Would you buy a Leica X 113?

Debating over which digi will keep me motivated in keeping and using 🙄

What I want: somewhat compact though not to small, a fixed camera Lens hence no dust sensor issues, simple menu, price range no more than $2500.00

You'll probably think I've gone somewhat Mad but I Narrowed it down to 2 leica cameras
Mainly due to the tres Simple basic menu/ergonomics and the rendering of the Elmar / Summilux glass

X vario...poor x vario got smashingly Bad reviews for its peculiar size and slooow lens
Tried it at at B&H for a few minutes and strangely enough LOVED it, felt good in the hands, crazy but was smitten by a zoom lens...mind you never used a zoom before...much prefer the elmar lens to the elmarit, sharper, crisper edgier 'look'
can find this camera now used, with 1 yr warranty from 1500-1800.00

X113 just because its a summilux, yummy good !
Heavier , bigger than the X1/X2
My only concern is some of the photos I have seen on the web seem at times blurry /soft

My heart says a Lux , my 'eye' & mind say the vario.... Go figure
 
Debating over which digi will keep me motivated in keeping and using 🙄

... Go figure

I know this situation, if I had not already an x1 (or if money would not be a problem😀) between the two you mention I would have no doubt and go for the 113, even if sometimes I miss a longer focal length...

robert
 
Helen, did you look at the Sony RX1R? That would fit this mix, size, and price range. Not a Leica, but full frame, no AA, and f2.0 Zeiss lens would make it a contender for me.

I think a zoom lens, at least for the type of work you do, would be more trouble than it's worth.

John

Debating over which digi will keep me motivated in keeping and using 🙄

What I want: somewhat compact though not to small, a fixed camera Lens hence no dust sensor issues, simple menu, price range no more than $2500.00

You'll probably think I've gone somewhat Mad but I Narrowed it down to 2 leica cameras
Mainly due to the tres Simple basic menu/ergonomics and the rendering of the Elmar / Summilux glass

X vario...poor x vario got smashingly Bad reviews for its peculiar size and slooow lens
Tried it at at B&H for a few minutes and strangely enough LOVED it, felt good in the hands, crazy but was smitten by a zoom lens...mind you never used a zoom before...much prefer the elmar lens to the elmarit, sharper, crisper edgier 'look'
can find this camera now used, with 1 yr warranty from 1500-1800.00

X113 just because its a summilux, yummy good !
Heavier , bigger than the X1/X2
My only concern is some of the photos I have seen on the web seem at times blurry /soft

My heart says a Lux , my 'eye' & mind say the vario.... Go figure
 
Debating over which digi will keep me motivated in keeping and using 🙄

What I want: somewhat compact though not to small, a fixed camera Lens hence no dust sensor issues, simple menu, price range no more than $2500.00

You'll probably think I've gone somewhat Mad but I Narrowed it down to 2 leica cameras
Mainly due to the tres Simple basic menu/ergonomics and the rendering of the Elmar / Summilux glass

X vario...poor x vario got smashingly Bad reviews for its peculiar size and slooow lens
Tried it at at B&H for a few minutes and strangely enough LOVED it, felt good in the hands, crazy but was smitten by a zoom lens...mind you never used a zoom before...much prefer the elmar lens to the elmarit, sharper, crisper edgier 'look'
can find this camera now used, with 1 yr warranty from 1500-1800.00

X113 just because its a summilux, yummy good !
Heavier , bigger than the X1/X2
My only concern is some of the photos I have seen on the web seem at times blurry /soft

My heart says a Lux , my 'eye' & mind say the vario.... Go figure

X Vario $1495 with 1 year Leica Pre-owned Warrenty
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-X-Var...310951?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item2342d80de7

Demo $1695 Leica Store SF 1 year Leica Warrenty
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-X-Var...162154?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item27ecc6966a
 
Debating over which digi will keep me motivated in keeping and using 🙄

What I want: somewhat compact though not to small, a fixed camera Lens hence no dust sensor issues, simple menu, price range no more than $2500.00

You'll probably think I've gone somewhat Mad but I Narrowed it down to 2 leica cameras
Mainly due to the tres Simple basic menu/ergonomics and the rendering of the Elmar / Summilux glass

X vario...poor x vario got smashingly Bad reviews for its peculiar size and slooow lens
Tried it at at B&H for a few minutes and strangely enough LOVED it, felt good in the hands, crazy but was smitten by a zoom lens...mind you never used a zoom before...much prefer the elmar lens to the elmarit, sharper, crisper edgier 'look'
can find this camera now used, with 1 yr warranty from 1500-1800.00

X113 just because its a summilux, yummy good !
Heavier , bigger than the X1/X2
My only concern is some of the photos I have seen on the web seem at times blurry /soft

My heart says a Lux , my 'eye' & mind say the vario.... Go figure

Hi Helen,

The bad reviews on the X Vario were all by people who simply expected/wanted the impossible: a zoom lens that was Leica quality AND smaller AND faster simultaneously. Leica concentrated on quality and small. Making it fast wasn't feasible at the same time. The photos I've seen out of the X Vario are terrific, which is what matters to me. 🙂

The 'Lux is not soft at all. These were taken with lens openings from f/1.7 to f/11 and nearly all using AF: https://flic.kr/s/aHsk5hbase
Only one of them is a trifle soft (#258) and that was unfortunately camera movement... 8^\

And these two at f/1.7 certainly are super sharp in the focus plane:
https://flic.kr/p/pFtUxW
https://flic.kr/p/ppAKAY

But between the two, which suits you best is all that matters. And it circles entirely around whether you want the zoom or the prime. I've been tempted to have both, but I think that (for me) the right complement to the X typ 113 would actually be the V-Lux typ 114—if I didn't already have WAY too many cameras that work fine as a complement anyway.

But I have to say, I'm completely smitten with the X. For me, it is just right. 🙂

G
 
Godfrey, did you order any of the accessories for the X113, half case or eveready also?
I picked up a sbloo leica 3.5cm viewfinder for those quick auto focus shots. I can just do the framing, and listen for the autofocus beep. From the 1950's looks good on the camera.
 
Godfrey, did you order any of the accessories for the X113, half case or eveready also?
I picked up a sbloo leica 3.5cm viewfinder for those quick auto focus shots. I can just do the framing, and listen for the autofocus beep. From the 1950's looks good on the camera.

I bought the camera with the Visoflex Type 020 EVF. I already had a Voigtländer 35mm OVF (which is normally fitted to my X2). I also fitted one of my Street Straps.

I've since then ordered an Arte di Mano half-case, a spare battery, and the Leica X1 Brightline 35mm Viewfinder #18707. I want to keep the Voigtländer finder on the X2, and the Leica finder has more eye relief (better for use with my glasses).

G
 
I bought the camera with the Visoflex Type 020 EVF. I already had a Voigtländer 35mm OVF (which is normally fitted to my X2). I also fitted one of my Street Straps.

I've since then ordered an Arte di Mano half-case, a spare battery, and the Leica X1 Brightline 35mm Viewfinder #18707. I want to keep the Voigtländer finder on the X2, and the Leica finder has more eye relief (better for use with my glasses).

G

how about a handgrip? I think it looks really nice on a black x 113.
 
how about a handgrip? I think it looks really nice on a black x 113.

The Arte di Mano half-case has the grip bump in it that I like, same as the Artisan & Artist case I have on the X2 and M9. This is the case on the X Vario:

leicaX_adm-f.jpg


G
 
Does the X-113 have an auto ISO in manual mode? You set aperture and shutter and camera chooses ISO for correct exposure? Does it provide access to the full range of ISO in this mode? This could make it close in operation to my little rollei 35.

For that matter, does the X1 or X2 have such a mode?
 
Does the X-113 have an auto ISO in manual mode? You set aperture and shutter and camera chooses ISO for correct exposure? Does it provide access to the full range of ISO in this mode? This could make it close in operation to my little rollei 35.

For that matter, does the X1 or X2 have such a mode?

I just tried it on my typ 113. Yes, you can use manual mode and auto ISO. The camera will automatically choose the correct exposure by adjusting ISO.
 
You'll probably think I've gone somewhat Mad but I Narrowed it down to 2 leica cameras
Mainly due to the tres Simple basic menu/ergonomics and the rendering of the Elmar / Summilux glass

X vario...poor x vario got smashingly Bad reviews for its peculiar size and slooow lens
Tried it at at B&H for a few minutes and strangely enough LOVED it, felt good in the hands, crazy but was smitten by a zoom lens...mind you never used a zoom before...much prefer the elmar lens to the elmarit, sharper, crisper edgier 'look'
can find this camera now used, with 1 yr warranty from 1500-1800.00

X113 just because its a summilux, yummy good !
Heavier , bigger than the X1/X2
My only concern is some of the photos I have seen on the web seem at times blurry /soft

Helen, your flickr stream suggests that while you shoot in broad daylight, you also do a fair bit in low and mixed lighting conditions. You also seem to like subject separation. Given that the X Vario and X 113 have the same body, you may be better off with the 113. Faster glass, more subject separation, and better able to shoot in low light conditions.

The X Vario is tempting as all heck as a concept and for ergonomics, but for me, I cannot see how much more I could do with the Vario than I can with (blasphemy) my Panasonic GM1 and the Pana 12-35mm f2.8 lens. A faster lens with constant aperture and more width at the short end of the zoom, too.

I'm not suggesting the GM1 to you as an alternative to the X Vario, as it has a lot of ergonomic limitations, but I can't see the Vario doing more for me than the GM1 + 12-35 can. But the X 113 is a different animal. The body feels like a film Leica and the lens is fast and very nice, from what I can see. The real difference is the slow zoom vs fast prime.
 
I just tried it on my typ 113. Yes, you can use manual mode and auto ISO. The camera will automatically choose the correct exposure by adjusting ISO.

That's cool, I didn't realize it supported that mode of operation.

The X2 does not: when dials are flipped to put it in Manual exposure mode, it defaults to ISO 100 if it was set to Auto ISO.

G
 
I know this situation, if I had not already an x1 (or if money would not be a problem😀) between the two you mention I would have no doubt and go for the 113, even if sometimes I miss a longer focal length...robert
Me thinks sooo too , Thx!

Helen, did you look at the Sony RX1R? That would fit this mix, size, and price range. Not a Leica, but full frame, no AA, and f2.0 Zeiss lens would make it a contender for me.

I think a zoom lens, at least for the type of work you do, would be more trouble than it's worth. John
love Zeiss glass but the menu & handling may not be as simple and carefree...will have to go look, hold, try one
the x vario now off the list, how good could i do on the street with a zoooom has me have a change of heart
Thank You I will look into it



hah, very nice of You to get the low down on Better prices, thx , xo!

Hi Helen,

The bad reviews on the X Vario were all by people who simply expected/wanted the impossible: a zoom lens that was Leica quality AND smaller AND faster simultaneously. Leica concentrated on quality and small. Making it fast wasn't feasible at the same time. The photos I've seen out of the X Vario are terrific, which is what matters to me. 🙂

The 'Lux is not soft at all. These were taken with lens openings from f/1.7 to f/11 and nearly all using AF: https://flic.kr/s/aHsk5hbase
Only one of them is a trifle soft (#258) and that was unfortunately camera movement... 8^\

And these two at f/1.7 certainly are super sharp in the focus plane:
https://flic.kr/p/pFtUxW
https://flic.kr/p/ppAKAY

But between the two, which suits you best is all that matters. And it circles entirely around whether you want the zoom or the prime. I've been tempted to have both, but I think that (for me) the right complement to the X typ 113 would actually be the V-Lux typ 114—if I didn't already have WAY too many cameras that work fine as a complement anyway.

But I have to say, I'm completely smitten with the X. For me, it is just right. 🙂G

that tres alluring shot of Miss 113 made me Smile
x vario crossed off my list... Miss 113still a contender 😉

Helen, your flickr stream suggests that while you shoot in broad daylight, you also do a fair bit in low and mixed lighting conditions. You also seem to like subject separation. Given that the X Vario and X 113 have the same body, you may be better off with the 113. Faster glass, more subject separation, and better able to shoot in low light conditions.

The X Vario is tempting as all heck as a concept and for ergonomics, but for me, I cannot see how much more I could do with the Vario than I can with (blasphemy) my Panasonic GM1 and the Pana 12-35mm f2.8 lens. A faster lens with constant aperture and more width at the short end of the zoom, too.

I'm not suggesting the GM1 to you as an alternative to the X Vario, as it has a lot of ergonomic limitations, but I can't see the Vario doing more for me than the GM1 + 12-35 can. But the X 113 is a different animal. The body feels like a film Leica and the lens is fast and very nice, from what I can see. The real difference is the slow zoom vs fast prime.

yes agreed, x vario off the list
may peek at Miss GM1 since i really am an uneducated dame re:digital cameras
in the past have fallen for the epson rd1, leica digiliux 2, ricohs grd' series, leica, X1, X2, merrills dp1&2 and thats all i know

Thank You for your thoughts !
 
ok just looked at the new photos Godfrey, there's a lovely Moodiness
now don't be upset with me but something seems off (or maybe my moniter 😱)

your photos seem fuzzy not quite spot on in focus and perhaps abit too much grain added

i really adored previous posted photos : the reading over coffee & tree circle
 
ok just looked at the new photos Godfrey, there's a Lovely Moodiness
now don't be upset with me but something seems off (or maybe my moniter 😱)

your photos seem fuzzy not quite spot on in focus and perhaps abit too much grain added

i really adored previous posted photos : the reading over coffee & tree circle

Intentionally 'off' focus, heavyweight grain, other crunchiness added—all part of the idea. As I said, I was "seeing differently" ... Basically, looking to see how far I can take things with a single lens-single camera notion. These have a look more similar to my pinhole work in the park.

How successful they are ... well, I'll see what others have to say. It will take me a month of looking at them to come to a decision. 🙂

Just got a note from B&H: My spare battery and Leica optical finder are on the way. Just waiting for the case to ship now for the X kit to be complete.

G
 
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