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Looking for some opinions and advice please


py6km

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I had posted this in the firmware thread, but then realised that perhaps it would be better separated from that - people are quite rightly excited about upgrading their firmware rather than reading and replying to my post in there!

 

I've been to'ing and fro'ing between the X1 and my X100 preorder for weeks now, and was waiting to see what any potential fw upgrade brought to the X1. It's difficult to make a call without having used them both, which is a problem wrt the X100 of course as virtually no shops will have any, let alone a demo one. I'm still torn - I think it mainly comes down to price, as the X1 + VF + grip is a fair whack. I realise it's difficult to form an opinion on the X100 if you've not got one, but those with X1's and an interest in the X100 might be able to help me.

 

As someone who does not want to manual focus (I say this because I'd be unlikely to use it), but who values image quality, and if you didn't have either camera, which would you choose? For example, if you were expecting a newborn, would the X1 give you any cause for concern in being able to take the images you'd like to be able to take? I'm looking for balanced opinions, this is not an attack on any particular make or model. Although, many X100 images I see look a bit, well, washed out - not sure if it's processing. Also, it seems that all the initial run have a wonky OVF issue which requires the camera to be sent back to Fuji for repair (although some folk with it are clearly trying to ignore the issue). I'm not enormously impressed I have to say.

 

As a benchmark, I've previously had a D700, 1D Mark III, and currently have a 5D Mark II with the 85L f/1.2. I prefer quality over convenience, but not to the detriment of 'speed' - i.e. being able to use something that functions in such a way as to enable me to be able to take images of things that may not be stationary.

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Honestly, if speed is a consideration stick to the DSLR, coz the X1 and the x100 both use contrast detection AF which is slower.

 

If VF is necessary get x100, if smaller size important X1.

 

Simple choice, really.

 

BTW, both take good photos, as good as you can take them. :)

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Hi folks, thanks for replying. I'm not averse to some reduction in speed - I've used a G series camera before, and a GF1 and been happy enough with both. I just have an itch for a compact camera to take with me wherever I go that needs to be scratched, and I want it to have a bigger sensor than either of those other two cameras I mentioned so that I can have some modicum of control over dof. I certainly wouldnt expect either to be as quick as a dlsr.

 

I guess what I'd just be interested to know is whether, based on what you know of the X1 and what youve seen of the X100, given the choice and starting from a position where you have neither, you would pick the X1 or the X100?

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Save yourself grief. You haven't had the opportunity to try them both. It's like a mail-order bride from halfway around the world who hasn't been born yet.

 

Procrastinate or get the X1.

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I vote 24L and lx5 :D yes I'm just being cheeky, no harm intended.

 

I think between the two, if you are that up in the air, you should wait to handle them both. The x100 by most accounts is just as slow operationally as the x1.

 

How much do you shoot at wide aperture? How small does the camera have to be. I think cj gave some pretty good thoughts.

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The X100 is not a competitor for the X1. It is considerably bigger.

 

Yes I'm a bore but go look at size comparisons. The X100 is the size of an M3. If you are going that big.. well, draw your own conclusions but I'm saying the X1 is usefully smaller.

 

If cost is an issue, consider the Helios viewfinder at 1/6th the price of the Leica.

 

http://moneycircus.blogspot.com/2010/02/leica-x1.html

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the X1 rewards you if you know how to operate a camera in full manual mode (i'm not trying to be sarcastic or caustic). as a film user since the late 70's when i was but a lad i only had all manual cameras with light meters that barely worked. as a result i learned how to judge lighting situations to evaluate my exposure settings, granted the latitude of negative film was very forgiving.

 

anyway, the X1 isn't going to satisfy someone who wants full fast auto everything, it's a thinking persons camera. learn scale/zone focusing and this camera will reward you with crisp photos. i don't think of it as a leica M equivalent as much as a Rollei 35 equivalent. wonderful camera, great lens, and wonderful IQ.

 

can't speak to the X100 other than to say the photos i've seen taken with it on flickr aren't too bad. i contemplated waiting for it over the X1 but feel in the end i made the right decision with the X1.

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Always thought the X1 and Rollie 35S were quite similar (in size and personality?) but never laid my hand on a X1 before. Just ordered a black X1 today after learning V.2 F/W was out. Can't wait to start playing with it soon.

 

Alf

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I think I'd prefer an X1 to be honest, which is odd considering that I would usually always go for the newest thing (X100). I just need to try to find a nice used kit now, as I've just missed a couple on a certain auction site which would have been ideal.

Cheers folks

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Having seen an X1 it is a really dinky looking camera. But, add a viewfinder and the X1 isn't really that much smaller anymore. Add a tube to stick filters/hoods on and it looks a lot bigger!

 

The deal breaker on the X1 for me was the zoomy lens design - why do that with a fixed focal length? It will - does (there's been examples here already) - suck dust inside and onto the sensor. Leica will clean it for free under the warranty but after that what are you going to do?

 

An X1 with a built in viewfinder and a proper fixed lens could be a great camera.

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I think it's the same lens scheme for aps-c sensor. :D

 

You need to think again. Elmarit means it's an f2.8 lens - that's the only similarity with the M lens, fine though it may be for its purpose.

 

I have a Summicron lens on my PanaLeica Clux - is it comparable to an M or R Summicron? No. Is it an f2 lens? Yes.

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