Leica Digital-Module-R

Review Date
November 23, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by
hunterits , Intermediate

Price Paid
$5500.00 at Kenmore Camera

Photography Experience
21+ years , Outdoor

Summary
Very well designed and a real pleasure to use. The image quality is, in my opinion, outstanding. The R system with DMR back actual requires one to take a step back and think before pushing one of the three available shutter releases. I believe this is a good thing when it comes to landscape photography. The construction quality of the camera and lens are second to none. I find the DMR back easilier to use than my D200 as its design and layout is more intuitive.

I would recommend the R8/R9 and the DMR system to anyone that loves the thrill of taking the image as well as producing a extremely high quality final product.

Strengths
Ease of operation and design. The avialbility of releasing the shutter from several different hand posiitons. The sensor is a dream to keep clean. All of the DMR menu selections are easy to find and adjust. The hand grip that comes with the DMR is ideal for nearly all of the lens configurations. Leica support (sales representative) is worth the price and he was willing to assist with any questions. Back easy to change once you understand the process. Extremely well made. Leica lenses. The battery lasts much longer than I expected and comes with both a wall and a car charger. Free basic software that actually does a good job for anyone without Photoshop CS2.

Weaknesses
Instuction manual very basic and missing a few detailed explanations. The cost of the DMR made me hesitate before making the decision to buy, but you really do get what you pay for and I do not consider this much of a weakness.

Similar Products Used
Nothing really compares. Have been using Nikon systems (D200, etc.).

Customer Service
The Leica representative and the sales personnel at my local dealer are outstanding and were willing to assist me in any way possible. The Leica representative even responded to my request on his day off! Basically "old world" service from a company that is definately making a come back.

Review Date
October 31, 2006

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 8 votes

Reviewed by
hans lackman , Expert

Price Paid
$7000.00 at Hamburg

Photography Experience
21+ years , Outdoor

Summary
DMR is outdated product by Leica. Only the best Leica lenses rescue this product of being total disaster.
Totally unexpected behavior in every step of the way is
the nature of this digiback. Leica R9 is a fine body and should be used with film. A new digiback should be availabe for those who have helped Leica to test this product and giving feedback of this unexpectable "high quality product".

Strengths
..hmm...for the DMR it is difficult to give much points in the strength issue. You are lucky if it works without surprises.
If you like suprises it is a strength.

Weaknesses
DMR is outdated- no guestion about it. Buffer size varies. Batteries do not last long. Shooting fast is always a surprise and varies how much you have space on your memory card - DMR computations are to be tested and mostly produce results with experimentation, which is cannot be accepted in this price class.

Similar Products Used
Canon, Nikon, 645 by Imacon

Customer Service
Remains to be seen. In Finland the official representant is only learning the business. All deliveriers are late. No service available.

Review Date
April 13, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
3.83 of 5, 6 votes

Reviewed by
darksoto , Expert

Price Paid
$6000.00 at Mikes Camera

Photography Experience
6-10 years , Outdoor

Summary
Good all around camera

Strengths
Very strong design, good sensor and made to last. Now that they have both digital and film backings, you can take a picture in digital, and than take the same shot with film. A great idea by Leica, Way To Go!

Weaknesses
The only problem is that Leica is not going to use an automatic system. You have to set exposure, shutter speed and more. You have to know what you're doing.

Similar Products Used
(except for digital and film backing) all Leica Fim cameras share the all manual feature

Customer Service
Mikes is the place to go, forget Wolf