X-Vario - target market ???

[colonel]

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As a former happy user of the X2 I was interested in the X-Vario.

 

Its a nice idea to have a compact zoom with APS-C or bigger sensor which can be smaller and lighter.

 

However the X-Vario has me scratching my head. From what I have read:

1. The lens is very good, but not outstanding

2. The sensor is perhaps a bit dated and has an AA filter, albeit weak.

3. The camera is polycarbonate, except for an aluminium top plate.

 

I actually like that the lens does not collapse on off, as these have a limited lifespan due to the extra mechanicals and sucking in dust.

 

It seems that this camera is aimed at rich folk who understand enough about photography to care about the output and not be satisfied with a rebadged Panasonic compact but do not want to be bothered with the complexity of achieving good results with the M.

 

Perhaps the wives of Chinese regional governors, etc ?

 

However it would be nice if the construction was more jewellery like in that case.

 

I really wanted to like this as a goto zoom, but the price and slowness has me scratching my head. A Nex-6 with 16-50 or a X-E1 or X-M1 with 18-55 are less then half the price and better quality pictures.

 

Possibly I'll get one second hand, makes more sense. Interestingly I see that they are already available discounted from certain retailers in Europe. £1,500 would be my sweet spot.

 

Wondered if anyone is actually using one as their main camera ?

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[Peter L]

Actually the lens is outstanding , I take it, that you, as so many others , comment on the camera's qualities without having experienced it , sort of vicariously.

Do you have any other suggestions on what the wives of Chinese regional governors

might like ?

 

Unfortunately Leica wasn't able to design the camera to you specifications and price point, I am sure they will apologize to you in time when they realize the error of their ways.

 

I use the X-vario as one of my main cameras, just shooting snaps as an on the go camera for hiking in the mountains with my dogs, skiing and golf.

 

My other main camera is a Fujifilm Xpro1 with a bunch of lenses, I would say my serious camera , however, I am not very serious about photography, mostly fun and enjoyment, it gives me pleasure and it makes me see things.

 

Once I get the grip, I can use it as a one handed everything auto camera for shooting images out of my airplane in slow flight with the side window open, I did that with the X2, works great, I do need the other hand for controlling the aircraft, did a whole landing sequence once, that got a little tricky though.

 

I too noticed a used X Vario for sale at $2950, my guess is that you will have to wait a while before it reaches your price point, in the meantime your X2 will serve you well

with nearly the identical image quality.

 

The image quality of the X Vario is nearly identical or is identical to the image quality of my Xpro1, although the latter is more versatile, also much more to carrie with the lenses and such.

[mrware]

 

Possibly I'll get one second hand, makes more sense. Interestingly I see that they are already available discounted from certain retailers in Europe. £1,500 would be my sweet spot.

 

Wondered if anyone is actually using one as their main camera ?

 

Please post links to the discounts so those wanting the camera may enjoy the savings.

[bill]

Please don't, unless they are dealers that sponsor this forum.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[mrware]

Sorry Bill. I didn't think in terms of sponsorship. I was frankly surprised of any discounts. In the U.S. I don't recall ever seeing any discounts and all dealers have the same price so I thought Leica were probably supporting their dealer network well. By that I mean they aren't allowing dealers to cannibalize one another.

[bill]

No problem at all. It's just that there are dealers who specifically sponsor here so it is only fair.

 

As you say I would be surprised to see any price flexibility - yet.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[colonel]

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Please don't, unless they are dealers that sponsor this forum.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

 

Ok

Can I pm ?

[colonel]

Actually the lens is outstanding , I take it, that you, as so many others , comment on the camera's qualities without having experienced it , sort of vicariously.

Do you have any other suggestions on what the wives of Chinese regional governors

might like ?

 

Unfortunately Leica wasn't able to design the camera to you specifications and price point, I am sure they will apologize to you in time when they realize the error of their ways.

 

 

The latter half of your response was more useful

 

Many reviews, such as Ming Thein, comment on the lens quality.

 

The Chinese Leica shops are doing very well, as has been noted here.

 

Very funny, but I think everything has its price point even Leica, even the Hassleblad Luna. Which Hassleblad will be also disappointed to know I am not buying.

[Peter L]

The latter half of your response was more useful

 

Many reviews, such as Ming Thein, comment on the lens quality.

 

The Chinese Leica shops are doing very well, as has been noted here.

 

Very funny, but I think everything has its price point even Leica, even the Hassleblad Luna. Which Hassleblad will be also disappointed to know I am not buying.

 

I don't think anyone cares whether or not you purchase the or a camera except for the person selling it to you, I think you got the point about vicariously evaluating a camera and offering your opinion, of course you are entitled to your opinion, however

you derived it.

 

The comment about the wives of Chinese regional

governors was insensitive and has nothing to do with anything.

[colonel]

I don't think anyone cares whether or not you purchase the or a camera except for the person selling it to you, I think you got the point about vicariously evaluating a camera and offering your opinion, of course you are entitled to your opinion, however

you derived it.

 

The comment about the wives of Chinese regional

governors was insensitive and has nothing to do with anything.

 

I am not sure why you have taken this personally

 

I never said anyone cared about me, I was talking about target market (subject!!)

 

I was quoting the average of reviews by gung-ho Leica enthusiasts. Before purchase one only has reviews to go on and this is a perfectly good technique for evaluation.

 

Nonsense about insensitivity. It has been commented here about the predilections of Chinese in buying Leica. Its a key market for Leica and they sell more there then in Europe now. And, believe it or not, its not the average Chinese foxconn worker who is buying them.

[barjohn]

By the way, evaluating a camera that dealers are not willing to stock a demo unit for evaluation, for whatever reason, leaves only what one can read from others. Preferably less biased owners and reviewers though I also read the biased ones.

[jaapv]

:confused:My dealer has a try-out camera.

[Peter L]

In fact, my dealer, The Camera Store in Calgary, let me have the X vario for 2 weeks

before final commitment.

[colonel]

In fact, my dealer, The Camera Store in Calgary, let me have the X vario for 2 weeks

before final commitment.

 

great service

 

I wouldn't even mind paying a small fee for that

[barjohn]

Both Orange County California dealers refused to even ope a box.

[Guest badbob]

Both Orange County California dealers refused to even ope a box.

 

I never was thrilled with the service at Samy's in The OC, but I've been really happy with the Santa Barbara store. And I can't imagine the store on Fairfax not showing the camera. C'est la vie.