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.
Leica D-Lux 8 vs Leica D-Lux 7 Review by Thorsten Overgaard
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.
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!
LEItz CAmera = LEICA
Founded 1849 in Wetzlar, Germany.
Leica D-Lux 7 silver (2020) $1,395.00
Leica D-Lux 7 black (2020) $1,195.00
Leica D-Lux 7 handgrip acessory $165.00
Leica D-Lux 7 spare battery
$135.00
Thorsten von Overgaard photographed by Layla Bego with Leica D-Lux 7
Thorsten von Overgaard is a Danish-American multiple award-winning photographer, known for his writings about photography and Leica cameras. He travels to more than 25 countries a year, photographing and teaching workshops to photographers. Some photos are available as signed editions via galleries or online. For specific photography needs, contact Thorsten Overgaard via email.
You can follow Thorsten Overgaard at his television channel magicoflight.tv.
I am in constant orbit teaching
Leica and photography workshops.
Most people prefer to explore a
new place when doing my workshop.
30% of my students are women.
35% of my students dotwo or more workshops.
95% are Leica users.
Age range is from 15 to 87 years
with the majority in the 30-55 range.
Skill level ranges from two weeks
to a lifetime of experience.
97% use a digital camera.
100% of my workshop graduates photograph more after a workshop.
