XVario still makes sense

[tompoes]

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No doubt the user interface is one of the easiest and most intuitive I have ever used. As an example, many cameras use an EV setting on the control knob on the top plate (instead of a knob for shutter speed and another knob for aperture). For the life of me I cannot figure out how that could possibly be useful. If I need to change exposure, I will either change the aperture or shutter speed, depending upon the situation and creative effect I am looking for - no way would I ever leave that up to the camera.

 

Looking beyond the specs is very important, especially in today's fast-moving technological environment. For example, the XV comes off as having a slow lens but many of those critical of Leica have neglected to consider that ISO performance has also improved, largely negating the "slowness" of the lens.

 

My take on the X Vario thing is that if you like an object of beauty then the Leica X Vario is the camera to buy. If this inspires you then you will accept the shortcomings easily.

The controls are very simple and manual focusing is brilliant. AF is slow and the midrange zoom is adequate but nothing special. This camera is love at first sight but when reality returns you start to have some doubts. It is a jewel you like to keep but you will miss fast AF soon and you are not impressed with the lens. That happened to me. I did not have problems with AF accuracy and was impressed with ISO performance.

[onceuponatime]

if you like an object of beauty ... If this inspires you ...

 

This is pretty much it.

Lots of peolpe think technical first when photographing.

Many feel emotion first when photographing.

[barjohn]

I try to take both into consideration. The X Vario is undoubtedly one of the best looking cameras on the market today. In fact, I think it looks much nicer than the M(240) in that its lines are closer to the M6 and CL than the M(240)'s lines. Even the M8 looked like an M6 that needed a diet.

[onceuponatime]

I try to take both into consideration.

 

For myself, I have after various meanderings, now photograph the same way regardless of camera (photos I dont post on this forum).

Therefore the technical requirement of my photogrpahy is very simple, allowing me to photgraph my way with a point and shoot digital compact as with a TLR.

Henceforth I forego technical considerations and gravitate far more towards the "emotional contact" I have with a cameras.

[Likaleica]

I think it was Reid Reviews which first pointed out that because aperture, shutter speed, focus, and focal length are all available to be set manually with the camera turned off and held at waist level the XV has the potential for an effective street shooter.

 

Just to clarify, the camera must be in the ON position, but will awaken from sleep much faster with the auto functions (focus, aperture, shutter speed) disabled. Unlike an M6 it cannot be used with camera turned off.

[NJUSA]

 

I was the architect and manager of a team that developed a large enterprise system for the U.S. Navy that is now deployed on every surface ship, most of the submarines and most of the Navy calibration laboratories. The system must operate 24/7 and when any problem arises it must be fixed immediately. We typically diagnose and send out a patch to repair a software problem in 24 hours or less. The team that programmed and supports this system that handles millions of items, manages workload and automates calibration of tens of thousands of items per year..approximately 10 highly skilled programmers. If any location were to go down they could have 100 people standing around unable to do their work. If we can do that with 10 people so should Leica with their resources.

 

John,

With all due respect, are you seriously comparing issues with the USA's national security to a luxury camera?

[barjohn]

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Absolutely not! My point was that a lot can be accomplished by a small team of highly skilled individuals. Therefore, the constant refrain that Leica can't do things quickly because they are a small company just doesn't ring true.

[Ecaton]

John,

With all due respect, are you seriously comparing issues with the USA's national security to a luxury camera?

 

 

Might barjohn`s team be part of the reason to the humongous US budget deficit....?

At least Leica runs a nicely profitable ship.

[barjohn]

I wish my ten man team and I were the cause of the US budget deficit because that would mean we were being paid a lot more money than we have been getting!

[XVarior]

With the releasse of A7/r, RX10 with 24-200 constant f2.8 Zeiss, it may appear XVario is already long in the tooth.

Well XVario is unique in being currently the only apsc with fixed zoom which gives the classic simple analog style handling.

 

For those who like the DR of apsc over 1" and m43 and classic handling and dont want to keep changing lenses

or dont want to carry four primes 28, 35, 50, 75 Xvario still makes sense.

 

In my humble opinion, the camera that makes sense is the camera that I get attached to. It's the experience not the specs that matter specially today with dozens and dozens of very good cameras and PP software.

Personally, I've never felt any attachment for a camera before unless I met the X Vario, it didn't only put my 5D MK-III with its prime lenses into hibernation mode, it managed to be come my shadow. I just live it.