Special Edition

eelekim · 15/08/10, 05:07

As we all know, Leica likes to release special editions of their cameras. What about X1? I've found one limited Le Mans Classic edition and one black edition. What is this?

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...ilverx1_rs.jpg

phancj · 15/08/10, 05:34

Too bling for guys, no?

rhow · 15/08/10, 10:36

If I remember correctly this looks like one of the prototype X1's. There were pictures published in LFI.

davidhunternyc · 15/08/10, 15:52

I have never seen this prototype before. I have to say that it is awesome. The metal lens barrel is so much better looking and solid then the plastic one used on the production model. This is the typical story where the designers create a visionary product and the suits come in and hack it up. Depressing. Hey, Leica, can I exchange my X1 for this prototype?

F1Addict · 15/08/10, 16:12

Yes, I would have to agree that I really like the look of the silver lens on the camera. Wish that would have been an option.

davidhunternyc · 15/08/10, 20:54

Notice, too, how on the prototype that the metal finish is rather shiny without the fragile powder coated finished on the production model. The dials are also the same color as the metal body. I betcha it had a higher grade vulcanite on it as well. This is, without a doubt, the way the X1 should've been released. For the price of the X1, I just don't see why this prototype couldn't have been the production model.

jsrockit · 16/08/10, 15:24

Beautiful...

phancj · 16/08/10, 15:42

Yup since the X1 barrel is anodized aluminium anyway why not coat it the same color as the top and botto? At least it will look metallic, not black like plastic. I prefer the gunmetal color anyhow, not too shiny??!!

arm.1412 · 16/08/10, 21:21

Correct me if i'm wrong,

but the way i see that camera, it has eyelets that are both position rather forward than those on the production Leica X1, and those resembles the eyelets position on the pre-production X1 (i suppose).

and i refer from a side by side image of a pre-prod x1 and a production model one by Luigi from leicatime.

http://www.leicatime.com/X1.Prototype.NormalProd.jpg

i'm a newbie so here's the link if the image doesn't show up

http://www.leicatime.com/X1.Prototype.NormalProd.jpg

Notice how the positioning of the pre-prod eyelets are ?

So in my opinion it might be a prototype x1 that has never leaked out / published before. Although i have to say the silver color is beautiful. again, correct me if i'm wrong.

And if they are to make Black X1, i'd surely trade my x1 for it.

alfredo_esteban · 16/08/10, 22:24

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W9Rm_GiNg6...on-le-mans.jpg

Le Mans edition.

reginaldwatkins · 17/08/10, 04:28

I just found the LFI this prototype is in. Definitely the very first prototype, the brass hot-shoe is the dead give away. I like the black one though...

davidhunternyc · 17/08/10, 05:33

I too like the gunmetal color on the production X1; not as shiny as chrome and very subtle and sophisticated. What I have issue with is that the color is a powder coated finish. Very fragile. It would have been better to use real metal that has this darker tone. What about titanium or even better, ruthenium? I don't agree that they should've painted the black plastic barrel a metallic color to match the body. This would look and feel cheap to me. Even though I would rather have a metal lens barrel, at least the black plastic barrel is being true to its material. It is not disguising itself as anything other than plastic. So even though I am not thrilled with some of the choices on the production model X1, I am content. I just wish that some company can design something without compromise. Wishful thinking, I know. The prototype X1 above makes me salivate.

phancj · 17/08/10, 05:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidhunternyc

I too like the gunmetal color on the production X1; not as shiny as chrome and very subtle and sophisticated. What I have issue with is that the color is a powder coated finish. Very fragile. It would have been better to use real metal that has this darker tone. What about titanium or even better, ruthenium? I don't agree that they should've painted the black plastic barrel a metallic color to match the body. This would look and feel cheap to me. Even though I would rather have a metal lens barrel, at least the black plastic barrel is being true to its material. It is not disguising itself as anything other than plastic. So even though I am not thrilled with some of the choices on the production model X1, I am content. I just wish that some company can design something without compromise. Wishful thinking, I know. The prototype X1 above makes me salivate.

I worked with accessories so I know a little about titanium. The thing about titanium is it is strong, light but EXTREMELY prone to scratches. Not good idea!

davidhunternyc · 17/08/10, 16:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by phancj

I worked with accessories so I know a little about titanium. The thing about titanium is it is strong, light but EXTREMELY prone to scratches. Not good idea!

Then if this is the case, you just put a matte clear coat over the titanium. Then it won't show fingerprints either.

phancj · 18/08/10, 06:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidhunternyc

Then if this is the case, you just put a matte clear coat over the titanium. Then it won't show fingerprints either.

Think the matt clear coat wouldnt be too strong either...and when it wears off in patches it will be a sorry sight with the difference in texture.

BTW, I personally think the Le Mans edition is a genuine rip-off. A sticker/paint job and engraving on top of the flash??!! I own laser engraving systems so I can engrave the Le Mans emblem and the supposed edition number onto the X1. I may do it to mine...hmmm..what should I engrave on top? I would not choose sticker/paint for sure as this will wear off real quick!

eelekim · 18/08/10, 06:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by phancj

I personally think the Le Mans edition is a genuine rip-off.

I'm afraid all their special editions are rip-offs! Just in different degrees.

phancj · 18/08/10, 06:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by eelekim

I'm afraid all their special editions are rip-offs! Just in different degrees.

Tie-ups and licensing with Hermes and using special materials is one thing, engraving and sticker/paint job is something else!

BTW, wonder if it will void my warranty if I engrave my X1.

RichardM8 · 19/08/10, 13:06

I think it's only a matter of time before we see special editions with chrome/silver/gold base plate & top cover with pink/white/red leather to choose. Ttitanium, Safari editions etc.

The ring around the lens in metal, silver or black, might be a cool accessory though. This would improve the quality feel and would add some weight for those who think the X1 is too light. Just as a CNC machined hot shoe cover would be neat imo.

eelekim · 07/09/10, 17:26

Black Embossed Ostrich Limited Edition is available in 80 units at about USD2,840 each!

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/img/dc...392/216/01.jpg

h00ligan · 07/09/10, 18:35

I wish they'd stop mucking about with all of these special editions and fix the flipping problems with the camera already. Good lord.

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15/08/10, 05:07	#1 (permalink)
eelekim Benutzer Join Date: 08/06/10 Location: Macau Posts: 84	Special Edition As we all know, Leica likes to release special editions of their cameras. What about X1? I've found one limited Le Mans Classic edition and one black edition. What is this? http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...ilverx1_rs.jpg __________________ mike Still The Moment

15/08/10, 05:34	#2 (permalink)
phancj Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 20/03/10 Location: SE Asia Posts: 2,301	Re: Special Edition Too bling for guys, no? Last edited by andybarton; 15/08/10 at 15:55.

15/08/10, 10:36	#3 (permalink)
rhow Neuer Benutzer Join Date: 06/07/08 Posts: 13	AW: Special Edition If I remember correctly this looks like one of the prototype X1's. There were pictures published in LFI.

15/08/10, 15:52	#4 (permalink)
davidhunternyc Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 01/05/06 Posts: 338	Re: Special Edition I have never seen this prototype before. I have to say that it is awesome. The metal lens barrel is so much better looking and solid then the plastic one used on the production model. This is the typical story where the designers create a visionary product and the suits come in and hack it up. Depressing. Hey, Leica, can I exchange my X1 for this prototype?

Brand new Leica S2 37.5 MP Digital+Summarit-S 70mm/2.5

Brand new Leica M9-P 18.0 MP Digital Camera w/Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH 6-Bit

New Leica Summilux M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Mark II 6-bit 11663 35 F1.4

LEICA M SUPER-ANGULON 1:3.4/21mm f=21mm WIDE ANGLE LENS BLACK FILTER HOOD BOX

Brand new Leica S2 37.5 MP Digital+Summarit-S 70mm/2.5

Brand new Leica M9-P 18.0 MP Digital Camera w/Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH 6-Bit

Leica X1 Body Black 24mm 2.8 ASPH CMOS 12.9MP FEDEX FST

Leica X1 Body Steel Grey 24mm 2.8 ASPH CMOS 12.9MP FAST

15/08/10, 16:12	#5 (permalink)
F1Addict Benutzer Join Date: 28/10/09 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 39	Re: Special Edition Yes, I would have to agree that I really like the look of the silver lens on the camera. Wish that would have been an option.

15/08/10, 20:54	#6 (permalink)
davidhunternyc Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 01/05/06 Posts: 338	Re: Special Edition Notice, too, how on the prototype that the metal finish is rather shiny without the fragile powder coated finished on the production model. The dials are also the same color as the metal body. I betcha it had a higher grade vulcanite on it as well. This is, without a doubt, the way the X1 should've been released. For the price of the X1, I just don't see why this prototype couldn't have been the production model.

16/08/10, 15:24	#7 (permalink)
jsrockit Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 14/05/09 Location: NYC Posts: 2,453	Re: Special Edition Beautiful... __________________ M9 / 35mm C-Biogon 2.8 ZM, 50mm Summarit 2.5, 50mm Nokton 1.1

16/08/10, 15:42	#8 (permalink)
phancj Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 20/03/10 Location: SE Asia Posts: 2,301	Re: Special Edition Yup since the X1 barrel is anodized aluminium anyway why not coat it the same color as the top and botto? At least it will look metallic, not black like plastic. I prefer the gunmetal color anyhow, not too shiny??!!

16/08/10, 21:21	#9 (permalink)
arm.1412 Neuer Benutzer Join Date: 15/06/10 Posts: 1	Re: Special Edition Correct me if i'm wrong, but the way i see that camera, it has eyelets that are both position rather forward than those on the production Leica X1, and those resembles the eyelets position on the pre-production X1 (i suppose). and i refer from a side by side image of a pre-prod x1 and a production model one by Luigi from leicatime. http://www.leicatime.com/X1.Prototype.NormalProd.jpg i'm a newbie so here's the link if the image doesn't show up http://www.leicatime.com/X1.Prototype.NormalProd.jpg Notice how the positioning of the pre-prod eyelets are ? So in my opinion it might be a prototype x1 that has never leaked out / published before. Although i have to say the silver color is beautiful. again, correct me if i'm wrong. And if they are to make Black X1, i'd surely trade my x1 for it.

16/08/10, 22:24	#10 (permalink)
alfredo_esteban Neuer Benutzer Join Date: 25/07/07 Location: Barcelona Posts: 10	Re: Special Edition http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W9Rm_GiNg6...on-le-mans.jpg Le Mans edition. __________________ X1

17/08/10, 04:28	#11 (permalink)
reginaldwatkins Benutzer Join Date: 04/06/09 Location: Sandy Springs Posts: 37	Re: Special Edition I just found the LFI this prototype is in. Definitely the very first prototype, the brass hot-shoe is the dead give away. I like the black one though...

17/08/10, 05:33	#12 (permalink)
davidhunternyc Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 01/05/06 Posts: 338	Re: Special Edition I too like the gunmetal color on the production X1; not as shiny as chrome and very subtle and sophisticated. What I have issue with is that the color is a powder coated finish. Very fragile. It would have been better to use real metal that has this darker tone. What about titanium or even better, ruthenium? I don't agree that they should've painted the black plastic barrel a metallic color to match the body. This would look and feel cheap to me. Even though I would rather have a metal lens barrel, at least the black plastic barrel is being true to its material. It is not disguising itself as anything other than plastic. So even though I am not thrilled with some of the choices on the production model X1, I am content. I just wish that some company can design something without compromise. Wishful thinking, I know. The prototype X1 above makes me salivate.

19/08/10, 13:06	#18 (permalink)
RichardM8 Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 03/06/10 Location: Amsterdam, Holland Posts: 606	Re: Special Edition I think it's only a matter of time before we see special editions with chrome/silver/gold base plate & top cover with pink/white/red leather to choose. Ttitanium, Safari editions etc. The ring around the lens in metal, silver or black, might be a cool accessory though. This would improve the quality feel and would add some weight for those who think the X1 is too light. Just as a CNC machined hot shoe cover would be neat imo.

07/09/10, 17:26	#19 (permalink)
eelekim Benutzer Join Date: 08/06/10 Location: Macau Posts: 84	Re: Special Edition Black Embossed Ostrich Limited Edition is available in 80 units at about USD2,840 each! http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/img/dc...392/216/01.jpg __________________ mike Still The Moment

07/09/10, 18:35	#20 (permalink)
h00ligan Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 11/12/09 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,740	Re: Special Edition I wish they'd stop mucking about with all of these special editions and fix the flipping problems with the camera already. Good lord. __________________ - Edward

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