Tuesday, May 18, 2010

My Leica Digilux 4


I've never dreamt about bags the way I lusted after cameras. Now that I've not much use for an SLR, I've firmly pushed all thoughts of acquiring one out of my mind. I enjoy taking photos, but I'm not passionate about it. Other point and shoot cameras which could process RAW images have become better options for capturing memories and those yummy moments.

My darling Ricoh GrD has served me brilliantly. I love it. It's the only reason why I didn't buy the Leica D-Lux 4 (DL4) sooner. But I couldn't tear my thoughts away from the DL4. Such is the power of a Leica. In London last December, I couldn't take my eyes off the M9. But that's clearly not an option because I'll never do justice to it. However, between then and now, the Canon S90 popped up with really attractive specs, works great in lowlight and seems to be a fairly good pick overall, especially for a girl with dainty bags.

After all that hemming, hawing, testing out the friends' units and surfing around for information, I finally mustered up the courage to run to Funan Mall today to make a choice. I needed to ummm....buy vegetables. But I had to get a camera first. Blind lust. The moment I got off the cab, I had already decided on the Leica.

I was rather stunned by the size of the case for the DL4. So big ah?!!! It wouldn't fit into any of my bags! The guy gave me a brown case for the camera and didn't see any issues with that. I stared very long at the color combination of black and brown. I was like, "Do you have it in black instead? I want it to match the camera." The guy must have tried really hard not to roll his eyes.

I'm not going to stop using the GrD. It's very handy. And even with its case, the GrD fits beautifully in any Chanel 2.55. The DL4 doesn't have that advantage. With its bulky case and weight, the DL4 will fit a tote best. Or I can sling it like an additional purse. I'm secretly sure that my choice of bag for the day might determine which camera I take out. Hahaha. Such a bimbotic statement. That, and of course, the event I'm attending. The DL4 will go out in the evenings and off to the gigs with me. :)

11 comments:

Dawn said...

Camera good - bag secondary :)

supercoati said...

It's sensible that your choice of handbag should determine the camera that you bring out. It's best to put everything together so that the camera doesn't get absentmindedly misplaced (maybe it's just me misplacing stuff one time too often) . BUT if you have bought the M7 just to match your handbag collection, THAT will be bimbotic, no? :D
Camera very narce!

imp said...

dawn: you are the one who'll dilligently lug your giant SLR around everywhere!

supercoati: I'm rarely without my camera. as much as i like just carrying a clutch, if i can't do without my camera, i'll just lug it along. in lowlight without add-ons, the DL4 is superior to my GrD. :( I almost wanted to compromise everything and pick the CanonS90 for its compact and slim size!

kikare said...

MAY I PLAY PLAY WITH YOUR LEICA? I'LL LET YOU PLAY WITH MY NIKON DSLR! (can you tell that i am excited?!)

tuti said...

brown cannot go with such a classic black. how can the salesperson not have noticed.
now got new toy must snap more pics. hehe.

imp said...

kikare: of course you may! i'll take it to you soon!

tuti: haha. guy mah. won't be too bothered about colors. the man just asked me this morning if black shoes and brown tee go together. DOH.

lilsnooze said...

Ah, that's why u were at Funan..should have guessed ;)

I think I need a slimmer cam, the LX is always left at home cos after putting in nat's stuff, I have no incentive to add-on the load!

imp said...

lilsnooze: the whole world caught me at Funan buying cameras lor. i ran into so many familiar faces there. haizzzz. you might want to consider the Canon S90 then!

red fir said...

New plaything! hehe we can expect bigger shots of awesome svelte imp in bikini. (:

Anonymous said...

I like Leica but their digital camera is disappointing. Can't seem to get the light correct esp in low light situation. That's why I sold my Digilux 1 away.

imp said...

ice: YOU TERRIBLE! i shall THINK about putting a clearer photo. heee.

anon@9.09pm: One could hope that the DL4 would be slightly improved! But since I'm not a photographer and not too appreciative of quality generally and don't plan to blow anything up in print, then I think the DL4 should suffice for now!