It's late 2014 - is it worth to buy an X1?

[leicaphilia]

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Yes. It's a great little camera, as good as the day it was produced. Its image quality is exceptional, and good enough for anything you do. IMO, 12 MP is the sweet spot for digital capture as long as its coupled with decent optics. The optics of the X1 are more than decent.

 

I'd recommend a 35mm optical finder (the Voigtlander is a good option) and the handgrip.

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[ltz]

I've owned the X1 and still find the images hold up well against newer sensors in cameras like the RX100 series and my DF/primes. Having said that, I've observed a price floor around $800ish for the X1 while X2 used (and new (perhaps gray market)) on eBay continue to drop. I was actively looking to acquire an X1 this past week and I came across a used X2 within reasonable striking distance: $1200 with grip, thumbs up, two batteries and original packaging from Popflash. In Leica-land, several hundred is worth the jump up to an X2.

[peterjcb]

I'm a Leica newbie and I was so impressed with my little D-Lux 4 that I just purchased an X1 in almost new condition from KEH for $725.00. The image quality is absolutely superb although the AF is a tad slow in low light....but I knew that before buying it.

[SmithyT]

I bought mine earlier this year second hand from Red Dot cameras. I didn't get the time I wanted to take it out to begin with but have used it more recently and I love it. Yes it has little odd moments but any mess ups in photo taking is down to me not the camera. I normally shoot medium format film but so far I love loved the images the X1 has given me. Like this one: Prior Park

[wda]

SmithyT, you will find that you take the X1 out when the MF kit would be inappropriate. I have owned my X1 since it was first released and it still performs to the original high standards. Despite having more costly kit, the X1 tends to see far more use because it pack a punch in a small package. A good used specimen remains a very good buy today. I cannot see myself selling mine.

[gbealnz]

Couldn't agree more David, I made the "mistake" of buying one (an X1) 12 months ago, and love it. I thought it would be a short lived affair, but no, it is here to stay.

And while I am contemplating a new T, or XV, or possibly an old M8, the X1 just simply continues to amaze me.

GAS will prevail soon though, but the X1 is safe.

Gary

[Guest jvansmit]

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I replaced my X1 with a Fuji X100S and later regretted it.

 

The X100S has a viewfinder, faster lens & better functionality but there's something about the X1, it's simplicity and especially its image quality, that I loved.

 

The X1 is not a fast camera though. The 2.8 lens can be limiting sometimes, and the auto-focus is sluggish but usable.

 

Personally, I'm now done with the new breed of cameras that 'do everything', and much prefer the simplicity, file quality & handling offered by many current & past Leica models.

[SmithyT]

SmithyT, you will find that you take the X1 out when the MF kit would be inappropriate. I have owned my X1 since it was first released and it still performs to the original high standards. Despite having more costly kit, the X1 tends to see far more use because it pack a punch in a small package. A good used specimen remains a very good buy today. I cannot see myself selling mine.

 

Very true, I bought it as I wanted something small and easy to carry about when not wanting to lug the full 6x7 kit out with me, something quick and without film to carry but still taking good quality images...in the end I have found myself using it far more lately than I thought I would, its a cracking little camera. I would love to try the black and white dedicated M though since that is what I shoot most... way beyond my price range however!

[robert blu]

I have one with the optical VF since almost 4 years. It's the only digital camera I have. It's the most used camera I have because of its size, weight and simplicity.

Very oft I use it (her? is the x1 a female?) beside my analog camera (m7 or others) soI have an 100 iso film in the camera and if I need higher iso I can go up to 1600 with the x1.

Do I have any problem with the x1? Yes, sometimes I miss shots due to the slow autofocus and even with more than 40 years of photography with manual cameras it happens, sometimes. But this is counterbalanced by the many pictures I got because I have very oft the camera with me. A quicker, larger camera would probably stay at home ofter and in the case no chance for a photo!

robert

[TK!]

yes, X1 with 12 MP vs. X2 with 16 MP - 12 MP is the reason for a better IQ, but X2 is also a excellent leica.

 

I share this impression but to me it is more or less just a feeling. I cannot make it concrete.

 

Can you explain what is behind the sometimes better pictures out of the X1 than the X2? Where has the X 113 to be seen?

 

-TK

[TheBeep]

Funny, i bought a D-Lux 5 a month ago... upgraded it with tube for filters and the EVF-1. Wow, what a little beast! Still kicking even if it's a bit old.

But yeah...you know how it goes: I wanted an upgrade instantly.

So i bought a used X1 (basicly new, with warranty, bill etc) for 840€ including leather case and an old optical viewfinder. Not the bargain of the century, but worth it i guess.

 

I took it out today for a few shots and as far as i can tell: It wows me like my friends M9 did.

 

Is the grip worth the money?

[wda]

Definitely! I am never without the handgrip plus leather wrist strap. It makes for a secure and reassuring grip. The camera then hangs down beside me until I raise it for shooting.

[SmithyT]

I use a Thumbie grip on my Leica as I wanted to keep the profile as slim as possible for fitting into a case. It doesn't feel as if it will stay but it really does! Well worth the £30 I think it costs (got mine second hand though). Just attach with automotive tape and its secure, works well just adding that little extra grip for your thumb where the winder would be on a film camera.

[TheBeep]

Thanks!

Just bought an X1 grip for 50€ on sale! Sweet deal... for a bit of plastic.

Only downside: I can't use my lovely leica leather case anymore. Couldn't before though...viewfinder attached.

Guess the grip will be attached for those session, where i got the camera strapped around my neck naked (the camera, not me) and taking pictures constantly.

[mca]

Ever since the Fuji X100 came along, I never could understand why anyone would prefer a Leica X1 over it.

 

The Fuji is to me a clear winner: not only is it cheaper, even in today's used market, you can get it for about 1/2 or 2/3 the price of a X1, it has a sensor that's the same size (APS-C) and as far as I know the IQ is just as good as the X1 (of course there can be personal tastes here but I have never seen anyone criticising que IQ of a X100 and I have had one myself, amazing!) and of course you get the viewfinder as a bonus, both optical and digital. Even the flash works marvelously as a fill flash. Not to mention the extra stop in light and the built in ND filter.

 

So the bargain to me is the used X100: so cheap yet so good. Makes a wonderful second camera or a take with you anywhere kind of camera. The X1 looks way overpriced and way underspecd to make for a good deal.

[wda]

.... The X1 looks way overpriced and way underspecd to make for a good deal.

Luis, if the market did not think the X1 was worth the going rate, it wouldn't sell. Words and verbal discussions cannot resolve such a comparison as you make; only comparative use can. I can only go by reports from those who have bought both and end up favouring the X1. If you are happy with the Fuji, enjoy it. My X1 has been in regular use for over five years and still serves me exceptionally well. If cost is a deciding issue, then so be it.

[Myvalko]

I have the X1 for a couple of years now. I use it when I want to go wider than the 50mm or when I want to travel light. The camera is a winner in size/weight/IQ. I recently compared pictures whith my M9+50mm Lux. And X1 results were not bad at all. I have also the d-lux5, and I prefer still the X1. Yesterday, I saw that a used one can be found at 1/3rd of its original price. So go for it if you find it for a good price, specially if Lightroom license is still included.

[MDCT]

I bought the X1 as a backup to my 5d and it gives me one keeper after another. It has a simple film like workflow with great IQ. The 36mm is tack sharp. I love it. IMHO it is just more fun to shoot than the Fuji. It just has a great feel to it.

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[leicadude]

agree with all the comments about IQ and feel and experience and quirks. sometimes I just set it out on my desk for a few days to look at it. beautiful camera that inspires before you even pick it up to shoot and when you do, it rewards you with a uniqueness that is all its own. few things are like that. worth owning.