turned on, the lens zooms to a different setting, say 35mm? That's my most used focal length, and I guess it would be a pain to have to zoom to it every time the camera is turned on... --J. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elgenper Posted September 28, 2008 Share #10 Posted September 28, 2008 A related question: I guess that when the camera starts, the lens is at the 24mm position. Is it possible to configure it so that when it is turned on, the lens zooms to a different setting, say 35mm? That's my most used focal length, and I guess it would be a pain to have to zoom to it every time the camera is turned on... --J. With the Dlux3, you can´t; it always starts in the widest setting. On the Dlux4, there are 2 "custom" modes that memorize most settings exactly. I´ve read (but haven´t had the chance to actually try it) that focal length is one of the parameters saved in the custom mode settings. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_x2004 Posted September 28, 2008 Share #11 Posted September 28, 2008 that focal length is one of the parameters saved in the custom mode settings. Good if it is. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grillo Posted September 29, 2008 Share #12 Posted September 29, 2008 Thanks. To save focal length as a parameter of a custom mode is a nice idea. --J. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsolomon Posted September 29, 2008 Share #13 Posted September 29, 2008 does anyone know of a tel-photo lens for the D-Lux 4..... an add on lens that would screw into the threads. is leica planning on coming out with one ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gyoung Posted October 1, 2008 Share #14 Posted October 1, 2008 No, like almost all digicam makers, they didn´t think that far... Still, it is easy to mark the barrels yourself. This is the "preliminary, working marks" I made on my Dlux 3 with just a lead pencil, meaning to fill them in with a silver marker later. Only, I never got around to it, so the lead marks are still what I use. Point is, the middle barrel (the one where I wrote the focal lengths) is the one that rotates when zooming, while the frontmost one (with the single index mark) doesn´t rotate. Both change in extension, so the marks have to be long enough to remain visible all the way. Focussing doesn´t move anything on the outer barrels. Atleast, this is the way the Dlux 3 lens works. I would guess the Dlux 4 is similar. I have just been looking at an LX3, and checked this very point, its good to see there is a way of doing it, then you could zoom your VIOOH finder to the appropriate setting! Gerry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdash Posted October 3, 2008 Share #15 Posted October 3, 2008 I have just received my D-Lux 4. I can find no reference to this zooming function in either the manual or in the custom menus. I don't say it's not there, rather that I can't find it. However I did have to have the adjustment function of the "Set" button on the M8 explained to me, so I am perhaps not the best source for information. The DL4 manual leaves something to be desired, but a re-read may be worthwhile. Is there a Leica equivalent to the Thom Hogan's Guides for the M8 or Digilux series? I have them for Nikon DSLR's and find them very helpful. Robert Dashwood Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
miami91 Posted October 3, 2008 Share #16 Posted October 3, 2008 I have just received my D-Lux 4. I can find no reference to this zooming function in either the manual or in the custom menus. I don't say it's not there, rather that I can't find it. However I did have to have the adjustment function of the "Set" button on the M8 explained to me, so I am perhaps not the best source for information. The DL4 manual leaves something to be desired, but a re-read may be worthwhile. Is there a Leica equivalent to the Thom Hogan's Guides for the M8 or Digilux series? I have them for Nikon DSLR's and find them very helpful. Robert Dashwood The zooming function? You mean you can't figure out how to change the focal length of the lens? I don't have mine yet, but if it's like the D-Lux 3, there's an outer ring surrounding the shutter release with a little nub on it. Press/turn this ring clockwise to zoom in (telephoto), and turn it counter clockwise to zoom out (wide angle). Jeff. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdash Posted October 4, 2008 Share #17 Posted October 4, 2008 I am not quite that stupid! The function I can't find is to leave the zoom set at other than the default position, which is the 24 m.m. setting on switch on. Having just paged through the custom setting menu, it does not seem to be there as a feature. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elgenper Posted October 4, 2008 Share #18 Posted October 4, 2008 I am not quite that stupid! The function I can't find is to leave the zoom set at other than the default position, which is the 24 m.m. setting on switch on. Having just paged through the custom setting menu, it does not seem to be there as a feature. You mean, the parameters stored in the custom memories don´t include focal length settings? If it´s so, that is really bad news! My old Canon G3 had custom memories as well, and the zoom setting was indeed included; very useful. I seem to remember reading somewhere that it was indeed the same with the Dlux4/Lx3, but your observations contradict that. I´ll find a dealer who stocks the Panasonic, and test it as soon as possible; the Dlux4 isn´t out yet. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted October 4, 2008 Share #19 Posted October 4, 2008 With the Dlux3, you can´t; it always starts in the widest setting. On the Dlux4, there are 2 "custom" modes that memorize most settings exactly. I´ve read (but haven´t had the chance to actually try it) that focal length is one of the parameters saved in the custom mode settings. That is how it works in the Ricoh GX200 which also starts at 24mm. An angled viewfinder is another bonus. A great pity Leica didn't make this little camera which, in my view, has superior handling characteristics. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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