So nearly...... Panasonic Lumix LX5 ticking an old box.... and yet so far.....rear dial NOT controlling functions

[tikkathreebarrel]

The expression absolute bu$$er covers it.

Back in 2010 I had a Lumix LX3 and had a lot of pleasure using it and without sounding grand, I started to learn about taking photos with it.

Long story short I've been feeling some nostalgia for the control system/ergonomics and thought I'd renew the acquaintance and went off to EBay and bought an LX5. Immediately I felt at home with it and thought I'd found joy.

I'd done my due diligence and before committing to buy had an exchange of messages with the seller who assured me that the camera was 100% working.

What I found though was that "100% working" did not include the rear dial which is used to change aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation and manual focus and which on this camera has diddly squat influence on any of these functions: a camera which is locked into F8.0, 1/500 and -1/3 exp comp might be a nice point and shoot but is not what I believed I was buying.

So I'm now questioning whether a ten year old compact camera for sub £100 might be a silly idea yet I want to believe that it should be, it can be possible.

First and foremost I want a camera which will slip into a pocket. I want RAW, I want good "top and back" controls which don't require me to go scrolling through menus to shoot Manual/Aperture and Shutter priority on the fly. I do need it to work.

 

[stickytape]

How much did you pay for that broken LX3? There I sone here for under 60... I'd return that one for sure https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11531550...O/EQwPGJdmW+HByowzrL4XtnS2Ju|tkp:BFBM9I6arf1f

Sub 100 camera is no issue - recently added to my collection a Canon Pro 1, Samsung GX DSLR dual kit etc for under 100.

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

I have a Canon Ixus 70 on my belt. It's more usable than a phone and a lot smaller (pretty much the same as a Minox C spy camera but a different shape. I suppose the main drawback from your point of view is that it lacks the RAW format but I never use that on the cameras that have it ...



I find the 4X zoom adequate for many subjects as is the 8MP sensor. They seem to average around the £25 mark on ebay. Mine goes everywhere with me, Some examples...

 

[tikkathreebarrel]

I have a Canon Ixus 70 on my belt. It's more usable than a phone and a lot smaller (pretty much the same as a Minox C spy camera but a different shape. I suppose the main drawback from your point of view is that it lacks the RAW format but I never use that on the cameras that have it ...

View attachment 348890

I find the 4X zoom adequate for many subjects as is the 8MP sensor. They seem to average around the £25 mark on ebay. Mine goes everywhere with me, Some examples...

Thank you for your input. Could I trouble you for a body back photo please? I've got an Olympus Pen micro 4/3 body which is all about menu management plus it needs the bulk of a detachable lens which I've reduced down by popping a pancake lens on.

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

Here's the (playback) menu display...

 

[woof woof]

My advice is think very carefully before buying a Canon Ixus of that age. There must be something better you can spend your money on. I have a slightly newer one but I wouldn't recommend anyone actually buy one.

If it helps at all, I went from a LX2 to LX5 but I think the 2 gave better IQ at lower ISO's, the 5 just seemed a mushy mess. These cameras do have their avantages as you have full manual control and they shoot raw but I think if going for a compact I'd look for something newer rather than these aging cameras, there must be something newer about for under £100.

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

My advice is think very carefully before buying a Canon Ixus of that age. There must be something better you can spend your money on. I have a slightly newer one but I wouldn't recommend anyone actually buy one.

What particular problem have you observed in a Canon Ixus 70?

Perhaps this is another thing like the alleged shutter shock in Panasonic cameras?

 

[tikkathreebarrel]

My advice is think very carefully before buying a Canon Ixus of that age. There must be something better you can spend your money on. I have a slightly newer one but I wouldn't recommend anyone actually buy one.

If it helps at all, I went from a LX2 to LX5 but I think the 2 gave better IQ at lower ISO's, the 5 just seemed a mushy mess. These cameras do have their avantages as you have full manual control and they shoot raw but I think if going for a compact I'd look for something newer rather than these aging cameras, there must be something newer about for under £100.

Real pocket-ability, RAW and full manual control (ideally with manual controls rather than nested menus) is to where I'm drawn. I guess it's this ergonomics which means that my android phone doesn't tick this box. 35mm film works nicely for me but we know what's happening with film costs.

The faulty LX5 is going back.

Your inputs are appreciated, thank you.

 

[woof woof]

If you can up the budget a Panasonic TZ100 might interest you. It'll do RAW and has full manual control, 25-250mm zoom and an evf.

Panasonic TZ100

Perfect, many thanks. I'll go for a fondle over the next few days ... Another thing... It's nice that the camera charges quickly when plugged into the computer via the USB, by the time I've transferred the pictures to the pc and processed them it's charged and good to go again :D

www.talkphotography.co.uk

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

Possibly a silly question but have you searched for "digital camera" on ebay with filters set for "buy it now" and "£19 to £57"?

That's bringing up 300+ candidates at the moment. Perhaps something there is what you're looking for.

 

[tikkathreebarrel]

Possibly a silly question but have you searched for "digital camera" on ebay with filters set for "buy it now" and "£19 to £57"?

That's bringing up 300+ candidates at the moment. Perhaps something there is what you're looking for.

Yes, s'funny you should say. I set off earlier today with something like "compact camera RAW" and a price range and what I was getting wasn't filtered for RAW; nor is there an EBay filter option listed for format. I'll persist.

I shall grab an LX3 just for familiarities' sake.

No question is ever silly....

If you can up the budget a Panasonic TZ100 might interest you. It'll do RAW and has full manual control, 25-250mm zoom and an evf.

Panasonic TZ100

Perfect, many thanks. I'll go for a fondle over the next few days ... Another thing... It's nice that the camera charges quickly when plugged into the computer via the USB, by the time I've transferred the pictures to the pc and processed them it's charged and good to go again :D

www.talkphotography.co.uk

Okay, good tip thank you.