ralfyb Posted December 2, 2008 Share #1 Posted December 2, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thanks to John Thawley, Overgaard, and all you others I got so excited and ended up with 2x Digilux 2 (not being able to use Ebay correctly), but fortunately in mint condition and with the sensors fixed. However now my problem starts!!! I´m completely new to photography. Where do I start? Which software do I opt for or do I use the software provided with the camera (PS Elements and Silverfast)? Thank you for any suggestions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 Hi ralfyb, Take a look here Digilux 2 New Starter. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
ajthornbury Posted December 2, 2008 Share #2 Posted December 2, 2008 Hi ralfyb, Welcome to the D2 fold. I am sure that you won't regret your purchase. I use Paintshop Pro X2. This program is almost as good as Photoshop, but cheaper, especially as it has quick fixes as well as facilities for manual control. If you use RAW though you will need a program to read the RAW files of the D2. Enjoy your puchase. Alan J. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinvath Posted December 2, 2008 Share #3 Posted December 2, 2008 To start with get the "Leica Digilux 2 Field Guide". You can download it from Thorstens Digilux webside, and It was a great help for me when I had the Panasonic LC1 version. As a starter PS Elements is a very fine and easy to use software, I just don´t know if it can read rawfiles from the Digilux 2. Kind regards Martin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Thawley Posted December 2, 2008 Share #4 Posted December 2, 2008 Thanks to John Thawley, Overgaard, and all you others I got so excited and ended up with 2x Digilux 2 (not being able to use Ebay correctly), but fortunately in mint condition and with the sensors fixed. However now my problem starts!!! I´m completely new to photography. Where do I start? Which software do I opt for or do I use the software provided with the camera (PS Elements and Silverfast)? Thank you for any suggestions. Not sure if you're on a Mac or PC, but if you are on a Mac, iPhoto could probably get you started. If not, pick up a copy of Elements. Newer version should read the RAW files fine. That said, though, I wouldn't jump right in on RAW files. If we were talking film, I'd tell you to put the camera on ISO 100... set it to Automatic at both the Aperture and Shutter settings then get outside and shoot a dozen rolls or so in available light. Just go take pictures and enjoy the camera for a bit. Keeping in mind you can view the EXIF (settings) data on a digital file, you can go back later look at the images and their exposures then compare the settings to what worked and what didn't work. After that, you'll want to pick up a book (probably an old one that deals more in BASICS... not necessarily about digital cameras.... but one that deals with getting correct exposures. Because of the analogue controls (aperture ring and shutter dial) an older film camera book may be more applicable. You want to learn what constitutes a correct exposure and how to get there. Between the aperture, shutter speed and ISO setting, exposures can be very much like octives in music... any given seen as several combinations available to give you the right exposure... though there maybe characteristics or even trade-offs to each that might alter the "look" you want for that scene. So, for instance... in the exact same light, you might use one combination of settings for a portrait and a completely different combination for a landscape. The reason I feel this is important for you is the Digilux 2 is at its best in manual mode(s). And, you'll be a better photographer armed with this knowledge. But in this case... the ease of using the Digilux 2 in manual is the beauty of the camera and for me, adds to the aesthetic pleasure of using it. And that's probably the best adivce I could give you ... USE IT. Take pictures... take lots of pictures. I have a theory... if you're not deleting, you're not trying hard enough. Have fun. JT Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overgaard Posted December 2, 2008 Share #5 Posted December 2, 2008 Congratulations! 1) I would say: iPhoto on Mac. Or for PC/Mac, get a free trial of Microsoft Expression Media picture database Microsoft® Expression® for PC (also works on Mac). This will ensure you that you download the files unchanged and have the possibility of looking at them in a pleasing way. 2) Set the camera as John recommended (though I will use 100 ISO for everything), and when indoor, set the lens to f/2 and not Automatic (no reason to waste light with a slower f-stop when having a superb Leica lens optimized for f/2) 3) Go shoot a lot and look at the files. And I mean shoot a lot. A lot. Even more. 4) Start reading the lightmeter inside the camera and then set the camera manual based on that: If the camea suggest 1/125 and f/2.8, do that, but then do another shot of the same where you tweak the dial to 1/60 and and one at 1/250 (while you let the f stay on f/2.8) to start using the camera manually. This gives you one shot exposure as the camera suggested, one lighter and one darker. It's easy after some hours or days and is THE way to use any camera. 5) Get advanced with PhotoShop, Elements or whatever to adjust the actual pictures. But the 4) above is more important because that enables you to get the light right - which is number one in photography. Hope this inspires you. But the main thing is shooting a lot. It'll only cost you the battery power ;-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralfyb Posted December 2, 2008 Author Share #6 Posted December 2, 2008 Thank you for your great and swift replies!!! Yes, I will shoot a lot, get out my "teenage" 35 mm handbooks from times when I had my first OM1 and see where the light leads me. Got the camera so that I could take it with me on a daily basis to document my building projects and everything else that comes my way. Again thank you for your help, I´ll let you know how I´m getting on. Ralf Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
audidudi Posted December 2, 2008 Share #7 Posted December 2, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Yes, I will shoot a lot, get out my "teenage" 35 mm handbooks from times when I had my first OM1 and see where the light leads me. One more tip: Don't underexpose! IMO, the key to getting great images from the D2 is to make sure that you allow enough light to reach the sensor. Otherwise, images start to get noisy and gritty looking when you try to lift detail from the shadows... Got the camera so that I could take it with me on a daily basis to document my building projects and everything else that comes my way. FYI, mine has become my "carry everywhere" camera and lives in the messenger bag I carry with me back and forth to the office. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davephoto Posted December 8, 2008 Share #8 Posted December 8, 2008 And don't forget to share some of your early shots with us! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted December 8, 2008 Share #9 Posted December 8, 2008 It may sound basic, but do read the Leica instruction manual from beginning to end. It is good bedtime reading. Keep delving into it to learn how to use the different controls. Like the Function button and EV control. If you are tempted to use flash, most of us don't, explore the bounce flash setting indoors. I get the most wonderful results where I need the action-stopping speed of the flash setting. Otherwise, explore time exposures indoors using a tripod. If you don't have the Leica remote cable release, use the self-timer setting to avoid camera shake. Keep shooting and analyze your results and learn from your mistakes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted December 8, 2008 Share #10 Posted December 8, 2008 Otherwise, explore time exposures indoors using a tripod. If you don't have the Leica remote cable release, use the self-timer setting to avoid camera shake. Keep shooting and analyze your results and learn from your mistakes. ralfyb, here is one of my latest candid pictures taken last night on the sofa. My cat was beside me. I spotted him keeping half and eye on me, set up my D2 merely resting on the sofa and quietly took this picture. Exposure was 1/2 second at F/2.1, ISO 100, using delayed time release. Raw capture processed in LR2. Lighting was soft artificial with mixed temperatures, none of it ideal for a portrait. But it shows what can be done if you keep the camera handy. 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/70192-digilux-2-new-starter/?do=findComment&comment=740561'>More sharing options...
krabat Posted December 8, 2008 Share #11 Posted December 8, 2008 Nice picture... Hm... may I? In my opinion, a little bit too bright. I think it was a little bit darker in your living room, wasn't it? Best regards, Peter. Edit: In such light situations, I tend to underexposure the image slightly, e.g. by 2/3 stops in this case. Edit 2: I wonder that the cat's braething did not affect the sharpness of the image. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted December 8, 2008 Share #12 Posted December 8, 2008 Nice picture... Hm... may I? In my opinion, a little bit too bright. I think it was a little bit darker in your living room, wasn't it? Best regards, Peter. Edit: In such light situations, I tend to underexposure the image slightly, e.g. by 2/3 stops in this case. Edit 2: I wonder that the cat's braething did not affect the sharpness of the image. Peter, thank you for your interest. In fact the picture is quite 'high key', featuring an almost white cat on an almost white sofa spread. Even his facial markings are pale grey (blue bicolor). So the effect you see is quite natural. Of course, the image can be toned down to suit individual preferences, but it was a quiet 'grab' shot to see how the D2 would perform just resting on the soft sofa; hence the delayed action technique. What is most noticeable to me is the extremely short depth of focus, not easy with digital capture. As to his breathing; you may discern slight movement in his mouth, but that is not entirely unexpected for such a long exposure! In the circumstances the lens performs extremely well at full aperture with a generally soft subject in soft lighting. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
krabat Posted December 8, 2008 Share #13 Posted December 8, 2008 Thank you for your explanation! Well, if your cat is white and was laying on a white sofa, then it explains the brightness. Usually, one should overexposure, e.g., when being in snow. And yes, the lens of the Digilux 2 is wonderful. Best regards, Peter. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveleo Posted December 8, 2008 Share #14 Posted December 8, 2008 hello and congratulations. my opinion is that you bought the best digital camera per dollar value ... nothing else out there comes close for the money. and ... you are in very good hands on this forum, and the best D2 shooters around have already replied to your posting. my simple comments are: i shoot 100% jpg because jpg's work fine for my needs. in the rare event that i use a flash, i use the D2 bounce feature which is simply brilliant and produces supreme flash images. the direct flash position stinks just as bad as every other cameras direct flash position stinks. i use the GIMP for image postprocessing on a GNU/linux computer. happy shooting ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wparsonsgisnet Posted December 8, 2008 Share #15 Posted December 8, 2008 ... i shoot 100% jpg because jpg's work fine for my needs... It should be noted that at iso 400, the D2 produces jpgs in which the shadow areas are smeared. This can be undesirable. At lower iso's and in situations where the shadows are insignificant this is not a problem. Or, you could shoot raw in this situation. Yup, it's a great camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsolomon Posted December 9, 2008 Share #16 Posted December 9, 2008 Its so easy to get great results with this camera i think its easier for you to go shoot and then ask questions if you are not getting the results you expect. go have fun ! i just had my Digilux 2 repaired: new sensor , new rubber covering, new top plate, new leather lug preotectors, new battery -- its running like a charm and looks mint ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Thawley Posted December 9, 2008 Share #17 Posted December 9, 2008 Peter, thank you for your interest. In fact the picture is quite 'high key', featuring an almost white cat on an almost white sofa spread. Even his facial markings are pale grey (blue bicolor). So the effect you see is quite natural. Of course, the image can be toned down to suit individual preferences, but it was a quiet 'grab' shot to see how the D2 would perform just resting on the soft sofa; hence the delayed action technique. What is most noticeable to me is the extremely short depth of focus, not easy with digital capture. As to his breathing; you may discern slight movement in his mouth, but that is not entirely unexpected for such a long exposure! In the circumstances the lens performs extremely well at full aperture with a generally soft subject in soft lighting. FWIW, I though ti was a beautiful photo. I was completely caught off-guard by the 1/2 second exposure. But I thought the quasi high-key effect was very pleasing. Regarding 400 ISO, as stated here, it's simply not happening with JPEGs. However, over the weekend, I shot some sunsets at ISO 100 RAW... then goofing off inside a restaurant, grabbed a few shots of my son and 400 ISO RAW. Just a handful. The next day I grabbed the camera and started shooting. I forgot that I pushed the ISO for a few shots, thinking about the sunsets at 100 ISO, I just started shooting... hence, here's the "Iron Chef" at ISO 400 RAW. Sure, I'd have preferred ISO 100... but I think I can live with these results. 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/70192-digilux-2-new-starter/?do=findComment&comment=740979'>More sharing options...
wda Posted December 9, 2008 Share #18 Posted December 9, 2008 The next day I grabbed the camera and started shooting. I forgot that I pushed the ISO for a few shots, thinking about the sunsets at 100 ISO, I just started shooting... hence, here's the "Iron Chef" at ISO 400 RAW. Sure, I'd have preferred ISO 100... but I think I can live with these results. John, at a quick glance I see nothing to suggest you used high iso setting. The result is very natural with fine soft lighting. Pity about the spiky things, but they could easily be removed if so inclined. Quite charming. Last week I shot some amateur dramatics live using raw and iso400, of necessity. I will post one later. It was a rare use of high iso for me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Thawley Posted December 9, 2008 Share #19 Posted December 9, 2008 Pity about the spiky things, but they could easily be removed if so inclined. I assume you're referring to the plants... and not his hair? LOL Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
roguewave Posted December 10, 2008 Share #20 Posted December 10, 2008 ralfyb, congrats on purchasing a very fine, FULL FRAME digital camera. I love my D2. Shoot ONLY in RAW!!! Jpegs are a deciet and will retard your growth with this camera. Purchase Lightroom V2.xx and/or Photoshop. I repeat, shoot only in RAW. In RAW you have the ability to see what has actually been captured, not some "regression to the mean" computation in the software to make the image look ok to the average electronics consumer. This is a very fine photographic tool. Read the manuals & learn the different modes. Study Adobe Camera Raw, the ONLY tool that is free and has become the global standard of Raw processing. Shoot a ton of images, it's free & fun. When you start to use the camera, take images in both the Auto & Manual modes & compare them. You need to understand what the camera can do & what information it gives you from the sensor. Learn Photoshop as quickly as possible. It will teach you more about digital imaging than anything else. Above all, Enjoy this rare gift from the Photo-gods at Leica, a true, full frame digital camera in a modest form factor, that's light, easy to use and SILENT. Reach out to your brethren D2 owners, as you have done here. They represent a wide sampling of fine image makers & are interested in helping you. All the best, Ben Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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