Jump to content

After 3 Months of M9, 5DMk ll, X1 wins


57guy

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I wrote a thread here several Months ago about my Leica X1 & M9 experiences and head problems which to keep. One, both, neither, etc.

To refresh, I ordered an X1 in Nov. Last year. When it hadn't arrived by Feb, I called the dealer and was told that he didn't know when the X1 would be shipping. I then ordered an M9 with the intention of keeping which ever one arrived first. They both arrived at the same time.

 

On making a decision of which one to keep, I wrote several posts on different forums and most people advised, If I didn't need the money, keep them both and they will grow on you.

 

Right away, I didn't feel comfortable with the M9. It was larger and heavier that I expected. Even though my 5DMk ll took great pictures, I wanted to get away from the size and weight. I also didn't like the electronic Menu on the Canon with 500 different selections. I bought a 35mm f/2 used lens for the M9 and have taken about 200 exp.

The more I use the X1, the more I love it. Its the right size and I like the simplified menu and top dial selections. I ordered a Voighlander Brightline 35mm VF today from Amazon

 

I take mostly HDR photos and like the low noise of the X1. The AEB works great. (AEB will not work on the M9 if its not in the Auto mode).

 

I'm finding that I take the X1 with me all the time and the M9 is left on the shelf. $9,000 is too much to leave on the shelf.

 

Glenn

http://57guy.zenfolio.com/

Link to post
Share on other sites

If you after simplicity and 35mm is just fine focal length this sounds like a very good solution for you.

Personally I wouldnt want to give up my M9 but if you took only 200 frames in 3 months tells a lot. congrats to make a decision and a lot fun and good light with the x1!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Glenn, I share similar feelings. Not with the M9 (not lucky enough to own one), but my M8 is seeing a lot less action these a days, cuz of my X1.

 

I'm considering trading in my M8 for an M7...

Link to post
Share on other sites

I wrote a thread here several Months ago about my Leica X1 & M9 experiences and head problems which to keep. One, both, neither, etc.

To refresh, I ordered an X1 in Nov. Last year. When it hadn't arrived by Feb, I called the dealer and was told that he didn't know when the X1 would be shipping. I then ordered an M9 with the intention of keeping which ever one arrived first. They both arrived at the same time.

 

On making a decision of which one to keep, I wrote several posts on different forums and most people advised, If I didn't need the money, keep them both and they will grow on you.

 

Right away, I didn't feel comfortable with the M9. It was larger and heavier that I expected. Even though my 5DMk ll took great pictures, I wanted to get away from the size and weight. I also didn't like the electronic Menu on the Canon with 500 different selections. I bought a 35mm f/2 used lens for the M9 and have taken about 200 exp.

The more I use the X1, the more I love it. Its the right size and I like the simplified menu and top dial selections. I ordered a Voighlander Brightline 35mm VF today from Amazon

 

I take mostly HDR photos and like the low noise of the X1. The AEB works great. (AEB will not work on the M9 if its not in the Auto mode).

 

I'm finding that I take the X1 with me all the time and the M9 is left on the shelf. $9,000 is too much to leave on the shelf.

 

Glenn

Zenfolio | Glenn Patch Photography

 

It's great that is works for you. I'm not a fan of comparing things really, coz I think cameras has different attributes. An Xx1 can be best for some shoots and a Canon can be best for other shoots. So for time beeing I'll keep my 3 cameras.

 

Don't you miss the opportunity to change lenses. I do.

I can't live with only 35mm. As I said in another tread, if I could buy a teleconverter or someting like that, to give me 35mm and 70mm. I probably would use my X1 a lot more.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Yes, I miss zoom lenses, fast AF etc. I'm waiting for Panasonic, Sigma or Olympus to come out with an HDR friendly Camera that I can use as a backup to the X1.

As I stated above, small size it very important to me. Some of my favorite HDR photos were taken with a $390 Canon S90. The main problem with an inexpensive P&S is noise. This is where the X1 shines.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
Glenn, I share similar feelings. Not with the M9 (not lucky enough to own one), but my M8 is seeing a lot less action these a days, cuz of my X1.

...

 

I have just returned from one week in Switzerland using M8 with four lenses and X1. Having just downloaded over 1,500 files the split was: M8 = 52%; X1 = 48%. Lest you ask, I haven't analyzed the M8 lens usage, but guess my 50mm and 75mm lenses top-scored, with my 21mm the least used. My old 135mm came into its own for some mountain shots. So you can see how well the X1 complemented my M8. Both cameras were a joy to use. I rarely took out all M8 lenses.

Link to post
Share on other sites

And the counter to that (after just praising in the other thread) is the rather long minimum focus distance may require it. :/

 

by the way:

the Leica M Summarit minimum focusing distance is 1m, the 35 Summicron is 0,7m as far as I remember. So the x1 is not that bad.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I own a M8 and got the X1 two weeks ago. The great thing about X1 is the compact size of camera but superior IQ even in ISO 1000 or beyond. It makes X1 a everyday camera no matter what's lighting condition. Compare with M8 (I am not sure about M9) IQ getting pixelize beyond ISO 320. If you using Summicron f2 it should be fine but for old lens it might causing bad IQ

 

As a whole M8 and X1 was a different camera but X1 will be the camera for travelling with you everyday in your pocket. M8 you need a camera case but I'm still satisfy compare with my Nikon D300 (I have sold).

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...