A case for the X-Vario ?

[colonel]

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I am looking for a smaller simpler camera to compliment the heavy multi-lens systems I have.

 

The X-Vario started to peak my interest when reviewing pictures on the internet, some really superb colours and definition, together with the review from Sean Reid, who I trust deeply, and some others.

Interestingly all the reviews I have read end up positive. A most curious one is here, cleverly transforming pre-launch negativity:

Review: Leica X Vario Defies Naysayers with Impressive Optics

 

The choice is between an X100S and the X-Vario. Two stops better light reception vs a zoom range. No doubt these can not be combined in a single camera that remains smallish.

 

So the choice is range against light! My other gear deals with light and perhaps a walk-around range with more flexibility is a refreshing change from years of primes.

 

Anyhow I finally have had a X-Vario in my hands for testing purposes

 

I have to say that holding this camera in your hand totally alters the impression of the camera. Firstly the build quality is excellent, really excellent. This surprised me, as I was expecting something more like the X2, which is good, but not really M9/240 class.

I recently bought a new Omega watch. Why buy something 10x more expensive then a good looking Seiko which would do the same job ? Just because it looks beautiful and I get pleasure looking at it. For many people, the X-Vario will have this type of feel. This is different from the X2 which is much lighter and, although very nicely built, is certainly in a different league from the X-Vario.

Frankly this was unexpected, and can only be gleaned by actually holding the thing.

Leica has been heavily criticized by calling it a Mini-M. When holding it is one's hands, and seeing the layout on the back and the general size, this is actually not a bad description, ignoring the fact its not a rangefinder!

 

Next lets move onto size. This is not a pocket camera. not only is the lens slightly bigger then the 50mm Summilux but the body is bigger, even with space for that nice side step which the M9 had.

It is a compact camera, but reasonably its the same size, give or take, as the Fuji X-E1+18-55mm, Nex-6+18-55mm and heavier.

In this case heavier works. It is not a heavy camera per-se, it just has a reassuring heft.

However it has to be either round your neck or in a small carry bag, not your pocket (a Crumpler Jackpack 1500 as an example of an ideal small carrier).

 

The lens is beautiful and is non-retractable. This is great as it means no failed retraction mechanism after a few years and no dust inside. It is very solidly built and definitely feels like a Leica or Zeiss lens. The focus and zoom ring are stiff but large and lovely to use.

 

The camera is very quick in use, notably more so then the X100 I used to have and on par with the Sony RX1, perhaps slightly faster in low light or it seemed to hunt less then the RX1.

The focus point can be shrunk to a spot and is easy to use.

The EVF works as expected. Add-ons EVFs are a subject of dispute, but as I heavily argued for the RX1, I love the option to take the EVF off and make the camera smaller. Adding an EVF permanently increases at least two dimensions of the camera whichever way you do it.

 

I find the menu system to have an annoying control system, perhaps one will get used to this over time. Effectively you need to press menu, navigate, then press the right button to change things, rather then the intuitive centre button, and then to confirm you have to press the menu button again. This is totally against the convention of every other camera system where pressing the menu button goes back a step.

 

In terms of shutter noise, there is a light tick which is effectively silent. The X-E1 is slightly noisier and the RX1 is a hairsbreadth quieter, but in anything except an empty gym-hall I guess no one will hear.

 

Manual focus is well thought out. Its actually a joy, and perversely, might inspire you to use it where not absolutely necessary. The flick of the focus dial to switch between MF and AF seems so logical, but is quite unique.

 

Colours are simply excellent. I am both a sky and clouds and a person's skin specialist. I have not seen something so good out of the box since Fuji.

Therefore on par with Fuji and Canon, clearly ahead of Nikon and Sony and if I might say, slightly ahead of the M9 as well.

 

Video looks ok but is not my area. An external microphone can be used which I understand is the first step to proper practical video recording. They showed me how this all worked on a tripod with a hood in the Leica shop. it looked impressive enough. For others to decide!

 

Picture quality I can't comment on yet, still analyzing the raws, but from what I have seen and according to Sean Reid its excellent, surpassing the Fuji x-trans for detail but behind the RX1. For ISO noise both the RX1 and X-trans come out a head by at least two and one stops respectively. Although no doubt the Fuji firmware is trading detail for noise control.

 

finally, and most trivially, the accessories aren't half bad, unlike soem other Leica cameras. The half leather cases and strap are very nice. Perhaps the hood should have been included ....

 

Without getting a commission I would recommend Sean's review and also his comparison reviews with other cameras.

 

So in summary what are the development points for the X-Vario ?

1. A nice to use and logical menu spoiled by a silly control system

2. MF would benefit from an on-screen distance display

3. Where is focus peaking - did I miss something ?

4. 1/2000 speed limitation

 

And what are the advantages of the X-Vario ?

1. Terrific build quality

2. Ownership pride - you just want to pick it up

3. An outstanding lens, on the top heap of mid-range zooms.

4. Having a useable Zoom range - 24mm for the Vario 2 please Leica !!!

5. Compact

6. Colours are excellent.

 

Target market ? Russian oligarch's and Chinese regional governor's wives, b/hollywood and the European tax free haven set no doubt, but surprisingly I think it makes its mark for serious shooters, with or without other kit.

 

Where do I go from here ? The Fuji X-E1 system doesn't have the build, the ultimate resolution or the corner sharpness of the lens but it does have gorgeous colours, the centre sharpness, it is lighter and has interchangeable lenses. The Nex-6's zoom lens is rubbish, which means you have to buy Zeiss primes to really use this system - so back with a bag of lenses.

The RX1, GX, Coolpix A and X100S are all fixed lens, so a different decision. Only the RX1 has build quality approaching the X-Vario, with the X100S in third.

 

As I am a sick and twisted person I will probably end up with the X100S and the X-Vario, but the X-Vario has certainly made its case to me so far and also shown me that Leica know their bifurcated target market perhaps a little better then some people think.

[Guest badbob]

That was a great review - thank you. But I think I'm the target market - a very ordinary person who makes an ordinary salary, but I love the Leica quality so much that I sacrifice other more expensive comforts such as a nice car or luxury home so that I can have high quality items like the X Vario. The Oligarchs and Governors are not numerous enough to be a target market, especially when most of them have chosen the Leica 'S' camera instead.

[colonel]

That was a great review - thank you. But I think I'm the target market - a very ordinary person who makes an ordinary salary, but I love the Leica quality so much that I sacrifice other more expensive comforts such as a nice car or luxury home so that I can have high quality items like the X Vario. The Oligarchs and Governors are not numerous enough to be a target market, especially when most of them have chosen the Leica 'S' camera instead.

 

True enough

[larsv]

I almost start regretting buying the X pro-1 (and the X2 and X100s)

Nah, I'm happy. But what am I going to dispose of?

 

Nice and useful review!

[aballard]

Fine review, and I echo it, having had the XV for about two weeks now.

[miatadan]

My Leica X Vario came in today...even packaging was really nice and made you feel you purchased quality.

I agree with colonel about excellent build quality and I am impressed on how camera feels in my hand.

 

It was the reviews from Swan Reid and Jono Slack that convinced me that the picture quality was to usual Leica standards.

 

One thing I really like is that the lens has the feel of quality compared to most Canon or Nikon lens.

Being non-retractable is important to me as I was concerned about dust issues on sensor.

 

Battery is in charger as I write this, so no chance to take pictures yet.

 

Hoping it is Adobe Lightroom 5 you get and not the 4.

 

Dan

[CalArts 99]

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As I am a sick and twisted person I will probably end up with the X100S and the X-Vario, but the X-Vario has certainly made its case to me so far and also shown me that Leica know their bifurcated target market perhaps a little better then some people think.

 

I think the X100s and X-Vario are different enough in user experience (and results) to warrant having both.

 

The X-Vario may not be 'pocket' size but I would think that with the long lens that it ends up being more ergonomic. i.e., you can cradle your left hand under the lens (like one would do using a Leica M.)

 

The market for the X-Vario is for anyone who feels the camera fits their needs and I'm sure that will cover a wide spectrum of individuals.

[CalArts 99]

 

Hoping it is Adobe Lightroom 5 you get and not the 4.

 

 

It's an Adobe Lightroom license and not specific to a version. I waited to activate my license when I bought my X2 (Lightroom was still v4 at the time.) After v5 finally came out, I activated it on the Leica website and received a license number.

[euston]

My Leica X Vario came in today...

 

Dan, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do mine. The internet herd got it wrong, as they often do. Reid and Slack got it right, as they often do, and the colonel’s review has hit the nail squarely on the head.

[stuny]

I'm often both amused and miffed at how frequently we see Forum members posting damning comments on new equipment that they haven't even touched, even before the product is available in their market.

[colonel]

I'm often both amused and miffed at how frequently we see Forum members posting damning comments on new equipment that they haven't even touched, even before the product is available in their market.

 

So true

 

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