Digital Concepts 528/AF PANA. A Viable Alternative to Panasonic Lumix Flashes.

November 13, 2018

#288

Gentle reader,

I have been a fan of Panasonic Lumix digital cameras for a number of years now. Why? Quality cameras with excellent Leica lenses in many cases. 

Does it make sense to pay more for RED DOT when you get the same camera and lens for, in some cases, HALF the price of the identical Leica digital camera? To me it does not. Those that like paying extra just so they can say, "Hey, check out my Leica camera." are free to continue paying more.

My favorite Lumix is below, the DMC-LX3. It has a relatively fast Leica Vario-Summicron lens. The 35mm (full-frame) equivalent of a 24mm f2.0 wide angle which zooms to 60mm f2.8. Not much of a zoom range, but a fantastic lens!

Below is an image from an eBay auction. A Leica D-LUX 4, mechanically, electronically and optically identical to the DMC-LX3. There's the famous RED DOT and I am not impressed.

No hand grip like the Lumix. To satisfy your curiosity, when you are done with the article, you may research what Leica D-LUX 4 camera prices are verses Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 cameras sell for.

Recently, I have gotten into mirrorless cameras. Naturally, I chose a Lumix model. The G1. It, to my knowledge, was the first Micro Four Thirds camera on the market in 2008.

A historical note: Four Thirds mirrorless cameras came out prior to the Micro versions. They feature a sensor much larger than most point-and-shoot digital cameras with fixed lenses, like the D-LUX 4 and DMC-LX3. The mirrorless camera's sensor is smaller than the APS-C sized ones in so many DSLR cameras, but still quite large compared to fixed lens models.

Mirrorless, it is what it says: No mirror. So, one sees what the lens sees, but must depend upon the screen on the back, or if it has one, an electronic viewfinder to see what they are shooting. There is no mirror and the mechanism needed to raise and lower it very quickly so the shutter can open and close. On the converse, mirrorless camera's shutter has to close, open to expose the sensor, then stay open for further viewing/shooting.

Micro Four Thirds cameras have the same size sensor as Four Thirds cameras. The difference is the camera's body size, mostly less thickness, than the 4/3rds bodies. M4/3rds are significantly thinner and thus lighter than their forebears.

So, yes, I now have a ten-year-old Micro Four Thirds digital camera. Ancient in terms of technology. I had bought numerous lens adapters and tried all kinds of manual focus lenses as well as AF (focusing manually) Nikon DSLR lenses. My results varied and it was not a satisfying endeavor, so, I have been selling the lenses on eBay.

I also am selling most of my film cameras and all of my 35mm film. I always put new film right in the freezer, so it is still viable and gives great results. I have shot two rolls and the images are perfect. If you are interested in seeing what I have for sale on eBay, here is a link to my For Sale items:

rfcollectin | eBay

If you have looked at buying a shoe-mount flash for your Lumix cameras, you have found that Panasonic branded ones start at $200 used, and go up from there. Being on a fixed income, I cannot afford that.

Digital Concepts (and other brand names) are made by an aftermarket manufacturer that makes inexpensive accessories for digital cameras. I am not affiliated with the company nor any other company. Thus, the fixed income.

So, I started looking around and found this flash. According to what I've read, it is made by Sakar. I would have to look around for the manual, so I cannot tell you the guide number.

It is a TTL flash. My experience with using it, shows that it's light output is much brighter than the pop-up flash on the LX3 and G1. However, using it for close-up work it's output is too great.

The photo above was made with the G1 and the D.C. flash. Clearly too bright. Below was with the G1's built-in pop-up flash. Much better, but the background is a bit dark.

On the other hand, to fill a room or capture a group of people, this inexpensive flash is just the ticket.

Mounted on the G1, you can see how much higher the flash's lens is that the pop-up would be if open.

This greatly reduces the chance of red-eyes showing up in your photographs.

Now, here's the rub. When I searched just now for information on this particular flash, I did not find any under the D.C. name. But, there is an identical one out there for $39.99:
Camerachums - The Accessory Outlet  

Since I have your attention, let me show you a handy camera case that has foam which is pre-cut with 1/4" squares that easily pull out. I've used it for several cameras and now my G1.

Convoluted foam lines the top. I like that word. Corrugated is another one that is fun to say.

It holds all the bits and pieces of my G1 M4/3rds kit. I save the foam pieces I have removed in the past so that they may be used to fill spaces.

Sturdy, well made and lockable. What's not to like?

12 1/2 inches wide, 9 1/2 inches front to back and 5 1/2 inches tall when closed.

I do not recall who made it, but I'm sure there are similar ones out there. Plus, it does not look like a camera bag. Nothing invites unsavory characters like someone advertising what they are carrying with a brand name or a recognizable shape.

I hope this article has been informative and entertaining to you. I believe sharing what we've found or learned is a helpful thing to do.

Scott
November 13, 2018
#288