Am I crazy!?

[Sgt93]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I am seriously thinking about downgrading my gear (if you can call it that). I shoot a Nikon D3s and am not a pro photographer, nor do I try to look like one however; the camera draws attention and is "slightly" bulky. The photographs are amazing and I love low light photography........when I get to use it. I'm considering selling it and getting a nice simple, small wonder like the X1. I do have a bit of a Leica Bug recently and have no idea why. Small simplicity maybe?! I don't have any idea. Question. I hear there may be an X2 coming out in the near future? Yes I know what that means as well. Look at the D4 or D800...exactly right!? lol, sorry, just thinking and typing at the same time. -Steve

[nippa]

Yes you are crazy:)

 

For all the X1's virtues it is a pig of a camera in some respects so whatever you do don't sell the Nikon until you've tried the X1.

Many people have found that they can't live with it - as testified on the SeriousCompacts website and although I love it , it remains just part of a kitbag.

[Guest Kolame]

Wouldn't do that. Buy it as a addition, but it won't replace the Nikon.

[!Nomad64]

It mostly depends from the use you make of your camera. If what you mainly do is taking snapshots of you with a landscape behind you as holiday souvenirs or candid portraits of your significant one on her birthday then the D3S is way overkill and whatever P&S will do. On the other hand if you are aiming higher the X1 might be not up to the task. You should first define your range of action and your actual needs paying attention to what advertising might induce you to think, then you'll want to make your choice.

 

Cheers,

Bruno

[Sgt93]

I figured I was a little crazy and I appreciate the info. I shoot pretty much everything bit am a fan of city photography and people. What I may do is just get the M9 and a few lenses. The Leica bug is hitting me hard, please don't tell my Nikon friends:)

[!Nomad64]

If so a rangefinder Leica might be all what you may need, but just don't buy all the Leica hype - especially from us die-hard fans - without testing it yourself first. Rangefinder photography is great but is definitely not for everyone, especially these days of auto-everything.

Not to discourage you, but as Leicas don't come for cheap, my very personal advice is to carefully test the water before doing something you might regret in the future. Try borrowing a RF camera from a friend or try to handle one at your best at any serious shop.

 

Something you may want to consider prior to plunging:

 

- The M finder is bright and contrasty and allows you to see what lies around your frame but framing's not precise as it varies with subject distance and you may have to learn what will ultimately end into your composition. It's also much smaller than your Nikon's viewer.

- Forget about autofocus. All lenses are manual focus. You'll have to learn or re-learn so to do. Eventually you'll have to learn how zone-focusing and hyperfocal might simplify your life.

- Forget about zoom lenses

- Compared to your Nikon the LCD screen of the M8 & 9 is just crap. It'll give you an idea of what you shot, but do not judge the result until you see it on your PC

- Forget about close-up, macro and long distance sport/animals.

- Leica gear is pretty expensive albeit lenses will retain their value should you ever decide to sell them. There are cheaper alternatives - Zeiss & Voigtländer - which are optically good but not up to the same mechanics level. These lenses are generally sweet to buy and bitter to resell. Digital Ms will lose their value as time goes by. The M9 however is still commanding a high price even used.

- M8 suffers from cold and leaves you quickly without battery. In harsh cold winters expect to need a couple spare batteries.

- M9 were reported to occasionally suffer from color drift and banding. The next firmware should get rid of these issues, but until this isn't officially issued we can't know for sure.

- M8 is plagued by the magenta-is-the-new-black issue which manifests every time you shoot at black fabric made of synthetics. You get rid of it by either mounting an IR filter or by converting the image in B&W. No firmware can address the issue.

- M8 shutter's very noisy so forget about shooting in noise sensitive environments where stealth mode is a must - classical music concerts, some theater plays, people in closed silent environments unless you know what you're doing and do not annoy others.

Partially addressed by the M8.2 and M9. However they remain noisier than any film camera ranging from Barnacks to the MP.

 

If you think you can live with the above limitations then the Leica will reward you with immense satisfaction. But again, think well. If you really have the itch to get one I'd respectfully suggest to start with something cheaper such as an used M8 and a good single lens - possibly a Leica - the same focal length of the one you currently use most provided that it's within the 12-90mm range and doing the proper 1.33x conversion (24 or 28 if your favorite length is 35, 35 if you mainly use a 50, etc).

 

By doing so even if you decide that Leica is not for you you'll resell without losing money. If instead you decide to stay with Leica you'll always have the chance to trade the M8 for an M9 and add the extra monies and you'll already have one lens.

 

Hope this helps.

Bruno

 

P.S. I'm the happy owner of an M8 and I never regret I bought it. The above mentioned limitations mean little to nothing to me, but that's just me!

[jippiejee]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Don't dismiss the X1 too quickly though, sometimes it's a lot of fun to have autofocus...

[iau]

I wouldn't call it crazy:-) I believe wanting something smaller comes with the experience. When I started shooting digital I really didn't think about what I needed for my use. It was more like buying a computer - the faster and more advanced, the better. After a awhile you realise that a 17" laptop isn't very portable... I was in the same boat using a D300s feeling it was overkill for my use. Felt like an intruder at social events or among people, and the shutter was very loud. Alongside my DSLR I used various P&S and a GF1. I bought a D7000 which really felt lighter, smaller and more quiet shutter, but still allows me to use my manual focus lenses. I usually use it with primes.

 

I wanted a X1 but since I've been on the fence for so long I decided to wait until whatever comes after the X1, and with the X100 just out I was very unsure about which to buy. I have been using the LCD screen to compose my shots with my P&S/MFT, but not being able to do so outside in broad daylight I figured I'd be as frustrated with the X1 screen as I was with my GF1. An external viewfinder hasn't been an option since I wanted it to be as small as possible.

 

Now I'm happy shooting with my D7000 when I need macro, tele or just taking "action" shots. My GF1 is still in use and will most likely be replaced with whatever Leica replaces the X1 with.

[Sgt93]

Bruno, iau and all, thanks for the generous write ups. The D3s is an amazing piece of gear, there is no doubt about it. The shutter is extremely loud although I can use a quiet mode if need be. I never really use this feature though. The size of the D3s is gigantic but it's a pro frame so It is expected. If I keep the D3s I will be happy but I do wish I had something smaller that still takes amazing shots. Manual lenses do not bug me as it adds to the photography and I still have pretty good sight. I may rent an M9 and play with it a bit. If I sell my gear, I can easily pay for the M9 and a few nice lenses. The Leica aura is hitting me and I appreciate the size, people, reputation etc. We will see. I truly appreciate all of the info you all have given me. -Steve

[prk60091]

The x1 is easy as pie to operate-simple menus etc.. However to master the camera is a steep learning curve. All cameras have their idiosyncrasies but this one has many. I am a big fan of the camera. I think many of it's detractors haven't learned to work with the camera (or don't want to take the time to do so). It is undisputed that the IQ is superlative.

 

If you go with the x1 a thumbs-up increases the usability dramatically.

[Paul Verrips]

I think the D3s is to much a machine and to less an instrument.

 

I changed from D3 to M9 and it was the best thing i could do.

 

Read these to older topics:

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/barnacks-bar/137589-introduction-new-forum-member.html

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/138940-decision-made-orded-m9-lenses.html

 

I wish you wisdom:D

[Lea Murphy]

I am a professional photographer using full-frame Canon gear for my work and much of my personal stuff.

 

Used to use a Leica M6 back in my film days. Sold it, missed it, bought the D Lux 4. Liked it. Bought the X1 for the larger sensor. Two different beasts completely.

 

When you read the reviews that says the camera is slow believe them. Even with the firmware 2 upgrade. It is slooooow. Slow to start up, slow to focus, slow to write to the media card.

 

Does that make it a bad camera? Nope.

 

But it does mean it isn't perfect for many situations. And it does mean it is perfect for many situations.

 

I photograph a lot of candid images of children and friends...more than I would have believed. I've missed some great images because the X1 doesn't work as quickly as my dslr gear. Frustrating? Yes. But it's also taught me to get to know the camera really, really well and to anticipate more than I'm used to.

 

Someone mentioned a learning curve. They aren't kidding.

 

The files when it all comes together? Gorgeous.

 

Lea

[Sgt93]

Thanks again for the posts. I will check out those reviews. It looks like if I do go Leica it will more than likely be the M9. I will review more when I get off work tonight.

[Solar B]

Thats the problem with the X1 as it is slow to use ... i was shooting the blowing out

 

of the candles for one of my kids 10th birthday recently ... was trying to focus when

 

the rest of the family pushed me aside stating i was too slow !!!! they had already

 

shot with their compacts ... however i rest assured that when the X1 does focus it is

 

accurate.

 

Brian

[Guest 4foxes]

Have you been reading the 'Do Digilux 2 photos have distinctive look? forum it might help in you deceision. Have a look. Good luck.

[prk60091]

Thats the problem with the X1 as it is slow to use ... i was shooting the blowing out

 

of the candles for one of my kids 10th birthday recently ... was trying to focus when

 

the rest of the family pushed me aside stating i was too slow !!!! they had already

 

shot with their compacts ... however i rest assured that when the X1 does focus it is

 

accurate.

 

Brian

 

Firmware 2.0? MF? Or AF? Why didn't you pre-focus?

[Solar B]

Sorry im actually Irish...living in Scotland.. so i guess the X1 suits me....a bit slow

 

Brian

[Sgt93]

Sorry im actually Irish...living in Scotland.. so i guess the X1 suits me....a bit slow

 

Brian

 

LOL. My mother and her side of the family are in Scotland and the Shetland Islands.

[Sgt93]

Looking for glass for the M9 makes the Nikon 85 1.4G look like it is overstocked!! LOL

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[NZDavid]

Another alternative to try out or as a back-up to a DSLR would be the D-Lux 5. At least worth finding out some more about -- it's very compact and capable. Decidedly more versatile than the X1 and faster, noise is still acceptable (for some shots like gritty night street scenes) up to ISO 800 or 1600.

 

PS: Everyone on this forum is crazy. There are only degrees of craziness.