used X1 good idea?

[Anouk]

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I could use some advise: I've been reading every post here about the X1 and I really like the quality of the posted pictures. I've been using the low(er) end digital Leica's for some years now, I own a D-Lux4, a Digilux 2 and a V-Lux 1. The latter is practically never used, but the D-Lux is always in my bag.

Can anyone give me some advise to my plan of adding the X1 to my collection? Would it be a good addition or is it pure folly on my part???

I mostly use my cameras for street and nature photography. I'm also a fan of macro shots, but I already know that is not a strong point of the X1!

 

Thanks for your input...SHOOT!

[AJB]

My analysis:

 

1 If you really like the X1 images, then that is surely enough.

2 There is no point in collecting cameras or adding to the collection. This is because they are merely tools for capturing light. The image is pleasing or not: your subjective choice. The camera has no real value beyond this.

3 Everyone else's opinion is subjective and cannot be related to yours. It is rather like saying "I prefer redheads" and you saying "blondes are much better". No one is actually right.

[ezc203]

The ~$1000 high-end point and shoot crowd is quickly gaining new (and highly competitive) players. I would personally look else where. The current Leica X line (X1 and X2) do not excite me anymore.

[ezc203]

I would look into the Sigma DP Merrill. They are coming out with a 28mm (equiv) and a 40mm (equiv) model. I played with a pre-production model a while back and the files are very interesting. It packs some revolutionizable (revolutionary in concept, not proven yet in theory) technology and I will be in line to pick one up when they become readily available.

[Anouk]

@AJB : I may need to clarify: I'm not just collecting camera's, I'm too young for that

I hardly use my V-Lux (only for rare tele-shots), but I'm in love with the image quality and je ne sais quoi of my Digilux 2. The only problem with that camera is that it is really slow and rather bulky to take everywhere. So I use my D-Lux instead most of hte time. The D-Lux is a great little camera, but I like the image quality much less than that of my D2...

So in a nutshell : is the image quality of the X1 comparable to that of the D2?

I don't have the chance of testing the camera for a few hours before buying. The shop in Antwerp where I could buy the X1 will only let you hold it and try a few shots in the store.

[bluebear]

The image quality of the X1 is legendary. I bought a used one last year and don't regret it for a moment. Photographers are spoilt for choice these days, and there are a lot of computers with lenses on out there tempting us to buy them. The X1 has no bells and whistles and isn't everyone's cup of tea, but if it's IQ you're after then in my book you need to look no further.

[ECliffordSmith]

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Hi,

 

I agree with Bluebear. I think you will be very happy with the image quality compared to your other cameras, the high ISO is very good too. If you do buy second hand it may be worth checking for a loose rear scroll wheel and sensor dust as these are issues quite a few people have had.

[dave.gt]

My used X1 is working perfectly. So well in fact, that I can find no reason to purchase an M-body anytime soon. Just can't afford getting a system going when the X1 is both very high IQ and a beautiful form to work with everyday. With it's higher performance in low light and small size, it is perfectly suited to carry every day with either my M3 or the IIIF.

 

Buy one as soon as possible with accessories!

[NZDavid]

The D-Lux 5 is also very versatile and has excellent IQ up at lower ISOs. Worth trying out. There may be another Leica compact around at Photokina in a few months time. The X1 does produce good shots but does have its shortcomings; the X2 looks to be the better camera.