Adding a Leica to My Kit

I decided to take the plunge and buy a pocket point & shoot to compliment my DSLR for times when I don't wish to drag a large camera around. Of course I'm spoiled by quality photos so I couldn't just get just anything from Japan/China. The Leica V-LUX 20 was my choice. At 12.1 mega-pixels it should do the trick nicely. It has an extreme zoom range at 25-300mm F/3.3-4.9 with vibration reduction. To get that zoom range I gave up the ability to shoot RAW as this model's format is solely JPEG. It will actually fit in my pocket with the nice brown leather case by Leica. I received the case for $125 case for free as an incentive to buy the camera. I made sure to buy two 8 gig class 10 memory cards to compliment the camera.

http://asia.cnet.com/product/leica-v...0-45282976.htm

That's a lovely compact Bob, and it's great to have a good compact, but I am a bit puzzled by your statement about Japan/China? My understanding, which may be incorrect, is that the Leica is a re-badged Panasonic TZ10, same sensor, body, lens but some minor changes in cosmetics and functions?

You missed the joke BC. My Nikon is made in China as is the Leica. I was well aware that the model I chose is a very close copy of the Panisonic model that sells for half the price. It's sort of like buying a BMW, you have to want one to justify everything involved, ie. Initial cost & maintenance. I've always wanted a rangefinder Leica since way back to the legendary M4 film version. They weren't cheap then and they're not cheap now. They are well built!

Yep, sorry, did miss the point Bob, seems a bit of odd to pay practically double that of the Panasonic version, but I can understand wanting a Leica.

A few weeks ago I visited what I thought was a poor overseas students home... I thought I was doing him a favour buying a camera bag off him until he whipped out a Leica M9 which is just short of 5000 English pounds! I could just about afford the bag to put it in! Enjoy your Leica!

I have a Panasonic, and I have always love Panasonic P&S as they use Leica lenses. I guess you pay for the name,as they seem more or less identical in specs, just slightly different packaging.
But as you say, you want the BMW version.

Enjoy your camera Bob x

LOL I know what you mean. I was looking at the brown leather case for my Leica at $125 and couldn't justify it. When I placed my order with B&H Camera in New York, NY the salesman pointed out my camera purchase came with a mail-in coupon for that exact case for free. Yippee!

If I was buying the ultimate in cameras it would be Hassleblad's top digital. As soon as I win the lottery I can afford the $35,000 price tag.

It's only money Suzzy, the government will give me more. LOL

Our government has run out of our money...

My first serious camera was a Lieca, a 1938 Model 111B, cost me £25 in 1963, still have it, together with 50mm lens and 90mm telephoto.

jeff

I'm fairly certain you've heard of the term "Bucket List". Owning a Leica is one of the items on my wish list or bucket list. I've always admired their elegant simplicity and high quality. I come from German parents who always taught me to buy the best quality I could afford. The camera is scheduled to arrive Friday afternoon so I am genuinely excited.