Leica X2 as a travel camera?

[Jubb Jubb]

Hi all, thanks in advance for any help/replies.

I am travelling to far north Sweden in December/January and am looking for a small camera to take.

I currently own an M9-Pand 35/f2 but am worried about taking that in the very cold temperatures. I don't want to risk the sensor or camera being damaged. It's also going to be dark.

The Leica X2 could be a good solution to take, it's not too distant from the workflow of an M9, it's close to the 35mm equivalent, and the image quality should be ok. I am unsure how well the sensor will hold out in the dark (any better than an M9?)

Has anyone used this camera in cold weather of this kind. Or have any recommendations on something different? I was also looking at a Canon 6D w lens, but DSLR territory i am trying to avoid.

Thank you.

 

[Lss]

I currently own an M9-Pand 35/f2 but am worried about taking that in the very cold temperatures. I don't want to risk the sensor or camera being damaged.

The M9 can take cold temperatures, both the sensor and the camera will be just fine.

 

[Godfrey]

While the M9 would do just fine, an X2 with viewfinder is smaller, lighter, etc. And you have more automation if desired for happy snaps. The lens is excellent, and I've found that with proper exposure it produces excellent results even at ISO 6400, and 12500 in a pinch for B&W. If all you want it for is a 35mm lens, there's little downside to the X2.

Biggest thing you have to careful of with either is cold effect on the batteries. Keep the batteries/cameras from being cold-soaked excessively and either will work fine. The M9 Is tetchier about having good battery power, so bring a couple of spares, keep them charged, and change batteries early for best results if you go that way.

G

 

[Jubb Jubb]

Thanks guys.

Lss, you sure the sensor will be ok? Temperatures are about -20 degrees celsius.
I'm from Australia, our winter is about maybe 7 degrees celsius, so its going to be bloody cold.

Thanks Godfrey, I'm still tossing this up between an SLR or something.

 

[Peter_S]

I am currently using an X2 as my only digital camera, along with some film cameras. I use it for ski mountaineering and ski guiding - and have used an X1 in the past, with good success (does magazine prints easily). Both have proven to be my sturdiest digital cameras. I also used an M8.2, which held up, but is overall way less sturdy (RF calibration, dust on sensor, batteries drain faster) and because it is larger and heavier, more difficult to protect and it has more momentum when knocking it around.
The X2 is also very good for spontanous photography - and very silent.

About the IQ in comparison to the M9 I cannot say much. The X1 was on-par with the M8.2, however, also to due the fixed lense optimized for the sensor. My X2 has no AA-filter and I cannot say how the regular X2 performs.

Overall - I am very happy with the X cameras (not so much with Ms, analog or digital, and do not use them anymore) in terms of size to performance ratio, handling with gloves, ruggedness and battery life in the cold (take a backup in your pocket and life is good).

The only problem are the stupid battery holder (they must have been drunk when designing that) and, the one thing bothering me, the lack of a long-term exposure option .

 

[robert blu]

I have a, Leica X1 as my only digital camera and find it excellent for travel photography because of small size and weight. I had large print for an exhibition without problem (visible here in this video on my blog and here). The 35mm equivalent focal is ok for most of things. The only limitation is if you want to make a portrait where the face fills all most of the frame, but if you do not print too large you can always crop a little. I use it when we go hiking on the mountains with the snow with a temperature between minus 5 and minus 10°C. (here and here). I usually keep the camera under my jacket and have a spare battery. I cannot comment about x files against M9. I hope this helps.

 

[Lss]

Lss, you sure the sensor will be ok? Temperatures are about -20 degrees celsius.

I often spend time outside and photograph at such temperatures, and occasionally even when it's below -30. I don't own an M9, but have used an M8 for a few years. It's a good idea to keep a fresh battery in a warm pocket (on your body) to prolong usage. LCD displays can get a bit slower sometimes. It's a good idea to protect your gear against sudden temperature changes by keeping them in a bag when going out and especially when coming back in. Same thing in hot environments with cold A/C.

I think I prefer the Australian winter myself.

 

[Johann Espiritu]

I used to have an X1 which I used alongside my M9 when I travelled, and it was a great combo.

When changing lenses was either a hassle or not an option, the X1 and and M9 with either a 28mm or a 50mm was a great combo. It also made a great only camera on "light shooting" times, like going out to dinner with the wife.

My current travel combo is a M240 + Fuji X20, but many times contemplate replacing the latter with either an X2 or X Vario.

 

[_goodtimez]

The X2 and M9 use the same electronic components since they are manufactured in the same period. The M9 just has a larger sensor and of course a finder, so no difference in behavior with cold or wet conditions I think.
I would take the most complete camera, I mean the M9 for sure.
In real life I take no digital camera anywere but rather rely on film 🙂

 

[_goodtimez]

Same thing in hot environments with cold A/C.

I think I prefer the Australian winter myself.

I think using a camera in a hot/humid weather and taking this camera in an air conditioned environment is better than the other way around.
I used to spend years in Djibouti with an M6 and there was never a problem when returning in my air conditioned room. I just left the camera and lens separated overnight during my sleep.
Going from cold to hot/humid was where a lot of condensation started inside and outside the camera.
The solution was to package the camera in a plastic bag inside the cold room and let it warm up a couple minutes before taking it out of the bag. With sometimes 50°C outside, it did not take long...

 

[doolittle]

Do you have the X2 already? Otherwise consider a Fuji X100(s). 35mm equivalent, good high iso performance.

 

[Peter_S]

The X2 and M9 use the same electronic components since they are manufactured in the same period. The M9 just has a larger sensor and of course a finder, so no difference in behavior with cold or wet conditions I think.
I would take the most complete camera, I mean the M9 for sure.
In real life I take no digital camera anywere but rather rely on film 🙂

Hm...I had the M8 and M8.2, and the X1 and X1 surely behave a lot better in cold weather and the X1/2 survive a lot of abuse, in fact they are my favourite digital mountain cameras (sold all Ms, incl. film ones).

 

[Godfrey]

The X2 and M9 use the same electronic components since they are manufactured in the same period. The M9 just has a larger sensor and of course a finder, so no difference in behavior with cold or wet conditions I think.

I have both these cameras. While manufacturing time overlapped, there's nothing you can derive about the comparative performance from that. Totally different designs, components, build ... Everything.

G

 

[asiafish]

How to get a AA-less X2? I would love to have my X2 converted.

 

[Peter_S]

How to get a AA-less X2?

https://www.maxmax.com/ (Kolari Vision would do it too)
But beware - because the IR and UV filter must also be ripped out and replaced, the color balance is off after the conversion. I created now profiles with XRite, but still, it is not the same. For b/w, it rocks after the conversion though.

 

[Addy101]

Option you have. Did you consider a four thirds camera with an Olympus 17/1.8 or a Sony A6000 (or nex 6) with the Zeiss 24/1.8 lens? If you're worried, the Leica T might be too expensive.

You maybe too worried. The temperatures you mention aren't that extreme. If you go DSLR, take a hard look at the Sony A7 as it can double as a back-up for your M9 (for lenses over 35mm).

Tell us what you decided!