Leica D-Lux type 109: Hi Hogs! I'm looking for a compact camera for times when I don't want to lug my big, heavy Nikon dslr gear. I read good things about this little Leica and wanted...

jdm Loc: Cape Cod

Hi Hogs!

I'm looking for a compact camera for times when I don't want to lug my big, heavy Nikon dslr gear. I read good things about this little Leica and wanted to know if anyone has experience with it. I'm looking for something with great image quality, a viewfinder, RAW, full manual, and a size that fits in a purse. Thanks in advance for your responses.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

jdm wrote:

Hi Hogs!

I'm looking for a compact camera for times when I don't want to lug my big, heavy Nikon dslr gear. I read good things about this little Leica and wanted to know if anyone has experience with it. I'm looking for something with great image quality, a viewfinder, RAW, full manual, and a size that fits in a purse. Thanks in advance for your responses.

Have one and it is all that the PR says, even though it is a 12MP camera. The lens is super sharp.
Fits in my pocket and away I go.If you want to save money, Panasonic makes the same camera under their label with that Leica Lens.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

A little pricey for what it offers. I guess for this camera, one pays primarily for the brand name, rather than the technical characteristics and features.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

My older sister has this camera. More $ than she knows what to do with. She bought the camera with the red badge just for the distinction knowing she could have saved allot on the Panasonic name as she's a Leica aficionado. However she did point out to me that the Panasonic is U.S. warranty only if purchased here and the Leica warranty is worldwide. That could be something to consider depending on one's travels. I does make fine images, I can say that much but I've only handled it in the house.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

The same camera as the Panasonic LX-100 but with one big difference, the red Leica logo on the front. That will put you in the upper eschelon, go for it.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

jdm wrote:

Hi Hogs!

I'm looking for a compact camera for times when I don't want to lug my big, heavy Nikon dslr gear. I read good things about this little Leica and wanted to know if anyone has experience with it. I'm looking for something with great image quality, a viewfinder, RAW, full manual, and a size that fits in a purse. Thanks in advance for your responses.

The Leica D-Lux (typ-109) does not have a view finder and is a Micro 4/3 sensor camera. You may want to look at what Fujifilm has to offer.

repleo Loc: Boston

Mac wrote:

The Leica D-Lux (typ-109) does not have a view finder and is a Micro 4/3 sensor camera. You may want to look at what Fujifilm has to offer.

The Leica D does have an EVF!

The Leica D (type 109) is essentially the same camera as the Panasonic LX100 which is nearly half the price of the Leica. My brother-in-law brings a backpack full of Full Frame cameras and lenses anytime he comes to visit, but the only camera I see him using is the Leica. He loves it. However it may be a bit big to fit in a purse. I wouldn't really consider it a 'pocketable' camera.

For something smaller you may want to consider a Sony RX100 which would meet your specs. You might also consider the Leica C (Type 112) The Leica C is shirt-pocketable, has RAW, has manual control including manual focus, small EVF and f2.0 and 28-200mm zoom - the perfect travel camera.

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

Get a s/h one, with a good battery; don't buy new-not worth it.

jdm Loc: Cape Cod

Thanks, all, for your thoughtful responses! Wow! Is it truly the same camera as the Panasonic LX100? I looked on DPReview and it looks identical. I go for value over status so I will take a look at the LX instead.

Mac, thanks for pointing out size. You're right .. the Leica C type 112 is a better fit for what I'm looking for. Sadly, they are no longer available. Off to check out fuji and sony.

Cheers!

BebuLamar

Now that I found that the LX100 made in China I wonder where the Leica is made?

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

BebuLamar wrote:

Now that I found that the LX100 made in China I wonder where the Leica is made?

Leica is a German Company.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

My sister's 109, early version, is labeled made in Japan.

BebuLamar

Ched49 wrote:

Leica is a German Company.

Panasonic is a Japanese company
Nikon is a Japanese company and most of their DSLR are made in Thailand.

BebuLamar

pesfls wrote:

My sister's 109, early version, is labeled made in Japan.

I was going to buy the LX100 but didn't when I found out it was made in China.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

BebuLamar wrote:

I was going to buy the LX100 but didn't when I found out it was made in China.

Yeah, it's all a confusing web. My Olympus PEN F body was "made in Vietnam" yet Olympus has been in business in Japan for about a hundred years. The "Pro" lens I bought with it also is "made in Vietnam." Although I will say the lens is hefty & all metal and focuses and zooms as smooth as glass. I think one nowadays is best off to just evaluate the product you're interested in and fret less as to where they are assembled. Everything has changed from the "old" days.