"The Leica Digilux I"

This is a Leica Digilux I. It is a 4mp point and shoot from 2002.
Even back then I never really had an interest in this camera because I knew
it was a Panasonic with a Leica badge.

However, I came across one recently at a very nice price and decided to add it
to the collection. Image quality is decent, but there is one glaring flaw...

This particular camera was dysfunctional! Actually, almost non-functional as none of
the buttons worked!

I like collectible cameras, but only the ones I can use, not for show pieces.
So this one went back to the shop for a refund. I was able to use it in AUTO only mode,
but that's not my thing.

The 33-100mm "Vario-Summicron" lens was good, but not good enough for me to want
to keep this faulty camera.

They don't come along too often, but are not rare either and are usually overpriced on eBay.
I wouldn't pay more than $100 bucks for one of these.

If you wonder what that 33-100mm "Vario-Summicron" lens would be like, you have a lot of choices...

You see, this same lens is on various Canon, Casio, Sony, and other manufacturers' point and
shoot cameras from the same era albeit under different trademarks. For example, on the Sony it
is labeled "Zeiss" and on a Canon it would be labeled "Canon Lens." Specific model examples
would be the Canon Powershot G1/G2 and the Sony S75/S85 cameras.

I have used the Canon and Sony variants and they are both similar in performance.

You can also get the exact same camera from Panasonic labeled as the "LC5."

However, for a collector, the Leica Digilux 1 is the "ultimate" variant of this breed.
If, and this is a big IF...IF it is working properly. This is one real caveat when buying
old digital cameras.

I think the best thing about this camera is its FUNKY looks, no doubt! Heck, even
the Great Steve Huff (and I do think he is really great!) was "duped" by the looks of
this thing :-)