Leica X1 controls/usability

[dave lackey]

Okay, I'm partial to the little X1, and it has been rightly mentioned that it is slow focusing in low light (the X2 is better). It is a contrast, rather than phase, focus.

It's ease of use and size is everything, and where it can be a prime camera, it isn't an M9 or any other full sized camera (although the image quality certainly is). It often equals my Canon 5D.

I still shoot my IIIc and IIIf, and I would say that the X1 is the best Barnack ever. Get used to the optical viewer, I use a VC 40mm and it's just about perfect. Up close takes practice, but the little bugger beeps when in focus so one can frame and shoot pretty quickly, far more quickly than a Barnack. So how slow is slow?

Dan, I agree. Quality images. Small package. And as Godfrey has shown time and again, the little camera is fast enough.

A thought:😛

The used prices are low enough to begin collecting the things and with a bunch of batteries you could buy enough X1s to last a lifetime. 🙂

 

[robert blu]

Yes, while that can happen, there are two other options. One is scale focus and is easily set. The other is prime the shutter for release by pre-focus and hold the button down slightly until you are ready for a shot. It works super fast and with full matrix metering (or whatever it is called) exposure and focus work everytime.

Yes Dave, your suggestion works well.
I was not clear enough, my mistake sorry.
I try to explain better. In normal light situation the x1 works well. Unfortunately I shoot oft in low light situation, like club or art galleries iso up to 800/1600 and f2,8 in order to have at least 1/30 of second. At f2,8 is difficult to zone focus and if your subject is moving through the room...if he static it's ok...
But yes, the x1 is excellent, small and light...no doubts 🙂
robert

low light

colors

creative

 

[robert blu]

In LFI magazine 04/2015 there is an interesting article "Urban Geometry" about a work made by Enrico Markus Essl an austrian photographer with the X1.
Interesting!
robert