I looked at the Panasonic digital camera before I decided to buy the Bessa R2 35mm. I was hesitant because the sales person spoke of the camera being so delicate in regards to wet weather. I am not a 'beater' of cameras, but they DO get used, and $800 for a camera that I am afraid to damage might not be good for me. There IS a cheaper Panasonic/Leica on the way, however. It features an Elmarit lens and sells for about $300.(2.0 mp) Shooting pics in Oregon is going to get you wet. John

-- John H Osterholm (Barjo4@attbi.com), May 09, 2002

Answers

It is doubtful that Leica even made that camera's lens that has their "Vario Summicron" re-badge on it. The word in the digital circles is that it is a Canon made lens used on many other cameras with various names put on it. It makes me wonder if the Elmarit on the cheaper camera you mention ever saw the inside of a leica facility either. I've been watching the new arrivals to the digital world, and stil don't see anything worth spending money on for the type of shooting I currently do.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), May 09, 2002.

That lens is seen with the Zeiss name on it too. Its actual maker is Canon.

-- Charles (cbarcellona@telocity.com), May 09, 2002.

While you guys are busy grousing and capping on digital cameras there are a lot of young people out there using them very well and creatively. A look over the photosig.com web site, for instance might open your eyes. Don't look though and you can keep congratulating yourselves on your narrow view of things. I like the images and digital photography is unleashing an ongoing revolution of creativity. It's not the camera or what kind of camera that makes the pictures. I like this thread but a lot of you guys need to get a life. Cheers!

-- Gil Pruitt (wgpinc@yahoo.com), May 09, 2002.

I kind of suspected the lens was from Canon. I am not 'hung up' on a Leitz digital lens. I just want something I can half way trust to be decent. I will probably get the Canon Power Shot A40. I don't require a 4.0 mp camera for my needs. I am getting the Bessa R2 for that kind of photography. (big prints) I believe there are several digitals with the same lens - Canon, Casio, Panasonic, Leica and who knows who else. I think a good slide/negative scanner is more important TO ME than an $800 digital camera.

-- John H Osterholm (Barjo4@attbi.com), May 09, 2002.

When you guys say lens made by Canon, do you really mean lens made by Sigma to Canon design ???

-- sait (akkirman@clear.net.nz), May 10, 2002.

Personally, the lens in question is a f/2.0-f/2.5. I don't really know of another digital zoom that's that fast. Leica has said for quite some time that they're designing the lenses for the new Panasonic/Leica cameras. I don't know if that meant fabrication. This is a very hotly contested segment of the market, and I wish Leica well. So far, the new Digalux looks to be a worthy contender, with one hallmark being that it's very responsive. As everyone know anyway, Nikon makes and designs ALL of Canon's lenses, sometimes at there own facility, and sometimes at third party facilities. Canon is too busy keeping all those business copiers running.

-- Glenn Travis (leicaddict@hotmail.com), May 10, 2002.