elansprint72 Posted November 19, 2008 Share #1 Posted November 19, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Is it me, or is our little secret out? There have been virtually zero posts about the D2 over the last year and all of a sudden everyone is raving about it. Could I suggest a moratorium on D2 postings for a couple of months so that we can pick-off the ebay bargains without alerting the speculators? :eek: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 19, 2008 Posted November 19, 2008 Hi elansprint72, Take a look here Sudden upsurge of interest in the D2?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
audidudi Posted November 19, 2008 Share #2 Posted November 19, 2008 As much as I love my D2 (and pair of LC1s), for me, the primary virtue of the camera is not so much its image quality, but its method of operation. I came of age in the '70s and grew up with cameras that had manual controls for aperture, shutter speed, and focus, and had viewfinders through which one looked to compose and focus images. I have never successfully adapted to the current generation of cameras that have autofocus and require me to push buttons and spin dials in order to adjust exposure settings. I put my money where my mouth was and resisted purchasing a DSLR until the L1/D3 was released specifically because I wasn't interested in a camera that didn't offer the traditional-style controls I preferred. Image quality of the D2 is a mixed bag for me. While I love the creamy smoothness of the colors, the wonderful bokeh, and the just-right level of contrast, I also find the images are generally noisier than I like, at least if not shot in bright light, and I haven't been successful in printing them any larger than 6x8 without losing the resolution and detail that I go out of my way to capture. I'm enamored with my D2 mostly because it's become my snapshot camera (which means it takes the bulk of my photos) and it produces snapshots of a quality level I can happily live with, unlike every other P&S camera I've tried to date, including the Sigma DP-1 (which came awfully close to dethroning the D2 for me except for the funky way it handles the color red.) So, while I appreciate the D2 for what it is and wouldn't want to be without one until something "better" comes along, I don't necessarily subscribe to the notion that its comparable to, let alone outperforms, the best camera/lens combos of today, as some enthusiasts would have you believe. If it was possible to put a 28-90 f/2.0-2.4 zoom onto an M8 body and have it end up no larger than D2 (which is right at the upper limit of what I can carry with me everywhere I go) and cost less than $8,000 or so, I'd buy one and sell my D2 in a hearbeat. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Thawley Posted November 19, 2008 Share #3 Posted November 19, 2008 I think, for the most part, it represents a bit of a shift in the market place. We laugh about the megapixel race and all the tiny cameras that will do just about everything short of going out for a pizza... but it's real. Given that, I can see (and I include myself) a bit of a backlash. Things are basically maxing out. I mean... Canon D5 MKII? HD Movies? The 50D 15mp ... and the reviews indicating that 15mp is too much and actually has a negative impact on image quality? So, the pendulum swings. Credit digital cameras for generating more interest in photography by giving the masses "better" quality photos... more photos... and even some basic darkroom access via their computers. So, the number of "photographers" has grown.... and spun off more people that want to do it better. I'm not implying all those people are buying Digilux 2 - but the potential shifting in the market is creating a segment that has a genuine thirst for "better" photography.... and many wanting a "real" camera. I think at the root of it, there are a lot of people that desire the "fim" type EXPERIENCE. Not images.. the EXPERIENCE. Again, I'd put myself in that group. But.... the idea of all the baggage that would come along with the EXPERIENCE, is a bit daunting. Digital is my darkroom... and I like having that control... and frankly, ease. In the old days every teacher sent students out to buy a Pentax K1000. It was the student camera. Learn the basics first. Well, we've got a bunch of decent hobbyists out their today that never had that experience. And I think the ease of digital has primed the pump for those that have the desire to "do it right." So, yeah... I think there is a sprinkling of folks out there.. like me... that want the "feel" of shooting with a "camera"... we want the asthetics. People shot with shutter dials and aperture rings for years. It's simple... it's logical... and it just feels more natural. I like wrist watches. It's an amazing invention and perfect design. You flick your wrist... and at a glance, you know the time. It's beautiful. Are digital numbers easier than Mickey's hands? Maybe... but not nearly as aesthetic or elegant. I think the sudden resurgence is just a smattering of people who want a better shooting experience. The image quality simply helps justify the means. I could be wrong. JT Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wparsonsgisnet Posted November 19, 2008 Share #4 Posted November 19, 2008 It's a $2k camera that is available sort-of-new, with a new sensor, for $600. And it takes a great picture. In terms of people running out and buying them, we should call it the Thawley Effect. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pleeson Posted November 20, 2008 Share #5 Posted November 20, 2008 I had previously had a D2, and was bitten by the M8 bug. I found that for my amateur use the re-purchased D2 and a V-lux 1 cover my needs for the price of one lens. Haven't missed the M8 a bit.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest purpledot Posted November 21, 2008 Share #6 Posted November 21, 2008 Is it me, or is our little secret out? It's out - but you are not exactly being quiet about the camera's quality, are you Seriously, can only speak for myself on what is hopefully my last night as a D2 virgin 1) always wanted to try a real Leica product – was close to buying a used M6 last year but then abstained in the last minute – I love film, but I doubt I will ever buy another film camera (for shooting with it at least) - hopefully the experience is so nice that I will stop being a Leica Locust (buying 2nd hand) and buy new (rangefinder lenses) – but that will be in 2010! 2) as Bill writes it is unusual to get a 2nd hand camera that really is like new... 3) ...and John is spot on for me as well – the handling is the key. I did consider a D-LUX 4 instead but the aperture ring won me over. I am fortunate enough to own an R-D1s and unless using lenses that are not rangefinder coupled I always use it with the screen folded away. It feels more film like and thus right! 4) but still the AF of the D2 will come in handy I am sure and sometimes a zoom would be nice 5) but most of all I expect it to give some joy in use – it obviously creates long term excitement with you “old hands” – and the quality of the output is so good that in my case the twopod will be the weak link So, please, mailman, bring it tomorrow and I promise to cuddle it when I bring it directly from Californian sun to Belgian rain, soot, and snow Cheers, KAP Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenor1 Posted November 21, 2008 Share #7 Posted November 21, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi KAP, My D2 should arrive with this afternoon's post. The funny thing is I'm in California and it's coming from Florida, while yours is from Cali going to Brussels, lol. The weather is very sunny and pleasant today in Los Angeles after some pretty bad fires last week. Some college kids did not put out a bon fire which burned nearly 100 magnificent estates in Monticetto. Our "rain" was ash over the entire Los Angeles area. Enjoy your M2, Carlos Marques Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elansprint72 Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share #8 Posted November 21, 2008 Please could the Moderators delete all these positive D2 threads until such time as I have picked up another spare from eBay? Back in 2004 I marched into my Leica dealer to purchase a second-hand M6TTL; fortunately I saw a D2 in his locked glass cabinet, borrowed it for ten minutes and, for all I know, the M6 is still on his shelf. Great to see that so many competent photographers are now discovering this wonderful tool. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Thawley Posted November 21, 2008 Share #9 Posted November 21, 2008 Hi KAP, My D2 should arrive with this afternoon's post. The funny thing is I'm in California and it's coming from Florida, while yours is from Cali going to Brussels, lol. The weather is very sunny and pleasant today in Los Angeles after some pretty bad fires last week. Some college kids did not put out a bon fire which burned nearly 100 magnificent estates in Monticetto. Our "rain" was ash over the entire Los Angeles area. Enjoy your M2, Carlos Marques YOU DON'T HAVE IT YET????? My goodness, you should have had it on Wednesday. What happened? JT Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest purpledot Posted November 22, 2008 Share #10 Posted November 22, 2008 My D2 should arrive with this afternoon's post. Carlos, as you can probably see from my late posting, mine did arrive yesterday! Initial impression good, but have not been in the streets yet. Weather's been awful, but I read about the great fires, so I guess I should be happy for the rain. Although, while walking to the local hypermarket today I passed two fire engines. I thought DANG! where is the camera when you need it. Then I saw this little girl clutching two small terriers shaking with fear (the dogs). She was just in a t-shirt and blouse and crying. Her third dog, a German Shepherd, young, was running across the busy street. Her father ran after it, it crossed back. I feebly tried blocking its way. Finally he got it on its leash and the little family could shelter in the streets enduring the heavy sleet while the firemen were in their flat. When I came back the fire engines drove off. Never saw any fire. But the flat had its windows upon looking abandoned and smoke covered. The family was gone. Just felt sorry for the girl and got to think: would I have photographed? I think the answer is no. Don't know how they do it, them war photographers. Off topic, I know, it just shook me somewhat. I hope you have got yours by now. KAP Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stnami Posted November 23, 2008 Share #11 Posted November 23, 2008 Pete......... What a load of crap- go out and take some pictures. __________________ Cheers, Pete. :D:D:D. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elansprint72 Posted November 23, 2008 Author Share #12 Posted November 23, 2008 :eek: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aerospace Posted November 24, 2008 Share #13 Posted November 24, 2008 My (second hand) D2 coming this week:). I am impatient to see if it will be my new friend:D Sometimes, I'm fed up to transport my heavy equipment (1DMKIII and co) The wish for this camera came to me by reading the article of Thorsten. (Thanks Thorsten;) !), for me, that corresponds to a style of glance, different from the one that I can have with the more voluminous, less discreet equipment. I would announce you my impressions asap. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Thawley Posted November 24, 2008 Share #14 Posted November 24, 2008 My (second hand) D2 coming this week:). I am impatient to see if it will be my new friend:D Sometimes, I'm fed up to transport my heavy equipment (1DMKIII and co) The wish for this camera came to me by reading the article of Thorsten. (Thanks Thorsten;) !), for me, that corresponds to a style of glance, different from the one that I can have with the more voluminous, less discreet equipment. I would announce you my impressions asap. We think alike. I have about 3 months off from traveling the race circuit. I think if I dragged out the Canons (or is that "cannons" ) I'd feel like I was working. We the DIgilux 2, I still shoot nearly everyday and just have a ball. What's funny, is I have several colleagues (also motorsports shooters) who just don't get it. They don't want to get near their cameras. I keep trying to explain to them.... it's the cameras. Meanwhile, I did get out one of the "big guns" to do some alligator hunting yesterday. John Thawleys Fotos - Morning nature walk... | Facebook Shot at 1120mm (35mm equiv.) Still awfully close... LOL Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.