X1 sold, X100 bought...

[Archiver]

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No matter what skill level, there is always a learning curve with a new camera. One day suggests either a brilliant analyst or a hasty judgement.

 

Or perhaps something in between. I own a lot of cameras and I've reached a point where I can get a feel for a new one quite quickly, especially if it is in comparison with others that are similar. While it is true that cameras can take some time to suss out, there are a set of criteria by which I evaluate a camera, and also I get a sense of whether I like one within several hours of continuous shooting and playing with the files.

 

Many things about the X1 rubbed me the wrong way right from the get-go, as I have mentioned above. And it didn't sit well with me with regards to shutter noise, image quality, and that infuriating aperture chatter. Loose shutter and aperture dials and a loose power switch didn't help, either, nor did the slow autofocus. I've owned cameras with many of those 'qualities' and I wanted something better, not just another camera with a series of similar compromises.

 

As for why I am writing 'paragraph after paragraph' in a forum for a camera that I do not own, perhaps it should be pointed out that it is only in this thread which is entitled 'X1 sold, X100 bought'. What I'm writing is entirely germane to the discussion for that reason. You don't see me writing elsewhere in the X1 forum, much to the delight of the X1 faithful, no doubt.

 

When I bought my M9, I persevered through one month of frustration with metering and framing because I could immediately see the promise in the image quality, and the handling was super. I wish the X1 had given me the same experience as I would have given it the same chance, but it just didn't feel right for me on a lot of levels.

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[phancj]

Other things aside, the shutter noise from your x1 got me baffled, coz quite simply it has the quietest shutter I have experienced so much so the subjects do not even know if a photo has been taken. That alone would lead me to conclude you had a dud. The M9 on the other hand does have a heavy and much more noisy shutter for sure.

 

CJ

[prk60091]

Other things aside, the shutter noise from your x1 got me baffled, coz quite simply it has the quietest shutter I have experienced so much so the subjects do not even know if a photo has been taken. That alone would lead me to conclude you had a dud. The M9 on the other hand does have a heavy and much more noisy shutter for sure.

 

CJ

 

agreed. it is possible that the op doesn't realize you can turn the artificial sound off- with the silly sound effect off- i cannot hear the shutter at all

[prk60091]

Or perhaps something in between. I own a lot of cameras and I've reached a point where I can get a feel for a new one quite quickly, especially if it is in comparison with others that are similar. While it is true that cameras can take some time to suss out, there are a set of criteria by which I evaluate a camera, and also I get a sense of whether I like one within several hours of continuous shooting and playing with the files.

 

Many things about the X1 rubbed me the wrong way right from the get-go, as I have mentioned above. And it didn't sit well with me with regards to shutter noise, image quality, and that infuriating aperture chatter. Loose shutter and aperture dials and a loose power switch didn't help, either, nor did the slow autofocus. I've owned cameras with many of those 'qualities' and I wanted something better, not just another camera with a series of similar compromises.

 

As for why I am writing 'paragraph after paragraph' in a forum for a camera that I do not own, perhaps it should be pointed out that it is only in this thread which is entitled 'X1 sold, X100 bought'. What I'm writing is entirely germane to the discussion for that reason. You don't see me writing elsewhere in the X1 forum, much to the delight of the X1 faithful, no doubt.

 

When I bought my M9, I persevered through one month of frustration with metering and framing because I could immediately see the promise in the image quality, and the handling was super. I wish the X1 had given me the same experience as I would have given it the same chance, but it just didn't feel right for me on a lot of levels.

 

it has been written in this forum and elsewhere- there is a very steep learning curve for this "point and shoot". If one takes the time to learn the camera- it will take exceptional images (provided the operator knows what they are doing)

[Ecaton]

Or perhaps something in between. I own a lot of cameras and I've reached a point where I can get a feel for a new one quite quickly, especially if it is in comparison with others that are similar. While it is true that cameras can take some time to suss out, there are a set of criteria by which I evaluate a camera, and also I get a sense of whether I like one within several hours of continuous shooting and playing with the files.

 

Many things about the X1 rubbed me the wrong way right from the get-go, as I have mentioned above. And it didn't sit well with me with regards to shutter noise, image quality, and that infuriating aperture chatter. Loose shutter and aperture dials and a loose power switch didn't help, either, nor did the slow autofocus. I've owned cameras with many of those 'qualities' and I wanted something better, not just another camera with a series of similar compromises.

 

As for why I am writing 'paragraph after paragraph' in a forum for a camera that I do not own, perhaps it should be pointed out that it is only in this thread which is entitled 'X1 sold, X100 bought'. What I'm writing is entirely germane to the discussion for that reason. You don't see me writing elsewhere in the X1 forum, much to the delight of the X1 faithful, no doubt.

 

When I bought my M9, I persevered through one month of frustration with metering and framing because I could immediately see the promise in the image quality, and the handling was super. I wish the X1 had given me the same experience as I would have given it the same chance, but it just didn't feel right for me on a lot of levels.

 

The X1 has its quirks and warts and is not to everybody's cup of tea. Shutter noise, though, it hasn't.

[wda]

.... And it didn't sit well with me with regards to shutter noise, image quality, and that infuriating aperture chatter. Loose shutter and aperture dials and a loose power switch didn't help, either, nor did the slow autofocus. I've owned cameras with many of those 'qualities' and I wanted something better, not just another camera with a series of similar compromises.....

I realize that it is history for you now, but from the above it seems you had a faulty camera. Your move to an M9 does put the X1 at a disadvantage. They are not mutually exclusive, but in an either/or situation the M9 is in a rather different league.

[Archiver]

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When the user reports of the X1 started to come in, many of them mentioned a very quiet shutter, one that could barely be heard. This attracted me greatly, and I looked forward to (not) hearing it. The first X1 I tried was a black one fresh out of the box; the first thing I did was to turn off every single sound including shutter, as I do with every camera. As I was so excited to be handling one for the first time, I paid more attention to the shooting experience than the sounds. It still seemed quite evident to me, but I didn't pay as much attention as I ought.

 

The second X1 was in another shop. The demo model there had the same sound, and I compared it with the Ricoh GXR + 50mm module I had in my bag. The sound of the X1 seemed about the same, perhaps a little sharper and of higher pitch, and therefore more intrusive. Again, I was very eager to get an X1, given the recent price drop and the added bonuses of viewfinder and case, so I glossed over the shutter sound until I got home with a fresh one.

 

So yes, I made sure the shutter sound was turned off, and I have tried three X1's, all with the same shutter sound. I admit to excitement clouding my judgment before purchase, but once in a quiet kitchen and with other cameras for comparison, I could make an accurate assessment.

 

The shutter of the Fuji X100 is most definitely the quietest of any camera I have used, with the Sigma DP1 and Fuji X10 coming second. The X1 is of the same sound level as the Ricoh GXR + 50mm module, and that shutter is clearly audible. It's not as bad as the GXR 28mm module which makes a high pitched screech as the lens focuses, but if I wanted an aps-c compact camera with that kind of noise I already had one. Four, if you count the two Ricoh modules and Sigma compacts.

 

I was so looking forward to my M9 having a little brother, so to speak, that could take the place of the Ricoh and give me truly unobtrusive shooting where the M9 could not. Perhaps the X2 or whatever Leica has planned will do the trick.

[phancj]

Well, I am certain you had a dud now. The X1 is just as quiet as the X100. The M9 is much louder in comparison. Even in the quietest of rooms there is the faintest of a "tick" which cannot easily be heard unless u hold it close to you and really look out for it.

 

The ricoh is loud by comparison. I dunno about the sigma DP1 but my brother also has the DP2s (I think) and it was much louder.

 

If you heard 3 "loud" X1 shutters I would go buy the lottery haha.....just kidding! I mean what are the odds of that?

 

CJ

I do not think that the X2 or the X200 or DP3s is ever gonna have a quieter shutter, seriously.

[budhudson]

Having read all the latest comments since my last post, do i understand that the X1 was rejected purely on 'not being quiet enough' even though it is virtually universally accepted (except for one or two people) that it is whisper quiet?

 

Surely not and i cant imagine it was for image quality either?

 

Struggling to understand the rationale behind it to be honest

 

This is not meant in an aggressive manner - merely an observation or two

 

Mark

[nickma]

Agree, having had both cameras, and sold the x100 and kept the X1. My choice was based on ease of use and IQ. On that basis it was an easy choice, even though I wanted to love to X100 with its lovely aperture dial and brilliant viewfinder. The optics just aren't as good, period.

[viramati]

X100 with firmware 1.21 is a transformed camera with quick and accurate auto-focus even in low light. the hybrid finder is a joy to use and the versatility of this camera continues to surprise me

[Archiver]

Having read all the latest comments since my last post, do i understand that the X1 was rejected purely on 'not being quiet enough' even though it is virtually universally accepted (except for one or two people) that it is whisper quiet?

 

Surely not and i cant imagine it was for image quality either?

 

Struggling to understand the rationale behind it to be honest

 

This is not meant in an aggressive manner - merely an observation or two

 

Mark

 

In my original post I noted a number of things that I didn't like about the X1, including the relatively slow AF even after the latest firmware update; the constant and intrusive TICK TICK TICK of the aperture blades; the loose and wiggly shutter and aperture dials that were easily changed just by putting the camera in a pocket or bag; and while it seems unlikely, maybe I handled three dud X1's in a row because they all had a shutter that was as loud as the Ricoh GXR 50mm module.

 

I also have to say that the image quality was not what I was hoping for. The Ricoh GXR modules are just as good and even better in a few ways, like slightly more detail at 100% and a handling of colour that I prefer. Steve Huff's comparison of these cameras shows this quite clearly, as an example. The X1's lens is very sharp wide open, but so is the GXR 50. Focusing with the GXR is faster and more reliable in low light. The X1 seemed redundant even against the GXR when compared with the GXR's build quality, image quality, legendary customizable UI and ergonomics.

 

Something I did not mention was the hassle of going through a menu to turn off the LCD screen at the back. Just about every other camera does this by pressing the Display button once or twice, but this function in the X1 is hidden in a menu that is found only after several button pushes.

 

To be fair, I liked the overall look of the X1's images; the bokeh is soft and smooth and the lens has almost no barrel distortion. The lens is sharp across the image and had no distortion in the edges or corners. I liked the way it sat in my hand, the smallness and pocketability, and the speed and quietness with which the lens extended on startup.

[nickma]

Something I did not mention was the hassle of going through a menu to turn off the LCD screen at the back. Just about every other camera does this by pressing the Display button once or twice, but this function in the X1 is hidden in a menu that is found only after several button pushes.

 

You mean the hassle of pressing the 'Info' button conveniently located on the back of the camera 1-3 times? (depending on the LCD display option in use previously selected by the user). As an aside, I personally favour the grid-line LCD-on view when I do use it, so a single press turns off the LCD screen.

[budhudson]

In my original post I noted a number of things that I didn't like about the X1, including the relatively slow AF even after the latest firmware update; the constant and intrusive TICK TICK TICK of the aperture blades; the loose and wiggly shutter and aperture dials that were easily changed just by putting the camera in a pocket or bag; and while it seems unlikely, maybe I handled three dud X1's in a row because they all had a shutter that was as loud as the Ricoh GXR 50mm module.

 

I also have to say that the image quality was not what I was hoping for. The Ricoh GXR modules are just as good and even better in a few ways, like slightly more detail at 100% and a handling of colour that I prefer. Steve Huff's comparison of these cameras shows this quite clearly, as an example. The X1's lens is very sharp wide open, but so is the GXR 50. Focusing with the GXR is faster and more reliable in low light. The X1 seemed redundant even against the GXR when compared with the GXR's build quality, image quality, legendary customizable UI and ergonomics.

 

Something I did not mention was the hassle of going through a menu to turn off the LCD screen at the back. Just about every other camera does this by pressing the Display button once or twice, but this function in the X1 is hidden in a menu that is found only after several button pushes.

 

To be fair, I liked the overall look of the X1's images; the bokeh is soft and smooth and the lens has almost no barrel distortion. The lens is sharp across the image and had no distortion in the edges or corners. I liked the way it sat in my hand, the smallness and pocketability, and the speed and quietness with which the lens extended on startup.

 

Originally Posted by budhudson

Having read all the latest comments since my last post

As i mentioned above/previously, i was just looking at the latest comments

[anupmc]

... I also have to say that the image quality was not what I was hoping for. The Ricoh GXR modules are just as good and even better in a few ways, like slightly more detail at 100% and a handling of colour that I prefer. Steve Huff's comparison of these cameras shows this quite clearly, as an example....

 

Did you mean this review? Where Steve states;

 

So there you go. Comparisons at low ISO, the highest ISO and a AWB test. Both cameras seem pretty similar with the X1 seeming brighter (and maybe more livelier) in most situations. In some of the shots it appears the GXR is a little sharper than the X1 but it also has a bit of a different signature. The GXR has better AWB in low light IMO.

.

So you're saying you preferred the GXR based on Steve's review. Wait, I thought it was the X100 that was better than the X1, so now it's the GXR too? Remind us again why you bought the X1 for a day in the first place please?

 

I think I can safely say you've spent more time telling us why you sold off your X1 then actually using it! Something's off if you ask me.

[Ecaton]

Archiver wanted to post a fools day hoax with a three in a row Leica X1 shutter noise ferry tale, but somehow mixed the dates on his calendar. I think that explains the little confusion here, doesn't it?

[nickma]

It's interesting. We live in a world where a person is less likely to make a decision on the word of a close friend or trusted advisor than on the say-so of a room-full of strangers. Archiver's curiously ill informed comments on turning off the LCD screen (on a matter of fact rather than opinion) is a very good illustration of why this can be a very bad idea.

[phancj]

To each his own, it's archiver's money and he is absolutely free to use it as he pleases, but it all seems like he sold it without really understanding the X1 and its functions.

 

IMO a case of preconceived notions and in this forum a justification to himself why he sold it. If you sell acamera you sell a camera, no need to justify anything...

 

I am having fun with the nikon D800 and with the latest 1.4s this cam really flies, but the X1 stays in my arsenal for good.

 

Tiny, great IQ and QUIET haha....

 

CJ

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[Archiver]

Did you mean this review? Where Steve states;

 

.

So you're saying you preferred the GXR based on Steve's review. Wait, I thought it was the X100 that was better than the X1, so now it's the GXR too? Remind us again why you bought the X1 for a day in the first place please?

 

I think I can safely say you've spent more time telling us why you sold off your X1 then actually using it! Something's off if you ask me.

 

Yes, something is off. What is off is when someone honestly states his experiences and perceptions only to encounter barely veiled condescension and disparagement for his choices. "Oh, you must not have turned off the electronic noises. You based your preferences on someone else' opinions. The X1 is SUCH a complicated camera that you have to spend a LOT of time to understand it. You're using the forum to justify why you sold something." Good lord. While it has not descended to the level of DPReview's wasteland of idiocy, it's a slippery slope, folks.

 

I would have made a single post about the camera and been done with it, were it not for the comments that asked for clarification. As the requests for clarification have passed into the realm of the condescension, I will henceforth refrain from saying nasty things about the oh-so-precious X1, and leave the X1 faithful to continue their smug snickering into the void.

[phancj]

Thats the problem isnt it? The X1 is so simple that it can be understood quickly. Yet something as simple as turning off the LCD that can be accomplished easily as pointed out you did not know. Plus the "noisy" shutter you described simply makes one wonder...really.

 

Now if you speak of peeling skin in the initial batches, etc thats something else.

 

Like in all forums, not everyone is condescending, but in this instance some of the things you posted were simply not true, and there's absolutely nothing wrong in pointing out that.

 

CJ