colonel Posted November 1, 2015 Share #1 Posted November 1, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) So my search for a pocket size camera just ended. I had to have APS-C or bigger and settled on an X2. A beautiful special edition with white leatherette "Richard Caplan", bought pretty cheaply from ebay. So the size is nice. Fits easily in my coat pocket and very light. First impressions were not overwhelmingly positive. Slow start up to extend the lens (although would share that in common with RX100 and Typ 109, etc.) , screen which doesn't really show you the sharpness (thank goodness) or exposure and not the fastest of operation compared to the latest digital. However after a an hour or so , when you remember where things are, it all starts becoming much easier. Actually auto-ISO is not at all bad, so I end up just changing the aperture. The focus is fast enough most of the time, but pre-focus is useful for fast moving objects. Manual focus is quite easy, with a dedicated wheel and auto-zoom in focus assist. The real surprise is when you get back and look at the photos. Pin sharp and beautiful colours and contrast, even at f2.8. Really surprised actually. I recently tried the X100T and sold it. The lens just isn't sharp either close up or at infinity. My Fuji-friends tell me that the X-T1 with 23mm f1.4 is much better and I don't doubt them. The X2 looks almost FF like. Also note that there is no shutter vibration to speak of and its easy to grip well, so that sharpness handheld at slow speeds is great, here at 1/40: The B&W is lovely. You can of course have it very sharp and clinical but it was nice to see it being able to resolve deep fog nicely: ISO 3200 is really not bad at all. I was not expecting it to be useable, but it has fine grain that's pleasing. Finally moving kids are just fine. Maybe I am just used to photographing them ..... The Sony sensor shows fantastic detail Have a look at my web link to see higher res versions of the above Best rgds Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 1, 2015 Posted November 1, 2015 Hi colonel, Take a look here X2 newbie thoughts. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
gbealnz Posted November 2, 2015 Share #2 Posted November 2, 2015 Good to see and hear Harold. Great, enjoy it. Gary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted November 2, 2015 Share #3 Posted November 2, 2015 It's all about the pictures! (Though having a camera you're happy with helps.) That first one is amazing -- almost an impossibly contrasty scene. Was this RAW or JPG – and did you add fill flash on camera or PP? That last pic also handles high contrast well. Our super-bright sunshine would create harsh shadows and loss of detail. For people, focusing on the eyes is tricky with AF but you nailed it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DwF Posted November 2, 2015 Share #4 Posted November 2, 2015 Nice first set, enjoy your new camera! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted November 2, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted November 2, 2015 It's all about the pictures! (Though having a camera you're happy with helps.) That first one is amazing -- almost an impossibly contrasty scene. Was this RAW or JPG – and did you add fill flash on camera or PP? That last pic also handles high contrast well. Our super-bright sunshine would create harsh shadows and loss of detail. For people, focusing on the eyes is tricky with AF but you nailed it. I took raw and enhanced the statue mildly by lifting shadows and the bright background by reducing highlights Easy in Lightroom but does show the dynamic range available from the sensor. i could have made the statue brighter but it started to look too unnatural/HDR Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted November 2, 2015 Share #6 Posted November 2, 2015 Yes, Lightroom is useful. A dash of fill flash can help. I agree about keeping it natural. Enjoy your X2! I just looked at some of my old X1 pics. Sensor is good and the 35mm focal length is surprisingly versatile. I use it quite a bit on the M9, too. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted November 2, 2015 Share #7 Posted November 2, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Yes, Lightroom is useful. A dash of fill flash can help. ... Not in this case with glass window immediately behind. Choosing an offset angle might help with fill-flash. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted November 2, 2015 Share #8 Posted November 2, 2015 I am glad Harold has found his purchase satisfactory. In my experience, judging by the number of private messages I receive, quite a few photographers are entering Leica ownership through the purchase of an X1 or X2. It is a classic little camera and highly capable, despite its few handling quirks. Few later rivals can match its optical potential. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted November 2, 2015 Author Share #9 Posted November 2, 2015 Yes. I was saddened that the 113 was not "X2" size. I am still hoping for an X3 at some point ... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyalf Posted November 2, 2015 Share #10 Posted November 2, 2015 Thanks for sharing. Yes, its something about the X that favours the photography (rather than spending all time to set controls of camera).. Best of luck with your X2. Edit: I also wish we could have had an X3 in the same size as X1 and X2.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted November 2, 2015 Share #11 Posted November 2, 2015 Not in this case with glass window immediately behind. Choosing an offset angle might help with fill-flash. I meant fill-in flash with Lightroom (virtual fill-in flash). Very useful. bunted to be used in moderation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thisisasticup Posted November 23, 2015 Share #12 Posted November 23, 2015 I am glad Harold has found his purchase satisfactory. In my experience, judging by the number of private messages I receive, quite a few photographers are entering Leica ownership through the purchase of an X1 or X2. It is a classic little camera and highly capable, despite its few handling quirks. Few later rivals can match its optical potential. I agree, I started with a x2 and recently moved to a X. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert blu Posted November 24, 2015 Share #13 Posted November 24, 2015 As X1 user I' m happy to read of another user of ths "small" X satisfied with his camera:-) robert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ejn09 Posted December 25, 2015 Share #14 Posted December 25, 2015 X2 is very overlooked by so many. Mine continually produces images that make me wonder how much better a compact can capture a photo. The sharpness and color are difficult for any camera to match. Leica discontinuing the X2 is good reason for me to grab another one before they disappear. The X-E seems to be the replacement for he X2 but the optics and sensor seem to be unchanged. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreasB Posted December 25, 2015 Share #15 Posted December 25, 2015 X2 is very overlooked by so many. Mine continually produces images that make me wonder how much better a compact can capture a photo. The sharpness and color are difficult for any camera to match. Leica discontinuing the X2 is good reason for me to grab another one before they disappear. The X-E seems to be the replacement for he X2 but the optics and sensor seem to be unchanged. I am just on holiday with my X2 and I am very happy with it. I gave away my Q, bought the X2 once more and I didn´t regret it. The X2 makes terrific good and sharp ooc-jpegs up to ISO 1600 and is very simple and compact. I love it! 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/252457-x2-newbie-thoughts/?do=findComment&comment=2955918'>More sharing options...
ECohen Posted January 10, 2016 Share #16 Posted January 10, 2016 Love my X2..... In 2013 I took it to France. http://www.evancohen.net/france2013/ I think its a very under rated, camera easy to use, fun shoot to with and a pleasure to carry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ropo54 Posted January 10, 2016 Share #17 Posted January 10, 2016 Love my X2..... In 2013 I took it to France. http://www.evancohen.net/france2013/ I think its a very under rated, camera easy to use, fun shoot to with and a pleasure to carry Beautiful portfolio from France! Thanks, Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Martin Posted January 10, 2016 Share #18 Posted January 10, 2016 Nice shots, I saw the camera on Ebay and actually asked the owner a couple of questions, it looked really nice as did the black case it came with from memory. Still looking at the Leica X, but now that the Fuji X Pro 1 is down to £299 on Amazon, and then you can buy the very highly rated 23 F1.4 for about £550 Thats confusing the issue . Congratulations on this new purchase Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted January 10, 2016 Share #19 Posted January 10, 2016 Actually, as much as I like my X1, the similarity you make, X-Pro 1 and 23mm, or even better (or both) the XF35/1.4 is hard to deny. Whichever way you slice it, we are spoilt for choice. Gary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECohen Posted January 10, 2016 Share #20 Posted January 10, 2016 Nice shots, I saw the camera on Ebay and actually asked the owner a couple of questions, it looked really nice as did the black case it came with from memory. Still looking at the Leica X, but now that the Fuji X Pro 1 is down to £299 on Amazon, and then you can buy the very highly rated 23 F1.4 for about £550 Thats confusing the issue . Congratulations on this new purchase Not to be picky but aren't the Fuji's and the Leica X2 two very different kinds of cameras? X2 being simple, no frills, no finder, one lens, easy menu ? Fuji is a camera system ? Or is it all about price and what you get for the money? Because then the Leica X2 would never be in the running. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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