EVF Leica X2

[esen]

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I recently bought a Leica X2 and I'm considering buying an electronic viewfinder.

 

Does anyone have any experience with the Leica EVF? How often do you use it?

 

Do you prefer looking through the EVF instead of looking on the LCD screen?

 

Thanks!

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[ECohen]

If you have the money get it.

It makes shooting a bit more fun, no glare on the screen.

Also it's easier to hold the camera steady.

[vcs700s]

The Olympus EF-2 works great with the X2 and is much cheaper than the Leica version.

[jaapv]

But an optical viewfinder is nice too.

[Ferry Zievinger]

It's the best decision I made, use it all the time, you won't regret it.

[JDFlood]

First thing I did was to buy the OVF. Used it once and not once since. It is really good, it is just that I don't feel I need it. The autofocus is really good, so I never need to double check it, the screen is good under almost all circumstances to frame properly... So, it just never comes up for me. JD

[CalArts 99]

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I highly recommend it (either the Leica version or the less expensive Olympus version; they are exactly the same product.) For me personally, I cannot use a camera like an iPhone and I need to have a viewfinder of some kind. The optional OVF is nice for its overall simplicity (I also have one) but the EVF not only gives you focus confirmation (it's very easy to 'focus on a spot and then re-compose' with the EVF) but it also gives you exposure data, histogram, etc.. Like any EVF, it's an exact replica of the LCD screen.

 

You can set the image preview to show up in the EVF (for 1 second or even longer depending on your settings; or have it not preview altogether) so that you don't have to look at the LCD for any 'chimping.' Again, the EVF is a replica of what's happening on the LCD. And if you wear reading glasses you might need them if reading off the LCD whereas the EVF has a built-in diopter and so it all becomes much more convenient.

 

In addition, the EVF swivels and allows you to 'bow your head' when taking images (like using a Hasselblad) which I find is great when working with people. You don't have to have the camera in your face between you and your subject. For me, this is a big plus with this particular EVF design.

 

The only downside I find with the current EVF is that the resolution is not great considering what's on the market today. There are much better EVFs out there now and I imagine that Leica might come up with a better one to use both on the M240 and the X2 in the near future.

 

I tried using the camera again after using the EVF and found that it's a whole different animal without one. I can't find myself to be able to use it as effectively without the EVF. I personally just can't do the 'at arms length' sort of thing off the LCD. Maybe try one on at your local shop and see if it works for you like it does for me.

[PandjiX2]

Hi there,

 

I use the EVF all the time. It never comes off my X2. Without it I am not a steady camera holder. Highly recommended.

 

I also consider the OVF but I might be too paranoid about not having the right exposure as I love to run it in manual.

 

Hope this helps.

Pandji