Does Lumix G1 have a Leica lens?

[Dagwood]

Looking at the Panasonic booklet with the latest DC mag I notice no mention is made of Leica lens. Having been impressed with the Lumix TZ3* I wondered if the new range has moved away from Leica? Anyone know?
Dagwood

* ( I think the lens was made outside of Leica but to their specs/ standards)

[chris-p]

Panasonic only use the Leica name on their compact cameras.

The lenses available in the micro4/3 mount for the G1 are G Vario lenses.

None of the lenses used by Panasonic are actually made by Leica but - as you said - to "Leica standard" or whatever that means!

[Rachael DCruze]

Hi Dagwood and Chris P,

With the Panasonic lenses that are not Leica branded but to Leica standard, they'll be made at a Panasonic factory to to the same specs and standards as Leica ones. Hope this helps.

You may also be interested to read this blog I've written, which is basically about the Panasonic / Leica re-branding.

Rach

[Gil Ritchie]

Originally Posted by Rachael DCruze

Hi Dagwood and Chris P,

With the Panasonic lenses that are not Leica branded but to Leica standard, they'll be made at a Panasonic factory to to the same specs and standards as Leica ones. Hope this helps.

You may also be interested to read this blog I've written, which is basically about the Panasonic / Leica re-branding.

Rach

Just got round to reading your blog Rachael - interesting viewpoint.

Whether Panasonic make the lenses to Leica specifications or design or under Licence - makes little difference - they have produced bloody good quality lenses and great value for money - of that there can be no arguement.

As an avid user of Panasonic Lumix Compacts and Bridge Cameras over the last few yearsfitted with these lenses - I have had no desire to go for the "Big Heavy Look At Me DSLRs" that abound - despite the millions spent on theirprolific advertising campaigns (including Panasonic) - although I must concede - the smaller and more innovative Panasonic LumixG1 does seem a tad more inviting - but still somewhat - over priced.

Isn't it the case of the "Boys with Toys" syndrome driving the camera market - or in some cases "OldBoys with ExpensiveBigToys" - I suppose Nikon /Canon/Pentax/etc etc etc all have to make money for their respective shareholders - but they wont be getting any of my hard earned cash - I'll be sticking with my compacts.

Why ? - Because they are highly portable - good quality Panasonic cameras - they offer better value for money and easier usage - and quality is not that far behind that of the BIG BOYS - due no doubt to the Panasonic/Leica lenses - despite what the users of these other cumbersome creatures say - and what's more - the compact is always with me - ready - so I never miss a shot.

That way - I will continue to "enjoy" my hobby and not be "controlled" by it.

[Dagwood]

A bit late in replying as I'd forgotten about my original post but........
Many thanks to the three of you for taking the trouble to reply. Interesting blog Rachel and I do have to agree with you about the quality of the Lumix compacts Gil. I can't see myself spending all those big bucks on hefty DSLR's when I get such good (IMHO) results with a TZ3 and an FZ28.
Cheers!
Dagwood