satijntje Posted July 4, 2013 Share #1 Posted July 4, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi, I have a lot of pleasure with my mint M8 and a 40mm Summicron. However, as my eyes are not 100% anymore after a stroke, the focussing is a nightmare for me. Depending on the object and on the light conditions it takes me sometimes 10 secs or more to focus. I have a -3 diopter lens on the viewfinder, and have tried the rubber cup on it already before without any improvements. The number of Out of focus pics are significant (between 1/4t and 1/3rd), but I make 2 or 3 pics with always refocussing the lens with static objects, so the statistical chance that I have a good pic is acceptable. Post processing takes a significant amount of time, I shoot raw and jpeg in parallel. So now we have the X-Vario in the Leica program. I used to have a X1 in the past, but sold it for an M again, hoping that the M-pics would be better then the X pics. Thinking now to sell my M8 and cron and to buy an XV. Not sure if this gear will give me the same pleasure as my M8. Has anybody of you changed from M to XV, and what are your experiences? I will not touch a Fuji or Sony, it must be Leica! Looking forward reading your feedback! Thanks is advance John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 4, 2013 Posted July 4, 2013 Hi satijntje, Take a look here Anybody switched from M to X-Vario? Experiences?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
photoelch Posted July 4, 2013 Share #2 Posted July 4, 2013 I'm thinking the same way. But not decision until now.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
satijntje Posted July 4, 2013 Author Share #3 Posted July 4, 2013 I'm thinking the same way. But not decision until now.... I usually buy my Leica stuff second hand to keep losses within a certain limit, but this XV will give significant lost when I don't like it and I want to sell it again afterwards J Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted July 4, 2013 Share #4 Posted July 4, 2013 I usually buy my Leica stuff second hand to keep losses within a certain limit, but this XV will give significant lost when I don't like it and I want to sell it again afterwards J Sorry to hear about your health, I wish you full recovery Certainly demo it in a shop I had a M8 some time ago and have come via other cameras. The XV is a lovely camera, but is very different with AF (which requires its own techniques different from MF) and zoom combined with an aperture size of f3.5 to f6.4. On the other hand the ISO performance of the M8 is rubbish (sorry for the emotive word) so you will find that the ISO 3200 performance of the XV better in fact then 640 on the M8. Its really difficult for someone else to know your photographic likes and dislikes. In terms of the pictures it delivers they have all the character of the M8 but more detail and better colours, if thats your concern. For handling you need to try really and decide yourself. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
euston Posted July 4, 2013 Share #5 Posted July 4, 2013 John, in your situation you should definitely try out the X Vario. You may find that you can focus manually on the LCD screen because the image is larger than in a viewfinder and you can hold it at different distances from your eyes which may be helpful. The centre of the image is magnified in manual focus mode which may also make things easier for you. If manual focus is still difficult you just switch to autofocus with a twist of the focus ring and let the camera take over. I've had good results with auto focus even in poor light. Even when autofocus is slow it is accurate and reliable. I don't think you'll be disappointed by the image quality. It is well up to Leica standards. The lens, in my opinion, is wonderful. It feels like you expect a Leica lens to feel and delivers great clarity and sharpness. And it's often a real convenience to have a range of focal lengths literally at your finger tips. I hope you find a solution whether it's the X Vario or some other camera. Having suffered in the past from cataract I have some idea of how frustrating sight problems are for a photographer. Whatever you decide, let us know how you get on! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted July 4, 2013 Share #6 Posted July 4, 2013 Hi, the X Vario could be the ideal Leica solution for you, but I would say you need to be happy with using the EVF viewfinder - personally I really dislike them. Here's another option, if you mostly use the 40mm. Buy a Snapshot Skopar lens. It's a 25mm f4 (comparable f stop to the Vario). The Snapshot version has no rangefinder coupling but has 3 focus click stops. After a while you instinctively know which one to use and the dof makes up for any slight errors. I've not manage to get an out of focus shot yet! It's an LTM lens so you need an adaptor. There is an M version which is coupled but doesn't have the click stops, and they are the reason I'm suggesting it. It's a great little lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
satijntje Posted July 12, 2013 Author Share #7 Posted July 12, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi, thanks for the feedback. I'm still hesitating to pull the trigger the buy the XV! Maybe I will be disappointed if I will discover that the M8 is still more fun to use. My M8 files need a lot of PP in LR4, and I assume that the XV files (even the OOC JPEGs) are less timeconsumers then the M8 pics. I will go to see my Leica shop to give it a try this weekend. gr John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlindstrom Posted July 12, 2013 Share #8 Posted July 12, 2013 Maybe I will be disappointed if I will discover that the M8 is still more fun to use. My M8 files need a lot of PP in LR4, and I assume that the XV files (even the OOC JPEGs) are less timeconsumers then the M8 pics.John The fun factor depends on what you truly enjoy. If it's manual focus & experience of rangefinder, then the vario will fail miserably. If you like autofocus and zoom, then the vario will be closer to what you enjoy. The amount of post processing isn't likely to change all that much. The M8 files don't demand any more or less work than other cameras. It's all about your style of post processing and not so much what a good quality camera produces in it's raw files. So, you need to figure out what you want/need and then base your decision on that. No amount of internet forum advice will change that one way or the other. Go try out the camera, get some photos on your own card and then take a little time to inspect the results & think about your needs. Then pull the trigger if need be.. //Juha Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom0511 Posted July 12, 2013 Share #9 Posted July 12, 2013 Hi, thanks for the feedback. I'm still hesitating to pull the trigger the buy the XV! Maybe I will be disappointed if I will discover that the M8 is still more fun to use. My M8 files need a lot of PP in LR4, and I assume that the XV files (even the OOC JPEGs) are less timeconsumers then the M8 pics. I will go to see my Leica shop to give it a try this weekend. gr John If you can try it yourself is the best thing to make sure you like it. My feeling is that you will like it better than you thought There is one main difference vs the M8/M9 - you "loose" the possibility of shooting shallow DOF. Which I don't mind - but now you will have to be more carefull with the background "composing". Right now the Vario X is my fun and most used cameras (I also own M9, a DSLR and some other (too much) "stuff". Let us know how you like it. Regards, Tom Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
satijntje Posted July 21, 2013 Author Share #10 Posted July 21, 2013 So, I have bought a second hand XV, and will use it in parallel with my M8 that has been connected to a 50mm ASPH Lux. Time will learn me which Camera I will keep finally, but as I have bought it second hand, I will not loose that much when I decide to sell it again (that I however do not expect). Pics will come soon! John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brill64 Posted July 22, 2013 Share #11 Posted July 22, 2013 Hi John, I'm really sorry to hear about your stroke & wish you a speedy & adaptable recovery. It takes time. Re : your M8 & 50lux, think whether you can learn to adapt your shooting technique to shoot more manually. Bump up the ISO, stop down to f8 set a reasonably fast shutter speed & zone focus at about 6 feet. Of course you may lose bokeh but it may change the way you work & see images in a new light. If you need to shoot at f2, screw a 1.25X plus 1.4X viewfinder magnifier together onto the eyepiece of your M8, which will really improve magnification of the rangefinder patch for focusing. If you find this makes the 35mm framelines difficult to read, add a 35mm optical viewfinder in the camera hotshoe for more accurate framing. I have no idea how you shoot or your level of experience so please try not to misunderstand me. Anyway, I hope you find this useful. It sounds like you really love your M8 & great decision to keep it. Btw...I think the X-Vario is an awesome camera too although slightly different learning curve to a rangefinder. Great Leica build & feel. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 22, 2013 Share #12 Posted July 22, 2013 So, I have bought a second hand XV, and will use it in parallel with my M8 that has been connected to a 50mm ASPH Lux.Time will learn me which Camera I will keep finally, but as I have bought it second hand, I will not loose that much when I decide to sell it again (that I however do not expect). Pics will come soon! John hallo john, wo und zu welchem preis gibt's die second hand XV. vorführmodell ??? erbitte PN-antwort danke. mbg klaus-michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
satijntje Posted July 22, 2013 Author Share #13 Posted July 22, 2013 ..... Got it here from the classifieds:D John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
beewee Posted July 23, 2013 Share #14 Posted July 23, 2013 I have an M8.2 with an assortment of M lenses but recently picked up the XV as a companion and a lighter weight camera for travel and more ambitious mountain pursuits. I've taken it out for one full day and here are some of my initial impressions. The good: - Much lighter (once you've factored in the weight of lenses) - every gram counts when you gotta take your camera up 1500+ metres of elevation gain in a single day - Lens zoom and focus is super smooth (not 35 FLE smooth but nicer my 28/2.8 ASPH) - If you're shooting at infinity, setting to manual focus makes the camera much more responsive - In good light (which is when I go to the mountains), AF is fast and even in low light, AF is sufficient for anything not at AF - I dig the macro for wild flowers and not having to carry a macro lens or a separate camera - Lens has low distortion, low CA, and very even sharpness across the entire frame The strange/bad/gripes/what-have-you: - What's the deal with the shutter dial not being in 1/2 stop or 1/3 stop increments? This is seriously annoying. - Focus zoom is not very useful, I can't see myself using it at all after giving it a couple try in good light. It's just not as confidence inspiring as a proper range finder - LCD does scratches even when rubbing against plastic - no gorilla glass or sapphire crystal =( - This one is just a personal preference thing but I definitely prefer a softer nylon strap compared to the stiffer leather strap - The lens is not nearly as sharp as any of my M lenses which out resolves the M8.2 sensor. It's not horrible per say but it's not great either when coming from an M8.2 and a wide selection of leica's sharper lenses (35FLE, 28/2.8 ASPH, 50/2, 18 SE, 90/2.8, etc...) - Slow lens for anything other than day time - Oh the shutter lag!!! Having used the M8.2 with imperceptible shutter lag, even shooting full manual exposure and focus makes me feel like I'm waiting ages before the shutter actually fires when shooting fast moving things (i.e. animals running at close range, fast moving traffic, etc...). You can pretty much forget about shooting anything that moves unless you really hone your psychic prediction skills. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted July 28, 2013 Share #15 Posted July 28, 2013 ..... Got it here from the classifieds:D John John, Has your 'hit rate' and 'sharp focus' improved with the X Vario compared to using the M8? dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpreisch Posted July 29, 2013 Share #16 Posted July 29, 2013 Mine has, but that is probably because of me and not the M8. When I hit focus with the M8 it was wonderful. When I didn't it was very frustrating. Changing focal lengths from 28cron to 90cron to 50voightlander nocton. was always a challenge. The X Verio really fits my shooting style. That may be what it is all about...That and Leica glass. Jim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
satijntje Posted July 30, 2013 Author Share #17 Posted July 30, 2013 Hi, last weekend I had the first real trials with the X-Vario. Of course the use of a AF camera is completely different compared to a MF one. I made some very nice pics with the XV, even a few shots at ISO3600 during the evening at a runners race (see pic below). If I have to make a choice between my M8+Lux and the XV, the tendency goes to my M8. Number of pics that I can forget with my M8 are about 50% because out of focus, with the XV below 10%. It's indeed true that in case I hit the focus 100%, the pics taken with my M8 in daylight are really wonderful as I like to shoot with my lux wide open. But the XV lens is wonderful, the variable zoom very useful, but ....... the M8 makes definitely more fun to me. I will keep both cameras for a 2 or 3 more weeks, and will then decide which one to keep. As I still have a small RX100, this pocket camera is a nice second camera that I can take with me if I know I need video, or the light conditions are difficult or if I need a zoom. So for the moment I cannot make a decision, but one thing is for sure, one Leica has to go (Wife Acceptance Factor plays a major role). Best John Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/208175-anybody-switched-from-m-to-x-vario-experiences/?do=findComment&comment=2385883'>More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 30, 2013 Share #18 Posted July 30, 2013 Hi, last weekend I had the first real trials with the X-Vario. Of course the use of a AF camera is completely different compared to a MF one. I made some very nice pics with the XV, even a few shots at ISO3600 during the evening at a runners race (see pic below). If I have to make a choice between my M8+Lux and the XV, the tendency goes to my M8. Number of pics that I can forget with my M8 are about 50% because out of focus, with the XV below 10%. It's indeed true that in case I hit the focus 100%, the pics taken with my M8 in daylight are really wonderful as I like to shoot with my lux wide open. But the XV lens is wonderful, the variable zoom very useful, but ....... the M8 makes definitely more fun to me. I will keep both cameras for a 2 or 3 more weeks, and will then decide which one to keep. As I still have a small RX100, this pocket camera is a nice second camera that I can take with me if I know I need video, or the light conditions are difficult or if I need a zoom. So for the moment I cannot make a decision, but one thing is for sure, one Leica has to go (Wife Acceptance Factor plays a major role). Best John auf Deine entscheidung bin ich nun wirklich gespannt. bei mir steht ggf. die D-Lux 5 zur disposition. hab noch die D-Lux 6 und V-Lux 3. letztere bleibt als superzoom. so hat eben jeder die qual der wahl. mehr als zwei kameras?, dann hätte ich DSLR + objektive behalten können. somit bleibt die XVario nach wie vor meine wunschkandidatin. gruß klaus-michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
satijntje Posted August 17, 2013 Author Share #19 Posted August 17, 2013 Hi, After showing some of my X-Vario Pics to a Professional photographer yesterday, I have taken my decision to keep the XV and to sell my M8 with my silver 50mm ASPH Summilux. As I have some eyeproblems, the XV is the Solution for ME. I Love this Little Camera, and i have made some wonderfull Pics the Last 2 weeks. Especially the OOC JPegs B&W are stunning. It is difficult to improve picture quality by using LR5 and silverefex and the DNG Files. The availability of the 28-70 mm zoomrange has turned out to be extremely useful. I felt in love with the X-Vario, and I have cancelled my pre order for the M240! Next week I will post some of my best pics here. John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
euston Posted August 17, 2013 Share #20 Posted August 17, 2013 I'm very pleased to hear that the X Vario is working out for you, John. I thought it might. Looking forward to seeing more photos from you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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