Panasonic LX100 vs Leica D-Lux Type 109

[Archlich]

Hi all, I'm reviving this old thread because I'm considering getting a Panasonic LX100 or Leica DLux 109 as a casual camera to carry with me everyday to/from work, and on business trips when I know that I won't have much (if any) free time for photography.

I just did a quick ebay search for sold listings of these two cameras in Europe, and the second hand selling prices of the Leica version are in the region of 600-700 GBP, while the Panasonic version is around half that cost. This means that the current second-hand price differnce is, relatively speaking, even larger than when the cameras were released and bought new.

As a potential buyer of one of these cameras second hand, i.e., with no warranty, it would be interesting to know if the speculations that Leica has better QC than Panasonic , and/or better build quality have born out to be true.

Has the DLux 109 had less problems? The LX100 seems famous for getting dust in the lens and/or sensor - does this happen as often with the Leica?

Regarding image quality, has the passage of time shown any definitive differences regarding handling of colours or any other parameters?

Thanks in advance for any input or advice that you may have to help me with this decision.

I'm currently leaning towards the Panasonic version based on the lower price and the built-in grip/handling of the camera.

Get the cheaper one. Don't let wishful thinking waste your hard-earned money.

 

[sleepyhead]

Get the cheaper one. Don't let wishful thinking waste your hard-earned money.

Thanks for your reply. I'm also leaning in this direction, I just thought if time has now "proven" that the Leica version is built better or has fewer problems, then it could be worth getting over the Panasonic.

 

[sleepyhead]

I just read that there are fresh rumours of an updated version of the LX100, a so-called LX200. Coming nobody-knows-when...

But I may wait a couple of months or until the autumn and see if this materializes. That would give me the option of either buying the brand new model, or perhaps scooping up a LX100 at a very nice price.