Sell the M2 and buy an X100 - a mad move?

[willie_901]

You should know the X100 became a different and much improved camera after last spring's firmware update. Of course the new firmware did not convert it into a rangefinder. But the focus system is competent if you are comfortable using the AF manually. Zone focusing works too and it is possibe to set the focus distance using the LCD screen without raising the camera to your eye.

You should know you have to use aperture or shutter priority to make 1/3 stop adjustments easily (exposure compensation dial). In M exposure mode, 1/3 stop adjustments are made with small controls on the camera back. This is slower than turning the aperture ring of a LTM lens by 1/3 stop.

You should know the X100 raw files handle one stop of under exposure really well. This means you can keep the shutter speed one stop faster than the meter indicates in low light.

You should know the X100 is light. Even though it is well made, some people find the light weight undesirable.

You should know that it is possible to use the X100 as you use a rangefinder. This takes practice and some effort with the manual. For instance, with a shutter half-press there is 0.1 sec. shutter delay. But in other modes, the shutter delay can be frustrating. There are plenty of on-line sources with details and many here can can help as well.

You should know the X100 lens often exhibits asymmetrical flare artifacts around bright point-source lights in high contrast scenes (street lights at night). This effect is highly dependent on the angle. To my eyes this is the only weekness of the 23/2 lens.

A few years ago I was in a slightly similar situation. I sold a Zeiss Ikon M body and lenses because film processing and scanning was becoming problematic. Otherwise I loved using the Zeiss. Now, a ZI-M is not a M2... not even close. But I could not find a digital camera I enjoyed carrying daily until I acquired the X100. Even though I now have a X-pro 1, I still take the X100 whereever I go.

 

[lam]

I sold my first M2 and regretted it, even when I had another M2, it wasn't the same; when I sold that one it didn't do anything to me.

That being said; if its sentimental don't do it and just save your pennies, otherwise spend away.. Digital gear is just that, digital.

 

[Paul T.]

IDigital gear is just that, digital.

I feel sentimental about the pics I take with the X100, if not the camera.


But the X100 is so distinctive, it does have a real vibe, not too unlike my lovely ol' Hexar AF.

 

[Sparrow]

... five years from now the x100 will be next to worthless due to the imminent release of the x108.2a, whereas the m2 will be next to worthless with film being dead ... it's a mean old scene

 

[rayfoxlee]

Thanks for all of your replies. There is some very insightful comments here. I guess what is also holding me back is acquiring a 4th camera 'system' - the 2 Ms have a common lineage, then there is the K5 and the LX3. I have enough humming and hawing and indecision as it is over what to take out and about, but add an X100 into the mix and life starts getting even more complicated. Perhaps this is just an age thing! Life was a lot simpler when I just had a Rolleicord Vb (wonderful machine).

Out of all cameras, the K5 has the best IQ, no question, and the Ms are the nicest to use. I guess what I need is a scaled down M, but not the Leica X2, which does not appeal. Perhaps Photokina might resolve this knotty problem - or not!

Ray

 

[traveler_101]

Hi Ray!

As well as a DSLR and a digital compact, I have an M2 and M7 and a few lenses – mainly CV, but also a Summicron DR and 90mm f4 Elmar. The M2 doesn’t get very much use and the main reason I hang onto it is for a mechanical backup to the M7 (which I love using) although I do find the lack of electronics strangely liberating – and frustrating.

I interpret this as you asking for permission to sell the M2; you have it only as a back-up anyway so this speaks strongly for selling it.

. . . I am wondering whether to sell the M2 and get an X100 as my walk-about and holiday camera, rather than lug a hefty DSLR around or have my film in my M7 constantly x-rayed (this happens on cruise ships every time you go ashore and again when you return).

All I can say is that independent of the M2 decision, you should certainly buy a mirrorless electronic camera--and if you like the Fuji, go for it. (By the way, you may wish to WAIT: Fuji is releasing two new mirrorless exchangeable lens cameras soon that you could compare to the X-100). I have an Olympus E-P1 and I find uses for it that are different from the way I use my Leica IIIf. That's more or less what you are saying--and I understand completely.

Overall my advice is to go ahead get a mirrorless camera. If you need the money sell the M2 immediately. If you can afford to put the M2 away for a while, do so and see what happens. You might find you want to go back to it in a year or two. If not, sell it.

Mark

 

[Peter_S]

I use an X1 along a M7 (usually with b/w film and a 50mm). They complement each other very well. The X1 can do what the M7 cannot - high-ISO (though, I have a soft spot for Delta 3200), AF, take-along-everywhere-size, more stealthy/silent, etc...and vice-versa. This way I always have a 35mm and 50mm handy, too.

When I am on a serious photo mission, the M7 comes as primary camera, and the X1 is no problem to take along. When there is not much space, X1 only - which will deal with the majority of all photo situations. I toss it in my bag almost all the time I go out the house, for a run, or bike ride. It is alright as back-up for the M7 too.

I used to shot M6 + M8 + Sigma DP2s, but the M7 + X1 combination is smaller, simpler and more versatile in the end, particularly when the focus is on film photography (was my focus more on digital...different story - M8 and Contax T3, no doubt).

And whatever I said for the X1 is true for the X100 too, I suppose...and whatever may come at Photokina.

Good luck with your decision,
Peter

 

[ktmrider]

Want to Trade?

Want to Trade?

If you want to sell or trade one of your M's for a 1 year old X100, send me a PM or call. I might be interested if the stars align correctly. Rich 915 588 5054

 

[cosmonaut]

One more thought. Your M2s value will only go up in time and the x100 will be a forgotten grandfather in five years time.

 

[skibeerr]

I just bought $500 worth of film/paper and chemicals for an upcoming trip and testing in my new darkroom (which I share with the washing machine).

I paid $680 for my second hand X100.

Do your own math on depreciation.

 

[jsrockit]

One more thought. Your M2s value will only go up in time and the x100 will be a forgotten grandfather in five years time.

While this is true, I would make the decision based on the best tool for your work right now. Any depreciation on the X100 is solved by not having to feed it film.

 

[gavinlg]

One more thought. Your M2s value will only go up in time and the x100 will be a forgotten grandfather in five years time.

The worth of a camera, to me, is how well it works in use - not in predicted resale.

 

[gavinlg]

Thanks for all of your replies. There is some very insightful comments here. I guess what is also holding me back is acquiring a 4th camera 'system' - the 2 Ms have a common lineage, then there is the K5 and the LX3. I have enough humming and hawing and indecision as it is over what to take out and about, but add an X100 into the mix and life starts getting even more complicated. Perhaps this is just an age thing! Life was a lot simpler when I just had a Rolleicord Vb (wonderful machine).

Out of all cameras, the K5 has the best IQ, no question, and the Ms are the nicest to use. I guess what I need is a scaled down M, but not the Leica X2, which does not appeal. Perhaps Photokina might resolve this knotty problem - or not!

Ray

Honestly the x100 is so small and light it could replace your lx3. My x100 sits on my shoulder pretty much most days. It should at least match if not better the k-5 in IQ as well - especially if you like the 35mm focal length - which the k-5/pentax system doesn't do well.

 

[hrzlvn]

I second this point..don't sell your M2 and save up for X100.

I have lived to regret every Leica I have ever sold. I have sold many digital cameras and lenses and rarely regret those. I think it would be easier to save up for a X100 and have both. It's your M2 though.

 

[back alley]

i say...
sell the m2
buy a couple of really ugly shirts
buy the x100 (or the sony rx100)
take pics where ever you please as folks will treat you like a tourist

...works for me...

 

[willie_901]

i say...
sell the m2
buy a couple of really ugly shirts
buy the x100 (or the sony rx100)
take pics where ever you please as folks will treat you like a tourist

...works for me...

Sage advice.

 

[bhop73]

I have an X100 and i'd say if the M2 was your only M, then I wouldn't sell it. Just too many quirks and frustrations with the X100.. however, considering you have an M7, then why not.. you can always buy another M2 later if you're not feeling the X100.

One thing to remember that could be a dealbreaker for some is that the x100 is pretty much an AF only camera, although you technically can manual focus, it's only really good for setting up the lens for zone focusing. (IMO).. also the autofocus system can be super frustrating sometimes.. at least to me. There have been times where i've just given up on a shot because I couldn't get the camera to focus in time.. ugh..

But when it works, it really does produce some great image quality.

 

[mlu19]

X100 is my color point and shoot which makes sharp and incredible images. I plan on keeping it for as long as it stays in one piece. On the other hand, M6 is my B&W camera when I want to capture timeless moment. I'm keeping the M6 for life.

I agree with Brandon. Sell the M2 since it's not getting much use anyways. Try out the X100, some hated it, some loved it.

 

[Paul T.]

I have been using the X100 for two months. It has the updated firmware.

I've not really missed any shots due to the AF - altho, when I shot a Drag Race recently, I did use Zone focus. I expect AF to be OK, not amazing, and I was pleasantly surprised.

I've read reports that the X100 is slower than, say, M43 cameras like the GF1 - I find the difference marginal, and I've found that the X100 is better at, say, white on grey object - overall, I'd say the focusing is better, because you can see the focus box move, showing what it's focused on, and I also leave the distance display on, too.

There are quirks/irritations, I find myself toggling between auto and fixed ISO - this camera makes you think, rather like my Hexar. You always need to look for a high contrast focus point, and then recompose. Which of course, we Leica fans are used to.

I think I've just sold my first shoot with the X100. It would have taken me around 6 rolls of slide film. That's a year's worth of depreciation paid for already.

 

[fivepointsix]

Just think,in 5 years when the shutter breaks on the x100 you could buy back the m2,that should keep going for another 40years.