photos: Tree - Leica X2

[Godfrey]

I was thinking about all the Photokina discussion and new Leica stuff, particularly the new D-Lux and X offerings. I realized that I hadn't taken my X2 out for a walk in some time, so I decided to take it on my Saturday morning walk yesterday. Here are two from a set of nine photos made yesterday.

Leica X2 - ISO 400 @ f/8 @ 1/125


Leica X2 - ISO 400 @ f/8 @ 1/160

Click this link to see the whole set of nine: Tree - 2014​

I don't think I need another camera in this class at the moment. The X2 will do.

Thanks for looking! Comments always appreciated.

G

 

[helen.HH]

Love the 2nd one ... Draws me in that off kilter ... lovely

 

[Bruno Gracia]

really good camera!!

 

[burancap]

Very nice. Both of them!

 

[Godfrey]

Thank you all!

The size, shape, and feel of the X2 is very reminiscent of my Barnack models (IIc and IIf) except it's a bit lighter in weight. I use it with Voigtländer 35mm BrightLine viewfinder, much like I did the old Barnacks (could never see through their built-in finders very clearly).

I've debated over and over whether to sell the X2 since I use it only infrequently, but whenever I take it out I know I shouldn't...

G

 

[helen.HH]

Thank you all!

The size, shape, and feel of the X2 is very reminiscent of my Barnack models (IIc and IIf) except it's a bit lighter in weight. I use it with Voigtländer 35mm BrightLine viewfinder, much like I did the old Barnacks (could never see through their built-in finders very clearly).

I've debated over and over whether to sell the X2 since I use it only infrequently, but whenever I take it out I know I shouldn't...

G

the X2 is quite Special in its Ease of use, dependability, and elmarit asph glass

I have mine in the classifieds, no real Interest in this gem
only thinking of selling to get an m9
but now who knows, second thoughts
X2 IS quite easy to carry with my M6....
doubt i would do that if i had an M9, IT WOULD BE ONE OR THE OTHER for going out and about

 

[robert blu]

Beautiful! I still have my x1 which due to its size and weight is an (almost) perfect companion to my film cameras, sometimes m7, sometimes rolleiflex or super ikonta.
robert

 

[helen.HH]

wow Godfrey
just looked at your Tree shots again

yummy processing, lovely gradation of tonal range
care to share some PP techniques...😀

 

[Godfrey]

wow Godfrey
just looked at your Tree shots again

yummy processing, lovely gradation of tonal range
care to share some PP techniques...😀

Thank you, Helen!

There's not much mystery to the PP technique. Basically, I have a bunch of somewhat pathological LR presets I created so long ago I can't remember why and what moved me. I apply them, look at what sends me, and then tweak to finish. I then apply those settings to all the images in a given session made under the same light, and do a little more tweaking so that they all render in a complementary fashion.

I've taken to shooting with the X2 set up for JPEG+raw mode, and set the JPEG to B&W High Contrast (or Dynamic, or whatever they call it .. I forget). It produces a pretty "normal" B&W image to my eye, and I can fuss with the exposure in the camera to push high or low key, judge it on the LCD in review. I import both the raw and JPEG, judge what I think might work from what the JPEG shows, then I apply my presets and tweak the raw files.

Most of these nine images took some very simple, quick adjustments after I applied the preset. One or two needed a bit of touch-up with the adjustment brush for an overly dark area.

I can post the preset I used as a starting point if you're interested to play with it. It's one of the more "normal" of my weird B&W presets. ;-)

G

 

[robert blu]

Interesting, thanks.
robert

 

[Godfrey]

the X2 is quite Special in its Ease of use, dependability, and elmarit asph glass

I have mine in the classifieds, no real Interest in this gem
only thinking of selling to get an m9
but now who knows, second thoughts
X2 IS quite easy to carry with my M6....
doubt i would do that if i had an M9, IT WOULD BE ONE OR THE OTHER for going out and about

I've thought about selling mine off and on, I think the going price at present is $1200-1300 at best. The perceived value is much lower, IMO, than its value as a picture taking machine. I'll just keep this one—it's nice to have a compact of this quality around. It is easy to carry as a second camera, for sure. Small and light.

On the other hand, a Billingham L2 "Alice" with my M4-2 and M9, each fitted with a compact lens (like Color-Skopar 28 and 50 mm), and an M-Rokkor 90mm f/4, is not too heavy or overbearing to carry. The M9 doesn't quite have the sensitivity of the X2 and it's bigger, but it is a much more responsive camera to shoot with overall.

Tell you what: Make me a good offer on my black M9 (body, three batteries, two chargers, A&A half-case). It's in lovely shape. I'll use the money to help finance an M-P or M Edition 60... 🙂

G

 

[helen.HH]

Well Godfrey, Guess what
Your tilted Tree and your Martial Artist w/ young man Photos
helped me decide to keep the X2
'She ' really is a Perfect companion to my M6
So why pull the trigger on a Bigger Digital Body

Thanks for helping me 'make sense' of things ... 😀

 

[Godfrey]

Well Godfrey, Guess what
Your tilted Tree and your Martial Artist w/ young man Photos
helped me decide to keep the X2
'She ' really is a Perfect companion to my M6
So why pull the trigger on a Bigger Digital Body

Thanks for helping me 'make sense' of things ... 😀

Glad to help.
Sadly, I still want an M-P or M Edition 60 ... sigh. My bank account will not be happy about this ... !

G