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Leica X1: too inexpensive to let go


enboe

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I don't know how many of you have experienced a similar set of feelings or thoughts, but I wanted to share to see how far off base I am.

 

I have an X1 in the stable.  I purchased it new when it came out.  One trip to Allendale for a broken battery retaining clip, repaired for free, and not a single other glitch.  It continues to produce the same excellent images it has since day 1.  Then along came a Q to the herd, and I asked myself, "what should I let go?"  A little research, a trip to the camera show, and to my dismay, the old X1 is worth next to nothing.  I saw one online dealer selling them for less than $500.  That means I cannot expect more than about $250 in trade from a dealer, or around $450 if sold to an end user.  Call me crazy, but the images this thing produces are worth more than $250.

 

Anyone else find themselves in a similar quandary?  Maybe the same feelings about an M8, which now can be had for around $1000, but ran between $4000 and $5000 new.

 

Eric

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After I bought my Q I ended up selling the X1. My thought process was the Q when cropped to 35mm FL has an image almost exactly the same as the X1. I would never take both out on a shoot. And I could never imagine taking the x1over the Q. With the X1 losing value quickly, I sold it along with all my X1 'stuff' on eBay.  

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The used camera market is a horrible volatile place and if you have the slightest GAS addiction it will ruin your life.

Nearly all digital cameras offer great image quality but we are somehow tricked into thinking our old cameras are no good because newer models are out and the sale value is low.

I had this issue and went from brand to brand almost month to month.

You say you have great images with our X1. If you have that then why even think of changing a camera?

It's a fools game these days! Hehe.

My mates all laughed at me this week when I bought a used X2. No video and no super high ISO.

I bought it because 'I wanted it'

If you want the Q because you want one then go for it. But don't buy if it's because you think you need it! Lol

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I don't know how many of you have experienced a similar set of feelings or thoughts, but I wanted to share to see how far off base I am.

 

I have an X1 in the stable.  I purchased it new when it came out.  One trip to Allendale for a broken battery retaining clip, repaired for free, and not a single other glitch.  It continues to produce the same excellent images it has since day 1.  Then along came a Q to the herd, and I asked myself, "what should I let go?"  A little research, a trip to the camera show, and to my dismay, the old X1 is worth next to nothing.  I saw one online dealer selling them for less than $500.  That means I cannot expect more than about $250 in trade from a dealer, or around $450 if sold to an end user.  Call me crazy, but the images this thing produces are worth more than $250.

 

Anyone else find themselves in a similar quandary?  Maybe the same feelings about an M8, which now can be had for around $1000, but ran between $4000 and $5000 new.

 

Eric

Simple answer: never sell. I have most of my "old" digital Leicas (along with a number of film ones) and once in a while I find reason to use them. And you know what? They are just as good as the day that they were brought out. :)

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My X Vario is in the exact same boat.  Worth less than half of even the discounted price I paid 18 months ago.  I don't use it much since buying the X113, which I really wanted for the fast lens (I shoot a lot indoors and in low light), it produces results far better than its current price reflects, and is an absolute delight to use.

 

so far I have resisted the temptation to sell it and will absolutely not replace my X113 with the Q despite wanting to as a Q will in no way improve my photography.

 

most likely I'll keep the X Vario, and use it occasionally as I do now, when outdoors in good light.

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Simple answer: never sell. I have most of my "old" digital Leicas (along with a number of film ones) and once in a while I find reason to use them. And you know what? They are just as good as the day that they were brought out. :)

Once there was a member and he said "never sell a Leica". I still have all of my film and digital Leica's included the first one, a C11 (APS compact). And I used it on a short trip, about 3 years ago. I still love them all.

 

Best

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My X Vario is in the exact same boat.  Worth less than half of even the discounted price I paid 18 months ago.  I don't use it much since buying the X113, which I really wanted for the fast lens (I shoot a lot indoors and in low light), it produces results far better than its current price reflects, and is an absolute delight to use.

 

so far I have resisted the temptation to sell it and will absolutely not replace my X113 with the Q despite wanting to as a Q will in no way improve my photography.

 

most likely I'll keep the X Vario, and use it occasionally as I do now, when outdoors in good light.

 

Almost the same here. Got the X Vario second hand with 20 months of warranty left. It was including the Olympus viewfinder. When the Q was released I was tempted to get one. But considering the cost, I looked around and found a nice, again second hand (17 months warranty left) X 113. Just added a CV optical viewfinder and now I consider it as my lower cost Q. Very happy with the results I'm getting with the X 113 in low light. 

 

Best

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After buying the Q, within 8-12 months the trade in value will be in the 'tank" -- pretty much like the other X's... Buy it to Use, not trade..

 

Nope, I did the analysis and a Q won't make my photography any better than what it is now.  I already have two 28mm options, the X Vario at widest position and my M-E or M Monochrom with 28/2.8 Elmarit ASPH.  Yes the Q handles better and focuses faster than the X113 or X Vario, but not enough better to take the hit selling those cameras and buying the new one, which itself will be superseded and drop in value.

 

When I bought the X it had everything I could want in an autofocus compact except for a built-in EVF and really fast AF.  The add-on EVF is a bit of a PITA, but of outstanding quality and while not blazing fast, the AF is fast enough.  Today the X113 still pushes all of the right buttons for me, and it probably will for years to come.  Ditto the X Vario, its just that I'd rather work around the limitations of the prime lens on the X113 than the slow lens of the X Vario, at least for casual (business) travel.  For family vacations I still pack both X cameras, with the X Vario going out for the day, and the X113 coming out in the evening or when I anticipate a lot of time indoors such as a museum day.

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Almost the same here. Got the X Vario second hand with 20 months of warranty left. It was including the Olympus viewfinder. When the Q was released I was tempted to get one. But considering the cost, I looked around and found a nice, again second hand (17 months warranty left) X 113. Just added a CV optical viewfinder and now I consider it as my lower cost Q. Very happy with the results I'm getting with the X 113 in low light. 

 

Best

The EVF for the X113 is pricey and the GPS doesn't work, but it is a beautiful EVF.

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Now is the time to purchase a SH X1 :) . IMO is one of the best value for money when it comes to handling and IQ, and much more compact than Ms. See:http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/245627-can-the-x1-replace-my-m-as-travel-camera-for-street-people/

 

Edit: And of course a bugdet external OVF, like one of the Russian models.

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