Would you travel with the Leica Digilux 2?

raid

raid

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It is a 5MP camera with a fixed Summicron zoom (like 28-90). Would you keep things simple in a trip and just use this camera? It has AF and built-in flash. It has ISO 100-200-400.

It seems to be tempting to focus on composition and leave equipment behind. It is not a good camera for low light scenes. Do I need another camera with a fast lens and better low light performance?

It sounds like fun to me to just go for it.
 
Raid, I have actually done this. I had a Digilux 2 and liked the pictures I got with it. I could print to 7.5 by 10 inches, and the image quality was excellent! Every once in a while I miss it and think of buying another. But really, my Fuji X20 is more versatile, has a better zoom range, and much higher ISO range. Sue and I will go on a car trip in 2 weeks and I will take the X20, my X100, and probably my D-lux 6. All that fits in a Domke X-5XB, and I will have enough toys for the trip! The M8.2 will stay home.
 
This guy loved them in their day and used one professionally. http://www.overgaard.dk/leica_digilux2.html

I still have a Panasonic L1 which is a Panasonic version of a later version- the Digilux 3 which however has interchangeable lenses but is a similar concept. It produces very nice images with lovely tones not dissimilar to the Digilux 2. But as you say it is poor at handling low light and I also find its batteries do not measure up - you need a pocket full of them for a days shooting.The other negative is the small files by current standards (7 megapixels with my camera and less for the 2 ?)

I guess it depends on whether you are willing to make the compromises needed and there will be some. I dont think I would. I know what I would do - fantasize about doing it then at the last moment take a digital SLR and lug around 10 kilos of lenses. That's just me.
 
Rob-F said:
Raid, I have actually done this. I had a Digilux 2 and liked the pictures I got with it. I could print to 7.5 by 10 inches, and the image quality was excellent! Every once in a while I miss it and think of buying another. But really, my Fuji X20 is more versatile, has a better zoom range, and much higher ISO range. Sue and I will go on a car trip in 2 weeks and I will take the X20, my X100, and probably my D-lux 6. All that fits in a Domke X-5XB, and I will have enough toys for the trip! The M8.2 will stay home.
Click to expand...

I do not have a small and modern camera. I have the full sized M8 and the M9, plus the E-P2 and the E-PL1. Then I have the Panasonic clone of the Digilux 2.
 
peterm1 said:
This guy loved them in their day and used one professionally. http://www.overgaard.dk/leica_digilux2.html

I still have a Panasonic L1 which is a Panasonic version of a later version- the Digilux 3 which however has interchangeable lenses but is a similar concept. It produces very nice images with lovely tones not dissimilar to the Digilux 2. But as you say it is poor at handling low light and I also find its batteries do not measure up - you need a pocket full of them for a days shooting.The other negative is the small files by current standards (7 megapixels with my camera and less for the 2 ?)

I guess it depends on whether you are willing to make the compromises needed and there will be some. I dont think I would. I know what I would do - fantasize about doing it then at the last moment take a digital SLR and lug around 10 kilos of lenses. That's just me.
Click to expand...

I will not haul 10kg of lenses. Max is two lenses for me.
Yes, the files will be small, but this is a family trip.
 
I have always enjoyed trying things out, Helen. This is why I came to the USA.
I may use the MP6 camera locally. I do not know.
Last summer I used M9 plus EP2.
 
raid said:
I will not haul 10kg of lenses. Max is two lenses for me.
Yes, the files will be small, but this is a family trip.
Click to expand...

Go for it then. But I would always take a small backup camera with me. As the Irish say "Ah to be sure, to be sure" cheers Peter

PS your post has made me get my L1 out again and will take it for a spin today. Its rendering really is lovely I must say. There is something about how Panasonic cameras (and their Leica badged cousins) image that is very nice indeed. I also use a Pany GF1 and Pany LX 5 mainly for this reason.
 
I use a few Point and Shoot digitals.
Canon Super shot 1200, Nikon L30..
I have older P/S cameras.
The older the slower and longer the shutter lag.
A Leica M8: a M9: stay at home ?
Sure the M9 had a problem last trip..well have a back up.
If it fails again, delete it from your kit.
It's digital, aging to obscurity as we write..
I once lost a few Leica lenses in an attack on my car.
A photojournalist asked where my Leica was on a photo shoot.
His reply to my answer was " Pity they didn't get it as well!"
The answer was correct.
I used my Leica again, in all conditions, situations and any weather..
Now it's badly battered, scratched, vulcanite dropping off,
but used!
My trips to South Africa are usually with P/S but have access to my daughter's pro Nikon kit..
Next rip, definitely a Leica-M or SLR.
 
Raid, I took a Polaroid 420 Land camera with 4 boxes of color and 2 boxes of B&W with me to the Oregon coast. Our annual spring break trip. It was fun! Had so many comments on the camera. Filled up a photo album.

I had other cameras but used the iPhone 6+ for digital.

My point, do it!
 
Raid another thing I just recalled is that my L1 has three superb black and white modes. Not sure about the Digilux 2. It is the only camera I have ever owned which I am happy to shoot black and white in camera. Even later Panasonic cameras do not compete in this regard. In fact jpgs out of the camera are so good generally that I seldom bother to shoot in RAW unless the lighting is especially tricky. Again I am not sure how the Digilux 2 compares but would be surprised if it were not close or as good in this regard.
 
If you insist on only taking a digital p&s, I would take the Panasonic LX100.
It has eveything you could ever wish for and is the most "analog" digital camera there is.
Frank
 
Raid,

Freedom is a wonderful thing. A desirable thing on a family trip. Just because it is a little old, slower, not as versatile, a bit heavier, not as valuable, doesn't mean it isn't a good choice. If it did, then I have just described myself and I should just stay home in a rocking chair and sell the M3!!!

Be bold!!! Leave the anchors at home. The camera took great pictures when they were new. Are those pictures obsolete?

LOL, it is a family trip... Enjoy!!!:))
 
Traveling in a "minimalistic spirit" is always an experience! Personally I wouldn't do it digital but sometimes I do it analog bringing only my Holga and a few film...
robert, quiet photographer a little bit confused :)
 
robert blu said:
Traveling in a "minimalistic spirit" is always an experience! Personally I wouldn't do it digital but sometimes I do it analog bringing only my Holga and a few film...
robert, quiet photographer a little bit confused :)
Click to expand...

A Holga!!! Cool!

It is funny that I never thought of that. Excellent experience there, Robert!

In the past few months, I find myself very minimalistic with gear. Sometimes it is a film camera only. At other times it is the X1. And I enjoy life so much more with just one camera, one lens and enjoying the moment. The key is to use the camera you love.
 
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