X2 - Paul Smith Edition.... OK....

[daveleo]

My wife just ordered one, then she asked me . . . "What is this? Is this like a Leica
i-phone? Can you load my I-tunes on it for me ? It sends text messages, right? Is there a matching purse? "

Sure honey . . . I think that's where they're going with this..

 

[Paul T.]

Paul Smith is a great designer; I got married in one of his suits.

This means that they will be stocking the camera in some really good, funky, modern stores - an entirely good thing for Leica.

No, it won't please people who like any colour as long as it's black/chrome. But it's not meant to.

 

[whitecat]

Sorry to see Leica has to jump thru such hoops for business. They seem to be selling Paul instead of the camera.

 

[Jamie123]

I agree with this but we were supposed to be expecting something a little more appealing from a name like Leica, not a not too appealing point and shoot. Leica, let's see a new M7!!

It may not be appealing to you but if you concede that it is a typical Paul Smith design then you must also believe that there are people who appreciate the look of this camera. And what do you mean by 'a name like Leica'? Paul Smith is also a very well respected brand.

For people who do like this design this surely is an interesting camera. Let's face it, people who buy the X2 these days probably do so mostly for its looks. For everything else there's just too much competition now in the compact APS-C segment.

 

[flip]

I know Leica made many ugly special editions but for me, at least they were film cameras. This one from a fashion designer? He should go back to making dresses. LOL.

It's the modern age: the lenses don't advance, only the sensors, software, and shell.

When you look at Tokyo Camera Style, remember that for every classic camera toted about there are 20 digitals, many of them appearing more as accessories than as tools.

 

[whitecat]

No criticisms meant here. I think Paul Smith designs are at the top of the list.......when it comes to clothes. When I say "a name like Leica", I mean I am disappointed with this camera as a Leica offering with his name on it. This comes after 55 years as a photographer and one who has owned a number of Leica cameras.

 

[BobYIL]

Ah, didn't work for me.. I wish he had based his design on Papaya Whip yellow and Fandango violet..

 

[whitecat]

Now I might be interested if it were Fandango Violet!

 

[Godfrey]

That's funny looking, but I know it's a good camera.

I like my X2 a lot—black, in a black A&A half case. It's a different kind of style statement. 🙂

G

 

[brbo]

After reading "stupendously ugly" and "desperate" I expected another butt-ugly M-E design. But this camera looks great.

Yes, it's not black (anyone can make a black camera). But I would bet if we gathered a group of designers, X-2 Paul Smith design would score so much higher with them than M-E it wouldn't even be funny...

 

[Keith]

What are they supposed to do in the face of cameras like the new Sony RX1? Give the emperor some new clothes of course! 😀

It's not my cup of tea but I don't think it's ugly ... and they'll sell plenty IMO.

 

[DXK]

You guys are forgetting that Leica is not making cameras solely for dudes that know who Cartier-Bresson is. They're selling cameras to the same upscale customers that you'll meet in a Chanel boutique, a Louis Vuitton store.

A colorful X2 with a designer attached to it is a cool idea. Good move for the East Asian retail market, where Leica probably makes a good amount of their money, selling cameras to people who buy them less for their legacy and fine construction than because they're an expensive luxury label product.

 

[PatrickT]

My eyes!!! Ahhh!

 

[gilpen123]

Maybe a UC Benetton inspired will sell more.

 

[Keith]

The more I look at this the less I dislike it ... weird! 😛

 

[wjlapier]

PRE-ORDERED MINE.

The decisive moment is when the person stares at you big red dot and freak out that it's orange and yellow at once!

Like the avatar!

 

[ark8012]

I did not like this Paul Smith edition X2.. BUT my friend (he was at photokina, and actually saw this X2) said.. it's very very cool..... much better than the photos.. hm...

 

[Calzone]

Interesting to note that earlier this year I saw a Leica in a window display at Paul Smith's Fifth Avenue store. The idea of boutique and luxury seemed to be the point/message by the two brands reflecting off each other.

Anyways I'm a big fan/consumer of Paul Smith clothing, mainly because of the fit, tailoring and the beautiful quality. Realize that I'm a size 38 with narrow shoulders, only a 29-30 inch waist, and other designer suits would require extensive-extensive tailoring to fit me like a Paul Smith suit which seems especially made for muscular lanky guys. Lucky for me that I loaded up the truck at a recent sample sale and also frequent the outlet store in Williamsburg.

Cal

 

[sepiareverb]

With that yellow a la carte leather... or the cameraleather Cardinal Red... Ooh la la.

 

[jsrockit]

The more I look at this the less I dislike it ... weird! 😛

Certainly a better photo. However, if the original is $2000, what does this thing cost? 😱