jfoote Posted February 2, 2014 Share #1 Posted February 2, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) As I type, my D800 and lenses are at one of the big NYC photo stores waiting on an appraisal. For the most part, I use my Nikon with the Sigma 35 1.4. Love the quality, look, color, and all that. Don't love the weight, the "I'm taking a picture" and the in your face. I have an 85, 50 and old 80-200. My appraisal should net me some money. I have a good deal on an NEX 7 and i've used it a little for the last two days but not too much as I may return it. I'm not in love. Many menus, choices, and I can't seem to get that &^%& focus point where I want. I keep hitting the exposure adjustment button. I do not have large hands by any means. I like the sony but am not enthralled by it. I can get a used X1 for a bit less then the NEX 7kit, it has the focus length I like, no more lenses to buy (or go gaga over), about the only thing it needs is a snooty 1/2 case and an optical viewfinder. The X2 interests me but it is 3x the cost of a used x1. I don't think it is 3x the camera. Used is 2x. I don't shoot sports, for the most part I use it to walk around and document my life and surroundings. X1 users, let me know how and why you like yours! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 2, 2014 Posted February 2, 2014 Hi jfoote, Take a look here Somebody tell me why not to do this.... I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
XVarior Posted February 2, 2014 Share #2 Posted February 2, 2014 As I type, my D800 and lenses are at one of the big NYC photo stores waiting on an appraisal. For the most part, I use my Nikon with the Sigma 35 1.4. Love the quality, look, color, and all that. Don't love the weight, the "I'm taking a picture" and the in your face. I have an 85, 50 and old 80-200. My appraisal should net me some money. I have a good deal on an NEX 7 and i've used it a little for the last two days but not too much as I may return it. I'm not in love. Many menus, choices, and I can't seem to get that &^%& focus point where I want. I keep hitting the exposure adjustment button. I do not have large hands by any means. I like the sony but am not enthralled by it. I can get a used X1 for a bit less then the NEX 7kit, it has the focus length I like, no more lenses to buy (or go gaga over), about the only thing it needs is a snooty 1/2 case and an optical viewfinder. The X2 interests me but it is 3x the cost of a used x1. I don't think it is 3x the camera. Used is 2x. I don't shoot sports, for the most part I use it to walk around and document my life and surroundings. X1 users, let me know how and why you like yours! Excellent camera, outstanding IQ if used properly. By properly I mean, using the camera as a Think and Shoot instead of Point And Shoot. True Leica. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickp13 Posted February 2, 2014 Share #3 Posted February 2, 2014 Excellent camera, outstanding IQ if used properly. By properly I mean, using the camera as a Think and Shoot instead of Point And Shoot. True Leica. Think & Shoot is a good description of how to work with the X1. It's certainly easier to take along on more outings than a bigger camera and lens(es), and can deliver very good images. I do enjoy using the external finder; have a good quality half case, and added one of the replacement automatic lens caps for a few $. Try one for at least an afternoon - you'll probably keep it. Greetings from Hamburg Rick 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/221363-somebody-tell-me-why-not-to-do-this/?do=findComment&comment=2524231'>More sharing options...
jfoote Posted February 3, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted February 3, 2014 Think and Shoot! That's excellent! One of my issues is that I come back from an afternoon of shooting with 500 pictures. Way too many and most were not that good......An X1 will slow me down, make me look for photographs and not the spray and pray mentality, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
vcs700s Posted February 3, 2014 Share #5 Posted February 3, 2014 Going from a D800 to an X1 will save you gear to carry and weight. I think it will be somewhat of a shock to your system going from one of the best cameras made by Nikon to Leica's first attempt at building a compact in Germany. I shoot Nikon D700's and have owned the X1 and X2. The X1 is the slowest camera I have ever used. My Panasonic LX7 is way faster at everything! The IQ is good but you will be waiting to focus and write to the card. The X2 is faster and a better camera IMO especially since you can use an EVF on it. Having been down this road I would suggest you look at a Fuji x100 with the new firmware update. You can pick one up used, at the same price you will pay for an X1, and it will include a built in EVF and the rangefinder look, which I happen to like. The files from the Fuji "X" series cameras are outstanding. I love the color and the way the camera handles. Not quite as intuitive to set-up as an X1 but they are easy to get use to. Good luck with whatever you choose. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
2wk Posted February 3, 2014 Share #6 Posted February 3, 2014 Horses for courses. What do you use the camera for? If it's just a hobby cam or for travel shots, then yea... Go for the x1. However, for work... I want a dslr. I went from 5dii, to an Xpro, and a Monochrom, and I recently won an X Vario. I thought the Xpro could take the place of my 5d for work. Not so. For some things, yes. But when u need a machine to just work, and work with a flash, and focus quick....and be full frame 36mp....the dslr is still king. And don't get me wrong, I love rangefinders, I appreciate all cameras for their specific purposes. I currently have the X Vario on craigslist and Ebay. For that much $, I can get a D800e, and that's what I plan on doing. For an everyday camera, I'll always grab the Leica. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted February 3, 2014 Share #7 Posted February 3, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) The X1 is the slowest camera I have ever used. In a way that forces you to think about shots. I had an X1 but the X2 is IMO a little faster - and has vastly improved battery life, among other improvements. Either way don't hesitate! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick_S Posted February 3, 2014 Share #8 Posted February 3, 2014 ...I don't shoot sports, for the most part I use it to walk around and document my life and surroundings. X1 users, let me know how and why you like yours! Unless the life around you is static, are you going to be happy with the response time of these cameras? Alternatively, perhaps a nice M8 with dealer warranty might be worth looking at. Cheapest option could be simply to add a pancake lens to your D800. Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted February 3, 2014 Share #9 Posted February 3, 2014 There's several books worth of reading on the Leica X1 on the forums and web, reviews and user experiences. I'd suggest reading up on it, all the issues are well known. Then decide if those issues are problems for you or not. If not, then give it a go. I personally don't like the lack of a built in viewfinder (a fixed focal length Leica should have been designed with one IMHO, not as an add on) and the electronic extending lens. The other issue with cameras like the X1 is that dust can still work its way onto the sensor (many have reported that happening) which means an expensive trip back to Leica. If I ever buy another fixed lens digital it will be a weather sealed model. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted February 3, 2014 Share #10 Posted February 3, 2014 jfoote, Welcome to the forum! I have owned an X1 since first release and despite adding two newer and improved Leica cameras, I still enjoy the high quality results obtainable when taking the X1 out with me or around the house. It goes with me on all non-photographic specific outings and yields remarkably good results. Like many niche products, theX1 is hugely under-rated, with cost being the biggest deterrent. Speed of operation is not an issue with most of my work. No thinking photographer would choose the X1 for quick response action photography. But there is a multitude of alternative applications to keep your X1 busy and rewarding. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marac Posted February 3, 2014 Share #11 Posted February 3, 2014 I have owned the X1 and now have an X2, the IQ on both are good but the battery life & ability to use an EVF on the X2 are winners in my book. It just feels weird to me to hold a camera at arms length to take a photo, that and the fact my eyes are crap. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnuyork Posted February 7, 2014 Share #12 Posted February 7, 2014 Count me in as a big fan of the X1. Yes it has it's issues - but none much different than shooting a film M (as far as speed is concerned - learn to use the manual focus), but I really like the term I just read above called think and shoot...a good description. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tundraline Posted February 10, 2014 Share #13 Posted February 10, 2014 I have had an X1 for a few years and really like the camera. The lens is superb, and the camera is small and easy to carry around. The X2 costs quite a bit more, and I'm not sure the difference in price is worth it. After a lot of thinking. I recenlty decided to "upgrade" from my X1 to an X-Vario because of its zoom lens and improved sensor. I am not sure whether this upgrade was the right choice, especially since I do not yet have the X-Vario in my hands yet. In any event, it seems likely you would enjoy using the X1. Can't beat the lens or small size. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted February 10, 2014 Share #14 Posted February 10, 2014 I have had an X1 for a few years and really like the camera. The lens is superb, and the camera is small and easy to carry around. The X2 costs quite a bit more, and I'm not sure the difference in price is worth it. After a lot of thinking. I recenlty decided to "upgrade" from my X1 to an X-Vario because of its zoom lens and improved sensor. I am not sure whether this upgrade was the right choice, especially since I do not yet have the X-Vario in my hands yet. In any event, it seems likely you would enjoy using the X1. Can't beat the lens or small size. I do hope you are keeping your X1. The two cameras are surprisingly good companions; one goes out when you don't expect to be shooting pictures. On a protracted holiday tour, you have added insurance against malfunction. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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