Lecia XE/Leica X/Leica T with 23 mm Lens?

[sayed asif mahmud]

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I am a photographer from Bangladesh. 

 

http://sayedasifmahmud.com/

 

I used to use a 5D from canon with a 35mm f2 lens and also some other compact film cameras but always with the 35 mm focal length. I only do B&W photo. For my personal work I never bothered to buy an upgraded 5d mark ii or later versions. I don't have/need other equipments/lots of specifications.

 

But now what I feel is I need a smaller camera. I am fine with a fixed focal length. But I need a very good dynamic range, since I often work with extreme light condition. I don't have much budget. So Leica was the last option I could Imagine. But now after looking at Lecia XE, I think I can afford this. So I was doing some research and now little bit confused with the other options.

 

Lecia XE/Leica X/Leica T with 23 mm Lens/ Olympus Pen F with a 17mm lens?

 

Is their any chances to get an updated versions of X series? Any rumour/ anything?

 

Thanks,

 

Asif

Edited November 12, 2016 by sayed asif mahmud

[ropo54]

Asif,

 

The Leica XE is a rebadged identical camera to the Leica X2. Nice compact size and very capable.  The Leica X Vario has been discontinued. Great camera, 28-70mm range (?) with many exuberant owners (contrary to the online critics) but without a fast lens.  The Leica T typ 113 is a newer version of the XE with a faster 1.7 lens, and a more modern design. (Had one and loved it, but switched to a Q)  None of the above cameras have a built in viewfinder. All can produce terrific images with APS-c sensor cameras.

 

The Leica T with 23 mm would also be an excellent choice in the APS-c category, as well. It has a unique touchscreen operating system (some like, some do not) and would allow you to buy into other lenses. It too, does not have a viewfinder. A new Leica T was just released by Leica with minimal changes from the original T, so I would think a major renovation is at least one year away, but Leica is committed to its future development.

 

As concerns the Olympus Pen F,  I have no personal experience but have read wonderful things about it. I would suggest you look at Steve Huff's site on the internet. He just reviewed a Pen F with a new Olympus 25 mm F1.2 lens (equivalent 50mm 2.4) which he raves about. 

 

Another camera you might also consider is a pre-owned Sony RX1 or RX1R, which would give you 35mm view with full frame in a very nice compact size. No viewfinder either; must purchase separately. Superb images!

 

Good luck with your choice. All great options.

 

Rob

Edited November 12, 2016 by ropo54

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[jip]

I have send you a PM Asif.  

[teb1013]

I am one of the "exuberant" X-Vario owners referred to by ropo54. Yes the lens is slow but it's a great sharp lens. Although I have mostly done B/W conversions in Lightroom (which comes with the camera) the onboard B/W modes are excellent if you are only shooting B/W anyway. Due to the camera being discontinued prices should be pretty good especially if you are willing to go slightly pre-owned. I use the much cheaper Olympus EVF, which works fine. I have cut way back on using my bulky Nikon DSLR due to this. Good luck on your search. Let us know what you decide.

 

 

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[wda]

Asif, welcome to the forum. I suggest you consider buying a mint used X2 to give you an opportunity to test this format for your purposes. All of the X cameras have superb lenses. With skill you can work in low light with surprisingly good results. Please keep us informed.

[sayed asif mahmud]

WOW! Quick Responses from you guys! Thanks so much for your generosity. 

 

I have done some research and problem with most of the reviews or comparison is, they talk about lots of specifications, which I don't need. My purpose is very simple. I still remember when I heard about Leica monochrome, I was so excited about it. But it was far out of my reach.

 

Actually I am just worried about the dynamic range. and another think is the viewfinder. I am fine with 16 mega pixel. But not so sure about the apsc sensor (but can't do anything about it with this budget). Another thing is after sales service.in Bangladesh, we don't have much options and we can't do online purchase. So Probably I will ask some of my friends to buy it for me and bring it to Bangladesh (So I will just hope nothing bad will happen to this camera. ). Anyways will let you know. 

 

 

Thanks again.

[Trivette]

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........

 

Actually I am just worried about the dynamic range. and another think is the viewfinder......

 

 

The Olympus VF2 electronic viewfinder works perfectly with the X2/XE/XV.

[gbealnz]

I'll add to the "get an X1 or X2" chorus as well. And I am an X-Vario owner.

Find a used X2 would be my suggestion, I'm guessing you have been offered one, via PM, and that would be a perfect result, grab it.

At some later stage find a Leica 36mm optical finder for it, and you will be set for virtually anything you want. It makes a very fine street and general purpose camera.

Gary

[sayed asif mahmud]

What do you think about this:

 

Its about X

 

While the images coming from the camera look good, it was a surprise to find how little processing latitude they offered. Lifting the shadows by 3EV (which should be no trouble for a modern APS-C sensor in bright light at low ISO), reveals distinct posterization of the shadows. It's possible this is problem is caused by insufficient bit-depth in the Raw file, but it means the Leica's raw files are less flexible than we'd expect.

 

Original Link:

 

https://www.dpreview.com/articles/4388590157/a-second-glance-two-takes-on-the-leica-x

 

I am only concerned about this, as I said it before and the viewfinder. Probably I will go for a optical viewfinder. If it works well.

 

Thanks

[DwF]

I recall reading that same review (Enthusiast's Perspective).  I have not found real limitation lifting detail in shadows when processing DNG which is baically what I do for my files/images.  While I agree that Leica built it's reputation on Rangefinder, the X began with X1 as a smaller alternative to an M and one that in my view recalled the IIIa-f in body style especially in shape....first time I saw it, it screamed iiif digital!  While those cameras had viewfinders, the X series offered built-in flash, and has slowly evolved from there.  If I want a rangefunder, I want a good one and there were several smaller cameras offering those years back like the XA from Olympus, the Konica Auto S3, Contax T to name a few good ones.  Those cameras offered compactness but also had limitations from M bodies.  All cameras require some compromise. 

 

I am very happy with the X 113 myself, but I also really loved my X1 and figure the X2 and XE are only an improvement on the original-certainly the built-in flash is better designed. I like the faster Summilux on the X-113, but it is not in reality a big change from the Elmarit.  I can get very close to my subjects and the lens will stop to f2.2  but it is debatable whether that is an appreciable difference from the X2 wide-open as per shallow DOF.  I do like that the lens is always out and when I had my smaller X1 found it not to really be pocket-able anyway so the size difference is negligible.  That said, size, style and ergonomics are very personal in choosing the right camera.   ....all  good choices here!

[wda]

I have no trouble retrieving detail in the shadows providing my exposure is correct. Skill and restraint is needed in order to avoid introducing too much noise.

[sayed asif mahmud]

Okay. Thanks so much. Will buy XE. and will let you know when I will get the camera. Thanks.

[NZDavid]

I think you will enjoy the XE, Asif. I used to have an X1 and sold it but just looked at some of my old pictures. Very sharp lens, excellent image quality. You can shoot at ISO 800 without any issue. I used a Voigtländer optical viewfinder. Maybe an alternative would be secondhand X1 or X2 in good condition?

 

I am now considering another X of some kind.

[sayed asif mahmud]

got the Leica XE two days ago, with an optical viewfinder. After using SLR camera's for long time, it seems like I have started learning photography techniques again. I think it will take some time for me to adopt. Specially the shutter lag. Its a huge problem, except all blind manual focusing and exposure (with an optical viewfinder). Anyways thank you guys for your support.

[ropo54]

got the Leica XE two days ago, with an optical viewfinder. After using SLR camera's for long time, it seems like I have started learning photography techniques again. I think it will take some time for me to adopt. Specially the shutter lag. Its a huge problem, except all blind manual focusing and exposure (with an optical viewfinder). Anyways thank you guys for your support.

 

Shutter lag on the XE is a bit longer than on the X 113 and/or the Leica TL. Noticeable difference.

There's a comparable amount of lag on the X Vario.

But, you will be pleasantly surprised by the image quality!

[wda]

Well done. It is a superb camera capable producing excellent results. It also rewards the thoughtful and thinking photographer. Take your time; practise lots and do not hesitate to ask for advice.