Lecia X1 Review

Posted on December 18, 2009 by The Lazy Photographer

I think it goes without saying, Leica is the Ferrari of the camera world. And, like the Ferrari, Leica cameras and lenses don’t come cheap. But boy are they sweet. Anyway, dpreview.com has just posted a 28 page review of the new Leica X1 for those with waaay more disposal income in their pockets than me.  I know at least regular visitor to my blog who will be keenly interested in this review. 😉

Leica X1 – Key Features

  • Compact lightweight body with analogue-style control dials
  • Fixed 24mm F2.8 lens (angle of view equivalent to 35mm lens on full frame)
  • Program, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual exposure modes
  • Full range of manual controls
  • 12.2 Mp APS-C CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100-3200
  • DNG raw format recording

Click here to read the full review

Or click here if you wish to jump to the conclusion

You can pick up this bad boy from Vistek in downtown Toronto for a reasonable $2,199.00

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7 Responses to Lecia X1 Review

  1. Mauro Metallo says:
    December 18, 2009 at 12:39 pm

    Dave…
    The X1 is a great camera indeed and I would surely love to own one, considering that, by Leica standard, it “only” costs $2500, although you have to remember that this is a true Leica, not a re-branded Panasonic, like all other digital cameras from the firm (exception, of course, for the now discontinued M8 and the current M9…). But unfortunately I don’t have this money, which is the equivalent for enough film and developer to last me three years, and even if I did, I still wouldn’t buy it… I can’t see myself investing more than two grand in an item not upgradeable, not easily repairable and quickly voted to obsolescence like a point and shoot!
    Plainly put, my dream digi is still the Canon G11. Sorry Leica!
    You now, Dave… My real love is B/W Film. I am an M4-P user, and I prefer it to anything else Leica made or makes. To me it’s the logical camera.
    Allow me to try to explain you why…
    Nowadays, the monitor screen on a digital camera is the most popular way of looking at the world around us. This can result in alienation from the subject, as it is its artificial image that we look at, not the subject itself. Things are very different with my M4-P. The act of taking a photograph becomes true to its original essence, making rangefinder photography an exciting and sensual experience in our world of digital imagery. As a purely mechanical alternative to all other photographic equipment, my Leica is intuitive to operate and leaves all decisions and settings to me. It is the very essence of precision mechanics, a masterpiece that opened my eyes to a world of memorable experiences from the moment it was given to me by my late father in 1985. And I wouldn’t change it for the world!

    • davecandoit says:
      December 18, 2009 at 5:16 pm

      Your passion for Leica is admirable, Mauro. Great explanation about your love of b & w film photography. Almost makes me want to convert. 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing.

      • Mauro Metallo says:
        December 18, 2009 at 6:05 pm

        My passion is for B/W film photography, and my M4-p just so happens to be there to make that passion easier for me.
        I grew up with that camera, in age, knowledge and and experience. I have simply found a tool that works for me, and for this I can justify the humongous amount of money that it costs… What I would like to make clear, though, is that I USE my camera, daily… It’s part of me and most of the time I don’t even realize it’s around. I NEVER try to impress anybody with my equipment. It’s there to MAKE images, and NEVER in color!

  2. lynnwiles says:
    December 18, 2009 at 5:07 pm

    Too much for me to even consider.

    • davecandoit says:
      December 18, 2009 at 5:20 pm

      Oh come on, Lynn. You already have the “D Lux 3”, no? What’s another couple grand? 🙂

      Just kidding. There won’t be one under my tree either. Although I’d love to own a digital version of a rangefinder camera, like the new Panasonic GF1. It’s gotten great reviews so far. The only thing holding me back is it lacks in-body image stabilization and there are not enough lenses on the market yet (the ones available are also too expensive).

    • Mauro Metallo says:
      December 18, 2009 at 6:07 pm

      Same here! I’m still dreaming about a Canon G11!

  3. davecandoit says:
    December 18, 2009 at 7:58 pm

    Hi Mauro,
    I’m impressed by your gear but more by your wonderful photos. 🙂

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