miatadan Posted May 18, 2013 Share #1 Posted May 18, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) I recently sold my Nikon D600 body with less than 100 shutter activations.... Always thought full frame would give best picture quality but was not happy with choice of Nikon lenses and that half the lenses were built in china. Noticed at family gatherings, when take out Nikon D600 + lenses out of bag, everyone wanted to hide ((((( So a camera not so in your face be better choice. Been in love with rangefinder M cameras but out of my price range, does the X2 have same optical quality in lense as M lenses? Most likely made in Germany is final assembly? How is quality control? Some here posted dust bunnies on sensor? how is this possible with fixed lense? How difficult to use X2 with optional optical viewfinder? advice appreciated Dan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 18, 2013 Posted May 18, 2013 Hi miatadan, Take a look here Just sold Nikon D600 and X2 questions. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Virginia Bill Posted May 19, 2013 Share #2 Posted May 19, 2013 Been in love with rangefinder M cameras but out of my price range, does the X2 have same optical quality in lense as M lenses? Most likely made in Germany is final assembly? How is quality control? Some here posted dust bunnies on sensor? how is this possible with fixed lense? How difficult to use X2 with optional optical viewfinder? 1. The X2 lens is designed and made by Leica, with the usual quality. 2. The X2 is made in Germany. 3. Quality control: it's a Leica. That doesn't mean that every single X2 is perfect, but most of them work fine. You might also consider getting a used M8. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aufderlauer Posted May 20, 2013 Share #3 Posted May 20, 2013 Hi Miatadan I own actually only one camera: X2 à la carte. Previous models have been M8, D700, D5100 and many more before. I love my X2: Easy operation, small and lightweight, small flash on board with wireless trigger for external flash, very good lens construction with phenomenal quality. A beauty of a camera, simple controls and menu, nice built. I have also the Leica viewfinder on top, but mostly I look with the LCD-screen to compose the pictures. Price for it is really high, but for me it was worth it. Before you invest in an older technology, without possibility for repairing it (no more LCD-screens and maybe other parts), be careful for what you pay good money. This my findings, hope it helps you. Daniel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
miatadan Posted May 20, 2013 Author Share #4 Posted May 20, 2013 Hi Miatadan I own actually only one camera: X2 à la carte. Previous models have been M8, D700, D5100 and many more before. I love my X2: Easy operation, small and lightweight, small flash on board with wireless trigger for external flash, very good lens construction with phenomenal quality. A beauty of a camera, simple controls and menu, nice built. I have also the Leica viewfinder on top, but mostly I look with the LCD-screen to compose the pictures. Price for it is really high, but for me it was worth it. Before you invest in an older technology, without possibility for repairing it (no more LCD-screens and maybe other parts), be careful for what you pay good money. This my findings, hope it helps you. Daniel Hi Daniel It is interesting that you had a M8 as well as the D700 and D5100 as I owned the D600 after owning the D5100... Why did you get the X2 instead of M-E or M9 after owning the M8? Which Leica viewfinder ? Dan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aufderlauer Posted May 21, 2013 Share #5 Posted May 21, 2013 Hi again several reasons, but most important was my budget, which did'nt allow me to afford M-E or M9 with lens. Bulkyness of DSLR is another point. I like the form factor of the X2, picture quality is excellent. The optional optic viewfinder is the actually available version in black. But honestly i have to admit that I use most time its back screen and the viewfinder just to control under harsh sunlight. Daniel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted May 21, 2013 Share #6 Posted May 21, 2013 2. The X2 is made in Germany. The X2 is made in Portugal and finished in Germany, just like the M cameras. Considering that the whole camera costs less than most M lenses, the quality of the lens on the X cameras is outstanding. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted May 21, 2013 Share #7 Posted May 21, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) Owning an M9 and a DMR I must say I have no hesitation to shoot my X1 side by side with either of these cameras. The output of the X1 and X2 is nothing less than excellent. The optical viewfinder is very easy in use, although I prefer the little round metal Voigtlander over the Leica one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalArts 99 Posted May 22, 2013 Share #8 Posted May 22, 2013 I recently sold my Nikon D600 body with less than 100 shutter activations.... Always thought full frame would give best picture quality but was not happy with choice of Nikon lenses and that half the lenses were built in china. Noticed at family gatherings, when take out Nikon D600 + lenses out of bag, everyone wanted to hide ((((( So a camera not so in your face be better choice. Been in love with rangefinder M cameras but out of my price range, does the X2 have same optical quality in lense as M lenses? Most likely made in Germany is final assembly? How is quality control? Some here posted dust bunnies on sensor? how is this possible with fixed lense? How difficult to use X2 with optional optical viewfinder? advice appreciated Dan The D600 has excellent image quality. I think it's a pretty good sensor. There are also some very good lenses for the Nikon (true that not all are great.) Some of their AF-S G primes are quite good (and made in Japan) but of course are pretty big in size (and price.) But there are older Nikkors that are excellent optically, are small, robust and well built, and inexpensive on the used market (but manual focus of course.) The 28mm AIS with CRC is really nice and also compact. The 50mm 1.2 has a soft dreamy look with a beautiful out of focus rendering wide open (and very sharp stopped down beyond that.) The 105mm is also very good. They all work well on the D600 providing you have no issues with focusing using the matte screen of the D600. The D600 body isn't really that large and with the AIS manual lenses, it's actually a fairly small package for a mirror reflex. I often find that people notice just about any camera I might have, and size ends up not being that big an issue (except for transporting around and carrying.) I once documented a prison with a huge and noisy Fuji 6x9 film camera but after I connected and developed a relationship with my subjects, they forgot about the camera. The X2 is a nice little tool, I think. It's a pretty good lens and I personally like the way it renders in soft light. If you get the EVF (the Olympus version is less expensive by a wide margin) it makes it an even more versatile tool. Plus if you're concerned about pointing a camera at someone at eye level, the EVF tilts and you can photograph them with your head bowed like using a Hasselblad. Having your head bowed can feel somewhat more 'polite' to your subject. I think that the reason why 'dust bunnies' occur is because the lens goes in and out and can suck in air and potentially any small dust. I've personally found this to happen on several digital cameras with a collapsing lens like that. You can use a Kiwi tube (which also allows you to mount filters and a hood.) The tube helps seal out dust when the lens expands and collapses and also eliminates the need to always remove and replace the lens cap. But it definitely makes the camera bigger. And with the EVF or OVF 'wart' on top it's obviously no longer a pocket camera by any means. I actually like the tube because it gives me better ergonomics and I can cradle the tube/lens with my left hand fingers and palm while grasping the other side of the camera and releasing the shutter with my right (I also have the screw-in Leica grip.) It becomes a little M camera like that. But of course it's almost about the same size now, too (but I can dismantle everything at anytime and it becomes small once again.) I find the build quality to be pretty good and it's enjoyable to use overall. The RAW files have a lot of potential and image quality can be very good. At 16MP you can print at a decent size (as large as one would normally print from a 35mm piece of film.) The only downside I think is that it's somewhat slow. I feel it's slow to start up after sleep and the AF and also shutter release feels a bit slow. But I use it deliberately and for static images primarily and feel it's fine for that. After using other EVF finders, I wish the Leica/Olympus version had better resolution. It's a bit like looking at an older TV screen. But it works overall quite well. I also have an OVF for it but I find that I don't use it much. I think I'm always nervous about exactly where it's focusing and I also like the info that appears on the EVF. I probably should try using the OVF more since I do like the idea of the simplicity and the brightness of it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bender73 Posted December 24, 2013 Share #9 Posted December 24, 2013 I recently sold my Nikon D600 body with less than 100 shutter activations.... Always thought full frame would give best picture quality but was not happy with choice of Nikon lenses and that half the lenses were built in china. Dan The D600 is a GREAT FX camera. I shoot Nikon professionally on the side, but also highly respect Leica. Nikon makes low-end and high-end gear. The 24-70 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8 are both amazing lenses that would easily compete with Leica's best stuff so if you have not shot them with your D600 then you really never "experienced" the D600. I shoot Nikon DSLRs for weddings, but will one day own an M system for everything else! Right now, it's an X1 the wifey got me for xmas! ;-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaniard69 Posted January 1, 2014 Share #10 Posted January 1, 2014 It's easy to bring the X2 when travelling unless you want to bring everything on your Nikon system. After awhile the weighs do get into you. As for me, I rather enjoy my trip than to carry a DSLR and lens for travelling. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted January 1, 2014 Share #11 Posted January 1, 2014 I recently sold my Nikon D600 body with less than 100 shutter activations.... Always thought full frame would give best picture quality but was not happy with choice of Nikon lenses and that half the lenses were built in china. Noticed at family gatherings, when take out Nikon D600 + lenses out of bag, everyone wanted to hide ((((( So a camera not so in your face be better choice. Been in love with rangefinder M cameras but out of my price range, does the X2 have same optical quality in lense as M lenses? Most likely made in Germany is final assembly? How is quality control? Some here posted dust bunnies on sensor? how is this possible with fixed lense? How difficult to use X2 with optional optical viewfinder? advice appreciated Dan Dan, I have the X1 which has a lens identical to that fitted to the X2. Comparing equivalent focal lengths, the X1 Elmarit yields results indistinguishable from my M-lenses, bearing in mind the initial starting aperture. Used with sensible care you should obtain excellent results. Using an OVF is a different experience to through-the-lens viewing. However, provided you make due allowance for parallax at closer ranges, you should have no problems. Outdoors in bright light, the OVF is a boon. Depending on personal preference, I find the Leica hand-grip indispensable. It adds security and aids my shooting skills. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaybrams Posted January 3, 2014 Share #12 Posted January 3, 2014 I am new to this forum and also to my X2. I also shoot with Canon DSLRs and am selling my Fuji X100 in favor of the X2. I guess my best response is that I love my Canons, but can't put down my X2. The quality of construction, image quality, simple menus all contribute to a user experience I haven't had since my Oly OM1 many years ago. I find using the X2 is all about the ease of use and top notch results. I only wish I had purchased it prior to my recent trip to Europe in which I lugged around my Canon 5D2. The 5D2 produced excellent images, but was a beast to carry and my neck still hurts. I have both viewfinders and prefer the optical because I've always used an optical viewfinder with its clear direct view. That being said, I mostly have the Oly EVF attached because it provides a focus point and image info. that I need when shooting family and portraits indoors. In sum, I don't have direct knowledge of your Nikon, but can say that I don't remember loving a camera as much as the X2. I grew up shooting with prime lenses and the X2 brings back that experience. Its not about the features, but the picture taking. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlindstrom Posted January 25, 2014 Share #13 Posted January 25, 2014 I have both viewfinders and prefer the optical because I've always used an optical viewfinder with its clear direct view. That being said, I mostly have the Oly EVF attached because it provides a focus point and image info. that I need when shooting family and portraits indoors. In sum, I don't have direct knowledge of your Nikon, but can say that I don't remember loving a camera as much as the X2. I grew up shooting with prime lenses and the X2 brings back that experience. Its not about the features, but the picture taking. I have a very similar view on the X2. It's truly a very nice camera. On a couple of recent trips it's been my main camera due to it's ease of use and light weight combined with excellent image quality. I just recently got the olympus evf as well. I find it to be a more of a mixed bag.. I will probably only use it when the light gets dim. In reasonable to good light, where shutter speeds can be fast the X2 actually handles better shooting with the lcd. That was a complete surprise as I was expecting to be shooting with evf 99% of the time after getting it... The story might be different had the camera automatically switched between lcd & evf and also if the lcd portruded further back. Now it feels a little cramped! Also maybe adding a kiwi tube for polarizer etc filter use could help this.. don't know. Certainly adding the tube would provide better grip, but also would destroy the small size and turn the X2 into XV size. In that sense Fuji made a better design with the integrated hybrid vf. Leica are you listening? ;-) None the less, I truly like my X2 even with it's limitations. //Juha Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfoote Posted January 25, 2014 Share #14 Posted January 25, 2014 I too have the same dilemma. I have a D800 and a few lenses. Quite a bit to carry. For the most part, I use a 35m sigma. Considering changing to the x2 for ease of use, low intimidation factor, weigh, etc. Image quality on the D800 is fantastic but I'm not making billboard sized prints so much of it is wasted. Thoughts? I would have to sell m D800 to get the x2 so it's not a matter of keeping the best of both worlds,,, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuny Posted January 25, 2014 Share #15 Posted January 25, 2014 Dan - There is one possible fly in the ointment by changing to the terrific little X2: With your Nikon you're used to various focal lengths and with the X2 you have just its fixed focal length lens. If that's not a problem for you then go with the X2. As an alternative there is the X Vario with an excellent equivalent to 28-70 MM lens. Based on your user name I suspect you live in North America, where the MX 5 is called Miata. If you live near enough to a Leica dealer I suggest you try the X2 with the external electronic viewfinder -- Many users like that combination a lot. At the same time, if staying with just one focal length is not for you, try the X Vario. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zgisterak Posted January 25, 2014 Share #16 Posted January 25, 2014 I too have the same dilemma. I have a D800 and a few lenses. Quite a bit to carry. For the most part, I use a 35m sigma. Considering changing to the x2 for ease of use, low intimidation factor, weigh, etc. Image quality on the D800 is fantastic but I'm not making billboard sized prints so much of it is wasted. Thoughts? I would have to sell m D800 to get the x2 so it's not a matter of keeping the best of both worlds,,, I have Nikon DF with (2 primes 50mm and 85mm both f/1.8) and X2. I feel it is the best dream team. I'd wait and save for Leica (or buy used one) You may miss D800. Just my .005c Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.liam Posted January 25, 2014 Share #17 Posted January 25, 2014 How about the Ricoh GR? Heresy here but had the same debate. Been using a D700 and M6. Wanted something more compact and digital but my DLUX4 has been getting long on the tooth. The Ricoh's optics are stellar and don't think that I'm really missing out compared to an M9+ 28 Elmarit. Really tiny. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted January 25, 2014 Share #18 Posted January 25, 2014 Unless it is a photo trip, a small quality is advantageous . You are not a theft target and do not feel like a pack horse. You do give up some image quality and camera robustness. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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