D-Lux 4 (or LX3) - anyone else found the mode knob to be sloppy?

[Marty J]

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Hi there,

I've just bought myself a new Leica D-Lux 4 in the past week, as a pocket partner for my D300 kit.

 

I don't have any interest in joining the many discussions I've seen around the web about the differences (or lack of them) between this and the Panasonic LX3, but I do have a question which I'd like to put to other owners of either of these two wonderful cameras.... regarding build quality.

 

The moment I lifted the camera out of the box I noticed something that causes me a little concern. It could be that I'm being too fussy. I'm just not sure.

 

The 'problem' is with the mode knob on the top of the camera....

 

I expected the mode knob to be firm and solidly mounted upon its axle, (just like the shutter-speed knob on an SLR, such as my old Nikon FM2, F3 etc). But there is a noticeable 'play' that feels a bit like the shaft (or axle) that the knob is mounted on is made of very slightly flexible material such as nylon, rather than steel. The round plate of the knob can be depressed anywhere around its edge, giving the impression that it isn't quite solidly attached.

 

In reality, the edge of the knob can, without undue pressure, be lifted or depressed (i.e. wobbled for the want of a more scientific word) out of the horizontal plane by about 2mm. The knob does click properly at each detent stop around its mode selections so there's no sloppiness in that respect, it's purely a lack of axial rigidity. It just doesn't feel strong.

 

Would any other owner of the LX3/D-Lux 4 care to comment or share their views, perhaps to help me decide if the camera should be returned or am I just expecting too much precision from a comapct camera?

 

Thanks for your help

[petewayne]

Hi.....I have a DLux4 and haven't noticed the issue you have asked about......in fact my problem is how easily the mode knob turns sometimes; not a big issue but I find that especially having been pocketed, the knob turns easily from the M setting I use. I guess the best thing would be to return it to your dealer and get a replacement, although in my experience the build quality of P&S is not the highest.

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[ho_co]

Marty, I think your camera is likely outside acceptable tolerances.

 

I'm in the same position as Pete. The knob on my D-Lux 4 seems quite loose to me, too easy to turn. It's much looser and flimsier than the Mode Dial on my D-Lux 2 (which, I think, is metal instead of plastic).

[Guest purpledot]

Hi there,

The 'problem' is with the mode knob on the top of the camera....

 

I have the LX2. Although the issue is not quite as you describe [or my ability to pick up the "movement" less acute ] the dial is a disaster. Initially I had no problem with it until one day I decided to use it on "A". From then on it moves freely. Whenever I pull it out of a pocket or something I have to check the dial has not moved. I have seen that problem reported quite a few times on various forums.

 

Not quite sure if this covers your problem, so cannot advice to return or not, but for me this is one of the few flaws in a line of cameras that are, otherwise, very alluring.

 

cheers,

karspoul

[Tenor1]

The mode dial moves too easily and can rest between settings causing an error message to appear stating it is not on a setting. It's annoying but I'll get used to it. I prefer the feel of my Canon G-10, but the final image is slightly lacking in comparison.

 

Leica could have/should have done a better job with this.

[rycm]

The knob turns easily.... but that's not a problem for me so long as it doesn't fall off.

I click the way it click in place.

[BerndReini]

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I have read about problems with the mode knob before and I must say that on my DLux4 and my brother's LX3, the knobs feel really nice. You should have it checked out. I have a hot pixel on my DLux4 that only becomes visible when you turn off the noise reduction in the Raw Converter completely. My Leica rep told me to hold on to it until he gets more in next week, then bring it in, and he'll replace it for me on the spot. This was one of the reasons why I got the Leica. I have a great relationship with my dealers and they really go the extra mile ensuring their customers are happy.

[Marty J]

Thanks to all who helped with this. I did return the camera and a replacement has arrived. It's exactly the same as the first one - so I guess the sloppy knob is part of the package... mmmmm I think Leica might have done a bit better with this piece of design.. anyway it works.

[ho_co]

Marty--

Sorry for the difficulty. Thanks for letting us know.

 

But as you said, at least it works!

 

Good luck!