That Leica Look

[Guest badbob]

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Being that the X1 is known to have very low noise, and since Leica allowed only 18 mp on the full frame sensor in the M9 (and I assume that means lower noise for the M9), I wonder now if the erstwhile "Leica Look" is the appearance of images that have lower noise (even at low ISO's) than what one usually sees. This would be subliminal of course - something one is not consciously aware of, since we usually don't "see" noise in low-ISO X1 or M9 images.

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[brill64]

i'd say that low noise is more of a common feature of canon and nikon type files..smooth and relatively neutral. the "leica look" you refer to could be from something else entirely different. driven by what people see on a computer screen rather more often than in print, perhaps? sensor and associated firmware development is one thing..then there's the historic and indisputable character of leica lenses added into the equation. interesting thread you make however i'm not quite convinced the x1 gives that "leica look" to it's images yet but imagine that as something a little future firmware tweaking could enhance?

[wilfredo]

The "Leica Look" is absent from the X1. X1 images look more like generic Canon images to me, not bad, but something is missing. They seem to lack character and spunk.

[wda]

The "Leica Look" is absent from the X1. X1 images look more like generic Canon images to me, not bad, but something is missing. They seem to lack character and spunk.

Provocative, but subjective.

[Guest Chris M]

Just got my X1, and I have shot a few test shots, I think that the X1 is exactly the way a shot on my M8 looks, I'll compare the shots final out put to print 11x14 and compare at different appetures that where previously shot with my 24mm elmerit on my M8. I'll report later in a new thread.

 

Ps... wish I could afford a S2 with all the glass, I need auto focus because of my eyes.

 

 

Best, chris m.

[Guest Chris M]

Just got my X1, and I have shot a few test shots, I think that the X1 is exactly the way a shot on my M8 looks, I'll compare the shots final out put to print 11x14 and compare at different appetures that where previously shot with my 24mm elmerit on my M8. I'll report later in a new thread.

 

Ps.. an Elmerit 24mm is an Elmerit on the X1 now isn't it?

 

Pss... wish I could afford a S2 with all the glass, I need auto focus because of my eyes.

 

 

Best, chris m.

[Guest badbob]

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The "Leica Look" is absent from the X1. X1 images look more like generic Canon images to me, not bad, but something is missing. They seem to lack character and spunk.

 

I hope you can try some different things - in the film days we would use different developers, vary the time and temp to get different grain effects - use different enlarger light sources, different contrast papers, etc. etc. There should be even more of a variety of processing techniques with digital than with b&w film.... And maybe shoot with apertures that you wouldn't normally choose, just to vary the DOF.

[brill64]

Just got my X1, and I have shot a few test shots, I think that the X1 is exactly the way a shot on my M8 looks, I'll compare the shots final out put to print 11x14 and compare at different appetures that where previously shot with my 24mm elmerit on my M8. I'll report later in a new thread.

 

Ps.. an Elmerit 24mm is an Elmerit on the X1 now isn't it?

 

Pss... wish I could afford a S2 with all the glass, I need auto focus because of my eyes.

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

 

Best, chris m.

 

sorry to hear about your eyes giving you difficulty with focusing, it must be very frustrating! you can still achieve great things with your m8 (with glasses) and/or your x1 (with autofocus). the mass produced elmarit on your x1 should be much cheaper to produce than the elmarit on your m8 and have much less expensive glass in it's build but then it is a lot smaller, is encased in plastic and doesn't need rangefinder coupling. i think it's safe to assume, being classed as an elmarit, that they would both have some characteristic similarities, however slight they may seem. I do not own an elmarit, other than the one on my x1 so i'm looking forward to seeing your comparison shots:) thanks for offering to take the trouble, it would be appreciated here and i for one am interested to see.

[h00ligan]

I'd love to see that comparison as well, preferably stripped of exif and uploaded as raw (resize if needed to equalize)

 

I too am sorry to hear about your eyesight giving you trouble....nothing lasers or lens replacement can fix? Best of luck and thanks for ny comparisons you may offer.

[Ecaton]

The "Leica Look" is absent from the X1. X1 images look more like generic Canon images to me, not bad, but something is missing. They seem to lack character and spunk.

 

You hit the nail. Nice sensor decent lens, nothing wrong with it, yet something is missing. A Sigma DP2 allows to produce more exciting results in good-decent light.

[Dan States]

You hit the nail. Nice sensor decent lens, nothing wrong with it, yet something is missing. A Sigma DP2 allows to produce more exciting results in good-decent light.

 

Funny stuff....

 

What really sets the X1 apart is it's lack of funky behavior at high iso and unusual color temperatures....If that's a lack of something I'll do without it.

 

Seriously guys, M8 files look like hell in color balance and noise compared to the X1 and DP2 files go off the deep end over 400 asa...

 

I barely use my M8 anymore because the results are just not as good as the X1. Sorry!

 

When the CMOS M10 comes out I'll buy it....

[brill64]

better than your m8? hang on a minute, do you mean easier and more convenient and just one lens to carry around...and agreeably great results? i concur, captain! i'm addicted to carrying it around but then i was the same when i first had an m8. we just get along. dan-state, your versatile photostream highlights many of this little camera's strengths:)

 

..someone also said this: "A Sigma DP2 allows to produce more exciting results in good-decent light." somebody else said the exact opposite a week or so ago. it's six of one, half a dozen of the other on the forum lately but safe to say anyone who has actually bought and uses the x1, uses it daily because because because... i certainly do.

 

the images don't quite scream m8/m9 directly off camera but from a sony instead of a kodak sensor? sony is now releasing it's own fangled new compact, no doubt with a similar sensor...hmm...in an age where everything has to be first, something doesn't quite add up for me. i'd consider a future firmware update, not a future x1.2 model would help draw these image files closer back into the family bosom. until then...photoshop, i suppose;)

[jsrockit]

I'd rather concern myself with chasing good photos then with chasing the Leica look. It seems the X1 is the most hated camera out right now, but everyone seems to still follow it and comment on it so much. Why bother with a forum section for a camera you don't like? I don't go trashing the Canon G11 in a forum because I don't use one and think it is lame.

[F1Addict]

I'd rather concern myself with chasing good photos then with chasing the Leica look. It seems the X1 is the most hated camera out right now, but everyone seems to still follow it and comment on it so much. Why bother with a forum section for a camera you don't like? I don't go trashing the Canon G11 in a forum because I don't use one and think it is lame.

 

+1

 

I totally agree with this!

[Julian Thompson]

Did you see this quick M9 VS X1 comparison I did?

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/125038-x1-squares-up-m9-comparison.html

 

In my opinion no absence of the Leica look whatever that is ! Just plain superb results. Since I've had my X1 I have barely used the M9..... (and came close to selling it!)

[Guest Chris M]

Did you see this quick M9 VS X1 comparison I did?

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/125038-x1-squares-up-m9-comparison.html

 

In my opinion no absence of the Leica look whatever that is ! Just plain superb results. Since I've had my X1 I have barely used the M9..... (and came close to selling it!)

 

WOW!! Yes I agree with you on this one! Superb;)

 

 

chris m.

[Guest stnami]

............another round of camera gibberish. Stuff like this thread belongs on the Leica blog now that is a masterpiece of information:D

[Guest badbob]

............another round of camera gibberish. Stuff like this thread belongs on the Leica blog now that is a masterpiece of information:D

 

Could be, but those who aren't getting good results from their X1's should consider changing some of their techniques and methods. It's a very different kind of camera than the others mentioned here, and I'd guess those who are disappointed with it didn't learn to adapt.

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[brill64]

I'd rather concern myself with chasing good photos then with chasing the Leica look. It seems the X1 is the most hated camera out right now, but everyone seems to still follow it and comment on it so much. Why bother with a forum section for a camera you don't like? I don't go trashing the Canon G11 in a forum because I don't use one and think it is lame.

 

hmm..totally beaten up now and i agree with you but no doubt i deserve it. i do actually own and love and use MY x1 daily and nightly. it goes with me absolutely everywhere.i am honestly bowled over by the images that i get out of it. i am of the opinion that it's a truly amazing and beautiful little camera and i just wanted to share those unspoken, hidden feelings with you. i'm also just a little obsessed with the leica look, i'm sorry!. please don't misunderstand:)

 

canon g series? no thank you!

 

that said, i don't see why a comparison with the m8 in images, which likely will die a death now, could damage anyone's opinion of this little masterpiece. it's just a comparison and whether you own an x1 or not, it's interesting reading for some, maybe not all. there's always two sides to a story

[Dan States]

hmm..totally beaten up now and i agree with you but no doubt i deserve it. i do actually own and love and use MY x1 daily and nightly. it goes with me absolutely everywhere.i am honestly bowled over by the images that i get out of it. i am of the opinion that it's a truly amazing and beautiful little camera and i just wanted to share those unspoken, hidden feelings with you. i'm also just a little obsessed with the leica look, i'm sorry!. please don't misunderstand:)

 

canon g series? no thank you!

 

that said, i don't see why a comparison with the m8 in images, which likely will die a death now, could damage anyone's opinion of this little masterpiece. it's just a comparison and whether you own an x1 or not, it's interesting reading for some, maybe not all. there's always two sides to a story

 

My man, no worries, it's just that there is no "Leica look". It's a fantasy. Take the right pictures and you will have the look you desire....it's about composition, not equipment.