X1 to be developed further

[NZDavid]

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Having just scrolled through the German version of the Leica forum question time at Photokina, the X1 received some attention.

 

* Further development of compact cameras will concentrate on a successor to the X1. Also, cooperation with Panasonic will continue. The Fuji X100 set an important trend. Dr. Kaufmann sees the X100 as an "advertisement for the X1".

 

* New firmware for the X1 incorporating a "hyperfocal module" will arrive at the end of 2010.

 

* Further development of the X1 will be less in the direction of contemporary features such as HD video and GPS but will rather stress the classic Leica virtues of simple operation, uncluttered design, and superior picture quality.

 

Original at: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-blog/de/2010/09/leica-fragestunde-photokina-das-protokoll/

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[phancj]

Certainly interesting , thanks for the update David.

 

Looking forward to see how far they can take the X1, and how the X2 will be.

 

Cheers,

CJ

[Ecaton]

Good news, thanks for the info.

[rob_x2004]

These guys could fix it.

[MPJMP]

What do you think he meant by the X100 being "an advertisement for the X1"? Perhaps the favorable public reaction to the X100 will inspire Leica to follow suit with a similar "retro" design of their own?

[stunsworth]

What do you think he meant by the X100 being "an advertisement for the X1"? Perhaps the favorable public reaction to the X100 will inspire Leica to follow suit with a similar "retro" design of their own?

 

People look at the X100 and realise that the design is copied from a Leica M. They then decide they'd like a camera made by the people whose model is being copied.

[jsrockit]

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What do you think he meant by the X100 being "an advertisement for the X1"? Perhaps the favorable public reaction to the X100 will inspire Leica to follow suit with a similar "retro" design of their own?

 

Yeah, I didn't get that either... if they said M camera, I'd understand, but the X1 seems entirely different than the X100 to me (though an M is different too). I think it was wishful thinking on Leica's part. Do you expect them to concede anything? He said the right thing to support the company IMO.

[mjh]

What do you think he meant by the X100 being "an advertisement for the X1"?

Because anyone commenting on the X100 would invariably mention the X1 as it is a rather similar camera, concept-wise. The X1 is the reference by which a camera like the X100 will be judged. Whether this type of advertising will be beneficial may be open to doubt, but advertising it is.

[barjohn]

Remember back when Lexus first came on the scene and it looked like a Mercedes. It was the Japanese first attempt to go after the luxury car market. People were saying that there was no way anyone would buy a fancy Toyota over a German Mercedes As a Mercedes owner and lover at the time I kind of felt the same way). Well, history has shown us that they were very successful and have undoubtedly taken considerable business away from Mercedes that would have been theirs to split with BMW. The big difference is that Mercedes was large enough to absorb the loss and stay in business and compete. The question is can Leica should it lose significant business to Fuji or another big player?

[Sausalito]

Having just scrolled through the German version of the Leica forum question time at Photokina, the X1 received some attention.

 

* Further development of compact cameras will concentrate on a successor to the X1. Also, cooperation with Panasonic will continue. The Fuji X100 set an important trend. Dr. Kaufmann sees the X100 as an "advertisement for the X1".

 

* New firmware for the X1 incorporating a "hyperfocal module" will arrive at the end of 2010.

 

* Further development of the X1 will be less in the direction of contemporary features such as HD video and GPS but will rather stress the classic Leica virtues of simple operation, uncluttered design, and superior picture quality.

 

Original at: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-blog/de/2010/09/leica-fragestunde-photokina-das-protokoll/

 

Thanks, David. New firmware is really really something I'm looking forward to... my biggest single hope is for the ability to shoot RAW only !!!

 

tom

[NZDavid]

Well, I am pleased Leica has signaled it will use the X1 as the basis for further models. I am especially delighted the company will concentrate on simple, uncluttered design and outstanding picture quality, and forego needless fripperies, such as multiple modes, GPS, and the like.

 

How is Fuji's X100 an advertisement for Leica's X1? Because it shows there is a real wish for a classic, simple-to-use, high quality camera.

 

The X1's dials aren't there just for show, or as a homage to an earlier design; this camera is no pastiche or a mere retro model. Rather, those "old-fashioned" aperture and shutter dials have clear advantages. Other manufacturer are also gradually cottoning on -- Canon with its G models and top-plate dials for instance; many models with dedicated ISO and WB buttons.

 

The X1 is also a very comfortable size. It's not perfect, though. I hope new firmware will improve the AF. A W/A attachment would make it more versatile. A lenshood would help with flare. It could probably be even more minimalist in terms of buttons and menus. Often, photographers expect too much from what is really just a compact -- but then, so was the original Barnack-designed Leica.

 

Overall, I think X1 owners can be pleased with Leica's announcement, despite a lack of specifics. It's a case of "watch this space."

[pico]

To me, this is very good news. If Leica would offer an optional shoe-mount electronic viewfinder, I'd buy an X1 in a heartbeat. I just can't do the Zombie pose for composing.

[RockyIII]

I just can't do the Zombie pose for composing.

 

LOL! I never heard it called that before.

 

Rocky

[Guest badbob]

The question is can Leica should it lose significant business to Fuji or another big player?

 

The X100 is substantially bigger than the X1. If people are looking at price only, then maybe X100 == X1 in their minds. To my way of thinking, Fuji went too far - they would have had a serious challenger to the X1 by keeping the size down and dropping the extra stuff.

[barjohn]

The X100 is substantially bigger than the X1. If people are looking at price only, then maybe X100 == X1 in their minds. To my way of thinking, Fuji went too far - they would have had a serious challenger to the X1 by keeping the size down and dropping the extra stuff.

 

I couldn't disagree more. If you sliced off the viewfinder and removed the grip portion you would have substantially the same size camera. However, to me, having a built in viewfinder is probably its biggest attraction and I hate add on viewfinders as they don't allow for easy carrying and are just one more thing to misplace or lose. Additionally, add on viewfinders like the Leica can't provide you with any information in the VF so the only purpose they serve is to give you a rectangle that is approximate frame of image.

[phancj]

The X100 is substantially bigger than the X1. If people are looking at price only, then maybe X100 == X1 in their minds. To my way of thinking, Fuji went too far - they would have had a serious challenger to the X1 by keeping the size down and dropping the extra stuff.

 

I agree with you bob. I bought the X1 for its stellar IQ and its compactness, thats it. I couldnt care less about VF on a compact but if someone does then there is that optional VF. A lot of people forget what the X1 idea is about so ask for everything VF, interchangeable lens, etc,etc then the solution is to buy a M9.

 

I do not think I will buy the X100 just because it has a VF (but respect people that do) at the expense of portability. I'd rather buy an M instead for that sizevand weight and get to use different lenses, better IQ, etc,etc.

 

BUT if the X100 delivers better IQ than the X1, I might consider it but still have to try out its weight/size. Put simply the X1 has spoilt me with a tiny and light camera with astounding IQ.

 

I think what people mostly want is actually an M9 but wish the X100 to be somewhat an iliteration of it. Unfortunately it isnt, You see so many comparisons between the two cameras but the X100 is simply closer to M9 form factor with X1 innards. I do not wish for something like that, personally,

[barjohn]

While there may be some that "really want an M9" I don't think it applies to as many people as you think. In my case, if I wanted an M9 I would buy one. I don't. It wasn't what I wanted Leica to deliver, especially at that price. Just sticking in a larger sensor in the M8 and charging more didn't make sense to me. I would have expected modern electronics, not the same old dated discrete components from the M8 struggling to process more pixels, a proper LCD and the kind of innovation that Fuji put into the viewfinder with the addition of a new class of AF lenses to go with it while maintaining compatibility with the old lenses and the size reduced to that of the CL. Then I might have been excited enough to plunk down $7K for a camera. I have certainly spent more on mechanical watches. However, with a mechanical watch I know the craftsmanship I am buying and the materials are premium (gold or platinum). With digital you should also get the latest in technology as that is as close to being premium as you will get and all of the rest should be top of the line materials and engineering (like paying for the engineering of greater complications in a watch).

[NZDavid]

...Additionally, add on viewfinders like the Leica can't provide you with any information in the VF so the only purpose they serve is to give you a rectangle that is approximate frame of image.

 

All I need. A clear uncluttered viewfinder is much better than a squiddly fiddly data-packed one. I think the LCD/optical X100 finder sounds a bit gimmicky.

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[h00ligan]

I agree with John, but from a different camp. I think leica lenses are worth the money, they last forever if cared for. However as John stated, electronics are quickly outdated, and $7k for the body is overpriced IMO. At $4k it would still be a real stretch for most people, but plausible.

 

Couple that with a new leica which is by accounts nowhere near the build quality and reliability of film cameras, and it's a challenging proposition. I'm sure the argument will arise that they cant produce enough to sell....well I'd like to see the number of units produced a month.

 

Handmade can mean great, or it can mean inferior.

 

The images I see made with a good leica lens and m9 are really something to behold IMO , but it's the law of diminishing returns...and at this point in my life, it's not enough to justify. Similar to John, I could go buy one tomorrow..that said having the ability to do so doesn't mean id sleep well doing so...

 

5dmkii and some great lenses(or similar nikon) and an x1, and then some... I think most people would go that route with their ten grand honestly..it's where I'm heading. The diff between m9 and a few good lenses and 5d mk ii and a couple of lenses mostly boils down to size..one can supplement the 5d heavily with the leftover change.

[phancj]

Relax John all I am saying is that from what I read so much from the net so many are comparing the X100 to the M9 so thats that, no implication of your inability or anyone else's to afford the M9, just a question of priorities. As to the mechanical watches I cannot help but wonder what that has to do with the discussion.

 

David, I agree with you. For me a VF (if I need/want one which I clearly dont in a compact) must be big, bright and clear. if there are extra readings and gizmos , fine. But that cannot be overwhelming and crowd such that the actual window is reduced. I cant tell how the Fuji VF is but from what I see it isnt large by any standards so I assume with all the gizmos packed in it I am not sure if it is best. The optional VF for the X1 is huge by comparison and I think if you take many photos you may appreciate that more. I think when the fuji is launched the same crowd here may complain the same, just my thoughts.

 

Edward, I agree. For $7K my gripe with the M9 isnt the price per se, but more the durability. But having seen Tina's M8 haha what a mess and still working and talking to her and some others I am beginning to feel that maybe the M9 isn't as fragile as I thought judging from opinions on the net. Like the X1, I noticed most of the negativity are generated by non-owners/users so must be taken with big bags of salt. But $7K is a big chunk of dole for a body, and I do not relish babying a camera but at that price range maybe I should??