gerry_wheeler1

Seems like we are split, Gentlemen, into two camps: those that have one and tried it and without exception find it a fun and capable camera and those that have not yet tried it and continually make comparisons with other models - and who have their doubts.

I also had my doubts before buying and was told many things by UK dealers who could not simply and truthfully answer perhaps the most obvious question - what's the difference to an LX2?

One dealer even told me that Leica selected bodies from the Panasonic line in Japan, had them returned to Germany where the 'lens was fitted' and a whole series of tests done. Those that didn't make it were Pans those that did got their red dot. Absolute lies. And so it went on until I cornered a friend who happens also to sell Leica who explained the following....

Camera mechanics and lens are same, electronics are same but firmware is not. This has been tweaked by Leica so that standard settings will give a more neutral balanced Leica pic. Naturally, on line inspection in Japan is there to ensure better setup but the same tolerances are set for each component used and so do not vary. Obvious two other differences are body - subtle but important and accessory case etc. Oh and residual value at the end of the day.

I have/had M6, M7, R9 and now use Canon 1D, 30D, 20D etc.

I did not buy this camera to compete in any way with them. It will not on many levels. I did buy it for its portability, wide 28mm and ever wider with 16:9 format and reliability. Given I use the big guns daily in my work I wanted a point and shoot for my travels that was also capable if I came across a stunning opportunity. D Lux 3 is it.

I do not use above 200 asa as I didn't use film over 200asa - as most didn't either. I do not know anyone who has ever shot film at 1600asa but I know lots who grumble about digital failing at such levels - ironic?

If you want a portable Leica that will yield exceptional results when used to its strengths - 100asa, 28mm - zoom without distortion, excellent b&W as well as colour and true Leica tones then get it. I don't find I need a viewfinder and nor did Cartier Bresson an a lot of street photography with his M. Set it at 35mm or less, place it on the old belly button you will capture a full length portrait from 8 feet - and without any noise unlike even the M6.

Suggest you all try one if you haven't or if you want to save money, don't mind being red dotless and a bit shinier then try the LX2. It isn't an M8 but its damn good fun.

Gerry

Thanks guys

A very helpful set of wise words.

I do backup daily at present onto seperate Seagate as well as burn job files to dvd at RAW and converted stages. Whilst this is a time consuning business it helps me sleep at night.

My present setup is on Vaio laptop which I take to clients. This introduces the danger of breakage, theft etc and so I need a home base too - hence the question. The large monitors are more to do with exacting layout requirements plus less than perfect eyesight. Why two - well I prefer to see whole pic on whole screen without being obliterated by toolbars etc.

Thanks again for info. I'm now off to check my bankbalance.

Cheers

Gerry

Does anyone out there use this superb new model as I do? If so comments,

discussion, ideas would be welcome. Feeling a bit lost amongst the 'it's a

Panasonic point and shoot not a Leica brigade'...and the Leica Forum is

hopeless on anything but M8 issues at present.

Gerry

I wish to have a dedicated pc built around a single need to run CS2 and one or

two other graphics packages.

I have no intnetion of connecting to the net (other pc will do that) and I will

only run CS2 etc offline.

My present setup is 3GHz Intel pentium 4 with 1Gb ram. My new system MUST HAVE

the following:

Compatible motherboard and processor (Intel or AMD, Dunno...)

4Gb fast Ram

Twin graphics boards to drive one 20" and one 15" screen

Two hard drives - 50Gb min each

Fast DVD-R writer and cd writer

USB 2 ports - minimum 4 or more (would Firewire be faster for Compact Flash

download or a pc slot?)

XP basis

It must not have:

Modem, TV tuner, etc

It will not run Office, games, video, tv, Outlook etc

What would be best spec in your opinion for lowest cost. However, here's the

catch - it must be mega reliable as my sole income will depend on it.

So what spec, what make, what price?

Over to you guys..

Cheers

Gerry

Try the Gitzo Basalt G1297 with G1277M head and G1385 quick release platform. Add to that a baseplate for your Hassy and that should do the trick. I use this set up with a Rollei 6006 (and Canon digital too for weddings)and have just come back from a third weeks hiking over the Welsh mountains so know your issues well! It folds to 68cm including head and transports well on a Lowepro bag containing kit. Very smooth action and stiff and solid. Quick release baseplate is a must - wouldn't use tripod without it. Looks fantastic too!

Hope that helps - Gerry

Sorry about that last message...do B&H do photographic spellcheckers....'STpooing' should read 'stopping'....

I think I'll just stick to taking wedidings....!

Gerry

Bit late but maybe useful....

I shoot weddings digitally and needed a quick set up light (not too much) and versatile good quality tripod and so I bought the Gitzo 1297. Absolutely fantastic....light enough and very quick and stiff.

I added a 1277 head with baseplates for quick release.

I then for landscape stock work invested in a Rollei 6006 and 50mm Distagon. I fitted a Gitzo qucik release plate and for the past month have carted these babies up and down the mountains ('hills' is the correct USA description I believe <2000m !)of Wales. What a delight. STpooing regularly to take pics the pod was up and down swiftly. It gave a very sturdy platform and givent he waist level finder it was a breeze with the 1277 ball and socket head that is verrrrry smooth.

Would not try this at home without a basepalte though - I imagine lots of loose shots due to the position of the shutter buttons would be the result.

Best idea - take your 'baby' to the Gitzo reseller and try them out. They need the sale and it will help their in store pr to see someone with a real camera for a change!

Good luck

Gerry