 Still loving this camera |
| Review Date: March 9, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Thomas A. McCarty, Yorba Linda, CA |
It is now a few years later. This camera has survived and unlike the models it was compared to, still viable.
Looks may have something to do with it but not everything is based on looks. Others like the Canon or Nikon have most likely been replaced with newer models as they appear. Not so with the L1. It was not replaced as a line. If you own one you know, it is a sweet thing to own. I also bought the f 1.4 25mm. The lens system is crazy cool. |
18months on, time for a review
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| Review Date: December 7, 2009 |
| Reviewer: N. Iqbal, USA |
I have had this camera with the 14-50 Leica kit lens for 18months now. I have seen many new cameras being released every season, with higher mega-pixels, more features, newer technology. But I have still managed to keep this and I can tell you that every day with this camera makes you a better photographer. Using the camera with a good lens makes you really think about the picture before clicking. Its is limited in specs and the high ISO performance isn't stellar. But that aside, this camera has some very innovative features (for its time). In basic photography terms, it has every thing you would need to compose and take great pictures, without all the other gadgets and features that take you away from the photography.
Yes, the camera is now pretty dated, but at 7.5 MP, its still produces stunning pictures along with its Leica Kits lens. It also pairs nicely with the Leica 25mm Summilux and The Olympus 70-300mm lens.
What I have a unique camera, with a unique design, sturdy build and great picture quality for daylight and twilight photography. For night photography, a good tripod and some patience will stil produce stellar results without having to resort to noisy high ISOs. All in all, a nice camera to own and keep!
Plus, I get more compliments carrying this camera than would any Nikon or Canon user and in some vain manner, its a nice feeling to be a snobby elite :) |
Great camera
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| Review Date: November 22, 2009 |
| Reviewer: JJ Loh, Singapore |
| Not the most advance camera but good enough for normal photo taking. Nice vintage look that is classy and time withstanding. Built seems better than entry level camera and has good grips. Interesting features includes 2 angle bounce flash, aperture and shutter dial and of course Leica looking design and icon. Produces nice looking photos as well. Cons includes slower focus (comparatively), 2.5" non swivel LCD, lack of accessories. The fact that new cameras does not swirl me to upgrade proofs that this camera is more than good enough for most user. Will be keeping this camera for quite awhile. |
Known problem with the 14-50 Leica lens
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| Review Date: December 26, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Tandy K. Bozeman, Lake Almanor CA |
This is a great camera with a stunning tack-sharp lens. That said, many owners on the Leica forum have reported a problem with the 14-50 lens that comes on the camera. The lens sometime comes with, or later develops, the problem of binding of the zoom function, which after time locks up completely or at best restricts zoom movement. Also, several new owners have reported that they have received a camera with a lens whose front end is "loose" and can be wiggled back and forth. This is alarming, but does not seem to effect the camera focus, at least on my DMC-L1 with its case of front end wobbles. Alas, also my lens seem to be developing the dreading zoom restriction about mid zoom.
So, if you do purchase this camera, do carefully check out the 14-50mm lens for what appears to be, or have been, a widespread manufacturing defect. The lens should zoom in and out smoothly. If there is a slight restriction or a "catch" in the movement, you're likely in for downline trouble.
With a defect-free lens, this camera is superb, and well worth the potential hassle of returning the product for replacement if you find yourself with a lens whose zoom function fails and binds.
The DMC-L1 is considerably less expensive than the Leica branded version, and offers the feel and advantages of the range finder cameras like the Leica M3 or the Nikon SP, so loved by photojournalists of yesteryear. Ah, but if only the DMC-L1 was as petite as the old Leica M3. |
One of a kind, never to be mistaken
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| Review Date: September 3, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Jarrod Sams, |
When this camera was introduced I knew I wanted one. The look and feature set just appealed to me. Finally I got one. It is not a perfect camera for everyone, but get your hands on one and it speaks for itself. I love using this camera and I find it quite comfortable to use with everything where I expect it to be. Some features I particularly like are the manual controls, two-stage flash, live view, and the kit lens.
The manual controls feel more natural than using menus. I especially like the quick access buttons on the back and the drive mode and metering switches on top. Though these switches can change position easily at times, I still much prefer it to delving into a menu. I also love the two programable function buttons. This can be very useful, though be warned that one of them defaults to aperture when using a lens without the ring. But this has its workarounds.
I normally avoid using flash, but on the L1 I will try to find a way to use it. The bounce flash I find especially useful for portraits. The power of the flash I think is also very good for a built in unit. Its also amusing to see other peoples' faces when you pop the flash.
Live view is a feature many seem to scoff at, but I find it quite useful. It also helps to compensate for the viewfinder's deficiencies or when you really want to get that unique perspective.
And last but not least, the LEICA lens. I wanted a bright lens, and the L1 comes with one. Having a quality piece of glass to start with is a real plus and this lens is part of what makes the L1 the camera it is.
The L1 has its faults and quirks too.
The viewfinder is small and dark. Though I don't find it to be any darker than the viewfinder on my old Canon AE-1, it is smaller than most. But it is adequate for ordinary shooting and something you quickly adjust to. If you're shooting detail you can use Live VIew to check focus and to better view in dark lighting.
The auto focus is normally quick and near silent, but it does struggle in dim lighting or under harsh backlighting. Then the lens racks through its range and can make a bit of noise. But it is quieter than mechanical focus systems and I find it to be very accurate most of the time.
Lastly a few nit-picks. The flash being located off center from the lens axis can cause uneven lighting, but it is barely noticeable and often only occurs at either close or far distances. Also, don't use the lens hood with the flash as it causes shadows. The shutter dial is nice to use, except it doesn't turn 360 degrees. This makes switching from aperture to shutter priority a slight pain at times. But it isn't a big deal unless you switch between shooting modes a lot. Battery life isn't stellar by comparison to some others, especially if you use Live View a lot. So an extra battery would be suggested.
Overall this is a very unique piece of photographic equipment and is one you will either love or hate. But don't just take peoples' word for it. Get your hands on one and see for yourself. I love mine and wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm proud to own what will surely become a piece of photographic history. |
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