D2 or LC1 owners?

[TonySx]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I've used my D2 for a couple of years now, and will recommend one to you! If they're too expensive in the second-hand market (G*d! Thet were expensive new) try for the Panasonic equivalent. That came with a couple of extras but less software, I seem to remember.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[jbstitt]

Maybe I am going to take the thread a little off course, but I think the answer has been given. We love the D2 but it could be better.

 

I will repeat what I said a couple of months ago when I was disappointed that the D3 was going to be a DSLR. (I admit I have not seen a D3 yet but I do have on on order with my dealer)

 

What should have happened to upgrade the D2 was a 4/3rds sensor, interchangable lens mount for 4/3rds lenses, faster buffer, maybe the cleaning option, and a better electronic viewfinder. NOTHING MORE. The D2 is going to be a classic if it is not already. Make thses changes as another addition to the D line and I think they will be sold out for years. This would be dream camera. Think about a D2 with a 35mm equiv f/2 lens on the front! Wow, what a camera. And one could put the big monster or a macro or a long tele if desired. OK it is my dream camera.

 

Not sure why they went so far with the D3 and abondoned a winning design. It would be like changing the M after the M3ds. I am guessing that Panasonic wanted an SLR so bad that they influenced Leica to go the Oly DSLR route. Well, maybe I am wrong but that was a bad decision. The D2 was such a winner. Yes it could be better and I have said just how. Keep the no noise, The body design, the retro, the great image, and yes the EVF - just better. , Just tweak a bit. Please Leica. You have my order just as soon as you do this and I would pay as much as an M8 foir this camera (with lens of course).

John Stitt

[tommycrown]

Thank all of you guys who answered my question earlier!

 

I guess I will go for D2/LC1~~~

 

I have been hoping to purchase D3, but I can't stand the size of that beast and the weight?!

 

Also, when I meant "Street Photography," I shoot random people on the streets, NOT objects.

 

But again, I want to say thank all of your responses!

 

Tommy

[spylaw4]

Thank all of you guys who answered my question earlier!

 

I guess I will go for D2/LC1~~~

 

I have been hoping to purchase D3, but I can't stand the size of that beast and the weight?!

 

Also, when I meant "Street Photography," I shoot random people on the streets, NOT objects.

 

But again, I want to say thank all of your responses!

 

Tommy

 

You won't regret it (but go for the D2)!

[jbstitt]

Brian, Love your ending ""A backward poet writes inverse!"

 

And a number of photographers tend to be very negative. (Duh! :-))

[spylaw4]

Brian, Love your ending ""A backward poet writes inverse!"

 

And a number of photographers tend to be very negative. (Duh! :-))

 

[tommycrown]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

If I get LC1, would I be able to upgrade firmware like the current D2s?

 

Any LC1 owners?

 

Thanks

 

Tommy

[dugby]

Tommy, the firmware upgrade on the D2 was a "return-to-service center only" upgrade.

 

I have been following the issue closely. In the old forum, a couple people had posted that upon having service/repairs to their D2, they were notified that the FW was upgraded. However I do not recall ever seeing any definative official statements on what was being fixed/improved with the FW upgrade.

 

I do recall one regular globe-travelling forum member (Stuart N), suggesting after his D2 was upgraded that he would notify us if he saw a difference in his photos thereafter. I don't recall him posting any followup on this.

 

As stated above, the LC1 firmware is different to that of the D2. In addition to those observations, I also recall one tangible functional difference between an LC1 and D2-

 

a) the LC1 has an Auto ISO setting that will switch the camera between ISO100 to ISO200 as required.

 

But having used my D2 for a couple years, I find the ISO 200 & 400 not useful for anything but B&W. D2 colour seems optimised with ISO100.

[steve_l]

I had both cameras and didn't detect the alleged saturation difference, although I nearly always shoot RAW, so I might not have noticed. The low levels available on the LC1 parameters seemed fine for me - after all, the idea with JPEG is to have it come out finished from the camera, so there was no need for super-low parameter levels - if you want to adjust later, shoot RAW! So I left them at "standard", not low.

 

The metering zone switch on the D2 was too easily moved, and I liked the grip on the front.

 

But some like the red dot and the silver top, etc., so get whichever you prefer. Or whichever you can find the best deal on!

[stumac]

Re D2 update,

 

Personal communication with Stuart N about 12 months ago, he thought there was a mod to improve auto focus on very early D2's, later ones did not need.

 

Leica service agent in Melbourne said there havent been any updates.

 

Solms did not reply to my enquiry.

 

Regards, Stuart

[Guest stnami]

..... mine came back from repairs 2 months ago new sensor and all I have seen nothing that says hey I am different now, did get a spare battery free of charge though and the lens looked brand new

[Riley]

if you shoot raw in either camera, they are the same, as it avoids any user settings

the LC-1 in low contrast, low saturation, is the same as D2's 'normal' contrast/saturation.

 

as too a new D2, the lens and sensor are inextricably linked, if you went to a four thirds senson then the lens would have to change because the size of the image circle would be different. i would prefer they cleaned up the noise on the 2/3 sensor and left it at that. sans add buffer for raw, and a free LCD

 

there has never benn a firmware upgrade to LC-1

 

Riley

[Overgaard]

The D2 is a classic.

 

I have both the Panasonic LC1 and the D2 and it's fast starting, easy to handle and the EVF you just use as a cropping tool when you get used to it.

 

I don't like the design of the Vlux but felt tempted when I heard about it (all range zoom). But when I tried the Vlux, M8 and D3 all together, the Vlux was a disappointment in design/handling whereas the two latter was a pleasant surprise.

 

I suggest you get 2 GB 50X Kensington cards or other FAST cards as that will solve the buffer-thing when shooting series of 4 pictures. There is no waiting then. The RAW shots will take 5 seconds no matter what you do (I don't use that).

 

As for D2 / Panasonic, I would go for the Leica. It's just better build and keeps a good value. The Panasonic grip is better, but it's a matter of getting used to it.

 

Change the strap that goes with the D2 to a Leica strap which is more simple and nicer looking - fits the camera design better (the Leica one following the camera is bulky).

 

My 50 Cents.

[spylaw4]

Agree Thorsten - a classic!. As far as straps go I have fitted a Sling http://www.konermann.net/sling.more.ht for when I am carrying the camera around in a bag. That way I don't have a strap getting in the way. Gives a really secure grip.

 

When I am just taking the camera I use a http://www.upstrap-pro.com/products. They're brilliant - I find most straps constantly slide off my shoulder but the UPstrap stays firmly in place.

[normanf]

I planned to purchase Vlux 1 earlier, however, for my street photography, I would rather feel more comfortable with D2/LC1, and was wondering if I should ~~~

1) Wait till Vlux 1 gets fixed on hardware problems or firmware

2) Wait till Leica comes with bigger sensor/small camera like D2

3) Go ahead and get a second hand D2 or LC1

4) Get Vlux 1 and be happy with it

 

Hmmmm. any opinion?

 

I know the IQ of D2/LC1 but, would I be able to keep it for awhile?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Tommy

 

I have a Panasonic LC1 and its a good camera for the money despite some shortcomings. That Leica Vario Summicron lens alone is worth the price.