Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) Hands-on Preview

The Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) is based on the Panasonic Lumix LX100, and features a large 12.8 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, a bright f/1.7 - 2.8 Leica lens equivalent to 24-75mm in 35mm terms, built in Wi-Fi, an electronic viewfinder, and 4K video recording. The Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) will be available for £825 and includes a 3 year warranty as well as Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.

Read our full Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) Review. 

Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) Features

Key Features

• Multi-aspect ratio 12.8mp Micro Four Thirds Sensor (16mp total pixels), 1.33inch
• 24-75mm equivalent f/1.7-2.8 Leica lens, 9 blades
• Optical image stabilisation
• 3inch screen, 921k dot
• EVF, 2.7m dot, near AdobeRGB colour reproduction, eye-detection
• Aperture / Shutter control dials
• Exposure compensation dial (+/-3)
• Manual Focus Assist / Focus peaking
• 4K video recording, 4K photo priority mode (30fps)
• Wi-Fi / NFC / QR Code connectivity / Geotagging
• 11fps continuous shooting
• 22 filters
• 3cm macro focus
• Rubber front / rear

Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) Handling

With numerous physical switches, controls and dials, the Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) is pleasing to hold and feels good in the hand, making it enjoyable to change settings such as aperture, shutter and exposure compensation. With direct control to these settings it's easy to learn and see what changing these settings does, using either the constant preview or function button (set to preview). The camera is missing the front rubber grip from the LX100, although there is a small but effective rubber thumb grip on the rear of the camera. The metal bodied camera feels very well built with re-assuring clicks to the dials and switches.

You can use the lens ring to set the zoom position in steps from 24mm to 75mm, or use the zoom ring around the shutter release button for more precise control over the zoom position. The setting changed by the lens ring can be customised in the camera menus to alter zoom, step zoom, ISO, white balance, filter or turned off completely. 

The camera has 49 focus points along with Zebra display, focus peaking, manual focus, face and eye detection, AF tracking, pinpoint focus, and custom focus positions that can be setup. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) looks good with a quick refresh rate and high resolution of 2.7million dots (2,764K dots to be precise), with near AdobeRGB colour reproduction, and an eye-detection sensor means the camera will automatically switch to the EVF when held up to the eye. There is a rubber surround around the electronic viewfinder, along with a dioptre adjustment dial, making it comfortable for glasses wearers. 

The menus are clearly laid out and will be familiar to anyone who has used other Panasonic or Panasonic based Leica cameras. There is a built in guide on the menu options making it easy to use the camera and change settings without having to study the manual. The Q Menu button gives quick access to common options on the rear screen, and there is access to numerous controls without having to go into the menus thanks to lots of buttons and switches on the camera. 

Read our full Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) Review. 

Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) Hands-On Photos of Equipment

Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) Specifications

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