Peter_S Posted September 2, 2015 Share #41 Posted September 2, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) The Leica X1 is since 3 years my regular companion and I appreciate, besides its size and IQ, the ruggedness (which I cannot say from any of the Ms I have used). I have used on for many photo projects in high mountains, guiding work and as AF/35mm FOV addition to my 50mm FOV and MF film setup during photo reportages. I used a X-E2 briefly...nice lenses, good IQ, but too big for me. I had an X2, with removed AA-filter (lost it, unfortunately). That was close to perfect Thus a modern X1 should have the same form, handling, but faster AF, updated lens, no AA-filter, new sensor. APS-C to keep it compact and affordable. The EVF concept was OK, it kept the body without is compact and robust. I prefer 40 to 45 mm FOV, but 35mm was fine.Overall - keep it compact, simple, robust. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 2, 2015 Posted September 2, 2015 Hi Peter_S, Take a look here Towards a modern replacement Leica X1. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
wda Posted September 2, 2015 Author Share #42 Posted September 2, 2015 Peter, thank you for your thoughts on this subject. Your last sentence is crucial; later versions have sacrificed compactness. As for lens focal length, this is probably the most contentious factor. Personally I am happy with the 35mm effective focal length provided the image quality is not inferior to that of the X1. Moderate cropping then gives a little flexibility in picture output. Better performing AF should be a given. No AA-filter should be easy to achieve with great benefits in image quality. I still enjoy using my venerable X1 which has performed flawlessly since new. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwarren Posted September 2, 2015 Share #43 Posted September 2, 2015 I had an X2, with removed AA-filter...... Question... Did you do this yourself, or have a repair shop do it, or Leica? Thx! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert blu Posted September 3, 2015 Share #44 Posted September 3, 2015 I still use my more than 4 years old X1. A quicker AF would convince me to upgrade but only if size and weight will not increase. Compactness and IQ are the plus of this camera. robert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trivette Posted September 3, 2015 Share #45 Posted September 3, 2015 Before I bought the EVF ( an excellent ++ used Olympus VF-2 ), I used the Olympus VF-1 optical viewfinder. Don't be put off by the 17mm labelling. It's designed for a MFT format which has a FF equivelent ratio of 2:1. Therefore it's field of view is 34mm and is close enough to the Leica 36 mm if you don't mind a little cropping in your post processing workflow. Having satisfied myself that the X2 is perfectly satisfactory for my P&S needs, I got an EX+ used EVF (Olympus VF-2) from KEH as the crowning touch (literally). It makes the camera much more user-friendly for an old-timer like me who has done mostly 35mm film photography in the past. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter_S Posted September 4, 2015 Share #46 Posted September 4, 2015 Hi! LDP LLC in the US did that for me. Sharpness was, perceived (made no tests or anything), slightly above the X1, and on-par with the M8. The problem is, that the color and noise changed - images have different colors, need different temperature adjustments, and noise was increased. I created several color profiles, which was OK. I used it mainly for b/w, for which it was awesome. A stressful day during my ski guide training in Canada, and gone it was... That said, I went back to the X1 after that and miss little, except the faster AF. The image IQ is still amazing (I suspect the AA filter in the X1 is very weak). My X1 has proven itself over and over, and kept on going when the Ms did not. It will be the first digital camera I will not part with. I recently did an X1 A3 print for a customer, and was amazed. Question... Did you do this yourself, or have a repair shop do it, or Leica? Thx! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert blu Posted September 4, 2015 Share #47 Posted September 4, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) @ Peter S: interesting good pictures on your sites! robert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trivette Posted September 4, 2015 Share #48 Posted September 4, 2015 Could it be that the X2's AA filter also incorporates UV and IR cutoff filtration? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter_S Posted September 6, 2015 Share #49 Posted September 6, 2015 Possibly UV. I tried to use the UV-cut filters from M8 times, but that did not help. For b/w it did not matter, thought the files needed a little different treatment, since the initial colors and tonal curves were different...generally brighter in the lights and midtones. I can send RAWs to whoever is interested.I would love to get non-AA filter version of the X2, with the same colors as the X1. That is all I need, really. Bulb exposure (wire-release option) would be great too in whatever new X comes around. Could it be that the X2's AA filter also incorporates UV and IR cutoff filtration? And thanks, Robert! I am currently browsing your blog, and enjoying it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wacka Posted September 16, 2015 Share #50 Posted September 16, 2015 I'd like an X1 with: - A 20~24MP sensor with decent high ISO performance (for a Leica) - The AF speed / overall response of the Q (i.e. 10fps possible) - Same lens, same size, same form factor / protrusions as the X1 (not the X2 and definitely not a 113) but a focus / aperture (depending on mode) control ring on the front instead of the screw-off thread housing. - Replacement of aperture dial with EC. - An LX100 (i.e. D-Lux 109) like bayonet mount plus threaded lens assembly. - The touchscreen display from the Q - Pop up flash replaced with a pop up (and relatively lag free - I'll settle with again an LX100 recycle) 2.3MP or better EVF with a also recycled D-Lux 109 flash. $2200. Accessories: An Ever Ready case that actually works with a lens hood / filters mounted. This is probably the longest shot ha I'll be amazed if it happens. But we do have the Q - a camera I'd have said was impossible for Leica to ship a year ago - so it's now not entirely out of the question.To me, the X1 was a great concept but ultimately almost unusable IRL, unless you planned every shot. I know many X owners make excuses for 'slowing down photography' along with decrepit M owners losing their sight, but thats a load of BS when you're dealing with a camera that just can't catch up so you have no choice but to wait around for it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted September 16, 2015 Author Share #51 Posted September 16, 2015 I agree with many criteria on your wish-list wacka; but I doubt all could be included while preserving the size and form factor of the X1. Those are paramount and should not exceed those of the present X1. I am prepared to accept sacrifices in other areas. I do believe many improvements could be made within the envelope of the present X1. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wacka Posted September 16, 2015 Share #52 Posted September 16, 2015 I agree with many criteria on your wish-list wacka; but I doubt all could be included while preserving the size and form factor of the X1. I don't see why not to be honest when you compare it with cameras out in the market now. Control ring and EVF comparison vs X1 body LX100 control dial (behind aperture ring) vs X1 lens area. The top ring above the aperture dial on the LX100 is the bayonet mount cover for mounting the automatic lens cap. Given the LX100 has a 43mm filter thread, a 40.5 or 43mm thread should be possible on the X. Maybe the lens hump might have to be a touch wider, but I really don't see a problem with building it in the way the lens is arranged on the X1. EVF - RX100 III EVF panel vs X1 flash panel If you're not aware, the leftmost panel on the top of the RX100 is the EVF - it pops up and pulls out backwards. The RX100 EVF pops up at or lower than the height of the X1 flash. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted September 16, 2015 Share #53 Posted September 16, 2015 I think the X series has been pushed to the background a bit by recent developments - I would not be surprised to see it evolve into a kind of smaller-sensored Q in the future. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted September 16, 2015 Author Share #54 Posted September 16, 2015 Jaap, I tend to agree with you. The Q camera embodies some of the desirable upgrade features many would like in a body of similar size and weight to the X1. Given the will, demand and resources it should be possible for Leica to produce a truly 'small as X1' camera with those greatly improved features evidenced in the new Q. I would like the 35mm equivalent focal length lens retained however which helps preserve the form factor. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wacka Posted September 16, 2015 Share #55 Posted September 16, 2015 The biggest issue with making a 113 faster with an EVF is that it's way too close in size to the Q, so it just becomes (if it's not already) a matter of "I can't afford a Q" (given that you have headroom to perspective correct PP even if you don't shoot 'digital zoom', the 28FF/35APS debate is moot). An updated, usable, contemporary X1 would make an actual difference in terms of product positioning. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted September 16, 2015 Share #56 Posted September 16, 2015 I think Leica would retain the accessory EVF (maybe the T one) in an Q-like X1/2 successor. One of the problems causing less sales in the Vario and X are the size bloat in my perception. I'm sure Leica would like to keep the Leica 1-X1-X2 form factor for an APS-C camera in this class. Having an X2 with an Q-like AF system would make a killer P&S. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
asiafish Posted September 16, 2015 Share #57 Posted September 16, 2015 I think Leica would retain the accessory EVF (maybe the T one) in an Q-like X1/2 successor. One of the problems causing less sales in the Vario and X are the size bloat in my perception. I'm sure Leica would like to keep the Leica 1-X1-X2 form factor for an APS-C camera in this class. Having an X2 with an Q-like AF system would make a killer P&S. I'd buy it (selling my X and X Vario to fund it), but only if the lens was f/2 or faster. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted September 16, 2015 Author Share #58 Posted September 16, 2015 I'd buy it (selling my X and X Vario to fund it), but only if the lens was f/2 or faster. Because of improved ISO performance, I would be prepared to sacrifice f/2 in order to retain the size of the X1. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
asiafish Posted September 16, 2015 Share #59 Posted September 16, 2015 Because of improved ISO performance, I would be prepared to sacrifice f/2 in order to retain the size of the X1. F/2 is not for low light, its for selective focus. X is already more than adequate at f/1.7 with the high ISO capabilities of the current sensor, which is clean in color at ISO 3200 and black and white at ISO 6400. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted September 16, 2015 Author Share #60 Posted September 16, 2015 I rarely need extremely narrow depth of focus. So my preference would be to sacrifice f/2 if meeting that lens size would exceed my highly desire for X1 form and size and weight. If shallow depth of field is a requirement, I would switch to a longer or faster prime lens. My X1 is not my cover-all-situations camera. It excels at yielding exceedingly high quality results from impromptu situations and I seldom find it inadequate for that form of photography. When travelling for several days, I will pack a PIXI table tripod to extend its usability in very low light situations. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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