Any Digilux 3 users?

[Peter_S]

Hi!

I am contemplating getting a Leica Digilux 3. I was wondering if any here have one and what they have to say about it? The 2x crop factor and ability to put some Zeiss prime tele lenses on it lure me (I need a camera with tele, that is why I would be getting it), and the lens that comes with it alone seems to be worth the price....but I am used to film and Sigma Foveon so I reluctant to go back to Bayer and small sensors...


Cheers,
Peter

[Brian]

I took a quick look on Ebay and Amazon for Digilux 3's. People want the same money for them used as an M8 is going for. The Digilux 3 is 7.5MPixels.

http://www.amazon.com/Leica-DIGILUX-Digital-14-50mm-Stabilization/dp/B000J6CDL4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1265739390&sr=1-1

If you could get the Digilux 3 for $750~$1000 or so, I could see it. But at the price they are going for, why not look at a used M8 or Epson RD-1?

The 10.2MPixel M8 has a 1.3x crop factor. So that gives you room to crop the image for a "telephoto" equivalent of the Digilux 3.

My Zeiss lens on the M8.

http://ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=118&pictureid=2100

And- no AA filter on the M8.

This camera was 3months old, under 400 actuations, and came with the case, spare battery, books, and filters. All original packing, still under warranty- under $2500.

[Peter_S]

Brian,
thanks for the input! The M8 is an option, but I think it would come me more expensive. I have seen the D3 for about 1500CAD, and that includes the lens - which in itself seems to be very good. I am having trouble finding similar-priced m4/3 systems that would give me a sharp f2.8-3.5 zoom lens (I usually dislike zoom lenses but that one looks alright).

But I understand that the M8 is in another league, I am just not sure if I want to pay that much money at that stage in my photography.
We will see that PMA bings in terms of new 4/3 cameras. I was hoping for a Fujifilm or Sigma offer, but that seems unlikely, so I am scoping alternatives already.

Cheers!
Peter

[Brian]

Keep an eye open for bargains. The new 4/3rds cameras are coming out quickly, and prices are always moving downwards.

On the M8- keep an eye on rangefinderforum.com. A lot number of M8's are coming up, some under $2K. Some RD-1's also coming up, under $1,200.

For lenses: my M8 has a Jupiter on it most of the time. Under $100.

[Peter_S]

Thanks again Brian!
I will keep an eye out. I have been out and about a lot with my Sigma DPs and trying to decide which camera will fill the gaps. E.g., a fast AF may be handy too sometimes.
I will wait until PMA 2009, then decide.

Cheers,
Peter