28mm Elmarit F2.8 for M8.2 or X1?

[slaphotk]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Given what we know of both: size, weight, and minor difference in FOV aside would you get the lens or the X1 given the prices new are about the same ($1999)? I currently have an M8.2 and a 50mm Summicron..

 

Thanks

 

Jose

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[stunsworth]

The lens.

[luigi bertolotti]

That's a bit strange question : having another body (completely different from the one you have) or another lens (which complements fine your 50) is in this case all a different matter : if you like the X1 for having an alternative to M8.2... ok buy it.

But, if I were you, I would go for a second lens, expecially if the 50 is the only one you have now : M8.2's lens interchangability is what makes it a unique tool (apart of course M9 and M8), it's a pity not to enjoy this capability.

[slaphotk]

Thanks for the quick replies! My main goal is IQ and my head tells me that the lens option would be best..However since I'm new to Leica I wanted to get validation from a few folks..The Domke bag I use can easily fit an X1 or the extra lens etc..

[wda]

Jose, Welcome to the Forum!

 

It is not such a strange question. My instinct is to recommend the Elmarit lens. However, if you do a lot of travel-type photography, then there is an argument for adding the X1; it does complement the M8 if lens-changing is going to cost you many lost pictures. There is the added bonus of the X1 being a smaller camera when out and about on non-photography trips, when your Domke bag may be overkill. That is how I use my M8 and X1.

[slaphotk]

David, thanks so much for the reply! You bring up a great point as I travel for work often and at times taking my Domke bag is not appropriate (dinner etc).. Decisions, decisions! It's all good though, nice to have options..Seems that more X1's are starting to show up..

 

Thanks

 

Jose

[leicashot]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Get the X1, the M8 isn't the most reliable camera, and with all your eggs in one basket what will you do when something goes wrong?

[richam]

With your M8 and 50mm Summicron, you have a good portrait setup or a maybe street shooter, but not a good all around system. The ~35mm FOV is much more versatile for travel and general use. If you get the Elmarit, I'll bet you will be using it for 90% or more of your shots. In your case, get the lens first to enhance your M8 experience. Add an X1 later as a backup and for special occasions -- like when you need a flash, autofocus, or small size.

[NZDavid]

Lens. Versatility plus rangefinder focussing. I have the X1. Slow AF is a drawback.

[ezc203]

I was in a very similar debate at the time of purchasing my X1.

 

Get the X1, the M8 isn't the most reliable camera, and with all your eggs in one basket what will you do when something goes wrong?

 

This was exactly my reasoning for getting the X1. And since I've gotten it, I do not regret the decision at all.

 

However that said, I had a few things to sway me towards the X1. Most importantly I already had a relatively complete range of M lenses (24, 35, 50, 90). So given that you only have 1 lens right now, it really complicates the decision.

 

Personally, I'd say skip the 28mm Elmarit and hold out on an X1 and save for a 28mm Summicron instead. If that's not an option, I'd say the X1 is my suggestion. This way you can shoot dual-camera, which I often do.

 

Just my 2 cents.

[richam]

Personally, I'd say skip the 28mm Elmarit and hold out on an X1 and save for a 28mm Summicron instead. If that's not an option, I'd say the X1 is my suggestion. This way you can shoot dual-camera, which I often do.

 

There's no doubt the 28mm Summicron is a fantastic lens, but you need to consider whether it is worth the extra $1,000 and bulk on the M8 to get that extra stop. Do you like narrow DOF and out of focus backgrounds? Then your 50mm Summicron does an excellent job. Need the extra stop for low light? The M8 has excellent high ISO capability and modern noise reduction software will help you squeeze that extra performance from the Elmarit. Just things to consider.

 

I think those of us who look at your present M8/50mm setup see you running a Ferrari on two cylinders. It's a bit frustrating in this respect, and we would like to see the Ferrari purring along on all cylinders.

[stephen.w]

The M8 has excellent high ISO capability

I thought this was the one thing it didn't have. The X1 on the other hand produces very usable files right up to ISO 3200.

[richam]

I thought this was the one thing it didn't have. The X1 on the other hand produces very usable files right up to ISO 3200.

 

You're right when compared to the X1. I was thinking of the Digilux-2, Dlux-3, Dlux-4, and film for comparison. The M8 with good noise software does an excellent job at ISO 1250 and an acceptable job even at ISO 2500. It still doesn't match the X1 for noise performance at high ISO. According to what I've read, this is largely due to the CCD sensor in the M8, whereas the X1 has CMOS.

[luigi bertolotti]

I was in a very similar debate at the time of purchasing my X1.

 

 

This was exactly my reasoning for getting the X1. And since I've gotten it, I do not regret the decision at all.

 

However that said, I had a few things to sway me towards the X1. Most importantly I already had a relatively complete range of M lenses (24, 35, 50, 90). So given that you only have 1 lens right now, it really complicates the decision.

 

Personally, I'd say skip the 28mm Elmarit and hold out on an X1 and save for a 28mm Summicron instead. If that's not an option, I'd say the X1 is my suggestion. This way you can shoot dual-camera, which I often do.

 

Just my 2 cents.

Hey Eddie... have you finally in your hands that splendid LHSA set ?

[leicashot]

You might also be surprised to find that in a lot of situations (once you achieve focus ;-)) the X1's quality will be better than the M8, especially at ISO 800-3200. The lens is sharp, almost as sharp as the M lenses, except in the corners where the M has it beat.