Digicam Tribute- The Panasonic LC1
Panasonic DMC-LC1 Review- A Real Love Affair (Review Update 6-20-2010, Diary Gallery Update 8-11)
June 2010, Carl Garrard
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I love photography and photographic equipment. Rangefinder cameras especially hold a special place in my heart. It may very well be because of the build quality and straight forward logical placement of controls mixed harmoniously with the boxy design that seems impossibly comfortable, yet somehow is. Or rather, it may be the historical heritage and design of a rangefinder that appeal to me. All rangefinder styled cameras vary ergonomically, and authentically styled like a real traditional rangefinder. No camera that doesn't have a real rangefinding viewfinder can actually be considered an authentic rangefinder. However, the viewfinder isn't the only part of a rangefinder that gives it that designation. Its size, styling, control surfaces and ergonomics, all play a role in the "rangefinder" branding. By all intents and purposes the LC1 is my pseudo Leica M camera. I'm dreaming a bit here... but it certainly seems it would handle like one. |
Panasonic DMC-LC1- Overview
Panasonic overall makes some very interesting and innovative cameras, but they've made in my opinion some exceptional ones as well. I currently own three Panasonic cameras, two DMC-L1's (or Leica Digilux 3) and of course the DMC LC1. Don't confuse the two even if they look very similar; one is a DSLR, and the other -a Digicam with a fixed lens. I like them both for what they are, but this article is all about the the DMC-LC1.
Panasonic's symbiosis with Leica is one in which I find interesting and inspiring. To me it says quite a bit about Panasonic as a company who's mere relationship with Leica seems to honor tradition and the excellent reputation to which Leica has earned over its tenure as a camera and lens manufacturer. As well it should be, Leica consistently adhere to an uncompromising set of principles that few today even consider. Leica have earned more than just respect, they inspire greatness in others too.
Maybe one day I may own a real M series Leica and lenses but for now the Panasonic DMC-LC1 gives me all I could want from rangefinder-like camera offering excellent handling and stellar quality. Really, this camera is built. Although the interior of two cameras are mechanically night and day apart, on the exterior the DMC-LC1 and M series camera have a quite a lot in common in terms of the size and balance of a great rangefinder. Cheers to Panasonic and Leica both for the cooperation which manifests itself as the DMC-LC1.
It's quite difficult to describe why the DMC-LC1 has brought such long term satisfaction to its owners (who will tell you they agree with me). But it seems to generate from the result of an excellent combination of qualities that in the end, all add up to a blissful like experience and respect from its' owner.
This review is my personal tribute to one of the finest crafted digicam's ever designed, and hopefully of which won't be the last.
The equipment I use must fit my personality and shooting style for I desire the ultimate photographic experience. Always on a search for the "best affordable rangefinder" the discovery of the DMC-LC1 was a rather accidental opportunity. Panasonic's LC1 was recommended to me by a friend and excellent photographer/writer Cristian Sorega. Even though I knew of the cameras existence, it never clicked in my head that this could be a camera I'd ever want. The reasons for this could be that initially the resolution and price of this unit caused me to turn up my nose and look the other way.
In several conversations about adding a rangefinder-like digital camera to my collection, Cristian recommended that perhaps a DMC-LC1 would give me what I was looking for that I hadn't yet found. Cristian owns one, and it came with a gleaming recommendation. He has also written about it on his website here.
Come to find out, he was certainly right on the recommendation, but the charm of the LC1 admittedly didn't fully hit me right away. Of course at first I was ecstatic when I received it, enamored by the build, size, and quality of this hefty little camera. Yet, the joy of experiencing it and coaxing images from it properly was a joy that would come some time later. That time has come now, and why I am writing this article.
Fantastic article
Absolutely fantastic article. I agree 100% with your dissatisfaction with bland modern plasticky camera designs (not limited just to cameras, unfortunately). Prior to buying and using some old film cameras, I was convinced that image quality was the most important factor in a camera, but I've now learned that design and ergonomics are by far the most important. We're trying to create art with these things and it's hard to do that with an uninspiring hunk of plastic in your hands.
I want simpler cameras that do the basics incredibly well without just piling on features that I don't use and could easily live without. I wish Sony (and many others) would realize that simplification does not mean removing buttons and burying everything 17 levels down inside a menu. To me, the KM-7D seems like an easier camera to use than the new NEX cameras. The DMC-LC1 sounds like it hits the sweet spot with just enough analog controls to get the job done.
Just out of curiosity, do you find the Pentax K-7 paired with a DA Limited prime to be comparable in terms of quality and joy of use (recognizing that they are vastly different cameras)?
First of all
Thank you, very much. :)
On the K7, I find Pentax cameras to have a very unique feel about them. The K7's build and external controls are very fine indeed. It's just such a different camera, nothing like I've used before.
Unique is the best word I can use to describe how the K7 feels and operates overall. It's a jack of all trades really for DSLR's. Small but beefy, strong but not all that heavy... good handling, uber control. More control than you can possibly imagine.
Carl
I'm a huge fan of old style
I'm a huge fan of old style switches, dials and buttons. I have this horrible vision that we'll be stuck with cameras in the future with almost no on body controls at all possibly just a touch screen. Whilst I've nothing against touch screen technology I'd love to see more cameras like this. They look distinctive v other normal cameras..they handle well and just add an element to user control and satisfaction that you don't often get.
Handling in the most under-rated aspect to any camera (subjective of course)
I love the old rangefinder look myself. And I think old school can meet modern technology and combine the best of both worlds.
re the sensor issue: My LC1
re the sensor issue: My LC1 is from that batch and the sensor finally failed about 6 months ago. I contacted the Panasonic NZ office and they said send it up and we'll look at it. They confirmed it was the sensor and still had spares and the camera was back a week later. A six year old unit repaired under warranty at no cost, that's what I call damn fine customer service.
Wow, that is awesome!
I may have to amend the review, it could be that its a case by case situation for Panasonic. Thank you for sharing this information!
Carl
LC1 must be a Popular camera
The amount of attention (hits) this review is getting is surprising to me.
Good to see we have a lot of LC1 fans out there, it'd be great to hear from more of you. Thanks all for spreading the review. If you see any discrepencies or inaccuracies please feel free to PM me and I will double check/edit the review.
Carl
I think a lot of us are
I think a lot of us are looking for a camera that offers great image quality and analog operation. Thanks for this look back at a fine camera, but man oh man, it has kicked up a bad case of gas....
John
P.S. Just discovered this site because of the LC1 article, very nice. I will make this a regular place to visit.
LC1 sensor repair information in Japan
Thank you very much for the wonderful articles. I enjoyed it so much.
Though I don't have LC1, I've checked the Panasonic Website in Japanese today, and
found the information for free repair of LC1 sensors is still there.
The Google translation for the page is below.
http://bit.ly/b0AL0u
Of course, toll free phone number is only available in Japan.
As it says "Japan model only", I don't know the service available in other countries,
but it seems like the sensors themselves are in stock for repair.
There is a big black hole
There is a big black hole between the Leica M9 and the Panasonic LC-1. Hopefully somebody will offer a decent camera with a good EVF, a big sensor and interchangeable lenses. One alternative is the Sigma DP2 with an optical view finder in the hot shoe. Only a fixed lens, but very good image quality with a small camera body.
I own one, and I love it !
I bought one of these rare gems from eBay last year at around 520$. The rubber grip peeled off, so I replaced it with real leather.
As a film shooter, I LOVE this camera. Every aspect of it is so well thought that it becomes one with you when you use it.
I had the chance to sell it and raise money for a Panasonic GF1, but I love this camera so much and it brings me real joy when I use it. The photos have a very nice personality. Well... you can congratulate Leica for this one :D
Digilux 2
If anyone is interested in purchasing the Panasonic's Leica twin, it's for sale here: http://www.kenmorecamera.com/p-10282-used-leica-digilux-2.aspx for $599. I don't really have that much to spend right now, so please buy it before I do!
Don't tempt me...
Such a nice write-up, surely echoing what many of us feel. I really enjoy these more contemplative pieces about cameras and photography, the real-life experience with using cameras... excellent.
I was so close to buying a digilux2, but then my old Nikon D50 conked and I spent £120 fixing it. And I thought that I shouldn't buy used digital equipment again. And now I regret it... boy, I still want one.
I shouldn't reveal this....but...
...the second LC1 I just picked up last week... well... it is being delivered today.
On a total whimsical search of the net on google, I happened to see that B&H had a "brand new" LC1 for $499.00. I thought either A. Typo, or B. Old cache no way, or C. Mismarked or not really as good as they claim. I verified on the phone with B&H that it had everything in a pristine original box, the camera looked unused, all original wrapping was included etc... it was tested to see if it worked and of course passed. Today I get it and we'll see if all that is true.
If so, I got the deal of the Century. If not I slap the hand of B&H and get my money back.
Carl
We'll the LC1 Gods must be looking down on me....
its a brand new LC1 in the box, original tags on it, all original paperwork, never been turned on that I can tell. Original packaging materials, no marks on the body of course... etc. I've installed a fresh battery just to be sure it works. All is good. And it doesn't have a recall sensor serial # either.
Well sometimes life gives you a break :). I'm taking this as payment for my hard work on the review.
Cheers!
Carl
Desperately searching for a reasonably priced D2
The one from Kenmore is gone. Sold this morning. Man, I would have jumped on it for $600. I wanted this camera back in 2004, but practicality caused me to buy a Nikon d70 instead. Now I have a d90 and still wish I had a D2. That's it. I'm selling my 12-24mm f4 and my 50mm f1.4 and getting a D2, come hell or high water!
BTW, great article. You've convinced me. I will not sacrifice joy for practicality again!
D2H on Fleabay right now for
D2H on Fleabay right now for $739, not too far off from that magical 6 number
Panasonic LC-1
I was nterested to read your review as I have the same feelings. Ip am the guy in San Diego that sold Cristian is LC-1 after buying an L-1. At the time I couldn't justify keeping both, but I wish I had never sold it. I am glad it found such a good home. Keep shooting with LC-1.
Best regards,
Don Shneider
Revive LC-1!!!
Amazing review, thanks for your time, effort and patience.
I owned, used and regretted selling a DMC-LC1. Just recently I was browsing through some old (3-5 years back) photographs and the quality of the Lumix struck me. It had no quirks, the lens is a killer, only the constraints of 5 MP, limitations of DoF and the appalling high ISO performance forced me to swap it for an Oly E-3. I have been waiting for Panasonic to come up with a similar camera, or perhaps a m4/3 version with the same simplicity and ruggedness, true to the Leica M heritage that it is based on.
IDEA!
I see there are a great number of supporters and enthusiasts, so, I suggest we do some serious canvassing, maybe Pana (or Oly for that matter) picks up the sign and tunes in on the idea. What do you guys suggest? A microsite with brainstorming ideas and pictures uploaded? Forum, RSS, tweet, whatever.
I'd love to see Panasonic return to the concept of this outstanding camera, which was unfortunately stifled in the DSLR ratrace. the hideous G series is of no interest to me. For gods sake, I shoot Leica M for film, why would I lay my hand on a fantastic plastic soapbox toy gadget when there are real cameras out there? So let's exert some pressure for a DMC LC-X!
And keep up the good work.
Csaba
Great review, I am having
Great review, I am having fun with my newly acquired used D2, and came across this review. Thanks and I also hope Panasonic will give it a successor.
Analog control for-ever! Give me wheels and dials and levers.
I am a big fan of digital SLRs and digital photography. But last night, I was looking at my three film cameras, an AE-1 (1981?), T70 (1984?), and Minolta Maxxum 7000 (1985). What happened when we moved from a camera with a light meter and exposure-priority auto-aperture (AE-1) to a full-auto-metered-manual-focus (T70) to an ostensibly full auto film SLR (maxxum 7000) was that a lot of control got lost, in a five year period. I think, with all the frills that cameras have gained in the following 25 years, the desire for control has re-asserted itself. Look at the remarkable persistence and usability of a mode-dial. Look at how nice it was to control and use the AE-1. I think, for all the power and features we've got, there was something we've still never got back since then. Really, the last camera that was a complete joy for me to use was an AE-1 with an external light meter. Everything else was, well.. taking me out of the loop too much.
I love my image-stabilized 10+ megapixel alpha DSLR. Don't get me wrong. But if anything, Sony should be puttin' the buttin' back agin', and not takin' 'em away (as in the simply 'orrid 290/390).
W
Here's hoping the LC1/Digilux2 Gods are still in a good mood...
I couldn't take it any more. After reading your tribute I've offered some gear in hopes of securing a trade. Of course being a snob I'm going for the Digilux 2, but if a LC1 in great condition turns up, I will not turn it down. After reading your tribute at least 8 times, then seeing how Thorsten Overgaard and Cristian Sorega feel about this camera I was hopelessly enthralled...
Thanks again for the inspiring tribute to a fine instrument....
John
Panasonic DMC-LC1
I used a Leica M3 back in 1969 while taking a photography course. It had a 50mm f2.0 lens. At the time I owned a cheap KOWA SET fixed lens SLR with an f1.8 50mm lens. While I liked the Leica and appreciated it's build quality I have to say the rangefinder concept just wasn't for me. After a week with the Leica I was very happy to return to my SLR and the fantastic TTL viewfinder. For that reason I have no desire for any Rangefinder type camera no matter how good.
Yipee!!!
I just completed a trade for a very nice Digilux 2, my first Leica. I can't wait to get my hands on it.....
John
Found my D2!
Got a D2 from eBay over the weekend claiming to be in perfect condition. Should get it later this week. Thanks again for this inspiring article. Can't wait to use this baby!
Johnny and Patrick
Congrats on the D2 purchases, this is great to see!
I've seen a few LC1's out and about as well. I hope the cameras are in the condition you wanted them in and that you'll grow to like them.
It took me a while to really bond with the camera, but once I did...... ;)
C
New LC1 and D2 Owners
I'd like to hear your thoughts on these cameras. If you'd like I can start a sticky in our Photography All Brands forum just for these cameras and discussion. Let me know if you'd like me to.
C
Perfect camera,
I am waiting for future, if bigger sensor, good ISO3200, more powerful flash and possibility to change lenses. My love after LC5 and before KM 5D. LC5 still in use.
Hey, I have an LC5 too! :)
Neat camera. Not an LC1 or L1 for sure, but it has hints of the greatness that those cameras are. :).
I keep having trouble finding a 512mb or 1gig SD card that will work for it though.
Carl
New LC1 and D2 Owners
That would be great. In addition to our thoughts on these fine cameras we could post tips and tricks as well. It could be an additional learning tool. My D2 arrived yesterday and I took it out to Canal Park in Duluth and played around with it for a while. Kept in in full auto mode as I was dodging rain, but liked most of the shots I got. It is going to be fun learning to use this camera to its fullest capabilities.....
John
Done!
http://www.alphamountworld.com/forums/photography-all-brands/pansonic-lc1-and-leica-digilux-2-discuss/2010-6/5942