Jump to content

Leica X (Typ 113) - Is it a Worthwhile Upgrade?


wda

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The Leica X-type cameras no longer stimulate much forum activity. So, notwithstanding a short thread on this topic which contained some useful information, I am seeking wider views from owners of this camera, particularly those who have upgraded from X1 or X2 and from those contemplating purchase of the new model.

 

When the Leica X was first announced I was excited by the lens upgrade (Elmarit to Summilux), having expected to see a Summicron used. (Semantically, the Leica marketing people have rather stretched the accepted modern definition that a Summilux lens has a starting aperture of f/1.4) However the increase in bulk, weight and depth, indicated that it would not be an effective replacement for me as a ‘pocket’ camera. My X1 yields so many good pictures because it is the only camera with me on non-photographic outings. I have grown to accept that fact despite having an X Vario and M. So an upgrade to Leica X would not displace the X1 for me.

 

From a pure specification point of view, these appear to be the main advantages and disadvantages of the upgrade from X1 to X (Typ 113):

 

Advantages

 

Higher resolution (16.2 cf. 12.2 M)

Faster lens (greater than 1 EV)

Improved ergonomics (provided a hand-grip is included)

Closer minimum focusing (20 cm cf. 30 cm)

Increased sensitivity (3200 cf. 12500)

Better monitor resolution (920,000 cf. 230,000 pixels) and also very slightly larger monitor.

 

Disadvantages

 

Heavier (486 g cf. 286 g)

Depth (78 mm cf. 32 mm)

 

I don’t question the added performance; but it seems that it would not replace my X1 for those occasions when photography is not top of the agenda.

 

So, for those who now own the new Leica X, please share your experiences and conclusions with me (and others who might take a similar view to me). Thank you.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I call it Evolution rather than Revolution..

All manufacturers have to bring new models to the table, otherwise there will nothing for the

must have "Latest & Greatest" fans.. cars, computers, cameras etc. etc. etc..

Nothing on the new X's offers me much over my X1.. (a great photographic tool)..

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

I have the X1 several years ago, and never been really happy with the image coming from it. Don't know why, but if I look at the images that other X1's owners can produced; I knew the problem was me!

 

I then replaced it with the Olympus E-PL1, and then decided to totally jump to the micro four-third standard with E-P2, E-M5, E-M1, and quite numbers of lens (including those Panasonic-Leica lens). I was so happy (and still am) that I thought I would never look back..

 

Until I saw the picture of the X (Type 113)! It's so gorgeous! It's look alone has sold me! The Summilux lens is a great bonus! Of course, I also look on the X Vario as it is cheaper, but the size of the lens is a deal breaker.

 

After using it for almost 2 months now, I can tell you that I am so happy with the X. It is not a perfect camera; fast AF (though not as super fast as my E-M1), slow control (especially on focusing), but it produces excellent image quality; very sharp (even wide-open), colors are rich, tones are special, the blurred area are so smooth, and yes..; did I mention how nice it's look??

 

If you like the focal length and can live with only that, need faster AF, enjoy the smooth shallow DOF, appreciate the beauty of it's look, and you want to look more in style, then the X is a worthy upgrade. Otherwise, your X1 is the only one you need.

  • Like 2
Link to post
Share on other sites

Yoki, thank you for your narrative account of how you returned to Leica X. I am pleased that it does for you what the X1 failed to do. Like many Leica digital cameras, they do repay photographers who strive to get the best possible results from the kit.

 

I guess your Leica X now competes with your four thirds system cameras. So accepting that systems are more versatile, how do you integrate using your Leica X with your other kit?

 

Do you have a dedicated case for the Leica X, thus making a slightly smaller travelling package? I welcome your thoughts on these practicalities.

 

With my X1, sometimes it shares a case with my X Vario while at other times it just slips in my pocket with just a fabric case to partly protect it from keys etc. With care it survives and is always ready to take a good picture in unexpected moments.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi David

 

I purchased the X 113 in October - it is my first X so other than brief handling I can’t compare in any meaningful detail with other X models. Also for me it is my first and only digital Leica.

 

I have previously used film Ms over about ten years and it is both the optics and handling that attracted me to the 113, it has disappointed on neither.

 

In real world use, I find the lens outstanding - very sharp, good out of focus rendering, no distortion, no unwanted effects (flare etc.) - for me it is as close to the best M lenses I have used as I am capable of distinguishing, even wide open. It is the only digital (with the exception of full frame DSLRs) that I can say this about.

 

Focusing is acceptable in both AF and manual - no better, no worse. I probably focus as quickly with a rangefinder in most situations, but then again zone focusing is very easy with what is really a 23mm lens, especially as most of the time I would probably be at about f4.

 

Handling is easy, mostly I use Auto ISO with manual exposure - everything can be preset in advance. The accessory viewfinder is a “must have” for me as I don’t like composing on the display - it works well though I would like an option to switch permanently to it rather than have it flick on as I raise the camera to my eye as there is a short delay - maybe future firmware will address this.

 

It is certainly not small in compact camera terms - again in real world use, it feels similar to a film M with a 35 Summilux, so not pocketable, but not obtrusive when handheld.

 

My only real wish is that it was a 50mm not a 35mm equivalent lens!

 

Best - Daniel

  • Like 2
Link to post
Share on other sites

Daniel, that is most helpful having given a relevant context to your assessment. I presume your viewfinder is the Leica EVF and not a 35mm OVF?

 

Do you use the optional lens hood and hand-grip?

 

Focal length choice is very personal and matches your general choice of subjects. I have never found the 35mm equivalent on the X1 too limiting. If I thought it would be, I would resort to the XV or digital M with lens of choice.

 

I had a quick look at your Flickr album but could not easily find any pictures you have taken with the X 113. I did enjoy the range of subjects, particularly those taken with your M3.

 

Thank you for your response. I guess I am not alone in finding your assessment helpful.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

My viewfinder is the Leica EVF 020, expensive but pretty much essential with the X for me, I don’t like the hand grip though. I have always used lens hoods on every lens for image quality and protection - the one on my X is actually the X Vario hood. Completely agree that focal length is personal, I have switched between favouring the 35 and 50 a few times, generally preferring 35 for travel and holidays and the 50 for people.

 

Thinking about it further, any assessment of this camera is tricky. The X 113 is an unusual camera and I can’t imagine it selling in great numbers, I would guess the Vario will outsell it - a £2000 (with EVF and hood) fixed focal length APS-C camera can’t have much of a market. For me I hope it is a more affordable alternative to a digital M with good handling and comparable image capability.

 

My Flickr photostream is very neglected! The first few pictures are from the X and I have just added a couple more that show a little bit of the lens characteristics. At the moment it is capable of so much more than I am, but hopefully I will catch up over time. Thank you for your comments on the M3 pictures, I still miss the 50 Summicron and HP5 but I lost patience with scanning film.

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Advantages

 

Higher resolution (16.2 cf. 12.2 M)

Faster lens (greater than 1 EV)

Improved ergonomics (provided a hand-grip is included)

Closer minimum focusing (20 cm cf. 30 cm)

Increased sensitivity (3200 cf. 12500)

Better monitor resolution (920,000 cf. 230,000 pixels) and also very slightly larger monitor.

 

+ much faster AF

+ usable manual focus

+ X 113's (and X2) ISO 3200 is comparable to X1 ISO 1600 (so another EV you gain...)

+ much better Battery usage of the X113 (and X2) compared to the X1

+ The lens of the X113 is fix and does not move in and out when shutting down or suspend

+ Internal Flash of X113 (and X2) is more robust than the one of the X1

+ Full HD-Video with the X113

 

Disadvantages

 

Heavier (486 g cf. 286 g)

Depth (78 mm cf. 32 mm)

 

+ Yes, size, size, size....

 

+ all three of them have this fragile batterie lock...

 

...

 

- TK

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

So far I see nothing about the X (113) that would be better for my needs than the X2. The entire X series seems quite remarkable, and I feel fortunate to have one. They are convenience cameras that are suitable also for serious photography (which actually is true of almost all Leica cameras, film as well as digital).

Link to post
Share on other sites

David,

 

I have both the X1 and now my Silver/Brown X113. I am well aware of the upgrades of the X2 vs the X1 but I never saw them enough to switch. However the X113 is in my opinion a complete different camera, the body, the specs, everything is different; is like shooting with a modern interpretation of a fix-lens Digilux 2. So, an upgrade? that only can be decided by you. I will keep my X1 because each one are awesome!

 

Regards, Ricardo

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

I previously had the X2 but sold it. I came to regret that decision dearly and that was actually one of the driving forces behind this upcoming switch from M to X-series.

 

Naturally I'm hoping for some improvements from X Type 113 over the X2, but I really didn't have that many complaints about it.

 

I'd say the biggest things are the new evf and non-retractable lens. The new evf has eye level sensor and the new lens provides better grip. I'm happy about thise changes. No complaints about the better screen either :)

 

The X Vario I'm looking to have as my daylight camera and also to provide a bit of extended reach for travel photos.The evf for X Vario I already have.

 

I'm also getting grip + lens hood for both of the cameras. Not sure about the X, but I feel especially Vario with it's zoom lens needs the grip and evf to feel complete.

 

Also getting Leica sf-58 flash. I know it's huge & top heavy for X cameras, but it's also has proper power and tilf/swivel which are sadly missing from the small flash units. Especially dissapointed for their lack of tilt.

 

//Juha

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

> The Leica X-type cameras no longer stimulate much forum activity.

 

You are absolutely right with that. I wonder how many they sell...

 

- TK

TK, I have a thought about this dearth of discussion on the X range of Leica cameras. The whole range has met its design objectives and few people have questions about performance or problems. Happy people seldom take time to extol the virtues of their kit unless replying to a newcomer's queries. So my conclusion is that owner of X cameras are perfectly happy with them. A few rue the day they sold their specimen.

Link to post
Share on other sites

TK, I have a thought about this dearth of discussion on the X range of Leica cameras. The whole range has met its design objectives and few people have questions about performance or problems. Happy people seldom take time to extol the virtues of their kit unless replying to a newcomer's queries. So my conclusion is that owner of X cameras are perfectly happy with them. A few rue the day they sold their specimen.

 

The above neatly sums up my reaction too to the question re the amount of forum activity - a happy X-Vario owner :)

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Advantages

 

Higher resolution (16.2 cf. 12.2 M)

Faster lens (greater than 1 EV)

Improved ergonomics (provided a hand-grip is included)

Closer minimum focusing (20 cm cf. 30 cm)

Increased sensitivity (3200 cf. 12500)

Better monitor resolution (920,000 cf. 230,000 pixels) and also very slightly larger monitor.

 

Disadvantages

 

Heavier (486 g cf. 286 g)

Depth (78 mm cf. 32 mm)

 

I'm the happy owner of an X2 but I believe that my impressions could extend to X1 too:

 

Higher resolution: you sure it will lead to a better image IQ or is it not rather otherwise? Many X1 owners swear their IQ being superior to that of the X2 and my X2 files can't beat those from my former M8 which was just 10 M.

Faster lens: if memory serves me well wasn't this the camera whose full aperture didn't work at close range?

Improved ergonomics: it's bulkier and harder to conceal, so what? If I want a camera as large as an M I get an M. If I want a compact camera I go for an XE. The X leaves me a bit cold.

Closer minimum focusing: nice to have, but do you really need it? Personally speaking I don't, but that's just me.

Increased sensitivity: are you really going to get a fuzzy image at 12500? IMHO 3200 is already the upper limit for that sensor.

Better monitor resolution: to do what? I work with RAW files and do not have the habit of pixel peeping in the camera monitor, therefore once I know I got the picture right I do the real evaluation at home before the screen.

 

Cheers,

Link to post
Share on other sites

...

Faster lens: if memory serves me well wasn't this the camera whose full aperture didn't work at close range?+

Closer minimum focusing: nice to have, but do you really need it? Personally speaking I don't, but that's just me....,

Bruno, essentially we are agreed. But I do think the people are unrealistic worrying about no full aperture at close ranges. Who needs that? With such minimal depth of focus in that scenario, almost nothing is sharp unless you are shooting a flat picture or diagram. For my close range photography I usually need a small aperture when shooting flowers or other multi-depth objects at short distances. This is not defending the X; my thoughts apply universally.

Link to post
Share on other sites

David,

 

the real point is that the camera is mine, I'm the one behind the lens and it's me who decides what aperture should be set, not an engineer.

Personally speaking I'm not into close range photography but in the past I did my tests with an older LTM 85mm at f1.5 at the minimum allowed distance (1m) and the result wasn't that bad either. It all depends from what one wants to achieve.

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!

  • Like 3
Link to post
Share on other sites

Customers who buy their cameras should be aware of any operating limitations. I am all for manual control and generally prefer it that way. If I were to buy the new X, the slight closing down of aperture at distances closer than 1.2m would not deter me. I would not consider it a deal-breaker.

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Customers who buy their cameras should be aware of any operating limitations. I am all for manual control and generally prefer it that way. If I were to buy the new X, the slight closing down of aperture at distances closer than 1.2m would not deter me. I would not consider it a deal-breaker.

 

At first, I thought the 'aperture limitation' would disappoint me. But to the contrary, after some close-up shots I did with the X, I found that is actually a nice 'feature' (limitation).

 

I wouldn't be able to get sharp result like this, if the camera let me use it's lens maximum aperture:

 

16315636349_c33a486c96_b.jpgL1002285-Edit by Yoki P. Soufyan, on Flickr

 

Leica's engineers are smarter than me, obviously.. ;)

  • Like 11
  • Thanks 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...