ljclark Posted September 9, 2009 Share #1 Posted September 9, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) The "look" is almost back to the olden days of Leica. This size seems pretty handy. And Leica has the opportunity to control the IQ. This is a "sealed unit" so the camera knows only one lens, and Leica can do whatever is needed for the bitstream. It looks like you can set different modes of automation, so folks who want to venture into areas of more control can do that. Who will plunk down $2K for a fixed focal length P&S? I suspect that some customers will be drawn into the store by other Leica products, but may be a bit put off by the investment required for an M9. In that situation, there is a strong case to be made for the importance of IQ. I think it could be pitched as a travel camera. (How many people bought Leicas in the film days and only used the 50mm lens?) If I was selling the X1, I'd want to have some big enlargements in the shop. If you're at a certain income level, a camera with Leica's reputation, where you can see some high quality output, and where you do less fussing -- may be a decent sell. Evolution? An X2 or X3? Maybe a model with an electronic viewfinder? And then maybe model with interchangeable lenses -- or at least a moderate zoom. I'm not sure I'm in the market for one (need a 75mm and an M9 first) but I sure want to look at one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 Hi ljclark, Take a look here The X1 Intrigues Me. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
sdai Posted September 10, 2009 Share #2 Posted September 10, 2009 I fully agree with you, lj ... this is a no brainer IMO. If Leica will ever have a chance beating the others, this is it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
treeplanter Posted September 10, 2009 Share #3 Posted September 10, 2009 Of course it depends on your style of shooting, but for a person who prefers the (equivalent) 35mm focal length, this camera could be just the ticket. I know that I'm interested. Jim B. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
meatboy Posted September 10, 2009 Share #4 Posted September 10, 2009 The "look" is almost back to the olden days of Leica. This size seems pretty handy. And Leica has the opportunity to control the IQ. This is a "sealed unit" so the camera knows only one lens, and Leica can do whatever is needed for the bitstream. It looks like you can set different modes of automation, so folks who want to venture into areas of more control can do that. Who will plunk down $2K for a fixed focal length P&S? I have to say I agree with some of your sentiment here, but its not a P&S IMHO. Its got manual controls, and A, not even PASM wheel - can you assign different functions to the A mode?. So its in a class of its own. I agree about the look and I think thats cool IMHO. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ljclark Posted September 10, 2009 Author Share #5 Posted September 10, 2009 ...but its not a P&S IMHO. Its got manual controls, and A, not even PASM wheel - can you assign different functions to the A mode?. Haven't seen a manual yet, but my guess is: A = Aperture dial to f-stop, speed dial to "A" S = Aperture dial to "A", speed dial to shutter speed P = Both dials to "A" M = Aperture dial to f-stop, speed dial to shutter speed A different (but very nice) way to do it, but that essentially mimics better P&S cameras. It's going to be up against P&S cameras, no matter how the two of us might perceive it. To my mind that's why the IQ would be a selling point. I'm going to Paris for a short vacation in October. If Leica would loan me an X1 for the week, I'd be tempted to leave my M8 and bag of lenses at home. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skunkworks Posted September 10, 2009 Share #6 Posted September 10, 2009 The X1 is very intriguing, at least for a Leicaphile like me. My first Leica was (is) a iiif, which I love for it's compact size, ergonomics, and overall tactile aesthetics including solid feel and weight. I love my D2 for the lens and photo output, as well as flexibility and good handling, but solidity and balance are lacking and the overall feel is wrong due to it's size. The X1 reminds me of the size and ergonomics of the iiif. If the "density" and tactility are there, I would seriously consider purchasing it. The only real drawback (as opposed to various acceptable compromises that come to mind) is the 35mm equivalent lens: I would prefer 50mm. (Someone else posted that the camera reminded them of their iiif but then complained about the collapsable lens on the X1. I regard the collapsable 50mm Summicron on my iiif as an asset that allows me to pocket the camera with ease, yet take extraordinary photos in low light.) What it comes down to is that this seems like a true Leica and not a Panaleica (or Fujileica--I've got one of those, too). I can't wait to hold one in order to confirm my expectation of the overall feel of the camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigrmurray Posted September 10, 2009 Share #7 Posted September 10, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Love the concept, love the looks, and the ergonomics look good on the website -- but, if Leica is looking for either the old give-one-to my-husband-the doctor-for-Christmas Leica, or the young-yuppie needs a better-than-Canon-or-Nikon point&shoot camera (sorry about the hyphens), I think the fixed lens model is a mistake; it should have been a short ratio zoom, say a 3x zoom (28-90mm). Most young'uns do not understand and will not want a fixed focal length lens, especially that demographic that Leica (I think) supposedly wants to ingratiate into this camera line. Otherwise, I like the idea, especially as a backup to a M8-M8.2-M9 camera, and -- at least for me -- if it were a zoom and a fast one, would replace my wanting to ever buy another of the D-lux series. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nhabedi Posted September 10, 2009 Share #8 Posted September 10, 2009 Haven't seen a manual yet, but my guess is: A = Aperture dial to f-stop, speed dial to "A" S = Aperture dial to "A", speed dial to shutter speed P = Both dials to "A" M = Aperture dial to f-stop, speed dial to shutter speed I'm pretty sure it's like this. Would be the same as on the S2, wouldn't it? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alun Posted September 10, 2009 Share #9 Posted September 10, 2009 The X1 is the first digital camera that has genuinely interested me. It seems to me pitched at confirmed Leica users who want something smaller that can offer greater flexibility alongside a bag of film cameras, and pros who want a vest pocket, go-anywhere camera with no image compromise. It certainly isn't targeted as a mass-market P&S, surely. Like the OP, I find myself intrigued. Price will be the deciding factor. Pitched right, theX1 -- and most definitely not the the just under GBP5K M9 -- might just turn out to be the first digi-cam I own... Roll on January 2010. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 10, 2009 Share #10 Posted September 10, 2009 The "look" is almost back to the olden days of Leica. This size seems pretty handy. If I was selling the X1, I'd want to have some big enlargements in the shop. I agree. Action shots only in the LEICA stores. Several: 6 by 4 feet from 100ASA files and 3 by 2 feet from 1600ASA files. Would make it clear to Leica non digi M owners, what the X1 is about. And answer zoom questions, too since it would show how much cropping is possible before one has what is on a tiny chip's surface of all other P&S. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackart Posted September 10, 2009 Share #11 Posted September 10, 2009 I'm pretty sure it's like this. Would be the same as on the S2, wouldn't it? Same as Digilux 2 my favourite in handling. Jaak Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted September 10, 2009 Share #12 Posted September 10, 2009 It is, of course, a seminal camera. The first "in house" digital Leica small camera. Does it show some loosening of the relationship with Panasonic? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dicko101 Posted September 10, 2009 Share #13 Posted September 10, 2009 I feel as though Leica made this camera for me. After much use from a Ricoh GR1s, this is the natural evolution for me. Everyone seems as if this camera is designed solely for the rich trophy wife or yuppie internet startup boss but whilst that no doubt entered Leica's considerations, I feel as though they must have focussed on it as a serious photographic tool and are well aware of the spectre of cameras like the GR1, 21 and CM. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
msnyc Posted September 25, 2009 Share #14 Posted September 25, 2009 I feel as though Leica made this camera for me. After much use from a Ricoh GR1s, this is the natural evolution for me. Everyone seems as if this camera is designed solely for the rich trophy wife or yuppie internet startup boss but whilst that no doubt entered Leica's considerations, I feel as though they must have focussed on it as a serious photographic tool and are well aware of the spectre of cameras like the GR1, 21 and CM. I've had one lens (35mm) on my Leica's through the M6 for 25 years.-- never used the others. For the kind of photography a range finder is made for the X1 is almost ideal --- 2.0 would have made it perfect. The difference, I'm sure is more than made up for with the cmos sensor and the higher isos. I also feel as if Leica made this camera for me. If this were around when I bought my M8, my guess is I'd have picked the X1 instead. If the autofocus is fast as even a Canon Rebel, then the X1 will have no competition in my opinion. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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