Asked before...Is the X1 worth it?

[jimleicam3]

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Using a M8 50 mm & 35 mm and the D-Lux 5. I am looking at the new 21 mm lens. However, I am also thinking of selling some of the M8 gear, and just have the X1. I know that I am comparing apples to peaches, but any input would be great. Thanks ahead!!

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[andybarton]

You need to get your head round what you want to do with it before deciding to drop two grand on something you may not need.

[spylaw4]

The X-1 is a very competent camera capable of producing superb images, but should you sell some of your M gear to finance it? No.

I have both and that's how it will stay.

[earful]

so you're thinking 24/2.8 elmarit, high iso capability and even autofocus for less than $2k? depends on what works for you. maybe you should scour the internet for photos from the x1 first? try the lfi x1 master shots gallery if you haven't already done so - some really nice photos lately. overall i tend to agree with spylaw4, but had the x1 been issued with a 50mm or longer lens, maybe i would have only the x1 and no hole in my pocket.

[Ecaton]

Do you prefer to look at a camera (LCD screen) for framing and focusing or do you want to look through a camera (OVF) to see what is going on around you. In the former case the X1 might be for you, otherwise a true RF such as your M8, or alternatively the X100. As a replacement for the M8, the Fuji is the better solution, unless you prefer to look at a camera, of course.

Re X100, brilliant OVF, f2.0, better from iso 1600 and up, quite faster af, ND filter, better macro (movie, panorama mode and some more gadgetry on board if one cares) and costing USD 800 less than the X1.

[lykaman]

Asking your ? As you have pretty much guarantees

As many different responses as there are flies round a jam pot in summer!

Why not list down your photographic needs & then see which of

Your current equipment will suffice! And if you sell

some will the X1 cover your requirements.

Too much equipment can stifle the photographic mind.

My X1 has been my "always everywhere" camera since

I bought it in April, BUT it is NOT a jack of all trades although it

is definately master of some. My D300 & various lenses is a sweet setup

with which at times the X1 cannot compete.

Saying that out of the work area my X1 is the camera the

reaches across the divide extremely well, in my

particular photographic sphere. My 35mm Leicas always remained and

still are utterly reliable, the X1 & DL4 have proved as solid and reliable

as the 35mm's but I have held off the M9..

If this helps great, if not look at it as the ramblings

of a nere do well photo hack....

[prk60091]

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If I had Leica 'm' glass I don't think I would ever sell it.even for an x1 or to finance a m9/m10 purchase.

[jsrockit]

Do you want to look through a LCD and can you live with slow AF? If so, it is worth it.

[Ecaton]

Do you want to look through a LCD and can you live with slow AF? If so, it is worth it.

 

The point is that you can not look "through" a LCD, but only at it, which is quite a different experience than looking through a OVF.

[prk60091]

The point is that you can not look "through" a LCD, but only at it, which is quite a different experience than looking through a OVF.

 

 

neither looking through (or at ) a LCD or through an OVF changes the ultimate image created

[Ecaton]

neither looking through (or at ) a LCD or through an OVF changes the ultimate image created

 

Fully agree. But holding a camera with arms stretched and squinting in bright sunlight to look at a low resolution lcd screen ain't the same exercise as looking through a large and clear VF;)

[prk60091]

Fully agree. But holding a camere with arms stretched and squinting in bright sunlight to look at a low resolution lcd screen ain't the same exercise as looking through a large and clear VF;)

 

with my wrist strap and thumbsup (i imagine the same is true for the Leica Grip) i hold the camera (one handed- no zombie posture for me) a few inches from my eyes

[HiltonJoy]

I think so. Prior to my purchase I spent several months searching the internet for photos and in particular reviews that rated the IQ poorly. Could not find one !

Every post highlighted the excellent IQ !

Making the move from a good FF DSLR to the X-1 is a personal choice with compromises, but with research well understood.

No single camera is perfect, but I really enjoy my first Leica. The IQ continues to impress me.

I might add that it has renewed my photography interest. Didn't realise just how insidious the high tech Japanese world is. Back to basics and it's refreshing !

One other thing about using the viewing screen. I'm now using glasses with +2.75 correction for close work. The diopter adjustment on most Japanese cameras

allows +1 to - 3 requiring another VF diopter adjuster, which means framing without glasses, and checking with glasses. PITA. The rear screen on the X-1 is easy to use and accurate to boot.