Leica M8 vs Fuji X E1 (some similarities)

[david strachan]

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The Leica M8 and Fujifilm X E1 (lately X E2) have many things in common. About the same sensor size, and camera layout, the Japanese model feels a little bit like a Leica. But the build quality is nowhere to be seen. The Leica is a metal shell, heft and indestructible feel, and the X E1 is a screwed together mixture of plastic and metal.

These opinions are just from my recent observations regarding the two cameras. I’ve really missed Live View for macro work…even though the Visoflex works so well. (Uuum not with Flash unfortunately!). My love affair with my M8 continues, but perhaps now, more one of aging respect.

 

The X E1 has no windows, so no smudging which was a problem on the M8. This also means no dust or haze in the viewfinder. The Fuji has smooth lines, and looks like a no-nonsense fully electronic “Leica” somewhat akin to a film Leica. It feels nice enough. Perhaps too light…cannot hold slow speeds like the Leica M8.

 

The M8 sensor is two bits glued together side by side…a collaboration between Kodak and Leica…a long time ago. The new X Trans sensor by Fuji is a little smaller, and is a new layout of the old Bayer pattern. This gives excellent auto white balance and low noise high ISO. The sensor works well for IR, just like the Leica. The M8 can’t do star trails…lumpy, variable, spotty light. The X E1 sensor gives perfectly smooth multi coloured trails…but it is very hard to focus using the fully electronic viewfinder, requiring high-gain and viewfinder sensor-burst artifacting…the M8 was easy to focus on stars.

 

Review mode on the Leica is slow, and on a low res screen. The menu system on the M8 is excellent…a very ergonomic camera even though it looks difficult to hold. I’ve never needed a Thumbie, and have never felt like it might slip or drop. The M8 is heavy with say, my Canon 50mm f1.4 LTM. The X E1 is much lighter by 265g, with the same lens.

 

Full sized sensors continue to have edge problems with many legacy lenses…smearing and edge colour aberrations. The latest M typ 240 and even the new Sony A7r is still having these problems. The smaller APS sensor size of the M8 and the X E1 have perfect rendering with all my lenses…after all one is using the central best part of the lens coverage. I think my urge for a full frame sensor has finally abated. Also it seems no need for anti aliasing/IR filter over the sensor…no none on the latest Fuji X E’s and Sony A7r.

 

Leica’s are good at focusing 1m to infinity. The rangefinder system and optical viewfinder are the nicest and most accurate focusing. BUT only greater than one metre. The Visoflex III if you want live view on an M8 or M9…this stuff is totally unwieldy. The joy of old Micro Nikkor 55mm f3.5 and zoom Nikkors, even Pentax SMC Takumars are superb, and all my old Leica lenses. Any old lens seems to work with the X E1, and Focus Peaking is incorporated into the latest firmware update.

 

I love my Leica’s IIIf, M6 and M8. Nothing has ever come close to their easy use, for their style of photography. But I do wish Leica would “get with it” a bit.

 

Cheers Dave S

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[jaapv]

The only similarity I can see between the cameras are the shutter dial and on/off switch….:rolleyes:

[Les Paul]

Thank you David. This has been really helpfull to me.

[david strachan]

Thank you David. This has been really helpfull to me.

 

Thanks Les.

I was hoping my meagre comparison may help others.

I do see the cameras as excellent complimentary bodies. They are similar, but also very different. They are both good cameras, but use the right camera for the particular situation...works well.

cheers Dave S