X Vario Mk II ?

[miro]

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I want to get an X Vario , but so close to Photokina , thought I'd ask if a Mk II version is expected and what might be the changes .

[Manoleica]

Great Idea --- Sadly - Very Doubtful..

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[miro]

X Vario is listed as Discontinued on B&H website :

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/982938-REG/leica_18430_x_vario_digital_camera.html

 

Possible new T model coming according to Leicarumors:

leicarumors.com/2016/07/28/the-code-name-8854-could-be-for-a-new-leica-t-camera.aspx/

[Guytou]

Hello miro,

 

Do not be anxious !

X Vario, such as it is, is largely able to provide you excellent photographs during beautiful years... 

 

 

Guy

[acuba777]

Vario was my thoughts before I got X2, but finally I found lens too slow for my needs...

[williamgm]

I agree with Guy, I have an X-Vario and find it excellent. I would recommend you do as I did and buy a used camera in good condition from a Leica dealer. I don't think an updated version is likely (sadly) but buying used you minimise your loss if you upgrade. This interview with the lens designer, Peter Karbe provides an insight into why the lens was designed in the way it was.

 

Geoff

[TMorita]

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I haven't seen any rumors of a X Vario mark II posted anywhere.

So sounds unlikely to be introduced at Photokina.

[Astropap]

X Vario is listed as Discontinued on B&H website :

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/982938-REG/leica_18430_x_vario_digital_camera.html

Possible new T model coming according to Leicarumors:

leicarumors.com/2016/07/28/the-code-name-8854-could-be-for-a-new-leica-t-camera.aspx/

Looks like only the black X Vario has been discontinued. The silver one is still available.

[Guytou]

On the site Leica.com he seems always available in black or silver.

 

https://fr.leica-camera.com/Photographie/Leica-X/Leica-X-Vario/Details#

 

 

Guy

[Trivette]

Vario was my thoughts before I got X2, but finally I found lens too slow for my needs...

 

It is indeed rather slow for shallow depth of field effects, but its low light capability is not seriously compromised, because it  has excellent high ISO performance. For sharpness and contrast it is favorably comparable to the X2 at all apertures and focal lengths.

[bernie.lcf]

I have owned all the X series cameras except for the current X 113 and its rubber duck cousin. 

 

The Vario has been surprisingly useful despite of the somewhat limited aperture range, which turned out not to be so limiting after all. Image characteristics are quite unique with the X Vario lens and it performed exceptionally well against the sun, for instance. I'd very much like to see an upgrade and I'd be happy if they kept the lens and the sensor and just either upgraded the EVF connection (to take the Visoflex 020) or included an EVF in the body. 

 

Of course, it would be very nice to see a constant f2.8. However, given the choice between "improve aperture by compromising image characteristics" and keep limited aperture range and image characteristics. ... I'd pick the latter and live with the aperture

 

Anyway, I doubt that we'll see an upgrade. Leica has been critisized heavily for the X Vario, it certainly left some scars... If I ever meet Peter Karbe in person, I will tell him that the X Vario lens is an exceptionally fine piece of work - I don't care what the others say

[Guytou]

...Of course, it would be very nice to see a constant f2.8. ...

 

It is not realistic !

A zoom 28/75 mm with f.2,8 constant would be too large and heavy compared to the body of the device.

Moreover, it would be much less qualitative than the current zoom of Peter Krabe and with a price not reasonable...

 

Guy

Edited July 29, 2016 by Guytou

[gbealnz]

 

 If I ever meet Peter Karbe in person, I will tell him that the X Vario lens is an exceptionally fine piece of work - I don't care what the others say

 

Fully agree, while it could be seen as limiting, the actual use of the X-Vario is exemplary.

Most of the discerning comments are from internet users who have never actually owned and used one.

Gary

 

[mikej]

I'm trying to decide whether to buy the old model EVF for my XV, or wait for the next generation with (hopefully) the EVF built in. I guess I'll wait till Photokina to decide. I find the LCD on the XV (like most others) is pretty useless when shooting outdoors in the sun.

Cheers,

Mike

[mija1789]

Just as a reminder, this is what Erwin Puts wrote about the X Vario:

 

 

 

The high MTF at 60 lp/mm compensates for the smaller sensor size and the final results are quite comparable to 35mm. In this area the X Vario can challenge the performance of the M. The zoom range from 28 - 70 mm (related to 35mm) seems a bit meagre, but the 60 lp/mm allow for a 141% enlargement, bringing the focal length to a useful 90mm. 

 

I am always amazed with X Vario lens:

 

A Couple of Jays (developed with the open source software RawTherapee)

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

... and the original OOC JPEG (taken from behind a curtain to avoid scaring them)

 

[Guytou]

I'm trying to decide whether to buy the old model EVF for my XV, or wait for the next generation with (hopefully) the EVF built in. I guess I'll wait till Photokina to decide. I find the LCD on the XV (like most others) is pretty useless when shooting outdoors in the sun.

Cheers,

Mike

 

Unfortunately, I do not think that X Vario MK II is under investigation at Leica...

 

To avoid the hazards of the sun, it is enough to join to him the sight EVF 2 which passes on absolutely all the information of the screen.

 

The current device is really an excellent device APS-C.

The sum of its exceptional qualities is largely higher than its small defects...

 

Guy

Edited July 30, 2016 by Guytou

[wda]

I use the EVF mainly for framing and picture selection. But I have learned to obtain reliable manual focusing results when I remember to set the lens to 70mm during focusing; then zoom out to the desired framing. Excellent results, despite the low technology EVF. As said repeatedly above, the lens is outstanding for the package size. Any faster formulation would take the camera into a new league of size, weight and bulk. I am happy to stay with that which I have and use regularly.

 

Should there be an upgrade, I would only like a faster and consistently accurate auto-focusing and upgraded sensor. Keep the lens etc as it is.

[teb1013]

I got an excellent used XV for well under 1/2 price on Amazon and picked up a mint condition used Olympus EVF which works perfectly with it. Initially I had avoided the Vario due to the aperture and the price, but with the lower price of the used, and having read about the quality of the lens I took a chance, and am glad that I did. The images I've managed look great (any failures are due to my lack of skill as a photographer not the camera) and the simple menu and dedicated controls are really easy to make quick adjustments while shooting. Much easier than my DSLR. I also have missed the "real camera" non plastic feel from my antique, film Asihi Pentax Spotmatic and the even older Canonet. I am glad to say the X-Vario, being a made in Germany Leica has the heft and metal construction of my old cameras. My next trip, I plan to try to use the X-Vario only. If you can get a good price on this, I'd recommend it.

 

 

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[TMorita]

It is not realistic !

A zoom 28/75 mm with f.2,8 constant would be too large and heavy compared to the body of the device.

Moreover, it would be much less qualitative than the current zoom of Peter Krabe and with a price not reasonable...

 

Guy

 

Yep.

 

Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 filter size: 77mm

Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8g filter size: 77mm

Sony 16-50mm f/2.8 filter size: 72mm

Fuji 16-55mm f/2.8 filter size: 77mm

 

By comparison, the X Vario filter size is 43mm.

 

Toshi

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Hallo,

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[gbealnz]

While not disagreeing with you Toshiba, the examples you list are for full frame, except for the Fuji. This makes a difference i think?

Gary