Anybody use a Leica X1?

allanm

allanm

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Allan
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If you do, i was wondering how you get on with it. I know they only come with a fixed lens of around 35mm.
Just really looking for an opinion on day to day use because if I buy one, its going to have to be with me all day long to substantiate the cost :gag:

Allan
 
I have not used one but from what i have read (Extensively!!) and seen (Many many pics, it is a beautiful beautiful camera that takes very good sharp images and probably the best images from any non DSLR camera. Some people don't like the slow AF speed but i think there was a firmware update to rectify that. Also some people didn't like the focal length but that's down to personal taste.

If i had a spare £1399 knocking about i would deff get one!!!!

Just look at it ooooooh!
leica-x1.jpg
 
I looked at one in John Lewis, and for me it is a thing of real beauty. I just love the simple design - looks great... As my only camera (for personal use) I would find the price tag too much. As a lot of my stuff involves my kids, it is nice to have a zoom. Depends what you shoot?
 
Its just a thought ( lust) at the moment. My Dad always had Leicas and I was brought up with them. They were always expensive, but when you look at the resale value, you dont lose that much if you ever sell it.
I have been thinking about a compact with a fixed lens to start a 365 in Feb ( my Birthday), and as you both say, it is a thing of beauty. If I am going to use the same camera every day, it may as well be a nice one and a fixed lens means I have to think about the shots more. To get used to it, I could set my camera to 35 mm and go out and take plenty of shots to see what I could expect.
Chickened out at the checkout a couple of times now. I might not be able to resist for much longer.......

Allan
 
Well if I had to ditch the DSLR I would deff think about the X1!

or........

How about one of these? Not quite as sexy but very retro! £1099. No idea about image quality yet so we'll have to wait and see on that score.

9-19-10-finepixx1002-1284941465.jpeg
 
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Thats another nice looking camera, available in March I think. Another one to think about!

Allan
 
Allan

I owned an M8 outfit for quite a while and loved it more than any other camera I ever owned (and I have owned lots!). The thing with Leica's is that they are a joy to use and, despite their limitations, they take some of the sharpest pictures you'll ever see when used with Leica glass.

I tried out an X1 when I had the M8 outfit and was very tempted to change - in the end I went down the DSLR route as I found the Leica outfit too restrictive as my only kit. The X1 took pictures that were every bit as good as anything the M8 could take and high ISO was better. The RAW files processed through Capture One have an unbelievable amount of detail which belies the 'low' resolution of the sensor.

The AF was slow but not to the extent where it was a major problem, just don't expect it to match a DSLR. The fixed focal length to me wasn't a problem, the best times I had with the M8 were when I went out with a single lens and the 35mm equivalent is my favourite.

If you can live with its limitations I think you would love the X1, on its own I think you would find it too restrictive but if you're keeping your G2 then you have access to a more 'convenient' camera.

There are times when I do regret selling the M8 and, if I had the money, I would buy another tomorrow without a second thought. It is very true that you will lose far less on the X1 if you sell it than you would with any other make of camera - if you look at the price of used M8's they have hardly dropped since the M9 came out (Fffordes are still asking for c£1700 for well used bodies).

There is lots of nonsense written about the mystery of Leicas but I honestly believe they are different from everything else and, if you like them, nothing can touch the joy you get from using them
 
I know what you mean about the images, most of my childhood was recorded with a 3f then later an M3. I think the most I saw of my dad was while he was behind one Leica or another!

Still pondering..

Allan
 
I wish I hadn't seen that You Tube movie..... I have just messed myself! :gag:

I WANT ONE!! Can I afford it without selling ALL my gear?..NO!

ARSE! :D
 
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I downloaded some DNG files from the X1 a while back and they are superb. The clarity, colours and general Leica-ness. ooooh baby!
 
Uh oh! just sold my GF1 kit. Seem to have a bit more cash.............:whistling:

Allan
 
allanm said:
Uh oh! just sold my GF1 kit. Seem to have a bit more cash.............:whistling:

Allan
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I'm SO keeping an eye on this post!!!:lol:

I'm loking at the new Olympus E-PL2. It looks far more retro than the E-PL1 especially in black. IQ won't be anywhere near the X1 but it's less than half the price.

I had a look on Flickr at the X1 images and MY GOD they are SAWEEEEEET! Sharp as a tak!
 
Ooops.....:naughty:

Allan
 
Funnily enough Allan, I did a forum search on "Leica X1" just last week, as I was also toying with the idea :whistling:, but it hardly brought up anything useful and I couldn't find one single owner on the forum :|.

I read a DPreview review of it, which was less than inspiring and sort of came to the conclusion that it was just too much of a compromise for me :shrug:. Essentially, like many other red-blooded TPers :D, I want a Leica M9 and a three or four fast primes ... I just can't justify the requisite 12-14,000GBP :gag:!!!

It's the unique IQ of the prime lenses and portability of the rangefinder bodies, which appeals and this is what the X1 appears to offer. However, I'm just not seeing the 'Leicaness' in the example pictures that have come from that camera and if I'm brutally honest, I can probably get very, very similar results from my Nikon D90 and a my 35mm f/1.8 AF-S (albeit at 50mm equivalent FL :shrug:).

Also, apart from the limitation of just one fixed lens (I've tried using single primes before and it's never long before I want either more primes, or my fast zooms :lol: back), the real killer is this :( ...

Not every photograph that comes from a Leica looks like it came from a Leica :shrug:. It's really the skill of the photographers who use this kit (and I'm talking about the M8s and M9s here), who know how to choose the right lighting conditions and to put together just the elements within the frame, who create that 'Leica magic'. In the wrong hands, this stuff can produce dreadful pictures, especially as focus is not always very well executed :thumbsdown:.

Perhaps I'm just stating the obvious there, but I chose to turn my lust of owning a Leica into a lust to go out and take some 'Leica-like' photographs instead. It's proving to be harder than I thought :lol:.

Sorry, I've hijacked your thread and rambled out loud. Only you know what you want from this camera. As far as the pure pleasure of owning and operating such a beautifully designed and engineered camera goes, you're onto a sure-fire winner there :thumbs:. Whether or not you will find the single focal length costs you important shots, or whether you are comfortable with the price, is up to you. For your sake though, I hope that you buy and that you love it - I'll watch with interest!
 
Laudrup said:
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvo_YZL5Y8Q">YouTube Link</a>
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Why, oh why did you post that? What possessed you? Are you criminally insane? I sense a new "Leica X1 Owners" thread coming up in the not too distant future.
 
Andy, I've toyed with using a single prime for a while. Almost all my film years, I used a 50mm or 35mm prime and I was very happy with the results, obviously there were times when a long zoom would have clinched the shot, but we didnt really have so much choice then.
I have a G2 with 14-45 and 45-200 lenses, so zoom shots are pretty much covered there.
I have also had DSLR's and while I found them excellent ( last was a D300), I found myself wanting ever bigger and better lenses. The ability to screw a new lens on ( sorry, old Leica habit there) meant ever striving for a better shot, rather than recording what was there.
So, this is me going back to the roots. I am doing a 365 soon and gave a lot of thought as to what camera I would use. I wanted to theme the shots somehow and using just the one focal length seemed the best idea.
So, that gives me a year of use from the camera and if I dont get on with it and enjoy using it, then I will sell it knowing I am not going to lose much, but in the meantime, I will have forced myself to learn a little more about the technique of creating good images ( I hope!)
Its true what you say about creating Leica like images with the camera, and the forums are full of people knocking the X1 and selling to buy a G12 or similar because they didnt get what they wanted out of it.
To me, this is a huge expense ( but less than my Nikkor 70-200VR that I only kept for 6 months and lost hundreds) and I intend to use it extensively. The newly anticipated firmware update should improve AF and MF modes, but one of my first DSLR's was Fuji S3, they dont come much slower than those, and I never minded the wait while writing to the card or changing settings.
Its not going to be a fast action shooter but seems to be capable of doing exactly what I want it to, especially low light / non flash shots with its good high iso capability..
And, I fancy another Leica but dont want to use manual focus everytime.

Anyway, the order went in ( when I eventually found a silver one in stock) and it should arrive tomorrow. Lets hope the sun comes out!

Allan
 
allanm said:
Andy, I've toyed with using a single prime for a while. Almost all my film years, I used a 50mm or 35mm prime and I was very happy with the results, obviously there were times when a long zoom would have clinched the shot, but we didnt really have so much choice then.
I have a G2 with 14-45 and 45-200 lenses, so zoom shots are pretty much covered there.
I have also had DSLR's and while I found them excellent ( last was a D300), I found myself wanting ever bigger and better lenses. The ability to screw a new lens on ( sorry, old Leica habit there) meant ever striving for a better shot, rather than recording what was there.
So, this is me going back to the roots. I am doing a 365 soon and gave a lot of thought as to what camera I would use. I wanted to theme the shots somehow and using just the one focal length seemed the best idea.
So, that gives me a year of use from the camera and if I dont get on with it and enjoy using it, then I will sell it knowing I am not going to lose much, but in the meantime, I will have forced myself to learn a little more about the technique of creating good images ( I hope!)
Its true what you say about creating Leica like images with the camera, and the forums are full of people knocking the X1 and selling to buy a G12 or similar because they didnt get what they wanted out of it.
To me, this is a huge expense ( but less than my Nikkor 70-200VR that I only kept for 6 months and lost hundreds) and I intend to use it extensively. The newly anticipated firmware update should improve AF and MF modes, but one of my first DSLR's was Fuji S3, they dont come much slower than those, and I never minded the wait while writing to the card or changing settings.
Its not going to be a fast action shooter but seems to be capable of doing exactly what I want it to, especially low light / non flash shots with its good high iso capability..
And, I fancy another Leica but dont want to use manual focus everytime.

Anyway, the order went in ( when I eventually found a silver one in stock) and it should arrive tomorrow. Lets hope the sun comes out!

Allan
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Even if the weather is grim and overcast, 'the sun will certainly have come out' for you, Allan :D.

That's great news. I'm really pleased that someone here is going to be able to sample one of these beauties first hand (and tell us all about it, hopefully :naughty:) and I'm also really glad to hear that you know exactly what you want from it and can embrace its 'limitations'. In my post (rant ;)), I was mainly lamenting the fact that it wasn't the pocket size solution to all of my photography requirements - a bit silly of me, really :|.

I really hope that it excites and inspires you - congratulations :clap:!
 
I was going to suggest just buying a really decent lens like a Carl Zeiss jobby but noticed you don't want to MF any more and that you have actually ordered your new toy. Well......I'm insanely jealous and really do wish you all the best with it. I will look forward to some great images from you and the X1. :thumbs:

BTW there are a few X1 owners over at http://www.seriouscompacts.com
 
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Laudrup said:
The X1 has a dedicated Leica sub forum as well:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/
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Thanks, I had to join didnt I?

Well, good news! A rather large parcel arrived at 0915 this morning from Wilkinson Cameras ( ordered yesterday at 1145) and after getting out the silver box inside and pulling the tab, it gave birth to a rather lovely bouncing baby Leica X1.

It really is an experience opening and unpacking everything. Part of me ( the Scots part) thinks they could have saved a few tens of pounds on simpler packaging, but the start of the fun is watching the box fall open to see the "jewellery box " inside.

The camera itself is stunning. Its nestles inset in foam padding in a smart grey box, all the other bits are in two drawers below including a leather strap inside a silk drawstring bag!

So, the battery has been on charge for a few hours, I've had the cursory flick through the manual, filled in registation forms, sent passport wallet back to register and downloaded Lightroom 3.3. Took the camera out for a walk to the harbour earlier, but its a flat grey day here and I not expecting much more other to get a feel for the camera.
Did I mention how good it looks ?
35mm lens makes you think about your shots and I was soon bending stretching and squatting to get into positions I havent used for a good long while. If nothing comes from the shots, at least I will have had some excercise!

I'll have a look through and post a couple in a short while, once I understand how Lightroom works!

Allan
 
allanm said:
I'll have a look through and post a couple in a short while, once I understand how Lightroom works!

Allan
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Lightroom is like a posh version of camera raw in PS. It's pretty easy to get the hang of it.

Congrats on the birth of your new baby Leica. Post pics of the camera!!!!!:D
 
Yummmm :hug2:, Lightroom & Leica images go together like :naughty: ...

Ducks & Water,
Moonlight & Music,
Gin & Tonic,
Starsky & Hutch,
Salmon & Cucumber,
Chips & Gravy,
Posh & Becks,
Cannabis & Chocolate :D,
Walt Disney & Dubious Political Affiliations :shake: ...

... you get the idea ;).


Really, really, looking forward to seeing your posts about this camera, Allan - not to mention seeing the pics (no pressure :p)!

You da man :thumbs: :banana: :woot: :notworthy: etc.!

P.S. Did I say 'woot' yet ... :woot:! Seems that I did.

Jolly good :D!
 
Naboo32 said:
Yummmm :hug2:, Lightroom & Leica images go together like :naughty: ...

Ducks & Water,
Moonlight & Music,
Gin & Tonic,
Starsky & Hutch,
Salmon & Cucumber,
Chips & Gravy,
Posh & Becks,
Cannabis & Chocolate :D,
Walt Disney & Dubious Political Affiliations :shake: ...

... you get the idea ;).


Really, really, looking forward to seeing your posts about this camera, Allan - not to mention seeing the pics (no pressure :p)!

You da man :thumbs: :woot: :notworthy: etc.!

P.S. Did I say 'woot' yet ... :woot:! Seems that I did.

Jolly good :D!
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You've been on the Cannabis & Chocolate again haven't you!!!:lol:
 
Naboo32 said:
Really, really, looking forward to seeing your posts about this camera, Allan - not to mention seeing the pics (no pressure :p)!

You da man :thumbs: :banana: :woot: :notworthy: etc.!

P.S. Did I say 'woot' yet ... :woot:! Seems that I did.

Jolly good :D!
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No pressure then!

After half an hour with the camera I can honestly say I am impressed. The build quality and feel of the X1 makes my new G2 seem rather plasticky, when yesterday, it looked a million dollars!

I've tried shooting in Raw but really have never worked with these files before, so I will continue in JPEG and try to learn Lightroom. At the moment I am happy.
The camera is really easy to use and I only looked in the manual once to check how I zoomed into displayed images. I have got to say, I have never had images that look so good and sharp at 100% crop before.

I will post a few pics later, but heres one to be going on with. I loved the OOF background, I think this was my second or third proper shot. Still need a lot of practice. I shot it RAW but this is the standard JPEG that went with it.
1/125 f2.8



Allan
 
Yep!! Sharp as a sharp thing and great bokeh. Looks like money well spent! To get that good an image you would need to spend about £1000 on a used Leica or new Carl Zeiss Distagon T* lens!!!
 
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Mmmm, very, very nice indeed :naughty:.

I want one, I really do :'(. I'm tired of being Leica virgin ...

.... :tumbleweed: .....

:coat: (**Naboo32 skulks off to find comfort in more cannabis and chocolate :D**).
 
Congratulations on your purchase Allan. Still waiting for the obligatory self-portrait taken in a mirror all Leica owners' do ;)

And try not to grin too much :D
 
I didnt know about the self portrait,, I may just pass on that. But, heres a couple of the new camera. Just ordered a new GGS screen protector so in the meantime I have an old protector on there. I dont want to scratch it, yet!

5353783651_b7683fb6cc_z.jpg


5354399096_dbbc7fdfc7_z.jpg


5353784431_f591e8c96a_z.jpg


Now, where's that mirror..........
Allan
 
Congrats - that is very nice without a doubt. I can't help wondering just how good a digital version of the Contax G2 would be though, and why someone isn't making it. It would surely be a sure fire winner. :shrug:
 
I'm sending round the Vice Squad!!! That's pure PORN that is!!:lol:

Nice :thumbs:
 
CT said:
I can't help wondering just how good a digital version of the Contax G2 would be though, and why someone isn't making it. It would surely be a sure fire winner. :shrug:
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That would be a beautiful camera. There were rumours of a digital back for it a few years ago, shame it never happened. I suppose the closest looking camera was the Canon Powershot G5. Not quite the same quality though!

Allan
 
Yeah, Even Allans Flickr is devoid of new images!!

WE WANT MORE!!! :D
 
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