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Will Leica bring out a D-Lux5/

Craftsman

By Craftsman
in Digital Forum

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mjh

mjh

Posted
Posted
Is the D-Lux 4 the end of the line or do you think there will be a D-Lux 5? Sure would be nice to have a 24-90mm or even 24-70mm but maybe that's asking too much.

Once Panasonic introduces an LX4 they might consider building a D-Lux 5 for Leica, but as of now, the LX-3 is still current. The D-Lux 4 is essentially a Panasonic camera in a Leica-designed shell, so it all depends on Panasonic’s product schedule (and Leica’s willingness to continue with the Panaleica line of cameras).

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meatboy

meatboy

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Posted
Why should they? The days of the Faux-PanaLeica appear to be over. We now have the X1 for that role.

 

I think you are right here John, the X1 might cost more than a DLux4 but it probably keeps Leica M9 techs busy in between jobs - a filler perhaps. I can't imagine Leica make a lot of $$ on the Dlux seeing how its mostly Panasonic. I think we will see X2, X3, Xx

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mjh

mjh

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I can't imagine Leica make a lot of $$ on the Dlux seeing how its mostly Panasonic.

Oh, but they do. The Panaleicas have always been a major source of revenue and when during Lee’s time as CEO they had no really current models within that segment, they suffered for it. It is easy money and it would be foolish to refuse it.

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bill

bill

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Oh, but they do. The Panaleicas have always been a major source of revenue and when during Lee’s time as CEO they had no really current models within that segment, they suffered for it. It is easy money and it would be foolish to refuse it.

 

Seconded. A lot of people here seem to be taking the elitist view - one that disregards commercial facts. The Panaleicas make money for Leica with minimal outlay. More than that, snobbery aside, they provide an on-ramp for future M-whatever owners. There are many here who have been sucked into "serious" Leica ownership having started with a Panaleica. They therefore not only provide entry models but also put the name out there. Hardly a week goes by when the Sunday supplements don't have an item on the best digicam to buy. There is almost invariably a Panaleica in there in some shape or form. The write-up always refers to the "quality of the Leica lens".

 

It's good marketing, people. Stop behaving like maiden aunts. Get your heads out of the sand and be thankful that it provides a revenue stream that helps to fund R&D into things like the M9 and X1.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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MJLogan

MJLogan

Posted
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The D-LUX and C-LUX lines will survive as long as Leica and Panasonic have an alliance. It just makes sense to keep that revenue stream and to catch young/new/non-wealthy customers, a few of whom might someday graduate to an M.

 

I think Digilux and V-LUX are dead--both are too close in capability to proper Leicas, and yet not nearly close enough in terms of build quality/lens quality/sensor size. They dilute the brand. (I own, use and love a Digilux 3 as my primary camera, but I know better than to think it's in the same league as an R or M system.) The parent cameras of the D3 and V1 seem to be dead ends for Panasonic in any case.

 

Digilux is a very elastic label. The D1, 2 and 3 have been largely unrelated. If Leica decides to take a flutter on a new or upcoming Panasonic that doesn't fit the D- or C-LUX formula, it might be called a Digilux 4.

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Zelig

Zelig

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Seconded. A lot of people here seem to be taking the elitist view - one that disregards commercial facts. The Panaleicas make money for Leica with minimal outlay. More than that, snobbery aside, they provide an on-ramp for future M-whatever owners. There are many here who have been sucked into "serious" Leica ownership having started with a Panaleica. They therefore not only provide entry models but also put the name out there. Hardly a week goes by when the Sunday supplements don't have an item on the best digicam to buy. There is almost invariably a Panaleica in there in some shape or form. The write-up always refers to the "quality of the Leica lens".

 

It's good marketing, people. Stop behaving like maiden aunts. Get your heads out of the sand and be thankful that it provides a revenue stream that helps to fund R&D into things like the M9 and X1.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

 

Sorry Bill, but because my job I had been busy these days, and I'm very interested in your opinion here, please can you tell me why X1 is so different and better than DL4?.

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bill

bill

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Sorry Bill, but because my job I had been busy these days, and I'm very interested in your opinion here, please can you tell me why X1 is so different and better than DL4?.

 

That's a reasonable question, Zelig, and one that I shall give a subjective and personal answer to.

 

Now, I don't know for a fact that it will be better; I certainly know it will be different. What appeals to me may not be what appeals to others, but it is worthwhile laying it out.

 

First and foremost the "big sensor" compact has always appealed - for a long time I have wanted something digital that could hold a candle to the high-quality compacts of the past - the Contax T series, Nikon 35ti, Minilux, CM, etc. The concept of a high performance camera in a small space is, to me, part of the essence of the Leica ethos. I don't agree with those who take an elitist view and who use the term "P&S" in a pejorative manner - if pointing and shooting is what gets the shot - which it does in many situations - then I am happy to have one. The Sigma offerings have never felt right, and I have waited for something like the X1.

 

Secondly, the promised handling appeals. I learned long ago that if a camera doesn't feel right in the hand I won't produce worthwhile images with it. It's a hard thing to explain, but it has a lot to do with the "user experience". One of my favourite "user" cameras is actually my Leica II, with a 5cm Elmar attached. This camera saw the light of day in 1930, was factory-upgraded in 1934 and still takes good pictures (photographer notwithstanding) to this day. The X1 appears to share a similar basic body shape and that is of interest.

 

Is it "better" than a D-Lux 4? On paper, it has a bigger and better sensor - that is all I can really say at the moment. The D-Lux 4 is an awesomely competent small-sensor digicam, that performs really well - just look at the consistently high standard of images produced by the entrants to the D-Lux 4/LX-3 Challenge to see what is possible.

 

For me, as I have said, the X1 appeals because I think it is - on paper again - designed to go well with the sort of shooting I enjoy. There are two things missing for me - an onboard viewfinder and a slightly longer lens - 40-45mm would suit me nicely. I really wouldn't give it a second glance if it had a 28mm lens, although I know others would; that is why I loved the T2 and the CM with their 38mm and 40mm lenses respectively - that is how I see the world.

 

Hope this helps - all subjective, of course :D

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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mhoutman

mhoutman

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Oh, but they do. The Panaleicas have always been a major source of revenue and when during Lee’s time as CEO they had no really current models within that segment, they suffered for it. It is easy money and it would be foolish to refuse it.

 

fully agree. so if leica and panasonic continue their alliance, expect a d-lux 5 let's say _> 2 months after a lx4 release ;)

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Hektor6644

Hektor6644

Posted
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Hi:

 

That is a very good question. At this time, I do not know. The LX3 will be succeeded by the LX5 and not the LX4; the number “4” is to Japanese culture what the number “13” is to Western culture – unlucky. If there is no “divorce” between Leica and Panasonic, I expect the D-Lux 5. However, It seems that Nikon will announce an X1 clone | Nikon Rumors

 

Keep in mind that this is just a rumor with no degree of certainty. However, we are speculating in this thread. There seems to be (and I emphasize the word “seems”) a new partnership between Leica and Nikon. Leica has stated that there will be no R10, but an alternative will be given to R-Lens owners. Could it be a D3 or D700 with an R-mount or at the very least an R-Mount adapter? In other words, Nikon will stay away from Rangefinders and Leica from DSLRs. I really do not know, but it looks interesting and something to keep an eye on, in the future. An Alliance between Nikon and Leica is major news, to say the least.

 

Best Regards,

 

Hektor

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Zelig

Zelig

Posted
Posted
That's a reasonable question, Zelig, and one that I shall give a subjective and personal answer to.

 

Now, I don't know for a fact that it will be better; I certainly know it will be different. What appeals to me may not be what appeals to others, but it is worthwhile laying it out.

 

First and foremost the "big sensor" compact has always appealed - for a long time I have wanted something digital that could hold a candle to the high-quality compacts of the past - the Contax T series, Nikon 35ti, Minilux, CM, etc. The concept of a high performance camera in a small space is, to me, part of the essence of the Leica ethos. I don't agree with those who take an elitist view and who use the term "P&S" in a pejorative manner - if pointing and shooting is what gets the shot - which it does in many situations - then I am happy to have one. The Sigma offerings have never felt right, and I have waited for something like the X1.

 

Secondly, the promised handling appeals. I learned long ago that if a camera doesn't feel right in the hand I won't produce worthwhile images with it. It's a hard thing to explain, but it has a lot to do with the "user experience". One of my favourite "user" cameras is actually my Leica II, with a 5cm Elmar attached. This camera saw the light of day in 1930, was factory-upgraded in 1934 and still takes good pictures (photographer notwithstanding) to this day. The X1 appears to share a similar basic body shape and that is of interest.

 

Is it "better" than a D-Lux 4? On paper, it has a bigger and better sensor - that is all I can really say at the moment. The D-Lux 4 is an awesomely competent small-sensor digicam, that performs really well - just look at the consistently high standard of images produced by the entrants to the D-Lux 4/LX-3 Challenge to see what is possible.

 

For me, as I have said, the X1 appeals because I think it is - on paper again - designed to go well with the sort of shooting I enjoy. There are two things missing for me - an onboard viewfinder and a slightly longer lens - 40-45mm would suit me nicely. I really wouldn't give it a second glance if it had a 28mm lens, although I know others would; that is why I loved the T2 and the CM with their 38mm and 40mm lenses respectively - that is how I see the world.

 

Hope this helps - all subjective, of course :D

 

Regards,

 

Bill

 

 

Thank you very much Bill. I keep for me the word: "different" .

And I also don't like the pejorative "P&S", as said any pro camera now can be a P&S in auto mode. But if you have acces to all controls (like in DL4) where is P&S difference?.

 

Sure this helps! ;).

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pl_svn

pl_svn

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... personally I have always looked at Leica-Panasonic alliance as very promising for (gradually) taking Leica into the digital era and, sorry... I'm totally disappointed seeing how instead these recent Leica models are 90% a compromise to satisfy a market (Leica's) made mostly (I don't dare, here, saying almost entirely ;-) by "status symbol collectors" or rich *casual* users

 

I consider the D-Lux 4 way more Leica (and way more what a contemporary Leica should be) than these new *historical replicas* with a CCD inside

 

oh... my first camera, when I was 12, has been a IIIf I... cough-cough... "borrowed" from my father ;-)

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