Yes! I am a new X Pro 1 Owner: Observations by a long time Leica M user

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eleskin

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I am a new proud owner of an X Pro 1, Fujinon 35mm f1.4, Really Right Stuff Grip, and a non Fuji M Lens Adapter. I am amazed by this camera! Like my M8, I just picked up the camera and started using it WITHOUT ever reading the instruction book. This camera is as easy to use as any digital Leica M in that the controls are very traditionalist and familiar. The Fujinon 35 1.4 in my opinion outshines my 35 V4 Summicron and to some extent my 35 F1.2 Nokton. with my M mount adapter,my Noctilux f1.0 really shines in that focus accuracy is improved greatly over my M8. I have a NEX 5n, and to tell you the truth, I find the focus magnification more accurate. all in all, Fuji. Egronomically, the Fuji is superior to any NEX or similar camera, and can only be compared to a Leica M in my opinion. The grip from Really Right Stuff is superior, especially with heavy lenses like the Noctilux. The added weight of the Noctilux and grip improve stability and handling in low light, YES!!!!! I am also happy that I took advantage of the sale price and half off lens deal from B&H that expires on Feb 2, 2013.
 
Welcome to the club! I had a similar experience when I first got the camera. That was many months ago and I'm still feeling the same about it... a very versatile, uncomplicated camera with great lenses. Just yesterday I put on my new Really Right Stuff grip and plan to use it, with tripod, for landscape photography.
 
When I ordered mine, the fellow at Adorama insisted that I'd be replacing my M9 with it. I scoffed, I wanted it to replace a DSLR's versatility. Well, the M9 is now gone...... S
 
People actually read camera instruction booklets?

I had the x100 and couldn't stand it. Not sure I even want to try any other cameras 'til I die, though. My simple Leicas are satisfactory. Click, image captured. Nothing else involved.
Put shoes on, walk. Simple.
My opinion.
 
Just received my xpro1 today and haven't shot it yet. Still reading my instruction booklet.

MEN!! I tell ya...
 
I for one really enjoy reading the manual from a newly purchased electronic device from cover to cover. Maybe because I hardly ever buy said devices so it's a special occasion for me.. :D
 
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Congrats.

I also have the nex5n and it really does not get used very much these days. The xp1 and the dp Merrill's. are my main cameras.

Have fun
Gary
 
jsrockit said:
With regard to the 18mm, that might be a stretch.
Click to expand...

Outside the world of pixel-peeping, no stretch at all. I can't tell any image quality difference between the prints I get from the 18, 35, or 60mm lenses. They are all superb. I suppose, when subjecting these lenses to extreme conditions, one might be able to fault any of them for something. But for normal use, I'm not missing any of the other lenses I've ever used (Nikkor, Voigtlander, Zeiss), although I might want to try a Summitar mounted on the X-Pro1 for a little old-world character once in awhile. :)
 
Congratulations and welcome to the X-Pro cult! I received mine with 35 the beginning of October. As I was I unboxing it and setting it up, I was literally giggling with joy as I had not been able to handle one prior to ordering. I guess to many it is an odd mix of different camera styles, but for me it is perfect. I had shot Leica Rs from 1985 to 2008 when I went digital with Nikon DSLRs and hated them. As much as I loved Leica, I really wasn't that fond of rangefinder focusing, but was still about to make the considerable investment in an M9 and three lenses. Then the unrepairable M8 display issue hit, and it changed my thinking about the future lifetime reliability of Leica in the modern, digital age. That $14,000US outlay just didn't feel like a wise choice any more. I had read extensively about the X Pro and decided to give it a try. I've shot with it about 5 days a week for 3 1/2 months now and I just keep getting happier with it. I'll be adding the 17 soon but am waiting on the 56 to come out for a portrait lens. I just received this week a Rayqual Nikon F adapter, so I'll be trying out some of my old Nikkor mf lenses for fun this week. Enjoy it! The Fuji is a great system!
 
Welcome eleskin to the forum, and the world of the X-Series cameras. I too was an Leica M9 owner, only for a short time, and now enjoy the benefits that the X-Pro1 gives me over the M9. I got around my need for a full framed sensor camera by buying the Nikon D600 but it doesn't get the use that the X-Pro1 gets.
 
Jamie Pillers said:
Outside the world of pixel-peeping, no stretch at all. I can't tell any image quality difference between the prints I get from the 18, 35, or 60mm lenses. They are all superb. I suppose, when subjecting these lenses to extreme conditions, one might be able to fault any of them for something. But for normal use, I'm not missing any of the other lenses I've ever used (Nikkor, Voigtlander, Zeiss), although I might want to try a Summitar mounted on the X-Pro1 for a little old-world character once in awhile. :)
Click to expand...

I agree. Sure, with some serious peeping the 18 is 'not as good', but in real world output it really delivers. The 18 may well be the 'worst' of the three current primes, but in this case 'worst' means it's simply very, very good.
 
Jamie Pillers said:
Outside the world of pixel-peeping, no stretch at all. I can't tell any image quality difference between the prints I get from the 18, 35, or 60mm lenses. They are all superb.
Click to expand...

I would say it depends on what you are photographing and what size prints though too.
 
I don't have the Xpro1 or the digital Leicas. But I do have experience with the M and other rangefinders. My only digi RF is the RD-1s. I got the X-E1 last Christmas. And I like it very much. The only lens I have for it is the 1.4/35mm. I can't wait for the adapter to arrive; maybe after 40 days and 40 nights (or maybe more, per the seller) will I be able to try my RF and M42 lenses on it.
 
I was saving for an M8 to go with my M6 but while doing so I think that I'm going to get an X-Pro1 instead. By the time I've got the 35mm 1.4 and the body it's no more expensive than the M8. I just need to handle one first. I like the sound of it anyway, though I'm slightly concerned about the accuracy of the OVF. Is it much worse than my M6 and does that mean that I'll miss focus if I'm using it?
 
as to cost .....

as to cost .....

While I fully understand the coupled rangefinder experience, ( owned RD1, M6, Bessa R, own a Polaroid 4X5 conversion and a Cannon 17 QL ) The experience is not worth the premium.

A beater M8 seems to go for around 1500 or so, and any decent 35mm to put on it will be at least $400 if you are lucky and can find a canon LTM, a modern CV is $500 ish for a fast one.

A used from Amazon Prime XE-1 can be had for under $800, and the 35 for just at $500, your a few hundred towards the 18 or 60 with this kit vs a beater m8. If a M9/lux is in your future, think seriously about the XE-1 or X-Pro, every lens, and a small vacation!

Dave
 
a fair point, but i think a lot of us have the m mount lenses already. i'm not keen to buy into a new lens system on top of my m's and my nikkor, but i still think that doing that is still better value for money than leica digital.
 
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