Okay..I'm now a convert.

[peterb]

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To be honest with the X1 I was totally on the fence.

 

I've HAD an M6 which I sold (along with, apparently prematurely, its lenses) for the excellent but chunky D2 (which has to go to Leica to fix the shutter button which popped out). The images were good to a point. The images produced by the lens had the Summicron signature look to it.

 

I also HAVE a Lumix LX1 to which I have jury-rigged an OVF using Voightlander's viewfinder/accessory holder for use on camera straps and a little 3M double sided foam adhesive, which has worked superbly. Images are good to ISO 400. But there is definitely noise in the shadows and background colors even at ISO 100. The lens is superb.

 

A year ago I bought the G1. At the time it seemed like the best of two worlds I was wrestling with: wanting the versatility and image quality approaching a DSLR while at the same time wanting the compactness of a P/S that is smaller and less obtrusive in public.

 

The idea of hauling a rock around my neck was simply unnacceptable. I didn't like it on others and I really didn't like it on myself (unless I wanted to come off like some papparazzi which I do not).

 

Admittedly, the camera body was not the sexiest looking thing in the world with its faux SLR hump and all...a little chunky, perhaps but again a lot less chunky and certainly less bulky than DSLRs (although it was possible to get it in three colors woo-hoo!).

 

Coming from the D2, the EVF with its dazzling 1.4 million dots was nothing short superb. AF is top notch. Fast. And decisive. Only in low light did I have pause as I saw graininess in the EVF. Not a deal breaker but not great either.

 

I also liked the articulating 460k dot LCD. Swinging it out made it a delight for portraits (where at waist height it works like a TLR) and at low and awkward angles where it's great to see what the camera sees when it's a little difficult to be directly behind it. (Even self portraits are a lot easier when you can see the screen while holding the camera at you.)

 

The shutter while somewhat loud is not offensively so. It's actually a muted 'shluck' which often reminded me of my belated, beloved M6.

 

I wished the kit lens would have been a bit faster (although it covered the identical 35mm equiv of the D2--28-90mm). At f3.5 it was not the most light gathering of optics. But it was sharp. It just worked best under bright sun or clouds. In other times either you had to opt for a slower shutter speed and take your chances or raise the ISO and deal with noise. At the higher ISO's (ISO 800+) I typically went to BW where the noise came off like the old Tri-X films of yore.

 

I liked the idea that mFT seemed to make it possible to use other maker's lenses on it. Manual focus is quite good on it. There was a 'patch' (like on the D2 but much better) that you could expand 10x (with the latest firmware) to focus quite accurately and swiftly. I looked forward to the possibilities of using M lenses of 50mm and longer for some tantalizing results. Using these outside lenses would not make for super fast work flow but rather a more deliberate approach although my guess was I'd most likely shoot with the lens at its widest aperture. With a distance scale on these manual lenses zone focusing doable. Just get the shutter speed right and fire away.

 

And Panasonic now has a svelte 20mm f1.7 lens that seems to be very sharp and focuses with great alacrity.

 

Handling was pretty decent. The grip seemed fine (and an external strap I got made it even more secure for one handed holding) I liked the double duty wheel in the front in the grip. Which let you adjust EV, aperture, shutter (or toggle between both in manual), or any number of other settings you'd see in the EVF.

 

Output was good. The files showed decent noise control in images up to ISO 800. A lot better than I saw with the LX1 (although I haven't seen the LX3 or Dlux 4).

 

The GH1 came out. And it appeared to be the same camera with video.

 

The GF1 came out and while many appear to be wowed by it I knew I would want the EVF on the thing. The EVF offered is inferior to the one that already came with the G1 (and GH1). And the add-on EVF that IS the equal to the G1 only works on the Olympus DP-2. And besides with the EVF, the camera's apparent visual volume would then be about the same as the G1.

 

Then the X1 was announced. Many on this board pondered it, dissed it and praised it. Writers like Reid and Reichman checked in and checked it out.

 

Their findings: solid well made body that’s “M”-like in shape. One amazingly sharp 24mm f2.8 Elmarit lens…an Elmarit but definitely not an "M" Elmarit. Somewhat ordinary (and disappointing by some) AF. An enormous APS-C sensor believed to be the same as the one used in the Nikon D300 and D90. A shutter that borders on ‘dead’ silent (perfect for typical, traditional, stealthy Leica-style shooting). Simple minimalist dials on the top deck. NO goofy scene modes. A disappointing but still serviceable 230K LCD. Expensive but VERY usable add-ons like an OVF and grip. Very high price tag. But file quality rivaling cameras thousands of dollars and euros more.

 

At first I was in the camp of the unimpressed. But then I thought about myself and the way I shoot photos. My best shots of all time were taken with the M6 and a 35mm summilux. (I had a 90mm but used it perhaps once in a blue moon.)

 

My shooting style is not overly quick. It’s anticipatory. I tend to look, find the shot in the finder, focus and lock and then fire. Having AF that snaps in a nano-second vs a second, while desirable, was not, for me absolutely necessary. I don’t shoot sports. I shoot people and places. If I wanted to make sure the part of the photo I wanted in focus was indeed in focus, like I did with the LX1 I would simply check the LCD for location. Framing could easily be seen in the OVF and details and timing could be re-affirmed by sight. I like the idea of the AF confirm light. The blackout I experienced with the G1 (and D2) was quite frequently disconcerting. I liked clear open view of an OVF with no blackouts right after pressing the shutter.

 

The body with a grip and OVF would have the right simplicity and balance that I’d like. The camera would be very pocketable. The kind of camera I’d bring anywhere when I didn’t feel like taking even the smallish G1 around. (I often found that I’d still take the LX1 out when I didn’t feel like calling attention to myself which I still often felt the G1 would do.)

 

While the lens is f2.8 from what I can tell it's an EXTRAORDINARY optic. As one person put it, designed specifically for its sensor, which despite all the tantalizing match-up possibilities via an adapter any lens you put on the G1 clearly would not be.

 

Finally I went back to Sean Reid’s reviews of G1, GF1 and the X1 and also Reichman’s review of the GF1 and X1. And looked at the final images of theirs along with the images I saw in the finely printed brochure I picked up at the Leica Gallery in NYC as well as others posted on the net.

 

After looking at the shots, I concluded that the G1’s output while fantastic PALED in comparison with the sharpness, contrast and detail I observed with the images produced by the X1. Quality gallery sizes of 12 x 18 inches are possible at 237 dpi. And I'm sure larger can be done too and still be presentable.

 

I recalled the first time I rented an M6 and got my shots back from the processor and how my jaw had dropped looking at the quality of the images.

 

And I realized that despite its flaws, the bottom line for me is IQ. And as expensive as this new little Leica is, it has it in spades. All in a very compact, very totable little package. And even after reading all the pros and cons on this and other forums as well as going through my own ruminations, that's what ultimate sold me.

 

So as much as I enjoy my beloved G1, I find myself now waiting eagerly for the arrival of the X1 at B&H January. For a new year and, perhaps, a new era for my own personal photography.

 

A simple camera with one lens I will use to capture the utterly amazing shots that I see in my mind.

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[barjohn]

Peter,

I have been going back and forth between the X1 and the Ricoh GXR with A12. Image quality is one of the highest priority items for me too. However, I haven't yet seen that in any of the images available for download. Neither Sean's or LL's site provide large enough images to make the evaluation you seem to have been able to make. Neither Sean nor LL have compared the output of these two cameras so it is still a toss up with the possibility of having new capabilities tilting toward the GXR. While I like the manual dials of the X1, the excellent ergonomics of the Ricoh's reported in this forum by many Leica users means that I can't dismiss it for lack of those dials.

 

While reputedly the camera is actually manufactured by Sony for Leica with final assembly in Germany it is in many ways reminiscent of the Minolta CL that was manufactured by Minolta and badged a Minolta or a Leica when it was assembled in Germany so I take the made in Germany with a grain of salt but it doesn't matter to me. Of greater concern is the development of the firmware and it is here that Leica seems to struggle repeatedly and to be extremely slow to respond. A perfect example is the ability to work with a wide range of SD, SDHC cards, first in the M8 continuing into the M8.2 and the M9 three years later. I have not experienced an SD card problem in any other camera I own or have owned. To me this lack of quick response is indicative of poor ability to solve problems quickly and get the solutions out to customers. The software issues that Sean pointed out in his review should not have existed and I can't help but wonder if and when Leica will actually get around to addressing them. There are known software issues in the M9 and given the cash that camera is bringing in to the company it is likely to be their priority and yet, they haven't released any firmware fixes for that camera after three and a half months since release. It is the biggest negative factor I had toward the M8 along with the poor customer service with long turn-around times and higher than normal failure rates.

 

I don't understand this statement you made "But file quality rivaling cameras thousands of dollars and euros more." The Nikon D90 will likely produce equal or better IQ with the same sensor and costs a thousand less. What camera costs thousands more to produce equivalent IQ?

[lct]

...I haven't yet seen that in any of the images available for download... I don't understand this statement you made "But file quality rivaling cameras thousands of dollars and euros more." The Nikon D90 will likely produce equal or better IQ with the same sensor and costs a thousand less. What camera costs thousands more to produce equivalent IQ?

Why do you sound so negative, John? What's the point to compare a compact camera to a dSLR? Two DNG files are available here. I've been developping one of them with C1 here. What do you think of those files?

[jsrockit]

I don't understand this statement you made "But file quality rivaling cameras thousands of dollars and euros more." The Nikon D90 will likely produce equal or better IQ with the same sensor and costs a thousand less. What camera costs thousands more to produce equivalent IQ?

 

Well, the jury is still out on the X1's image quality... so maybe he could be right. It could have lens (leica) that many prefer over Nikon's lenses... so even with the same sensor, the X1 could produce "better" IQ. We'll see. I know that I have been really impressed with the new Ricoh though and haven't been turned off by the X1's IQ either. The new Ricoh is too bulky for me, so I wait for the GRD IV!

 

Myself, I like the X1 and am sure I could work with its limitations. However, I think it is not a pocketable camera and therefore I'll stick to my M8.

[grober]

Peter,

 

"Bravos!" from this loyal user of M-systems starting with two used doublestroke M3 cameras in 1967. After handling the X1 at the LHSA November event in Seattle, I quickly ordered one and have now sold all my extensive M-kit.

 

It's time to take a clean sheet of paper and enjoy quiet shooting again after the very loud shutter that called itself the M8.

 

-g

[taildraggin]

I agree about image quality being paramount. It's the only reason why I haven't gotten a G-1.

 

I just got a D90 and I'm very happy with the image quality. I'd like full-frame better, but it's good enough. But all the menus, video, buttons and wheels make me revolt. I just want the D90's sensor/optics (as a minimum) in a small, simple camera.

 

I'll be over at B&H to check the X1 out, too... (If I had an M, I wouldn't bother with the X1.)

 

- Charlie

[MPJMP]

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I've been on the fence, too. Been reading all the reviews. Been downloading sample photos. I am a committed Leica M film shooter looking for a digital companion camera. So far, none of the digital cameras I have handled satisfied me. This includes digital P&S cameras (such as the D-Lux 4) and DSLRs. I have decided that the reason they don't satisfy is that they are more "electronic" in operation than I prefer-- menus, buttons, joysticks, fidgity zooms, more menus. While a used M8 is stll an option, I am increasingly drawn to the idea of the X1. It reminds me, at least in spirit, of the Minilux I used back in the 90's and is almsot exactly the type of compact camera I have been dreaming about for several years now. A prime lens. Knobs to control aperture and shutter speed. A simplified menu system. The price is the only thing holding me back. Not that it isn't a fair price, it just takes me a long time to build up $2,000 of disposable income and I don't relish the thought of blowing it all at once on something I know will see such rapid depreciation. We'll see. If Santa is good to me this year an X1 just may be on order come January 2010.

[jsrockit]

I am increasingly drawn to the idea of the X1. It reminds me, at least in spirit, of the Minilux I used back in the 90's and is almsot exactly the type of compact camera I have been dreaming about for several years now. A prime lens. Knobs to control aperture and shutter speed. A simplified menu system. The price is the only thing holding me back.

 

Exactly my thoughts... I just wish it was also a little smaller... truly pocketable.

[tedmna]

Hi Peter,

 

I too did the G1 thing, and came to the same conclusions about the GH1 and GF1. But I yearned for a simpler camera, and bought a Sigma DP2 at about the same time.

 

Since then, I have had a great deal of fun with the Sigma, relishing in it's 40mm lens and the elusive qualities of the Foveon sensor. It has affected me the same way as the Digilux 2 I own: for all it's shortcomings, it's a special camera.

 

Since then I have gotten rid of my DSLR gear, and the G1, and kept the D2 and the Sigma. I am intrigued by the X1, and will probably end up buying it, because it appears to offer high, and perhaps unique image quality in a simple, small and lightweight package.

 

I hope you enjoy the camera.

 

Ted Johnson

[peterb]

Hey John,

 

After all the yammering on this forum about the X1 I went back to all the material that was available and re-read the articles by Reid and Reichman. But more importantly I looked at the images. Maybe I'm a little naive but I swear there was detail in the X1 shots taken with the 24mm Elmarit that I did not see in shots using the GF1 and the 20mm f1.7 Lumix. (Don't get me wrong the Lumix is an amazing lens and the Lumix G's are amazing cameras still worthy of Pop Photo's honor of naming it camera of the year last year). I mean there was amazing detail, particularly in the shots taken in Northampton, MA in Sean's write-up. What really got me were some of the BW outdoor shots Sean took at night at ISO 1600 and 3200 which were, to my eyes, downright gorgeous in tone and overall appeal in terms of noise and the balance with detail (okay maybe the subject matter wasn't the best). Reichman's shot of the Junction Shed looked Ansel Adams-like. Unreal.

 

I also looked at and down loaded other X1 shots posted here for comparison. I think they were of an Asian cafe. Again the detail was quite nice. I know you weren't wowed by some of the night stuff. But again I think when you go to ISO 1600 and beyond I think it's best to go BW and forgo color. Color just looks plain awful. But BW has a gritty 'romantic' quality about it that I think works VERY well with the noise. And while I would agree that noise at ISO 1600+ even on the X1 is somewhat disconcerting in color, in BW it's another animal altogether. And one that I don't really mind. Like TMax 400 to be honest. But at ISO 3200.

 

LCT's shots are also quite eye opening as well. The postal box is unreal. The street scenes are pretty good.

 

Here's more: Get DPI's Guy Mancuso has just posted access to a bunch of DNG and jpg files to look at. Here's the link:

 

Leica X1 Images to download - The GetDPI Photography Forums

 

Maybe the extant shots available still aren't enough to draw the conclusion I did but the were enough for me to realize this may be a better camera than I'd previously thought. And one that I could become very accustomed to at my side. In time I'll get to hold one for real. And I'm sure there will be more and more output made available for inspection.

 

Until then I'm mightily encouraged.

 

Peter

 

P.S. By the way the GXR is a very cool CONCEPT. And we may be entering some sort of a digital renaissance in camera design. And I look forward to seeing what will come of it. But for the moment, the X1 is my 'it' camera.

[peterb]

Well, the jury is still out on the X1's image quality... so maybe he could be right. It could have lens (leica) that many prefer over Nikon's lenses... so even with the same sensor, the X1 could produce "better" IQ. We'll see. I know that I have been really impressed with the new Ricoh though and haven't been turned off by the X1's IQ either. The new Ricoh is too bulky for me, so I wait for the GRD IV!

 

Myself, I like the X1 and am sure I could work with its limitations. However, I think it is not a pocketable camera and therefore I'll stick to my M8.

 

Rockit,

 

To be honest, I haven't seen the output by any Nikon utilizing their most recent lenses: the 14-24mm f2.8, 24-70mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8 and the 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm behemoths that use their so-called nano-crystal coatings. But I hear the images are also in the same league. Again, for me the lenses and the cameras attached to them are major boulders. And not what I would prefer (although if I'm gonna go rock carrying I'd go all the way and check out the Sony A850 and any of their Zeiss add-ons). The body of the new Ricoh is certainly from the same drawing board that produced the GR digitals series (the one I bought got totally fried during a Heli-hiking trip in British Columbia I brought it on four years ago when there was a little precipitation). But there is a visual bulkiness I see that I'd have to handle to get over.

[peterb]

Hi Ted,

 

The DP2 is an amazing camera with an amazing lens and of course, delicious, sensor. It's got a personality quite all its own. Enjoy it!

 

Peter

[peterb]

 

I don't understand this statement you made "But file quality rivaling cameras thousands of dollars and euros more." The Nikon D90 will likely produce equal or better IQ with the same sensor and costs a thousand less. What camera costs thousands more to produce equivalent IQ?

 

 

Actually I came to that point of view as a result of a remark by Michael Reichman who while ultimately panning the camera as simply being too expensive for so-so AF and a less than exemplary rear LCD (among other things) said, "We have found that the image quality is exceptional. Fully the equal of many DSLRs. Noise performance is exceeded by only a handful of much more expensive and much larger cameras. The 24mm Elmarit (36mm equiv) is a very fine lens, and the camera's shooting speed in raw is nothing short of superb."

 

Then looking at the images I'd seen so far, who was I to argue?

[SiOnara]

A simple camera with one lens I will use to capture the utterly amazing shots that I see in my mind.

 

Just seen the shots at Get DPI and they do look quite splendid. I would be quite happy to part with my hard earned money to buy into the Leica X1 and the Leica history....or I might go for the M8 lol. Either way, the end I am after is the same, a simple, basic camera with outstanding image quality.

 

It's time to go back to basics.

[barjohn]

Peter,

 

Thanks for the link to the GetDPI photos. Unfortunately they all are taken at ISO 100 so I still can't see what the camera can do at higher ISOs. Perhaps Guy & Jack will add some more soon.

 

lct, I had seen those pictures and downloaded them before. I wasn't overwhelmed with them so I am waiting to see more.

[pappde]

Peter,

 

Thanks for the link to the GetDPI photos. Unfortunately they all are taken at ISO 100 so I still can't see what the camera can do at higher ISOs. Perhaps Guy & Jack will add some more soon.

 

lct, I had seen those pictures and downloaded them before. I wasn't overwhelmed with them so I am waiting to see more.

 

I am sure you will find something objectionable with them too. Your only contribution to any of the X1 discussions is to point out negative aspects and features of a camera that you NEVER PERSONALLY handled. Now that is something I can understand. You must be afraid it might burn your hand.

[jsrockit]

Peter,

 

Thanks for the link to the GetDPI photos. Unfortunately they all are taken at ISO 100 so I still can't see what the camera can do at higher ISOs. Perhaps Guy & Jack will add some more soon.

 

lct, I had seen those pictures and downloaded them before. I wasn't overwhelmed with them so I am waiting to see more.

 

I have a feeling that the best ISO 3200 pic ever could be posted and you still wouldn't be happy.

[barjohn]

I am sure you will find something objectionable with them too. Your only contribution to any of the X1 discussions is to point out negative aspects and features of a camera that you NEVER PERSONALLY handled. Now that is something I can understand. You must be afraid it might burn your hand.

 

You must be quite a photographer because you are the first one that has stated that you have to handle a camera to judge it's images.

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[barjohn]

Both the images below were shot at ISO 3200. One of them is stunning and the other is not. If the X1 produces an image like the one on the left, I will call it stunning.

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[TEBnewyork]

John,

While you don't consider the shot on the right stunning at ISO 3200, it is a 100% crop. To me, while not as good as the one on the left it is hardly something that would be unusable. How big do you actually want to print an ISO 3200 shot?