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my X1 dilemma


stkorn

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I like most everything about the X1. Its the camera I hoped Leica would make, a small go-everywhere camera with great image quality and a simple, intuitive interface. Yes, its expensive but its not the price per se that worries me. My problem is whether I really want to carry a $2,000 camera with me everywhere I go, everyday? Do I really want to worry about it getting stolen, lost, banged around in my coat pocket or backpack (and no, I don't really want to carry a camera bag with me everyday, everywhere I go)? It just seems like it would take some of the fun and spontaneity out of taking pictures and replace it with a low-level anxiety about protecting expensive gear. Yes it will take better pictures than an LX3 or Canon S90 but those are still very capable cameras and at under $400, very replaceable.

 

So that's my dilemma. Anyone else share this feeling?

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I'm in the same boat. I had originally pre-ordered an X1 from Leica the day after release, only to cancel the order about a month later. In the few months since then, I've since purchased a MINT Digilux 2, a Canon G11, and a 135mm Elmarit lens for my M, a G-Drive Mini, a Tenba Small Messenger, and a Luigi Half Case all for less than what I would've spent on the X1. Now, this isn't to say that I won't be extremely jealous of the people who do get X1's, and might even regret my decision a little, but I feel that my money was spent well otherwise, as well.

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I like most everything about the X1. Its the camera I hoped Leica would make, a small go-everywhere camera with great image quality and a simple, intuitive interface. Yes, its expensive but its not the price per se that worries me. My problem is whether I really want to carry a $2,000 camera with me everywhere I go, everyday? Do I really want to worry about it getting stolen, lost, banged around in my coat pocket or backpack (and no, I don't really want to carry a camera bag with me everyday, everywhere I go)? It just seems like it would take some of the fun and spontaneity out of taking pictures and replace it with a low-level anxiety about protecting expensive gear. Yes it will take better pictures than an LX3 or Canon S90 but those are still very capable cameras and at under $400, very replaceable.

 

So that's my dilemma. Anyone else share this feeling?

 

Me too. Even if the X1 had everything I wanted (like, say, a built-in viewfinder) I'd feel uncomfortable carrying it around with me all the time. That's why I just bought an Olympus XA for 30 Euros as my pocketable camera. It's small, it has a "full-frame sensor", and if it gets lost, I'll just buy another one.

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I simply don't get it.

 

If you think (or feel) the X1 is too expensive (for you) - don't buy it. This is your decision - nobody else's.

But please stop trying to make the camera look worse than it is, in order for you to feel better with your choice. Leica and the other forum users do not deserve this kind of attitude and treatment.

 

Sorry for my direct words ... but someone had to say them.

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I simply don't get it.

 

If you think (or feel) the X1 is too expensive (for you) - don't buy it. This is your decision - nobody else's.

But please stop trying to make the camera look worse than it is, in order for you to feel better with your choice. Leica and the other forum users do not deserve this kind of attitude and treatment.

 

Sorry for my direct words ... but someone had to say them.

 

That's bullshit. (Sorry for my direct words.) Is this your forum? Were you appointed censor recently?

 

I have an M8.2 which was far more expensive but for me it was worth the price. And I'm sure the X1 is worth its price as well. However, I was thinking about a small camera to have with me all the time and I never liked those small digicams which would otherwise fit the bill. The X1 looks almost like this camera except, as I said, I don't want to carry something worth more than 1,500 Euros in my pocket all the time. For someone (maybe you) for whom 1,500 Euros are peanuts this might not be an issue. And if you're not planning to use the X1 as your everyday camera that's a different story altogether.

 

I don't care if you agree with this or not, but please stop imposing your view of the world on others.

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If you think (or feel) the X1 is too expensive (for you) - don't buy it.

 

...................................................................or if you think the X1 is worth the $2000 (for you) - buy it!

 

But how can you write and talk about this camera (and it's pro's and con's) if you haven't seen it yet or

even hadn't it in your hands? Wait untill you can have the camera in your hands and have seen the results.

 

You are the only one who knows what you want, so use your brain please. If you cann't take a decision,

buy it, if you don't like it, sell it.

 

 

FrankR

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I'm sure the X1 is worth its price as well. However, I was thinking about a small camera to have with me all the time and I never liked those small digicams which would otherwise fit the bill. The X1 looks almost like this camera except, as I said, I don't want to carry something worth more than 1,500 Euros in my pocket all the time.

 

Insurance? It's actually pretty cheap, and of even greater value - it'll give you peace of mind.

 

I'm sorry, but I've always had trouble with this line of thinking: I'd like to carry around a better camera/lens, but I'll shoot with inferior equipment because I'm afraid it will get lost or stolen.

 

As a photographer, you just can't worry about that. Be safe, be careful, use common sense, and you should be okay.

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I simply don't get it.

 

If you think (or feel) the X1 is too expensive (for you) - don't buy it. This is your decision - nobody else's.

But please stop trying to make the camera look worse than it is, in order for you to feel better with your choice. Leica and the other forum users do not deserve this kind of attitude and treatment.

 

Sorry for my direct words ... but someone had to say them.

 

I think you missed my point. I didn't say the X1 was too expensive, I questioned whether one wants to use ANY $2,000 camera as their pocketable, take everywhere shooter, no matter how great it is. And exactly where in my post was I 'trying to make it look worse than it is'?

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At first sight, I wanted to jump at the X1 in an instant. But with the advent of the M9

the M8 got into - more or less at least - easy reach to the LEICA- aficionado.

 

For a bit more cash than for the X1 you can get hold of a decent M8 these days.

Well, it´s without a lens, but there are plenty of them around ... I would choose

this option right now.

 

With an X2 I had to look much closer again. This would be more of an allrounder

to me. My CM- Zoom is my best compact- camera so far and still going

strong after a tough life on bicycle tours. Would very much like to get a substitute

for it one day.

 

 

 

Best wishes

 

GEORG

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I'm sorry if I offended anyone with my choice of words (although the harsh reactions might proof me right).

 

This is not my forum. And I'm most certainly not it's censor.

I was simply calling for a bit of decency towards a camera that hasn't hit the market yet. And the respect towards other users of this medium to keep every part of the X1 discussion on a professional level.

 

I truly hope this is not too much to ask.

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I think you missed my point. I didn't say the X1 was too expensive, I questioned whether one wants to use ANY $2,000 camera as their pocketable, take everywhere shooter, no matter how great it is.

 

You're right - I did miss your point ... but not entirely. Your question is also answered individually. Some people wear a 10 $ watch, others a $ 5,000 model. Some people drive in a $ 10,000 car, other in more expensive ones.

 

I wont use my X1 as pocket-able camera - I would be afraid to scratch it (especially the LCD). I will use one of the original cases to carry it - and thus it wont be a true pocket-able camera, just an easy to carry around camera. Not more and also not less.

 

I'm intrigued by it's concept (the small power thing) ... a lighter smaller version of a M8 with the 2,8/28 ASPH ... and a still a bit cheaper (even considered the falling prices for used ones).

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You're right - I did miss your point ... but not entirely. Your question is also answered individually. Some people wear a 10 $ watch, others a $ 5,000 model. Some people drive in a $ 10,000 car, other in more expensive ones.

Fair enough.

 

I'm intrigued by it's concept (the small power thing) ... a lighter smaller version of a M8 with the 2,8/28 ASPH

 

Yes, I agree I am intrigued by this camera for much the same reasons. But I also fear having such an expensive item with me at all times would make me a bit anxious and that's why it poses a dilemma. The insurance suggestion made a few posts back is a good idea, I need to look into that.

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Yes, I agree I am intrigued by this camera for much the same reasons. But I also fear having such an expensive item with me at all times would make me a bit anxious and that's why it poses a dilemma. The insurance suggestion made a few posts back is a good idea, I need to look into that.

 

This I can truly understand - I had the same thoughts with my M8 (now a few years back :D) ... but nothing happened to it (even on vacations in Italy and Greece).

A possible insurance might solve this :).

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Do I really want to worry about it getting stolen, lost, banged around in my coat pocket or backpack (and no, I don't really want to carry a camera bag with me everyday, everywhere I go)?

 

So that's my dilemma. Anyone else share this feeling?

 

stkorn, you make some valid points and should feel free to air them. We all face risk of loss, particularly on travels. Some even lose/misplace their cameras at home!

 

There is a straightforward answer; take sensible precautions (like avoiding presenting temptation to thieves and not leaving your precious possessions unattended at any time), backed up by insurance unless you wish to underwrite the risk yourself.

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The X1 is not a pocket camera!!!! Seriously it is not. If you need a pocket camera, look at a small sensor model. There is not a truly pocketable large sensor camera yet.

 

That said, don't stress the $2000 price tag and be afraid to use a camera. Don't you have faith in yourself that you'll be able to handle the camera with care? I used to go to parties with a Leica M6 and 35mm summicron (about $3000 used at the time) when I was 21 and never had issues...even though I was doing dumb crap and hanging with immature people. These cameras are a lot more durable than people give them credit for being.

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My problem is whether I really want to carry a $2,000 camera with me everywhere I go, everyday? Do I really want to worry about it getting stolen, lost, banged around in my coat pocket or backpack (and no, I don't really want to carry a camera bag with me everyday, everywhere I go)?

 

i share the same feelings ..... i will end up buying an X1 in 2010, but i won't carry it around everywhere, or leave it in the car, or put it down to chat with someone, or put it under my chair in a restaurant (and spill wine on it as has happen to my little panasonic !) ..... it will get the same in-the-Bellingam life as my D2.

 

i have an LX3 to drag about every day.

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I think you missed my point. I didn't say the X1 was too expensive, I questioned whether one wants to use ANY $2,000 camera as their pocketable, take everywhere shooter, no matter how great it is. And exactly where in my post was I 'trying to make it look worse than it is'?

 

But isn't the main reason for carrying a camera with you all the time, to get that elusive perfect shot? If so, wouldn't you want a camera with you that has a good quality lens and the best possible IQ? If IQ is not an issue why not to use the camera in your phone? That should be cheap enough.

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