Some personal opinions of my new X-1

[michael friedberg]

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Much has been written here before about this camera, and also there’s been several published reviews. I’m not sure my opinions produce any new discoveries, but for what they’re worth I thought I’d relay them here,

 

I’ve had the camera in my hands only for three days. Of course, that doesn’t allow a full trial, but also it’s better than many of the criticism I‘ve seen posted by people who don’t even have the camera. Candidly, I’ve found some rush to judgments as surprising.

 

The bottom line is that I really like the X1. Its not without flaws, or at least limitations, but also it accomplishes several things I want. To my thinking, the raison d’être of any camera is the photographs it produces. A better lens and a better sensor produce, often, better photographs.

 

The X1 has both and does produce better photos than most small cameras. Its images have a “Leica look” –hard to define, but there’s something about the contrast and color. I don’t bother to test by large enlargements and close analysis, but to me there is a difference. And to me, that is enough. The X1 is not my M9, nor even my predecessor M8s, but it is close enough. I can see traveling with the X1 and leaving my M9 at home for some trips. Heresy? Perhaps –but the X1 is quite a camera.

 

There are various foibles about the X1:

 

--in my opinion an external viewfinder is a necessity. That adds to cost and size, and also not all information is available through one. But I had difficulty taking some photos on a bright day, because I couldn’t see the LCD screen well.

 

--the size is not perfect; I wish it were just a shade smaller. It really doesn’t fit on a jacket pocket well, at least not without a large bulge.

 

--I bought the handgrip. I know, it’s not needed but I like one on all my cameras and to me it makes a difference since I do a lot of grab shooting and one-handed operation makes sense with a small camera. But like the D-Lux4 handgrip (but not the M8/9, which substitutes the baseplate) taking grip off if only the first step in removing the SD card. Not a big deal, though.

 

--The top controls are all a little flimsy and move too easily. This has been reported here before, and really reflects poor engineering. The camera “looks” Leica-like, but some of the engineering details don’t look like the technical implementation was in Solms. I’ve had speed and aperture each reset unintentionally. Not perfect and an annoyance, and something I need to check from time to time. But not fatal in most cases.

 

--The auto focusing is a little slow, as reported. But certainly no slower than any M-camera –and I’ve seen some people who are really quick at rangefinder focusing, The focusing works for me, and besides I often use zone focusing on my M cameras, especially for street photography.

 

--The maximum aperture of f 2.8 is generally fine for me, because of the incredibly good high-ISO range of the camera. Still, I wish the X1 had a 2.0 lens for even better brokeh.

 

--I wish there would be a lens hood and also possibly a filter than fits. There should be a way to deflect ambient light and there should be a way to protect an expensive non-interchangeable lens. I also wish there could be a tether for the lens cap. I’m sure I’ll misplace it down the road.

 

--The charger has interchangeable wall prongs for different countries, like the first generation M8. It would be more compact –and better for travel—if it had a folding plug like the M9 or Digilux4. And, why, oh why, does each camera model have its own unique battery?

 

* * *

 

My bottom line is that there may be an X2 some day, It might eliminate some of the issues with any first generation, new design camera. But for now the X1 is not good, but great –and for one and only one reason. It can take some superb photos, because it has a great lens with a great sensor, and the size does help.

 

I suspect that the fabrication of parts, and possible much of the design, was not done by Leica –even if the camera was assembled in Germany and is legally considered as “made in Germany”. But also I will say that this camera is a Leica. In fact, it reminds me of the pre-M screw-mount Leica models…a fine, small, basic camera with great optics.

The X1 goes back to basics while it digitally represents the future. To me, that's quintessentially Leica.

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[eduardoho]

My counter opinion:

I will start by quoting Rudolf Spiller's Board of Management Report for Leica Camera AG: 86% of global sales were of export nature, 36% of which was realized in Asia, primarily for Japanese market, HK Chinese, Singapore Chinese and mainland PRC markets, then followed by 21% in the US, Canadian & Mexican markets. Only the tiny 14% of sales was realized in European market. Having said this, I am the onslaught of new Leica owners, and I applaud the launching of X1 as a positive step toward Leica's strategy and relevancy in the 22nd century. I believe X1 was launched with that in mind. Please, do not compare X1 with M series, they are animals of different breed altogether, but both are purebred nevertheless. I am very fond of the X1 which I have used since March 3, and I express herein my counter-opinions:

 

• in the art of p&s usage there is no need for an external VF, one has to master the usage of the LCD, learn to take shots at waist level rather than at eye, the traditionalist method of shooting;
  
• no need for lens hood for reportage situations which X1 is designed for;
  
• the extraordinary low noise at max'ed out ISO is second to none
  
• no need to compromise IQ by having f2.0 lens;
  
• Bokeh, DOF & OOF are kept reasonably at minimum by f2.8 lens; and
  
• APS-C CMOS Sony sensor does its job admirably with the f2.8 lens which is less obtrusive than a f2.0.
  
• there is no exclusive German Made Leica cameras, don't understand about this German Made hysteria by Leicaphiles. The most technologically advanced start of art coreless servos, essential electro-mechanical devices in optical units of p&s's are all made in Asia either by Japanese brand manufacturers or their third party OEM suppliers in China.
  

On the other hand something that I do share:

 

• AC mains is a needed essential, once you go to 14gB and beyond with the SDHC card, power stabilization is a must during transfer of the USB mass storage media contents, which by the way X1 got a voracious appetite for battery consumption;
  
• Fragility of the X1 body is of concern, specially given that 36% of the X1's will be used by owners in areas other than the pristine European or Northern American environment;
  
• The coveted Elmarit lens must be protected by a sapphire crystal, or a self closing shutter; the lens cap is poorly made and it should be tethered (I modified mine, see my thread posted elsewhere);
  
• At retail value of usd 2K+, the X1 scope of delivery kit should include an AC mains, spare battery, carrying case, mini HDMI cable and adjustable strap...helloooo: we Asians are on the average shorter in height? My was camera was hanging at my crotch before modifying it...
  

My counter opinions as expressed are that of my own spontaneous expressions, from a X1 end user, my intent is not to lambast anyone nor be debauchorous either.

[michael friedberg]

My counter opinion:

 

• in the art of p&s usage there is no need for an external VF, one has to master the usage of the LCD, learn to take shots at waist level rather than at eye, the traditionalist method of shooting;
  
• no need for lens hood for reportage situations which X1 is designed for;
  
• the extraordinary low noise at max'ed out ISO is second to none
  
• no need to compromise IQ by having f2.0 lens;
  
• Bokeh, DOF & OOF are kept reasonably at minimum by f2.8 lens; and
  
• APS-C CMOS Sony sensor does its job admirably with the f2.8 lens which is less obtrusive than a f2.0.
  
• there is no exclusive German Made Leica cameras, don't understand about this German Made hysteria by Leicaphiles. The most technologically advanced start of art coreless servos, essential electro-mechanical devices in optical units of p&s's are all made in Asia either by Japanese brand manufacturers or their third party OEM suppliers in China.
  

.

With respect, I really disagree.

 

1. In some shooting situations a viewfinder is better. I know how to use an LCD screen, but not all shots can be made using one or at waist level. Sometimes, precise composition matters, like in architectural photography. To deny that is just incorrect. To speak of "art" or "mastery" is presumptuous, condescending and just not the point.

 

2, In many situations there is glare from the sun. Lens hoods limit that and can produce better images, even in "reportage" situations. To deny that is just incorrect and to imply that the X1 is designed for and only makes sense in reportage situations is wrong.

 

3. Fast ISO is nice, but sometimes lack of depth of field is also nice. There is no reason to deny that a f2 lens can't sometimes be better than a 2.8, including better brokeh. It is possible to produce a 2.0 lens that will be as sharp as the 2.8 --it just costs much more. The problem is that it would be more expensive --the X1 with its 2.8 was built to a price-point. Other than price, it makes no sense to defend a compromise or to hypothetically assume that it would be much larger.

 

4. I strongly object to your insinuation that I reflect a German-made hysteria. That is personally insulting, unnecessarily provocative and not what I believe nor said. What I said was that some of the engineering really wasn't great --such as the way the dials worked (too easily) and that didn't seem to reflect the sort of quality I expected from Solms. I could care less where the dials were designed or fabricated. And I still really like the X1.

 

That said, thank you for your opinions.

[eduardoho]

No pun intended, I am not a traditionalist nor a devout Leicaphile.... as I stated those were my comments however provocative they are. Your points well accepted, and did not mean to be rude either but I did get this prevalent sentiment about German Made Leica hysteria, not necessarily from your posting. On one point we both agree: were are both avid admirer of X1.

[jsrockit]

With respect, I really disagree.

 

1. In some shooting situations a viewfinder is better. I know how to use an LCD screen, but not all shots can be made using one or at waist level. Sometimes, precise composition matters, like in architectural photography. To deny that is just incorrect. To speak of "art" or "mastery" is presumptuous, condescending and just not the point.

 

I agree. I actually like working with an LCD, but it isn't the best tool for the job always... especially on bright sunny days.

[lostinspb]

Hmm...why would one complain about the size of the camera when they have added the handgrip which makes the package quite a bit larger? If the viewfinder were integrated wouldn't the camera also need to be a bit larger to accommodate this?

[michael friedberg]

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Hmm...why would one complain about the size of the camera when they have added the handgrip which makes the package quite a bit larger? If the viewfinder were integrated wouldn't the camera also need to be a bit larger to accommodate this?

 

Quite a bit larger? Have you tried it? I think it adds about .5 inch to the height, and nothing to the depth. The issue is the size of the lens, even retracted. And also that's why I intentionallyshowed a photo of all three Leicas.

 

It also wasn't a "complaint" in the sense of a criticism....I'd buy the camera if it were larger.I just wish it were a shade smaller, but obviously it can't be. I'd love it if the camera were easily pocketable. And since it's already not, adding the handgrip doesn't make it less pocketable. Once it isn't, it isn't.

 

You weren't try to snipe, were you?

[Guest stnami]

You weren't try to snipe, were you?

................hmmnnn a bit of a prima donna attitude there, above criticism aiii!!............................. personal opinion no reply needed.

[eduardoho]

................hmmnnn a bit of a prima donna attitude there, above criticism aiii!!............................. personal opinion no reply needed.

I thought Forum like this are for expression of open opinions; however diverse or perverted they are... but it seems that only one narrow minded follow me type of thoughts are allowed. Nobody is trying to snipe at anyone, but diversified healthy argumentative expressions are not been tolerated and suppressed in this thread. I support and applaud stnami in his boldness to express his opinion in such a dry humor.

[michael friedberg]

I thought Forum like this are for expression of open opinions; however diverse or perverted they are... but it seems that only one narrow minded follow me type of thoughts are allowed. Nobody is trying to snipe at anyone, but diversified healthy argumentative expressions are not been tolerated and suppressed in this thread. I support and applaud stnami in his boldness to express his opinion in such a dry humor.

 

Diverse opinions of course are fine. Perverted ones, factually incorrect ones, illogical ones, ones not based on any actual experience, or constructing straw men --those can be called for what they are. Absolutely no one is censoring them nor can anyone suppress them. Claiming suppression in itself is a straw man. But stating disagreement with them is, in fact, the very diversified, healthy argumentative expressions you espouse.

 

Now, back to Leica;;;

[Guest stnami]

illogical ones, ones not based on any actual experience, or constructing straw men --those can be called for what they are

like this strawman's lament

Its images have a “Leica look” –hard to define, but there’s something about the contrast and color.

[marknorton]

The thought I come back to time and again is that a camera which is forever mated to a fixed focal length lens (albeit a sensibly chosen one) will ultimately prove limiting.

[stkorn]

The thought I come back to time and again is that a camera which is forever mated to a fixed focal length lens (albeit a sensibly chosen one) will ultimately prove limiting.

 

obviously its a personal choice but many of the most beloved cameras of all time were fixed lens - Rollei 35, Canon QL17, Olympus XA, Ricoh GR1,etc.

 

I am very attracted to the 'one camera, one lens' philosophy and I think the X1 is the best choice available for this in the digital arena.

[NZDavid]

Good points to begin with, no need to have a slanging match yet again. Very helpful for those contemplating buying it. I really don't understand eduardho's assertion that most of the production has been targeted for export. It has yet to become available in this country despite demand!

[markgay]

The thought I come back to time and again is that a camera which is forever mated to a fixed focal length lens (albeit a sensibly chosen one) will ultimately prove limiting.

 

However that limit may not be a bad thing.

 

The X1 is the antidote to indecision (which lens to take) and shoulder ache. So if you own an X1 alongside an interchangeable lens system (M or any other) I'd regard a fixed lens as a plus not a minus.

 

As for zooms (and I'm sure that's not your point but I can't resist a dig at the things) they belong on movie cameras. With stills cameras you have time to reposition yourself, compose the picture yourself. With a zoom I used to try to fit everything in - ultimately the lens was taking the compositional decision, not me.

 

As I'm rambling, might as well go on )).

 

A friend of mine recently lost her G9 and was set on a replacement. I shamelessly pushed her towards a GF1 with 20mm, f/1.7 (the X1 was beyond her budget). Result: Total happiness. Far from missing the G-series zoom, she's been completely won over by the speed of operation and simplicity of a fixed focal length and now raves on about composition.

 

I'm talking about a straight amateur, not a pro or aspiring pro. Yet most camera makers insist it's amateurs, above all, who need zooms. I disagree.

 

Regards,

Mark

Money Circus

X1, M8, HPX171

[vicaf]

Michael -

 

I for one greatly appreciate your mini-review of the X1. Having read your candid and level-headed posts of the past, I feel comfortable that I am receiving your best unbiased viewpoint on the camera. It is indeed a camera for only a select few; those who want an impressive sensor and lens together in a very compact package with one usable focal length. Not something that will appeal to a lot of folks, along with a significant retail price for the camera, but something that will attract a certain photographer who is comfortable with those parameters. And as far as the tweaks that can be worked out with firmware, we have seen Leica in the past be very responsive in those situations. It will not be a perfect camera even after all firmware modifications are made (not even the digital M's qualify), but it appears to be the next step in the continual evolution of digital photography. And since evolution is the key word, it means that we have not reached that Nirvana camera yet that is always just one step beyond the horizon in front of us!

 

Thanks again for your honest opinion - it certainly intrigues me into thinking about buying an X1 for myself.

 

Enjoy your journey,

 

Vic

[eduardoho]

Good points to begin with, no need to have a slanging match yet again. Very helpful for those contemplating buying it. I really don't understand eduardho's assertion that most of the production has been targeted for export. It has yet to become available in this country despite demand!

Those are not my figures, but from Leica Camera AG's annual report to the Board of Management. The 36% export market I believe is dominated by Japan/Singapore/HK/PRC...then Canada/US/Mexico. I have not come upon any mention of Australia/NZ in my references... I know for fact that X1 is a smashing hit the land of the rising sun...Leica is a cult among Japanese photographers hysteria. In China, Leica introduced a 30k+!!! Mao Tsedong special...really heinous gold and red MP. The X1 was released in the Japanese market months ago, among big fanfare in the news media. Most of the accessories sold here in US by internet merchants are gray market stock diverted from Asian market.

[NZDavid]

Hmm, from this forum at least it seems Europe and North America has got the X1, parts of Asia maybe, but it is certainly a very uneven distribution network. Same with the M9. It' so unfair.... ; And when I was in Singapore recently I saw neither faux leather hide nor silver hair of any Leica. Posters said that was because Leica is really far too exclusive to be sold in mere common everyday photo retailers -- but the strange thing is Leicas of not that long ago, eg Minilux, Digilux, were to be spotted in those shops. Perhaps production is just not keeping up, or is there some other reason?

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[jsrockit]

NZDavid, perhaps these stores no longer choose to carry Leica? Things have changed a lot in the camera store world since the 90s.

[eduardoho]

Hmm, from this forum at least it seems Europe and North America has got the X1, parts of Asia maybe, but it is certainly a very uneven distribution network. Same with the M9. It' so unfair.... ; And when I was in Singapore recently I saw neither faux leather hide nor silver hair of any Leica. Posters said that was because Leica is really far too exclusive to be sold in mere common everyday photo retailers -- but the strange thing is Leicas of not that long ago, eg Minilux, Digilux, were to be spotted in those shops. Perhaps production is just not keeping up, or is there some other reason?

I think at least the Leica Camera USA is playing the game of supply and demand. So far the availability of X1 has been agonizingly slow here in the US. I got mine in March 3, 2010 and I was one of the more fortunate ones. I had to contact their US headquarters and literally harass them but I got it.They know X1 is a well designed product, priced right at around USD2,000.00 here in US, so they are in no rush, while the Japanese market is really popping like popcorn and Leica is making a stupendous killing there all the way to the bank.