Comments on: The Leica X1 Digital Camera Review

By: Dale Thorn

Dale Thorn — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:04:21 +0000

http://dalethorn.com/Photos/Leica_X1/Charsc68.jpg

Here’s one of my classic examples of why the X1 is so outstanding. This is a photo taken in JPEG mode only, cropped slightly, and no other significant changes (I use Paint Shop Pro v6 dated ~1998). Even this is a challenge for clarity, shooting JPEG with the X1. I can’t imagine most other compact cameras being able to capture as good of detail in a large group photo.

By: peejay

peejay — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:20:12 +0000

This is the best compact I’ve ever owned. I just bought one and am astounded by the quality. The af is on the slow side but I was quite surprised as it wasn’t as slow as I was expecting after reading all the reviews. I shoot it alot on manual focus as well. The Manual system is brilliant and I’m probably using it more in mf mode than af. The image quality is astoundingly good – I had heard it was good but my eyes just about popped out of my head when I saw how good it was. Large sensor, outstanding quality images in a pocketable camera. To me it’s perfect.

By: john

john — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:41:07 +0000

How does the X1 compare to the fuji x100 in terms of usability…?

Some of the cons in Dpreview for the X1 were as below…have firmware updates fixed these:
* Autofocus distinctly slower than most
* Unimpressive battery life
* Accurate manual focus impossible (lens stops down uncontrollably)
* Low light operation relatively poor (very slow AF and screen refresh rate)
* Live histogram unreliable, disappears when setting exposure compensation
* ISO only visible in detailed display mode; Auto ISO doesn’t show selected value at all
* Click stops for control dial ‘A’ positions not positive enough (particularly on the shutter speed dial)
* No DNG only option (must record a JPEG as well)
* Camera locks up completely when buffer is full shooting raw
* Electronic image stabilization of limited usefulness (only works in JPEG mode)
* Unrefined JPEG image quality
* Playback mode slow and unresponsive
* Very expensive

I know the X100 issues, but am interested in knowing how these two compare.

By: Erica

Erica — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:48:40 +0000

Sorry for the typo. I meant my friend where I typed friends and I meant small instead of snall.

By: Erica

Erica — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:46:40 +0000

Hi Steve, I loved your review last year and in may 2010 I bought the X1 when it came out in The Netherlands. I loved shooting with it. The pictures are crisp and clear and you just think about the picture you want to take before you press the shutter. Three weeks ago I bought an M9 with 35 mm summicronlens. My friends has the X1 now as a snall camera alongside his D700. I’m still playing around with the M9, which is a fantastic camera. It’s a great upgrade from the X1 and I’m going to use the X1 when I’m “lazy” and want to use an autofocus camera with a great Leica lens.

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 07:22:30 +0000

Hi Steve and all.

While reading around newer stuff on the site, I revisited this “old” review I had read at the time. Just want to add my 2 cents: I am a X1 user, and have been since the first specimen hit the stores in Brussels. I still marvel every day about the combination of picture quality, ergonomics and ultra small size compared to sensor. It is genuinely pocketable, including trousers pockets. With the v2 of firmware, it is much more reactive than it was at time of review, including for AF, and easier to use in full manual mode (DoF scale, settings saved when power is turned off, etc). No issue at all on that side. I agree with most of Steve’s conclusions, including on the minus side, especially the remark about top plate dials being too easy to move unintentionally. But for the rest, this camera is a dream, and is as much a dream in November 2011 as it was back at launch. No reason to sit and wait for “newer/better” if you are looking for this type of pocketable quality. I’d buy it black now though….

PS Steve: thanks for your site, your work and your healthy view on the tools of this hobby/profession

By: juancarlos

juancarlos — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:21:59 +0000

im fairly new to the Leica world; im likely to really consider getting M6 .85 LLT from my research, but i guess i still don’t understand and seem to be turned off by Leica’s position on their products. Would I buy an 335 BMW for top $$$ and then be told I have to spend extra for a radio? so you can dish out 2k for an X1 just cause it’s cool looking and its a Leica, whaoh… but then you need the camera holder $$$ and then you need a view finder more $$$ – really i can understand the madness of a cult but are people that stupid to consider this camera like the last coke on the dessert ? it’s like buying a porsche top dollar yet you have to pay extra for them to paint for you – insane !!! sorry, if you can point me to leica site that might really listen I would voice my 2 cents with them. that said, I don’t disagree much with your take on it, just the whole I idea of owning one… thanks, jc

By: Hugh Hill

Hugh Hill — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:21:43 +0000

nice review man, really enjoyed the layman style,,,’Yeah!’

By: On the way to Denver | Light is Life

On the way to Denver | Light is Life — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 13:42:03 +0000

[...] prises avec mon merveilleux capricieux petit Leica X1 (super review de l’appareil sur le blog de Steve Huff, maître des tests d’appareils en [...]

By: Carlos Echavarría S.

Carlos Echavarría S. — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:48:32 +0000

Hi Steve. I alway wanted a Leica M. After reading this and using Olympus and Nikon film cameras, Fuji Finepix and Canon EOS 1s, I am so tired of caring them and missing so many memorable images, I can’t wait to buy mi X1. You made the difference. This is the first time I see your Blog. I usually go to Dpreview.com which is useful but too technical. Your hands on photographer style is closer to Pros like me who know what a camera is for. So thank a lot and I hope your EX is happy with her new X1 too…
Carlos E.
[img]behance.net/carlosechavarria[/img]