M8/9 users going X1 or vice versa?

[phancj]

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Sure, and so do I.

But CV offers affordable quite excellently performing alternatives. I tried to make the case that money alone should not be the decisive factor when choosing between X1 or used M8.

And as M8 prices have probably bottomed, a M8 plus lenses might hold their values better than a X1.

 

Isnt the IR contamination a problem with the M8?

 

Not trying to be antagonistic or anything. Reason I am raising this is I thought a little before buying the X1, having used it since feb I am sure Leica makes great cameras, so I am thinking of M9. But the M9 has no AF, thats a bummer for me. Not that I cannot do without AF, but its a big convenience factor. Now I am just waiting for photokina to see if the rumored new AF fullframe leica will be released. If yes, I am gonna jump on that one. I am a little concerned with used M8 as the shutter count may be very high so it may break down soon after I buy it, exposing me to the high repair costs leica charges?

[h00ligan]

I don't think m8 prices have bottomed..at least in my direct market. $3500 for a m8 (not.2) the more m9 is available, the more m8 value drops due to market saturation.

[jsrockit]

I, for one, am enjoying the tandem of my M8.2 and the X1. Perfect companions. The M8.2 is so much better than the M8 it is silly.

[h00ligan]

I have no doubt that if I borrowed one for a day I'd have to have one.. good thing I don't have any friends with one!

[tom0511]

I use both the M9 and x1 - but would never give uo my M9 up for the x1.

I definatly prefer the M9 IQ, I can use my M9 faster, and there are occasions where I do not want to use 35mm FOV - like interchangable lenses.

 

The x1 I use if I want to only carry a light camera, and I like that it is near quiet, and it gives nice IQ.

 

Both are great but I dont think one can replace the other.

[jsrockit]

Yes, I agree... one doesn't replace the other, but I'd be sad if I had to give up either of them.

[eelekim]

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BTW: I have sold all my other M-gear; the X1 is my only remaining Leica.

 

Just found Grober is such a user from M8 to X1.

[Archiver]

I have a M9, but I do not think that an X1 could replace it. The main benefits I see in the X1 are autofocus (slow but accurate), accurate framing via the LCD, and good high ISO capabilities. I love the M9 for the different focal lengths and lenses, the speed of operation, and the incredible, sharp files.

 

An X1 could possibly complement my M9, but I also have two Sigma compacts which do the job pretty well. They might not fare that well in low light / high ISO situations, but they are much closer to the M9 sensor's output than the X1 images I've seen.

[RichardM8]

I also have two Sigma compacts which do the job pretty well. They might not fare that well in low light / high ISO situations, but they are much closer to the M9 sensor's output than the X1 images I've seen.

 

Now that's a 'novelty'... :-D You don't have an X1 right?

 

The X1s 'slow AF' focusses consistantly in a second or less. While there are lots seasoned, well trained and razorsharp M users, I think less than a second in all sorts of conditions and scenes is a challenge at least to better that on average with manual focus.

[eelekim]

An X1 could possibly complement my M9, but I also have two Sigma compacts which do the job pretty well. They might not fare that well in low light / high ISO situations, but they are much closer to the M9 sensor's output than the X1 images I've seen.

 

I used DP2s before and couldn't stand its inaccurate colours. I've heard that if the colours are corrected with its RAW file, the result is exceptional. I've never tried it. I just don't like to sit in front of my computer for a long time to do all the PP work for correcting the colours of every pictures I took.

[phancj]

I used DP2s before and couldn't stand its inaccurate colours. I've heard that if the colours are corrected with its RAW file, the result is exceptional. I've never tried it. I just don't like to sit in front of my computer for a long time to do all the PP work for correcting the colours of every pictures I took.

 

My elder brother has the DP2s the colors are great and the build quality is excellent but I think the files are too small (cropping is an issue) and also raw support is very poor. But it is an excellent camera at that price range but of course not as good as the X1.

[h00ligan]

Yah, the real measurement is something like 4-6mp. That's tiny (yes I understand the foveon sensor but we're talking terms of printing).

 

On the other hand, I do think those cameras take outstanding pictures and if they were = in genuine megapixels would be much further than they are now.

[JazzyMac]

I use both also.

[clair-obscur]

The M8.2 is so much better than the M8 it is silly.

Do you mean the image quality?

[tom0511]

Now that's a 'novelty'... :-D You don't have an X1 right?

 

The X1s 'slow AF' focusses consistantly in a second or less. While there are lots seasoned, well trained and razorsharp M users, I think less than a second in all sorts of conditions and scenes is a challenge at least to better that on average with manual focus.

 

I can live with the x1 slow AF but have to say I am confident that I could nearly allways faster at least as fast manually with the M9.

Most of the times you have allready prefocused to a certain distance and only make small adjustments.

And after focusing with the rangefinder you allways see if things are still in focus or have changed.

 

So besides the factthat AF is slow I miss a continous AF in the x1 (or is there this function hidden somewhere in the menues)

[jsrockit]

Do you mean the image quality?

 

No.

[stevenhacker]

As the fortunate owner of both X-1 and M 8.2 I find the two very compatible depending upon the circumstances and need. For quick trips there is nothing better than X-1 because of its mobility and utility. Recent secured an off camera cord for the SF 24-D flash unit. The combination is extraordinary.

That said, there is nothing better than my M 8.2 rig with four lens and flash for very serious work.

Those who whine about costs simply don't understand the Leica universe. It's not about cost; it's about results.

[RichardM8]

It's not about cost; it's about results.

 

Heheheheh... I love this one. But this was the sales guy in the shop telling you this right?... :-D

[phancj]

As the fortunate owner of both X-1 and M 8.2 I find the two very compatible depending upon the circumstances and need. For quick trips there is nothing better than X-1 because of its mobility and utility. Recent secured an off camera cord for the SF 24-D flash unit. The combination is extraordinary.

That said, there is nothing better than my M 8.2 rig with four lens and flash for very serious work.

Those who whine about costs simply don't understand the Leica universe. It's not about cost; it's about results.

 

Well said! BTW do you use the flash often? And the results? I have been trying to look for a snap on diffuser for that flash (havent bought yet) but stofen and everyone else dont carry it. Is the flash any good? Or the one on the X1 will do for most cases?

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[hteasley]

The X1s 'slow AF' focusses consistantly in a second or less. While there are lots seasoned, well trained and razorsharp M users, I think less than a second in all sorts of conditions and scenes is a challenge at least to better that on average with manual focus.

 

I purchased an X1 today (an impulse buy; I was in the shop looking to get an ND8 filter, and it was just *sitting* there, on tax-free weekend in MA). I'm only a 100 or so shots in, but the AF is not a strong point with the X1. With my M8, I feel a lot more comfortable getting the focus right, even when I'm zone-focused, shooting from the hip. The X1 seemingly spends all its time searching. I'll need to play around with the X1 some, to see where it takes me. So far, I'm surprised at the shots I've missed with it.

 

But it is only one day of shooting. I should get better with it. How many folks out there are shooting it with manual focus? While obviously supported, it seems to be a less-than-optimal way of shooting.