Alan Humphries' Solution To Finding & Using Leica Lenses
07th June 2024
An Affordable Leica.
Following on from Davis Askham’s recent article “Finding an Affordable Leica Camera” I would like to tell of my experience of using an affordable Leica(s).
It all started with the transition from film to digital a period during which Leica rather lost its way. Previously I was fortunate to have both “R” and “M” equipment.
In 2006 I purchased my first digital camera, a birthday present, in the form of a Panasonic Lumix FZ30 bridge 8mp camera which has a 35-420mm Leica Vario Elmarit lens. Granted the pixel count is small compared with the larger offerings of today, but is does perform well. Besides which, like its successors, it come comes to hand nicely, doesn’t weigh a ton and has image stabilisation; the ideal companion when the there is a need to travel light. Although I have moved on over the years the FZ30 remains with me and is giving good service.
If you really require the ”red dot” there are several of Lumix models including the FZ and LX series which are essentially the same, apart from few little tweaks, but in my view there is little that warrants the price premium.
In addition to the FZ series I have been and still am user of several compacts in the TZ and LX series. What of DSLRs? I am a fan of the G series my latest being the first version of G9 with the Leica Vario Elmarit 12-60mm . In addition I have a GX7 and more recently a mint GF1 on which the Vario- Elmarit balance nicely.
If you really require the ”red dot” there are several of Lumix models including the FZ and LX series which are essentially the same, apart from few little tweaks but in my view there is nothing in my view that warrants the price premium.
Not for one moment am I saying that any of the models mentioned the above, apart from the G9, is as capable as the latest “M”. SL or Q3 and their dedicated lenses. On the other hand the Panasonic Lumix models with Leica lenses are comparatively inexpensive, perform well and will I am sure satisfy the average photographer.
Attached for your perusal are some sample images taken using the Lumix/Leica combination.
Enjoy your photography, remember the best camera is the one you have with you!
© Alan DW Humphries. 2024
Following on from Davis Askham’s recent article “Finding an Affordable Leica Camera” I would like to tell of my experience of using an affordable Leica(s).
It all started with the transition from film to digital a period during which Leica rather lost its way. Previously I was fortunate to have both “R” and “M” equipment.
In 2006 I purchased my first digital camera, a birthday present, in the form of a Panasonic Lumix FZ30 bridge 8mp camera which has a 35-420mm Leica Vario Elmarit lens. Granted the pixel count is small compared with the larger offerings of today, but is does perform well. Besides which, like its successors, it come comes to hand nicely, doesn’t weigh a ton and has image stabilisation; the ideal companion when the there is a need to travel light. Although I have moved on over the years the FZ30 remains with me and is giving good service.
If you really require the ”red dot” there are several of Lumix models including the FZ and LX series which are essentially the same, apart from few little tweaks, but in my view there is little that warrants the price premium.
In addition to the FZ series I have been and still am user of several compacts in the TZ and LX series. What of DSLRs? I am a fan of the G series my latest being the first version of G9 with the Leica Vario Elmarit 12-60mm . In addition I have a GX7 and more recently a mint GF1 on which the Vario- Elmarit balance nicely.
If you really require the ”red dot” there are several of Lumix models including the FZ and LX series which are essentially the same, apart from few little tweaks but in my view there is nothing in my view that warrants the price premium.
Not for one moment am I saying that any of the models mentioned the above, apart from the G9, is as capable as the latest “M”. SL or Q3 and their dedicated lenses. On the other hand the Panasonic Lumix models with Leica lenses are comparatively inexpensive, perform well and will I am sure satisfy the average photographer.
Attached for your perusal are some sample images taken using the Lumix/Leica combination.
Enjoy your photography, remember the best camera is the one you have with you!
© Alan DW Humphries. 2024
Comments
By Don Morley: I very much enjoyed this article. Thank you Alan. And from my own experience you are also 100% right on another point.THE best camera (or lens)in the world is the one you have with you when you need it. Don By Cled Lewis: What a cracking choice to demonstrate the qualities of the Panasonic/Leica lenses. Beautiful colours and detail, especially in the FZ30 shot.
Don is right. By David Askham: Thank you , Alan, for your interesting digital photographic journey. The street musicians certainly enjoy life with you, and I particularly enjoyed your nautical theme. As we gain more experience with later camera models, I find it a nostalgic experience to bring my older digital cameras back into use. The results are surprising as we acquire new processing skills. Try it! It can be a revelation.