Back in the day, when cell phone photography was still new and the camera market was booming, checking out new products was fun. The Leica D-Lux Type 109 is Leica’s first 4/3-format camera, and the image quality has really improved. I was really excited to buy it ten years ago.

I find the 4:3 format works well for hobbyist needs, as well as for professional RAW shooting. Even though it was made by Panasonic, it has a lot of the same qualities as a Leica. The image quality is consistent, the colors are accurate, and it handles contrast and low light well, no matter what the situation is. The color palette is pretty unique and definitely in line with Leica’s color philosophy. That’s the Leica spirit.

I think trying to copy Leica’s look is a bit childish. Leica’s spirit isn’t in its appearance, but in its philosophy of quality, the spirit of striving for excellence, and seeking the best. The Leica D-Lux 109 is actually a better version of the Panasonic LX100. In my mind, it’s Leica, not Panasonic.