X (Typ 113) or Elmarit 28/2.8

[kentishrev]

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OK, I'm posting in the X forum, so recognise the comments may be slightly weighted.  However, here's the question.....

 

I have an M9 that I love, and use with a Summarit 35/2.5 and Summicron 50/2.  I do not have a lighter (travel) camera at present as my Fujifilm X30 has died.

 

I was looking at buying a second-hand Elmarit 28/2.8 but, when looking, saw a great deal on a new X (Typ 113) for around the same price.  Dilemma!

 

Pros and Cons of one over the other please!

[danmitch]

Hi - I'm coming from the point of view of having used film Ms for quite a while, but only brief use with digital Ms.

 

I have had an X typ113 since soon after they launched and still love it, image quality and handling is lovely, so I may surprise you with my thoughts.

 

Lighter / travel: The X is a bit lighter and more compact than the M9 with a comparable lens, but I don't feel the difference will be relevant in real use at all. Whilst the X makes a good travel camera and I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a city break, it is not pocketable, particularly with the EVF in place. For pocketable, I use a tiny Lumix GM1.

 

New vs Second Hand: I would always recommend with an "either / or" to go for the second hand option first as you can always change your mind for little or no cost. The X prices are dropping since the discontinuation and I suspect a lot of people moving over to the Q.

 

28mm: I think going with a lens rather than another camera will always give you more future proofing, building a system rather than a set of cameras and I do think there will be quite a bit of cross over between the M9 and the X. If I had an M, the X would not be on my radar, the opposite is not the case as I have on a number of occasions considered selling the X and moving to an M. 

 

How about I confuse you further and suggest something even wider, like a 21mm instead - 28mm and 35mm are pretty close, of course you could always trade you 35 Summarit too and purchase a different 35mm!

[kentishrev]

28mm: I think going with a lens rather than another camera will always give you more future proofing, building a system rather than a set of cameras and I do think there will be quite a bit of cross over between the M9 and the X. If I had an M, the X would not be on my radar, the opposite is not the case as I have on a number of occasions considered selling the X and moving to an M. 

 

 

Thanks Dan.  Went with the 28mm option (some similar comments came up in another FB forum too.  Found an excellent condition s/h Elmarit at Richard Caplan yesterday.  Now for the new experience.