USA and X1

[harryliem]

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David, Australia got a lot more than that! I'm told that the entire shipment has now sold out though. One of them has actually appeared on eBay here. I played with one (and the S2) here on Friday over beers. Fortunately DoF has at least reduced the impact of the unattractive object supporting the cameras.

I kept trying to put it up to my eye, but I was very impressed with the handling and the dozen or so casual shots I took.

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You look so happy sir

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[eduardoho]

I got mine on 03March2010 and I must say it is a gorgeously awesome baby. It is a very capable camera, with a nack in capturing exhilarant photos using low ambient lighting without strobe. You will not be disappointed.

[Krauthead]

X1 has landed. I look forward to learning on this forum and being a part of good discussions. Battery is charged. Now I look forward to pressing the button and hearing the recording of the sound of the shutter of the M3.

[Willow]

Does anyone have updates on the availability of X1 in USA? I ordered one from JR, but they don't have any ETA.

[jsrockit]

Does anyone have updates on the availability of X1 in USA? I ordered one from JR, but they don't have any ETA.

 

I don't, but J&R isn't a big Leica dealer (the don't carry anything but the DL4 and Clux)... I'd imagine it is going to be awhile for them to get stock.

[lalaworld]

Does anyone have updates on the availability of X1 in USA? I ordered one from JR, but they don't have any ETA.

 

Hi, I placed an order with Amazon when they were still taking the pre-orders for X1, and I lost my patience with Amazon and placed another order with JR. Haven't heard from both of them:(

[Dan States]

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Don't feel too bad...I've had one on order from Popflash for three months....It's ridiculous at this point. My wife doesn't actually believe it will ever arrive but I know it will be here just in time for Christmas....

[abethecat]

It's very nice to see that all of you that live in Europe are getting the X1 but does anyone know when we poor people who live in the States are going to see one?

 

I ordered my X1, September 29, 2009 17:59:28, and are still waiting. Since the camera is climate sensitive, I think they are about to modify it for the polar bear area, here in Sweden, and modifies it for the tropical climate in other places ...

[johnastovall]

Don't feel too bad...I've had one on order from Popflash for three months....It's ridiculous at this point. My wife doesn't actually believe it will ever arrive but I know it will be here just in time for Christmas....

 

I have had an X1 on order since October (with a deposit) at PopFlash and was notified last week they will be getting X1's this week (5 of them). I'm second on the list.

[jmteno76]

Popflash first shipment was 7, second was 5 - and still no word that anyone from Amazon has got a camera. Thus, I joined the Popflash waiting list..

 

Joan

[h00ligan]

I think the 'screwing the US' mentality is somewhat justified. Not just about consolation offers for causing a wait elsewhere but not here - but mainly about the fact that availability was meant to be what, 4 months ago initially with preorders taken 6 months ago!!? That's a ridiculous delay that is certainly not inspiring confidence in Leica, at least to me.

 

I gave up on the x1, and frankly - I don't see anything intrinsically better with photos made with it over the gf1/20mm outside of higher iso performance which is negated by the faster lens on the panny. To make another comparison - look at steve huff's photos from the Oly Pen review.

 

I was really excited for the cam - the delay was the first big blow, the results I've seen were the second.

[jsrockit]

and frankly - I don't see anything intrinsically better with photos made with it over the gf1/20mm outside of higher iso performance which is negated by the faster lens on the panny.

 

While I think you are right, there is something to be said about the comfort of a camera for its user. The X1 fits some people better than the GF1. I wouldn't be satisfied with the GF1, but am with the X1. Out of all the digicams I've used, and in addition to the M8, this is the only other digital camera that works the way I feel a digital camera should work. I'm picky though and think the pinnacle of camera design happened many, many years ago.

 

Image quality is one thing, but to me it isn't the only thing. You have to want to use a camera all the time and you have to comfortable with it. That said, if the X1 did not exist, I'd be using a GF1.

[h00ligan]

I agree, i should have been more specific and excluded ergonomics. You are absolutely correct though that for those who enjoy the ergonomics, its the right cam. Given my hand size, i feel I would have some issues with them - hard to say - unfortunately again, no chance to fondle one given lack of availability.

[jsrockit]

Given my hand size, i feel I would have some issues with them - hard to say - unfortunately again, no chance to fondle one given lack of availability.

 

I have large hands and it's ok for me. But yeah, it's not like you can try it out... ridiculous huh?

[dkCambridgeshire]

Maybe people are assuming that Leica have similar production facilities to the bigger camera manufacturers. They are probably not withholding supplies deliberately but are doing their best to satisfy all markets - and all markets, not just the USA, are experiencing delays.

 

dunk

[eduardoho]

Maybe people are assuming that Leica have similar production facilities to the bigger camera manufacturers. They are probably not withholding supplies deliberately but are doing their best to satisfy all markets - and all markets, not just the USA, are experiencing delays.

 

dunk

 

They are catering to the most profitable market first, it is not the US but the Asian market, primarily the Japanese market which probably is swallowing huge allotments of stock sold at premium prices. Reality is that 36% of Leica's global sale is in the Asian market.

[Ecaton]

I was on a waiting list since September, but pulled out in February, following some not so impressive first impression pre-reviews of the X1.

However, called two Leica dealer's last Friday in NYC and the second one had just received an X1, which I picked up 10 minutes later.

The learning: don't wait and sit, simply because you are on a waiting list. I was the extra business for the dealer, the guys on the waiting list are already in his pocket (budget), they are and will remain patient. Last come first serve works better in this case.

[peterb]

Ummmm Didn't Leica tell dealers in the U.S. the camera would be available by the boatload in February. It's April and the damned things are barely trickling in.

 

Is there a problem in production that anyone knows about?

[jsrockit]

Seems like everything has dried up... can't find a VF in the US and to me, that is ridiculous.

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[Tao]

Not only is patience a virtue(sadly lacking in the US), it can be a blessing as well. Leica needs time to improve QC on this camera, as I have heard complaints from different quarters regarding the exterior PEELING OFF! And the firmware needs work. The longer we have to wait, the better, imho.

 

Also keep in mind that the playing field is working against Leica - big time. Olympus & Panasonic are firmly on the range finder-size/quality bandwagon. They get it; they see the future of digital photography. Ricoh and hopefully Fuji see it too. It's only a matter of time - the next 12 months - that one of these players introduce something equal to the M8 or even the M9 for a fraction of the price. And god help Leica if/when Canon and/or Nikon leech on.

 

Don't get me wrong, I want Leica to succeed and prosper. I love the X1 concept, as it has no peer in the digital world with regards to its creative ergonomics. But the X1 is a rushed and compromised product. It's obviously not manufactured in Germany. The M8 had issues; the M9 has color issues. Leica needs to get its house in order or Leica will fall. But it sure as hell won't be about delivery delays; it will be about the quality of the product that finally arrives in your hands.