Is the X1 really worth it?

[jimleicam3]

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I love my M8 and M3 and now on a couple of lists waiting for the X1. But of course, I have doubts. Those of you that have the X1 in your hands...is it really that great of a camera? Is it really worth the price? Will it be a great addition to my M8 & M3? Cheers!!

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[damnsharp]

Good morning Jim, I cannot compare it to an other Leica camera. I had years a Nikon D50 + D200 + a lot of lenses. Before that I had several analog Canons.

For me personal it's the camera I've been waiting for! It's back to basics. I use to be busy with settings, choosing which lens, dragging all my gear. But now I am looking, what kind of composition to take, very easy and intuitive menu structure, easy to shoot. Perfect for me. Oh yes, I have also a "normal" point and shoot compact camera (Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5) but the X1 is in IQ so much better. Also very quiet.

The post processing of the images takes me lot less time than with the Nikon's. I always had to change a lot. Not anymore.

Sure, there are down sides, AF is not so fast as my D200 but I have ways for that (e.g. prefocus, zone focussing) but that doesn't matter to me.

 

Hope this helps you.

[jsrockit]

If you compare it to the experience of a M3 and a M8, you will be disappointed...it is closer to the DL4 than to the M8 or maybe somewhere in-between (based on me using many film Ms, an M8, a DL4, etc).

 

Now, this might be a little contraversial, being an X1 forum, but here goes. I do not think the X1 is worth the money in the grand scheme of things. It really should be priced in the GF1 range. However, it was worth it for me... I had a good bonus this year, I don't like the dials and menus of the u4/3 cameras, etc. so I splurged on it. The image quality is there though... for real. Special and magical? I don't know about that, but very competent... yes.

 

The problem comes when you think of what you can get for $2000 in the camera world. You can get 2 film Ms and 2 voigtlander / older leica lenses. You can get a decent DSLR and a Panasonic GF1. You can almost get an M8 for $2000 (and at times, can get one). If you already have some of the aforementioned and feel something is missing, then that's where the X1 comes in. I bought it because it is small, light, and doesn't require menu diving... and it is digital. That is rare and very appealing to me, so I paid the $800-1000 premium and am happy with the camera. It is my "take anywhere" camera. That said, I do think it is overpriced even for a Leica and think we will see many on the second hand market.

[wda]

jimleicam3 (or may I call you 'Jim'?)

 

I have all of your listed cameras. It is easier to compare the M8 with the X1 because they share a similar digital work-flow. The M3 is a different camera because you have to factor in the time and skill needed for converting films into digital files. To do it yourself you really need a dedicated film scanner, such as the Nikon Super-Coolscan 5000. So, back to M8 v. X1.

 

Again there is no complete comparison; you are comparing the fixed 24mm (36mm) Elmarit on the X1 with the 28mm M lens. In my case that is also an Elmarit. To me the results are remarkably similar and it is difficult to differentiate between the quality of either. However, the M8 (and M3) are 'system' cameras and therefore far more versatile. So where does the X1 fit into the equation?

 

For me it is clearly a companion when on a photographic assignment or travel mission; it allows me to fit an alternative focal length on the M8. In my case that can vary from a 21mm, 35mm, 75mm or 28-35-50 TriElmar, depending on the situation. Normally I would just take two M lenses along with my M8 and X1. Without changing lenses, often difficult in some environments, I have the immediate choice of two favourite focal lengths. But, there is a bonus.

 

Often a situation arises when it is inappropriate to operate with a collection of cameras and lenses, such as when shopping or attending to other domestic chores. Those are the occasions when the X1 comes into its own. It is a highly competent little camera, albeit with well-publicized quirks. The determined learn to master those minor flaws and glow when examining the extremely fine results.

 

As to your last question; that is highly subjective. Most people baulk at the high cost for an apparently simple camera. It is certainly expensive which is where subjectivity and personal circumstances come into play. There is no clear-cut answer. You could equate the X1 to the cost of an equivalent M lens, say the 28mm Elmarit and find that the costs are comparable. I have justified the cost to myself and am highly satisfied with my purchase. I hope that helps you?

[ezc203]

For me, the reasoning goes like this. X1 = $2000, for the same price I could add to my M-lens collection with a 28/2.8 (which in terms of FF equivalent is super similar, X1=36mm; 28mm on M8=37.5)

 

Because I have the 24mm for my M8 already, I decided to go for the X1. And also, I was about to get one for free ( but that's another story for another day).

 

In the X1 worth it? In camera terms, iffy. In Leica terms, definitely! Love the IQ, love the handling. For a digital camera, the controls are manual and simple. Its light weight and semi-pocketable. I've only had my X1 for 2 days, but 500+ photos later, it's starting to grow on me.

 

When I first got my M8 it was love at first sight and then later love at first touch. The X1 on the other hand was not love at first sight, but I did like it very much. Took a little getting used to, but now using "SPOT" AF and shooting RAW + B&W jpeg, I'm falling in love.

 

Because there are certain times that I simply canNOT have my M8 with me, and since I feel too naked without a camera now, the X1 will be with me when I can't have the M8 on me.

 

Is the X1 worth $2000? I would say no. Even for a Leica, its about $600 too much I think. Just my opinion.

[jimleicam3]

Thanks all for your advice. My concerns for which camera to get, the X1 vs the D-Lux4. Is that I have never been over joyed with the small subcompact cameras after the 3-4 that my wife has owned over the years. My wife's current camera is the Canon G-9 which is nice enough if you want to spend 10 minutes weeding through the menus before each shot! That is my concern with the D-Lux 4, too many menus. However, on the flip side, here is a good camera for less than 1/2 the price of the X1, to stick in my ski jacket, and go skiing for the day. I have used my M8 for skiing, but having to keep it in my backpack and taking out when needed, is a pain. On the other hand, the X1 would add another focal length to my camera bag( right now, 35 mm cron, 50 mm cron, 50 mm lux) and still be small enough for a ski jacket. And of course, I feel very lucky to be in a such a position, as to worry about which Leica camera to buy. Things could be alot worse. Thanks again, Jim

[jsrockit]

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Jim, for skiing, the DL4 may be the better option. It's cheaper, in case you drop it in the snow, and it is smaller / thinner, etc. The X1 wouldn't add another focal length because you already have the 35mm Summicron.

[wda]

But the 35mm is NOT a 35mm lens on the M8, so the X1 can be a realistic companion to the X1.

[jsrockit]

But the 35mm is NOT a 35mm lens on the M8, so the X1 can be a realistic companion to the X1.

 

Jeez, as an M8 user I should know better... especially since I got the X1 for the same reason. duh. My M8 is at Leica USA for repair, so I guess I've already forgotten the poor cameras. It was early, forgive me.

[eduardoho]

Of course X1 is a worthy camera to own. I have been lambasted by the elite Leica enthusiasts for my viral comments on certain fragile attributes of this sweet cute babe. I have already taken phenomenal shots, capturing images in low ambient lighting without the use of any strobe lighting. I am an end user, I buy products for its relevancy, and of course at 2 grand it seems to be an excess but so far my expectations have been fulfilled. The X1 also have attracted a different breed of owners, whose passion for photography are as intense as the Leica afficionados but with a different perspective. This is a product designed to capture images, under most adverse lighting conditions with spectacular sharpness... nothing else, all other amenities are simply not offered, because it distracts from the passion it was developed for: to quench the insatiable thirst for shooting photos of once in a lifetime events..

[thomsva]

The X1 may not have the best IQ/price relationship. But I think the IQ/size is hard to beat. Even with lots of more money It would be impossible or difficult to find something smaller with the same or better IQ. This (plus the nice looks and silent shutter) made it feel worth it for me.

[jsrockit]

The X1 may not have the best IQ/price relationship. But I think the IQ/size is hard to beat. Even with lots of more money It would be impossible or difficult to find something smaller with the same or better IQ. This (plus the nice looks and silent shutter) made it feel worth it for me.

 

This sums it up nicely.

[Guest ccmsosse]

The X1 may not have the best IQ/price relationship. But I think the IQ/size is hard to beat. Even with lots of more money It would be impossible or difficult to find something smaller with the same or better IQ. This (plus the nice looks and silent shutter) made it feel worth it for me.

 

If I only could get one ... waiting lists everywhere

[grober]

Basically, yes.

 

I sold my M8 and all its nine lenses (50% Leica glass) to "turn the page" and start over in the digital revolution. I've only had the X1 for a week and still have lots to learn about it but see promise here.

 

Ask me again in 60 days.

 

-g

[jsrockit]

If I only could get one ... waiting lists everywhere

 

Did you try the Leica shop in Austria? A few of us here bought our X1s there and it is a relatively painless trasnaction. You order online and it comes in less than a week... and for less than they charge in the US.

[jsrockit]