Leica T or Leica X?

[Jonaline]

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Help me to make a decision - which camera is better?
 

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[wda]

One belongs to a system, the other has a fixed lens. Which do you prefer?

I have an X1 and an X-Vario, both old and obsolescent, but both produce excellent results. The latter is more versatile; the former more conpact for travel.

Edited May 25, 2022 by wda

[Ray Im]

It follows multiple questions because these are very different type of cameras.

• Leica T - Interchangeable lens system with Leica and Sigma TL lenses.
• Leica X1, X2, X-E - Fixed 36mm equivalent F2.8 lens.
• Leica X-Vario - 28-70mm range equivalent F3.5-6.4 lens.
• Leica X Typ 113 - Fixed 35mm equivalent limited F1.7 lens. For close shooting setup, camera automatically limits fastest aperture up to F2.8
• Leica X-U (Typ 113) - Underwater X Typ 113.

1. If you would have only one camera then go for X-Vario or Leica T.
2. If you want pocketable like Ricoh GR III then go for X1, X2, X-E.
3. If you are 35mm prime shooter then go for X Typ 113.
4. If you want to shoot in the water then go for X-U.

Image qualities are all good.

 

Edited June 3, 2022 by Ray Im

[Stuart Richardson]

I directly compared the results out of the T with a 23mm summicron to the X2. The T and 23mm made the better images, but the X2 is more pocketable and I think the interface is a bit nicer and straightforward. The screen is much better in the T...for the price they cost these days, I would go more in that direction.

[dkCambridgeshire]

I use the X Vario and the T ... and the X1.  X Vario and T both require a Viso EVF for optimum composition ... The X Vario can use the Olympus VF-2 EVF which is exactly the same as the Leica EVF-2 but less expensive ... The T requires the Visoflex 020 which is expensive ... can be almost as expensive as a s/h T camera.  No EVF available for the X1 ... use a Voigtlander optical finder instead of the Leica finder.  My X Vario is used more than the Leica T ... I have adapted Leitz Elpro achromatic close-up lenses for use with the XV enabling up to life size magnification c/u images .. Elpros are an acquired taste but give superb results.  I use the T with all manner of legacy lenses up to 800mm focal length ... but the XV 'outfit' (with Elpros) is very compact and fits in a small shoulder bag.  My X1 does not get much use because the internal battery which powers the day/date/time function is 'kaput' ... thus the day/date/time requires re-setting when the main battery is swapped over / recharged ... the internal battery is not user replaceable. A used T is very much less expensive than an XV but the T being usable with non-Leica legacy lenses (via adapters) is the more versatile camera ... but use of legacy lenses requires manual focus ... which is not on all users' radars. The XV is limited by its 28-70mm (full frame equivalent) zoom lens ... but it's a superb lens and usable at any aperture throughout the zoom range. The T can be used with many manual focus legacy lenses (via adapters ... eg URTH adapters ) . If you contemplate a need to use longer focal length lenses and can afford to buy the VISO 020, choose the T.  If happy with 28-70mm (FF equivalent) choose the XV ... with a s/h Olympus EVF.  If you are near a dealer who sells s/h Leica and stocks s/h examples of the X1, X2, XV and T ... try before you buy.  A s/h T is so reasonably priced nowadays you might consider buying both a T and an XV ... both are now fully depreciated  so if resold or PX'd at a later date you would not lose $£€much.  Budget for a spare battery. Leica X1, X2 and XV use the same battery ... Leica T, TL and TL2 use a T series battery. Leica T autofocus can be a little slow ... as can the X1's AF.   If you can manage manual focus with legacy lenses and can afford a VISO 020 ... consider the Leica T.  If tempted by a Leica X1 please check the internal battery is not 'kaput' by checking the time / date after removing and replacing the main battery ... An unscrupulous seller might not advise that the internal battery needs replacing.

Edited June 4, 2022 by dkCambridgeshire

[wda]

11 hours ago, Stuart Richardson said:

I directly compared the results out of the T with a 23mm summicron to the X2. The T and 23mm made the better images, but the X2 is more pocketable and I think the interface is a bit nicer and straightforward. The screen is much better in the T...for the price they cost these days, I would go more in that direction.

The only common factor in your comparison is focal length. The lenses are different spec, design, initial aperture, cost and performance. I regard them as complimentary. 

[Stuart Richardson]

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3 hours ago, wda said:

The only common factor in your comparison is focal length. The lenses are different spec, design, initial aperture, cost and performance. I regard them as complimentary. 

In principle I agree, but I was just answering the OP's question...if the general question is "which is better?", my answer would be that the T is capable of better results, while the X2 is more compact and pocketable.

[tom0511]

CL+23 would be my choice.

However I have to say the x2 has something, small camera with good IQ. Like a digital Rollei 35.

[lmans]

I would go with the X since it is not a system you have to invest additional dollars in to get lens's which you cannot use except on those cameras. I have a tough enough time purchases lens for a M camera so my $ go in that direction. I like the ease of the X since it is one lens, said and done. It balances out my M cameras and usage. Toss in the T, and I have a whole new set of lens's to purchase and I am not going that way. Get a good X2 or the like and you will enjoy just as much.

[dkCambridgeshire]

BEWARE!! Advised two days ago Leica X series are no longer supported by Leica ... no service / repairs unless an independent repairer can offer same. And if no servicing possible it's likely that no parts are available from Leica 

Edited June 25, 2022 by dkCambridgeshire

[wda]

10 hours ago, dkCambridgeshire said:

...... no service / repairs unless an independent repairer can offer same. ...

Existing owners of working Leica X-series cameras would welcome evidence of third-party service for these cameras. Please report your successes in this area for the benefit of many ongoing users.

I have a failed back-up battery in my Leica X-Vario. However it is a small operation to reset this information manually, thus prolonging the life of a very versatile instrument.

[dkCambridgeshire]

Yes ... we need a few "independents" (especially in UK) to offer servicing / repairs to Leica X series ... it's not rocket science ... especially to replace an internal battery. Parts might be a problem but back in the day when David Slater was the repair technician at Leica Mayfair he had 'donor cameras' for spares and was very obliging when Leica enthusiasts sought his help / expertise to give their 'old Leica' a new lease of life. 'Indy repairers' could take a leaf out his book and do the same. 

dunk