My thoughts and questions

[RaymondH]

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I think the concept of the X1 is great. I like the idea that there is a less expensive Leica option with a good lens and nice manual options and large sensor. (I didn't follow Leica until the last year or so, so I'm not overly familiar with their older non-M digital cameras).

 

Likes:

 

- I like that we get a true Leica quality lens. I assume it is on par with the typical Leica lens, so that would be a great thing. Personally, I wonder about the fixed focal length though. I've recently been using a Leica IIIf and am getting used to a fixed focal length, but I don't use that camera for everyday shooting. It is used more as a specialty camera for me to try things out. I don't know if I'd get along without a zoom lens (I might, or I might not, I just don't know!). When I look at most of my photographs (family, landscape, etc), then I think, yeah, this might work. But then there are shots where it would not be possible to do it without a long lens.

 

- I like the large sensor. I've used a D300, and I've heard the X1 sensor is similar to the one in the D300. With Leica glass, I hope this would look really really good. If it is a Sony sensor, I doubt that the AA filter could easily be removed, but perhaps I'm wrong. It would be nice if the sensor could be used in an arrangement that goes beyond what the Nikon does with it (if this is truly an enhancement).

 

- I like the effective P, T, A, M modes, and how it is done - i.e. with the two dials (Aperture and Shutter speed) - really cool!

 

- From some of the video's linked to this forum with information about the X1, it looks as if manual focusing has a focusing distance read-out to help with determining the distance. I hope this is very accurate so that one can get good at focusing by setting the distance manually. (i.e. set it to focus at 2.2m, and snap away).

 

Questions:

 

- Is it possible to attach a filter? I'd like to use a polarizer for the landscape photos that I take. I know this has come up with other discussions, but the options and possibilities have not been articulated (as far as I could see). Also, for regular lenses (M or for other brands), people often put a UV filter in front to protect the lens from scratches etc. If this lens cannot be replaced and cannot have a replaceable front filter, it would be heartbreaking to have something happen to the lens on a camera with this price point.

 

- What is the 'Studio' flash setting. This is listed as a flash setting option in the brochure, but I don't know what it does and what it would be used for (obviously the studio, but how does it differ from the other options?). This question was asked on this forum before, but again, without an answer.

 

- Will the autofocus be up to snuff? I'd love to have a DSLR replacement in a small package like this, but I really really want fast autofocus - much faster than my current point and shoot.

 

- Will the auto-bracketing work like it does on the M9? I.e. I'd like to set it and then set the self timer to 2seconds and then have the camera take all pictures in the bracketing immediately after each other by itself. Either this, or some sort of remote control (IR or cable release).

 

I'm looking at my options for a camera, and this camera looks intriguing, but I still am weighing the pros and cons.

 

Thanks for reading...

 

Raymond.

[JackTheRipper]

sounds like we're in the same boat... I'm wanting a Leica really bad... I do a lot of traveling so the X1 should be perfect for me. There just isn't that much info on it out yet... Sorta sucks you know? I wish a good detailed review would be up, and some great sample pics. Maybe soon... I'll also tell you that I wish the Leica red dot was a little in the middle instead of near where a person would hold the camera, because it covers the red dot when people hold it :-(...

 

Not to highjack your thread, but here are some of my questions...

 

it sucks about no zoom. but maybe since the sensor is good, one could crop?

 

is the hot shoe the same as in other leicas? would it be worthwhile to buy a little hot shoe protector?

 

is there any specific product to protect the screen?

 

and have you seen there is an awesome leather leica case (similar to the d-lux 4)... I love that case!

 

do you know if there is any nice leica leather neckstraps?

 

thanks!

[mborkowski14]

Hey Jack and Raymond,

 

Hopefully these answers in bold will help you two.

 

 

sounds like we're in the same boat... I'm wanting a Leica really bad... I do a lot of traveling so the X1 should be perfect for me. There just isn't that much info on it out yet... Sorta sucks you know? I wish a good detailed review would be up, and some great sample pics. Maybe soon... I'll also tell you that I wish the Leica red dot was a little in the middle instead of near where a person would hold the camera, because it covers the red dot when people hold it :-(...

 

Not to highjack your thread, but here are some of my questions...

 

it sucks about no zoom. but maybe since the sensor is good, one could crop?

 

is the hot shoe the same as in other leicas? would it be worthwhile to buy a little hot shoe protector?

 

If you'll be using it often enough, then it's probably worth it to take he precaution. Plus, they're only like ten bucks. Here ya go: Richard Franiec's Camera Accessories

 

is there any specific product to protect the screen?

 

Invisible Shield and several other companies make screen layovers for digital cameras, so I'm gonna guess that they'll be plenty of third party product to protect our X1's.

 

and have you seen there is an awesome leather leica case (similar to the d-lux 4)... I love that case!

 

do you know if there is any nice leica leather neckstraps?

 

This might be a bit of an overkill, considering the X1's size, but hey, if you get an M, it'll be great too. Here's the link: Leica Camera AG - Photography - Wide Camera Carrying Strap

 

thanks!

[JackTheRipper]

thanks for the posts...

 

it's a light camera, but what I like about the leicas is that most people wear them around their necks...

 

instead of putting it back in your pocket and then taking it out a hundred times during a tourist visit to a city, you can just wear it around your neck and snap at will...

 

ya know?

 

thanks!

[John Maio]

 

- Will the autofocus be up to snuff? I'd love to have a DSLR replacement in a small package like this, but I really really want fast autofocus - much faster than my current point and shoot.

 

Raymond.

 

Yes, this would be the big question for me, too. If, after pressing the shutter, the camera has to calculate low energy paths through space, the local weather forecast and whatever else a small P&S does before it decides to take the picture, its usefulness as a "street camera" would be very limited.

 

It would also have to have superb image quality as well.

 

Mean-tine, I'll continue to use the M7 and, occasionally the Canon G9, which has proven itself to be an excellent travel camera as long as one doesn't insist on huge prints. Canon's G11 update is also very intriguing.