Towards an X-D

[jonatdonuts]

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My second digital Leica was an X 113, which I loved. Perfect lens, lovely body, simple controls; everything was wonderful apart from the ISO performance beyond 1600, blown highlights, and mediocre autofocus. 

 

I had high hopes for the new CL, and though it seems to have addressed these issues, ergonomically it just doesn't sit well with me.

 

I have been told that the CL is looking to take over the X line, which from a marketing point of view makes sense, but it does now leave Leica photographers who want only the purest form of controls with just the M and Q lines - and both of these are a little too bulky for the pocket. 

 

In light of this gap, I still believe there is a niche for a new, small X. Think of the X2 in size and controls, but with a TL2 sensor, and a 35mm or 50mm collapsible Summicron lens. Then replace the back screen with the ISO dial, and up top place a viewfinder in the same fashion as the VIDOM. 

 

The X-D if you will. 

 

Add a IIIg selfie timer lever on the front for good measure, and I think it might do quite well. 

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[DS1969]

My second digital Leica was an X 113, which I loved. Perfect lens, lovely body, simple controls; everything was wonderful apart from the ISO performance beyond 1600, blown highlights, and mediocre autofocus. 

 

I had high hopes for the new CL, and though it seems to have addressed these issues, ergonomically it just doesn't sit well with me.

 

I have been told that the CL is looking to take over the X line, which from a marketing point of view makes sense, but it does now leave Leica photographers who want only the purest form of controls with just the M and Q lines - and both of these are a little too bulky for the pocket. 

 

In light of this gap, I still believe there is a niche for a new, small X. Think of the X2 in size and controls, but with a TL2 sensor, and a 35mm or 50mm collapsible Summicron lens. Then replace the back screen with the ISO dial, and up top place a viewfinder in the same fashion as the VIDOM. 

 

The X-D if you will. 

 

Add a IIIg selfie timer lever on the front for good measure, and I think it might do quite well. 

 

Bizarrely this is something I might be interested in buying, depending on price and performance. This is one option I had never thought of. I would even enjoy a 35mm lens.