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The Leica D-Lux 7 Review
By: Thorsten Overgaard. July 24, 2020. Most recent update, September 5, 2024.
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Leica D-Lux 7 User Guide and Review
I had an optimistic day, so I ordered a Leica D-Lux 7 with the intention of really making it sing and writing a user guide on how to do it
Then the Leica D-Lux 7 arrived, and I soon realized this was above my pay grade. I just couldn't deal with all the buttons and the extensive, complicated camera menu.
Leica D-Lux 7 is a beautiful camera to look at.
Leica D-Lux 7: A beautiful camera I don't use
It's a beautiful camera to look at, and as such, I was not unhappy with having it around. Until Mia, my step-daughter, left for Parsons School of Design in New York and needed a camera. So, I gave it to her.
"Now it's somebody else's problem," I thought. And it was. Soon I had her on the line, asking why the camera screen didn't show a picture. I had no idea.
"I have no idea," I answered, which was true, and I didn't know the camera well enough to guide her in the blind. So I suggested, "But try going down to the new Leica Store New York in the Meatpacking District. They can probably figure it out."
She went, and the manger Rob and the deputy manager Sire took really good care of her. Not only did they serve her coffee and offered her a free Leica key ring, they also provided a table to sit and work on schoolwork fo a few hours ... oh, and yes, they fixed the camera settings.
It all worked well until someone touched a wrong button - again.
The Leica D-Lux 7 is mostly the wrong choice
In essence, this is what's wrong with the Leica D-Lux 7: There are just too many buttons and menu options, and as a compact camera by nature is one the user doesn't use every day, there is no way it will become muscle memory how to get the camera to sing.
So far, I was right in my estimation: I cannot get that camera to sing. And if I can't, nobody can. But contrary to other people's belief ("I am too stupid to do this"), I know that I can get things to work, and I can tell when a camera is more of a liability than a help.
And I also know when to throw in the towel and let it be somebody else's problem.
The solution is the Leica D-Lux 8
Often, when something doesn't work for you, you buy the next new model (as in canon 5D Mark II) in the hope that it is now improved so the errors you made doesn't happen to you. It is seldom how it works, but in the case of the Leica D-Lux 7 and Leica D-Lux 8, it actually is.
The Leica D-Lux 8 (2024) is a new design of the Leica D-Lux series, without the confusing buttons and complicated menu. What is left is a compact Leica camera that actually works and which has a great lens.
Go look at my Leica D-Lux 8 review here.
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I like simple things
I make things for myself the way I think they should be, and I use them for my travel to more than twentyfive countries a year. Once I am happy with the way stuff works, I make it available for you to buy.
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Ventilated Shades for most Leica lenses
Classic look to the lenses, sturdy protection against bumps and scratches ... and yes, they shade for the light as well.
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Camera Straps for Leica M and Leica Q
"Simply a leather strap" – My handmade soft calfskin camera strap is the ultimate sophisication in simpliciy and luxury. |
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Camera Pouches for Leica M and Leica Q
The soft calfskin pouch you don't need ... but you just can't resist! For camera with lens, or to keep track of loose parts. |
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"The Von" Camera Bag Carry-On Travel
Made to travel in style. Handmade by the best artisans in Milano, Venice and Verona to bring the owner a liftetime of happiness. |
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24h Travel Bag with lots of Carry-On space
I decided to make a bag with all the space I could ever need to bring onto an airplane.
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The Von Mini Messenger
The Ideal Walkabout Photographers Bag . Tested for three years all over the world by me. |
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Camera Backpack
I've made a series of backpacks becuase they are practical for many things. |
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Document Carry-On for iPad or Computer
Put a mess of everything in this and you look stylish and organized. |
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Desk Blotters and Larger-Than-Life Mousepad
Nothing beats the feelling of soft calfskin leather on your desk ... but this one takes away reflections, damps the keyboards and makes you happy! |
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Computer shade for MacBook Pro 15"
Better tonality, accurate colors and concentration for the eyes with my travel shade that snaps onto the MacBook with magnets and folds for travel. |
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Workshops & Masterclasses
With Thorsten von Overgaard for Leica enthusiasts and digital photographers in more than 25 countries a year. Pick your favorite city and meet Thorsten Overgaard. |
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Photography Extension Courses
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One-on-one Training anywhere in the world
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Video Classes: Learn from Thorsten Overgaard
Watch to learn about your camera, how to use light, how to do street photography, or simply to stay inspired. |
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eBooks on Photography
The foremost Leica expert and multi award-winning photographer Thorsten Overgard write books that teach and inspire. |
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Signed Prints by Thosten von Overgaard
Select photgoraphs from the archive of Thorsten von Overgaard, signed, sealed and delivered for your collection.
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Adobe Lightroom Presets for Leica
As a Leica and Lightroom user you will love the simplicity and original look of the Presets Thorsten made for his Leica files. |
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Used Leica Cameras
Ken Hansen New York Inc updated stock list of second-hand Leica lenses. |
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