Dan States Posted November 20, 2011 Share #1 Posted November 20, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) So here we are more than two years since the X1 was announced and it still offers a unique combination of form and image performance... Cameras that were supposed to push it aside include: X100..great camera except it's not at all compact and is definitely not a point and shoot....oh, and finding one in stock is like capturing Big Foot. The Ricoh, also great but it's still to thick with a lens attached to call a compact. Probably the closest in overall package size and performance to the x1. The NEX bunch, which are only compact if you accept the one, optically terrible, 16mm lens. Good LCD....love the tilt...hate the optics, the interface and most of all the clackity clackity clack when it goes off. The Samsung NX....again too large with a lens attached to call compact...strangely remaining the "also ran" of the field. The Sigma DP cameras....To slow in operation and loaded with mechanical issues...And I don't care how sharp they are, the files look horrible after iso 200. Once Leica got the firmware up to speed, the X1 became a real street shooter camera. In that respect Sony has totally fudged the game with the machine gun loud shutter and at times wildly inaccurate AF system on the NEX. Even the M4/3 bunch hasn't been able to release a camera that doesn't clatter like a castanet band when shooting. I honestly thought and hoped that by now the competition would have trumped the X1 but the options available in a truly compact, point and shoot aps-c camera are....uh, not many. It's interesting to note the general level of quiet on the X1 forum....It seems x1 users don't have much to bitch about and just get about taking pictures.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 20, 2011 Posted November 20, 2011 Hi Dan States, Take a look here Two years after it was announced the X1 is still unique. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jippiejee Posted November 20, 2011 Share #2 Posted November 20, 2011 By the lack of buzz about the Leica X1 at the moment, one would easily assume the camera also lost its relevance with so many new compacts out today. But as you said, the X1 is still my go-to camera when planning a trip, or going into the streets or concerts. The shutter is silent, its weight is perfect to keep going, image quality never disappoints and leaving plenty of room for crops if 36mm appears a little on the wide side. I too am curious what the new Leica announcements next year will be, and I do hope for a digital CL of some sorts, but I'll never sell the X1 since its been such a great AF camera even at high iso's and I'd really miss that sweet little piece of gear. Thanks for the reminder. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nippa Posted November 20, 2011 Share #3 Posted November 20, 2011 I'd agree that this forum's activity level probably reflects how little the camera is used. Mine certainly has been unused for months and is now enroute to Solms for a skin repair. Yes , even unused and protected the skin has stared to peel. Sure the IQ is excellent and it has its place but I stopped enjoying the camera when I realised how delicate the body components were. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anupmc Posted November 21, 2011 Share #4 Posted November 21, 2011 ...Sure the IQ is excellent and it has its place but I stopped enjoying the camera when I realised how delicate the body components were. I'm not sure what delicate body components you're talking about, but the X1, like most other electronic instruments of it's kind, benefit from constant use, not sitting idle in a cabinet someplace. Mine has worked flawlessly every week since I bought it 2 years ago. And Dan is spot on! Even after 2 years, the X1 still produces the best image quality compared to other cameras in it's size class. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
phancj Posted November 21, 2011 Share #5 Posted November 21, 2011 Yup, after all thats said and done the little camera is still delivering stellar pics for me day after day, almost 2 years already! As said, I have yet to find one in its class that is better. At least for now. CJ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecaton Posted November 21, 2011 Share #6 Posted November 21, 2011 I'm not sure what delicate body components you're talking about, but the X1, like most other electronic instruments of it's kind, benefit from constant use, not sitting idle in a cabinet someplace. Mine has worked flawlessly every week since I bought it 2 years ago. And Dan is spot on! Even after 2 years, the X1 still produces the best image quality compared to other cameras in it's size class. I would even go further and claim that the IQ is still among the very best of any aps-c sensor camera. Of course we now have sensors with more resolution and higher iso, but up to iso 3200, the X1 output is still up there with the best. But none of the competitors has a lens which can match the X1's and none fits into a tiny belt pouch or jacket pocket. I hope Leica is not abandoning the X1 concept but introduces evolutionary improvements only, in a successor model. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted November 21, 2011 Share #7 Posted November 21, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I would even go further and claim that the IQ is still among the very best of any aps-c sensor camera. Of course we now have sensors with more resolution and higher iso, but up to iso 3200, the X1 output is still up there with the best. But none of the competitors has a lens which can match the X1's and none fits into a tiny belt pouch or jacket pocket. I hope Leica is not abandoning the X1 concept but introduces evolutionary improvements only, in a successor model. Agreed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted November 21, 2011 Share #8 Posted November 21, 2011 I'd agree that this forum's activity level probably reflects how little the camera is used....... To the contrary; most satisfied users are probably too busy enjoying and employing their X1 cameras to spend time speculating about the camera's future. An excellent camera doesn't usually cease to be an excellent camera when faced with competition. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matus Kalisky Posted November 22, 2011 Share #9 Posted November 22, 2011 I agree - the X1 is indeed unique, I would just wish Leica to Bring X2 while keeping the size low and just improving on few minor points (more solid body and controls [heavier], better LCD, faster AF, no AA filter and possibly provide an external EVF) but keep the SIZE as it is. I was close to buying X1 few months ago, but if an X2 came out it would shuffle my priorities (right now the GXR is the main contender). But I am not sure we should hope for the X2 as Leica plans some kind of mirror-less exchangeable lens camera for 2012. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebear Posted November 22, 2011 Share #10 Posted November 22, 2011 To the contrary; most satisfied users are probably too busy enjoying and employing their X1 cameras to spend time speculating about the camera's future. An excellent camera doesn't usually cease to be an excellent camera when faced with competition. I couldn't agree more! We can easily become too fixated on the next model instead of enjoying what we've got and, in my case, dreamed for ages of having. The latest does not always mean better. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest happytogger Posted November 22, 2011 Share #11 Posted November 22, 2011 Leica understands how to make a classic. Other brands bring products. (with notable exceptions Olympus ep1, ep3, Fuji x100, x10). Ofcourse not everything about X1 is roses still i really like the elegant solution of keeping X1 compact & still having manual aperture control as the Konica Hexar. If there is a X2 i would wish a complementary 24mm F2.8. Leaving out the flash. Dedicated exp comp dial Hybrid vf. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krauthead Posted November 23, 2011 Share #12 Posted November 23, 2011 Luv my X-1 here. But you really have to learn the X-1 and not treat it as a point and shoot. I know that most here know that. I had to learn it. I usually now stop down the lens and I have studied and compared the metering modes and AF modes. Now it always, 9 times out of 10, produces an incredible image. I work it stealthily from my waist sometimes and shoot forbidden views at will. Image quality is still the best and light manipulation in Lightroom prooduces a mind blowed result. All the way with X-1. (and I sold my M camera too) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest happytogger Posted November 23, 2011 Share #13 Posted November 23, 2011 Leica understands how to make a classic.Other brands bring products. (with notable exceptions Olympus ep1, ep3, Fuji x100, x10). Ofcourse not everything about X1 is roses still i really like the elegant solution of keeping X1 compact & still having manual aperture control as the Konica Hexar. If there is a X2 i would wish a complementary 24mm F2.8. Leaving out the flash. Dedicated exp comp dial Hybrid vf. I would also remove that puffed up with self pride red logo. This type of self pride for a photographer can be a block to creative inspiration. Return to your roots, leave the front bare. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Lane Posted November 23, 2011 Share #14 Posted November 23, 2011 Well, I purchased mine just a couple of days ago. True, it is now a two year old model that really interested me when it was announced. But instead of buying it when it was first available, I decided to wait a while and see what other manufacturers would respond with. Two years on, and I have found little else that I like or fills my requirements - hence the recent purchase. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matus Kalisky Posted November 25, 2011 Share #15 Posted November 25, 2011 Well, I purchased mine just a couple of days ago. True, it is now a two year old model that really interested me when it was announced. But instead of buying it when it was first available, I decided to wait a while and see what other manufacturers would respond with. Two years on, and I have found little else that I like or fills my requirements - hence the recent purchase. You make a very good point. Too often we have tendency to wait for "something better" and we do not realize that we are just wasting our time. AND you know - sometimes the "better" never comes (no one knows whether there will be an X2 and even then - it may be NOT what one has pictured resulting in large disappointment and ... another waiting ). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
phancj Posted November 25, 2011 Share #16 Posted November 25, 2011 Just realized mine is two months short of two years...time flies when you are having fun! I sent in the little thing to Leica servicing (since warranty will lapse soon so a check just in case ), excellent service and knowledgeable staff there. Will be a week to 10 days I was told. After that, the cam goes with me to India for some action again! My personal wish for an X2- even smaller!! CJ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert blu Posted November 25, 2011 Share #17 Posted November 25, 2011 Glas to know you are happy with it (as I am). Just curious where did you send the camera for check, because "Will be a week to 10 days I was told." . In my country it takes at least 5 weeks... bye, robert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom0511 Posted November 28, 2011 Share #18 Posted November 28, 2011 I still really like my x1. The biggest shortcoming IMO is that it doesnt do exchangable lenses. However I feel: - IQ of the x1 (color and contrast) is better than the Nex 5n with the kit (ok-kit vs prime might be not fair), but even though I really like the Sony color the x1 color (raw out of LR) is even better for my taste - spot AF: not fast but a really small AF point and very accurate; - still very compact - I really like the feel and user interface However more and more often I want to be a bit more flexible regarding focal lengths. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
phancj Posted November 29, 2011 Share #19 Posted November 29, 2011 Glas to know you are happy with it (as I am). Just curious where did you send the camera for check, because "Will be a week to 10 days I was told." . In my country it takes at least 5 weeks...bye, robert The new service center in Singapore. CJ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenichicorp Posted November 30, 2011 Share #20 Posted November 30, 2011 It look me a very long time to decide for the X1 (against an X100). But I have no regrets at all. It's a wonderful camera that I can use when I don't want to carry around my 7D. Yes, it has it's quirks, but every camera does. In the end it's the quality of the images produced that is important, and the Leica X1 does that very well Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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