tategoi Posted November 28, 2009 Share #21 Posted November 28, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Has anyone experience on GF1 and Voigtländer lenses between 21 and 35mm?! I have hard time deciding between X1 and GF1.. Cheers mates! pTu Is the X1 available for purchase already? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 28, 2009 Posted November 28, 2009 Hi tategoi, Take a look here Leica X1 or Panasonic GF1 + M glass. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
michael friedberg Posted November 28, 2009 Share #22 Posted November 28, 2009 I'm sure the GF1 and M glass would take great pictures…. Sorry to disagree; I bought a Panasonic G1 and use it with a Voigtlander adaptor with my M lenses. This was a major disappointment for me, because photo quality suffers tremendously. There are several reasons for this, and you need to search the archives here. But technically the reports, among others, state: 1.“The G1 is a DSLR and uses an antialiasing filter: even if the M-lens intrinsic resolution is superior, it will be blurred by the filter.” 2.Sean Reid posted his full review of the G1 Reidreviews com, and as one person wrote here: “To me the biggest surprise is the behaviour of Leica lens on the G1.They hold the resolution in the center but there is a significant fall off in the corners of the 4/3 sensor AS COMPARED to M8. Sean puts forward a hypothesis that these lenses are not really optimized to the 4/3 sensor (as they are to film M's and M8).” Also, I have several problems using M lenses on the G1. You have to go through a series of somewhat contrived steps to set the camera to manual focus. The electronic viewfinder with manual focus is not easy and nowhere close to a rangefinder. The images are in RAW2 format and I still haven’t been able to use those with Photoshop (the camera comes with a below par raw converter, SilkyPix). The bottom line, regardless of technical reasons, is that M lenses don’t produce like M lenses on a G1. I use the G1 still for long telephoto shots that my Leica rangefinders (M8 and M9) can’t handle. I can’t recommend the GF1 for more, at least for the M photographer, except video as well. Whether the adaptor is by Pansonic or Voightlander shouldn't have any effect on this. In no case would I get excited about the prospect. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsrockit Posted November 28, 2009 Share #23 Posted November 28, 2009 I really feel that the problem with the all of these cameras is that they are not set-up like traditional cameras... and the sensors are still too small to satisfy. That annoys most people. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pthurst Posted December 2, 2009 Share #24 Posted December 2, 2009 I posted earlier with some example shots and as I've watched the preview pics and reviews trickle in, I havent' regretted my decision one bit. I am really happy with the quality of the pics from the GF1. As I wrote earlier though, I'm still not that sure its an either/or situation. The GF1 doubles up as a nice second body for rangefinder users especially as with the adaptor, the lenses can be used in both instances. The only thing that I class as a hindrance is the x2 multiplication effect which means its really hard to get quality M glass to a 50mm or wider equivalent. For those instances, I stick with the 20mm pancake kit lens. I suppose very little has changed in my thinking. The versitility of the GF1 easily outshines the X1 while the quality is not a million miles away (when shooting RAW). The X1 is obviously a Leica purists choice but in the right hands, you'll get stunning results from the GF1, especially if there's Leica glass on there as well. Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterb Posted December 4, 2009 Share #25 Posted December 4, 2009 I think a GF1 (or in my case a G1 since I would have gotten a GF1 anyways with an EVF) with the 20mm f1.7 along with a 50mm (100mm equiv.) Summicron, Summilux or (in my wildest dreams) a Noctilux would be a KILLER two lens kit. The 20mm would be great for rapid AF general shooting. The 50mm would be utterly superb for portraits. Go for the 90 APO Summicron and you have an amazing f2 180mm APO lens. Get the 135mm f3.4 APO Telyt and buy two tickets for the Mala Mala Game Preserve in SA for the safari of your life taking shot after shot with your 270mm f3.4 powerhouse. All attached to a nice compact little body. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samir Jahjah Posted December 5, 2009 Share #26 Posted December 5, 2009 2.Sean Reid posted his full review of the G1 Reidreviews com, and as one person wrote here: “To me the biggest surprise is the behaviour of Leica lens on the G1.They hold the resolution in the center but there is a significant fall off in the corners of the 4/3 sensor AS COMPARED to M8. Sean puts forward a hypothesis that these lenses are not really optimized to the 4/3 sensor (as they are to film M's and M8).” I agree: corners show falloff when using M lenses wider than 35mm... But still, using an M lens on a G1 renders better the color, tones and some of that leica look! However, I used this combo recently at a concert, with poor lighting: this time I put on the M-Emarit 90mm on the G1 (that is an effective 180mm), handheld, manual focus of course, at pretty high iso. Here is one example. The G1 or GF1 plus M-glasses give you the flexibility of various focal lengths, as well as an upgrade path to M8 or M9, if you desire so. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/96285-leica-x1-or-panasonic-gf1-m-glass/?do=findComment&comment=1140985'>More sharing options...
peterb Posted December 5, 2009 Share #27 Posted December 5, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) The G1 or GF1 plus M-glasses give you the flexibility of various focal lengths, as well as an upgrade path to M8 or M9, if you desire so. That's my thinking. Currently I am eyeing the 90mm APO Summicron. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsrockit Posted December 5, 2009 Share #28 Posted December 5, 2009 I'd much rather have the X1. You get a lens that is made exactly for that camera... and I prefer wide angles. If you prefer lenses larger then 50mm... then the GF1 is the better option. It basically comes down to that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrphotog Posted December 10, 2009 Share #29 Posted December 10, 2009 While waiting for M9 to be available, I have been using my M glasses with the Pana G1. Corners are indeed soft, but you get the nice Leica 3D signature! Here are a few examples with the Leica 18 mm SE and 24mm 2.8. I like the photos. Have you used the G1 with 135mm? I'm wondering if the combination of the G1 and this long lenses might allow Leica glass to span from very wide (on an M9, for example) to very long (nearly 300mm). It sure seems to work with the 90. Any issues with focus? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
taildraggin Posted December 10, 2009 Share #30 Posted December 10, 2009 This has been one of the best of threads regarding this type of camera. Thanks, particularly to Paul (pthurst) and Samir, for your observations and fine photos. Of the 2 questions I have about the X1 (AF speed and viewfinder, or lack thereof), GF-1 users should be able to answer the viewfinder question. How do you take good photos with just the back panel? If you are using the EVF, why would did you not get a G1/GH-1? - Charlie Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsrockit Posted December 10, 2009 Share #31 Posted December 10, 2009 If you are using the EVF, why would did you not get a G1/GH-1? - Charlie Becuase the G1 is ugly as sin? Just a guess. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterb Posted December 10, 2009 Share #32 Posted December 10, 2009 This has been one of the best of threads regarding this type of camera. Thanks, particularly to Paul (pthurst) and Samir, for your observations and fine photos. Of the 2 questions I have about the X1 (AF speed and viewfinder, or lack thereof), GF-1 users should be able to answer the viewfinder question. How do you take good photos with just the back panel? If you are using the EVF, why would did you not get a G1/GH-1? - Charlie That's my thought exactly. If you're going to get the GF1 and THEN get the EVF for it, you might as well just get the G1 or the GH1 since the EVF you get is a helluva lot better. (It's actually the same resolution as the one Olympus is now offering on its EP-2 but unfortunately you apparently can't use it on the GF1.) With the little 20mm lens on board it's really quite handle-able. And, Jsrockit, yeah it's a homely little bugger but I love it just the same. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Symeon Posted December 19, 2009 Share #33 Posted December 19, 2009 The Panasonic camera is far more advanced than the Leica. I'll go for the GF1 anytime, especially if I have lots of M glass! But wait, in a year Leica will correct most of the problems of the X1 with an X2 or something, it always does, Leica always responded to customer feedback and learnt from us. The X1 was an honest attempt but not good enough. You can't use a Leica without an RF or without the joy of focusing the lens as you want it and where you want it. The future of Leica Digital is in a concept like the X rather than the M line. So, be patient. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsrockit Posted December 19, 2009 Share #34 Posted December 19, 2009 The GF1 fails with M glass... it really is a quirky option. You're better off using the lenses made for the system... unless you want to use long M lenses, then the crop factor may be cool. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nugat Posted December 19, 2009 Share #35 Posted December 19, 2009 I've been playing with Leica glass on m43 for a year now. With rather vast experience in various combinations I choose for myself: 1. Olympus E-P1 + 20mm/1.7 Panasonic lens Absolute stunner-if I was to choose one camera/lens out of all possibilities in the world that would be it. I use it with the optical VF when needed. With the in-body IS, very usable 1600 ISO, great image quality out of camera (JPEG) and olympus raw development, yes it equals M8 with Leica glass in image quality and tops it in ergonomics and pure usabilty, not to mention economics. (The January Shutterbug review corroborates this). One area for improvement is AF. 2. Panasonic GH1 plus 7-14 and 14-150 Panasonic glass is the great secondary camera for me. Secondary, because in my experience 2/3 of all pics I take with the Oly+20mm There is no point to mount Leica M glass onto m43. No gain in quality and absence of AF (but at least IS on the Olympus.). My M8 gathers dust and my Leica lenses are happy to work on film bodies. Until a full frame M-mount camera that costs less than my car arrives (Epson RD2?). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pthurst Posted December 19, 2009 Share #36 Posted December 19, 2009 This has been one of the best of threads regarding this type of camera. Thanks, particularly to Paul (pthurst) and Samir, for your observations and fine photos. Of the 2 questions I have about the X1 (AF speed and viewfinder, or lack thereof), GF-1 users should be able to answer the viewfinder question. How do you take good photos with just the back panel? If you are using the EVF, why would did you not get a G1/GH-1? - Charlie You're welcome! Thanks for your kind comments too. Been out again today with the GF1 and Leica glass. This camera is really worthy of all the praise it is receiving, it is remarkably good especially with some nice M lenses on the front! From what I've been able to gather recently, it seems that up to ISO 800 the GF1 and X1 output similar quality images although with the pancake f1.7 lens, the GF1 is about 1-stop quicker, which is very impressive indeed. Having read the detailed review from dpreview, I think another key factor may be the speed of the autofocus with the GF1 easily outperforming the X1. My hope is that Leica learn from the X1 and make the choice between the X2 and a GF2, much more difficult to make. I'm itching to spend some money on a Leica! Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nugat Posted December 19, 2009 Share #37 Posted December 19, 2009 The EVF for GF1 is quite usable. Not the resolution and quality of G1/GH1/EP2 EVF but still works fine giving one all the necessary info on the screen. It's small too. The best thing about GF1 thought is the latest firmare (Nov 25th release). When pressing the thumb dial you get manual focus magnification with your Leica lens. That's unavailable on G1/GH1 yet (they have index finger dials instead). I tried my 35 lux today both on M8 and GF1 and got consistently better focus (and pictures) on the GF1. Maybe that's just me and my weakening eyes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pthurst Posted December 19, 2009 Share #38 Posted December 19, 2009 The EVF for GF1 is quite usable. Not the resolution and quality of G1/GH1/EP2 EVF but still works fine giving one all the necessary info on the screen. It's small too.The best thing about GF1 thought is the latest firmare (Nov 25th release). When pressing the thumb dial you get manual focus magnification with your Leica lens. That's unavailable on G1/GH1 yet (they have index finger dials instead). I tried my 35 lux today both on M8 and GF1 and got consistently better focus (and pictures) on the GF1. Maybe that's just me and my weakening eyes. Thanks for the heads up on the Firmware updates. Updated both the GF1 and my Pancake lens (!). Just wish that they made picture review automatically defaut to the LCD screen rather than the EVF when its attached. A small gripe though. I, like yourself also find that its far easier for me to take pin-sharp pictures on the GF1 rather than my old Epson Rangefinder, shame I can't update the firmware for my eyes while I'm at it... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hammam Posted December 19, 2009 Share #39 Posted December 19, 2009 Manual focusing with M lenses and adaptor on the GF1 is tricky with the LCD because you don't get the automatic loupe that dedicated u4/3 lenses provide when in MF. And if you wear multifocal reading glasses like I do, it becomes trickier because you have to hold the camera further away still, where you see less and have more chances of motion blur. It IS possible, but difficult. This is where I think the EVF would help, however I have no idea where to get one. No dealer seems to have it in my corner of the woods. I'd appreciate if someone could help. Thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hammam Posted December 19, 2009 Share #40 Posted December 19, 2009 Okay, I posted before reading Nugat's info for new GF1 firmware and magnifier in MF with M lenses. Thanks, Nugat, I'll go check right away. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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