Leica X2 Revisited

[dave lackey]

John,

I may be mis-remembering (happens a lot these days), but someone on another forum ordered one and it seems that it was to be shipped at the end of May. I will try to confirm.

BTW, this is a very nice camera case for either the X1 or X2:

[dave lackey]

John,

Just got an answer from B&H, they do not have a shipping date yet.

[Lss]

Originally Posted by dave lackey

I am interested in the size of the bag and if it willl accommodate two X bodies(Thinking two used X1s...or one X1 and one X2 for a well-rounded kit)

Just curious, why two X1's?

[dave lackey]

Originally Posted by Lss

Just curious, why two X1's?

Backup. One for color, one for black and white. One to give an assistant when on a documentary project. Lots of reasons.

I now carry two cameras with me when working and I prefer the cameras to be as similar as possible. I like a black camera for black and white and a silver camera for color images.

It is foolish for me to not have options after going on location with associated costs or meeting clients only to have an equipment issue.

Not only that, but when I do a project, I do not mix film images with digital images, so, the M3 and other film cameras just do not fit for me when I am working on a "digital project". Keep in mind, this is a long-term plan due to financial constraints. The costs of X1 cameras have dropped dramatically and when it is possible to confirm my projects which will include the cost of gear acquisition, then, I can move forward.

[jsrockit]

Originally Posted by dave lackey

John,

Just got an answer from B&H, they do not have a shipping date yet.

Thanks. A few months away I guess.

[dave lackey]

Originally Posted by jsrockit

Thanks. A few months away I guess.

The word on the "street" is by the end of May or middle of June. That's not bad!

[dave lackey]

Originally Posted by dave lackey

Backup. One for color, one for black and white. One to give an assistant when on a documentary project. Lots of reasons.

I now carry two cameras with me when working and I prefer the cameras to be as similar as possible. I like a black camera for black and white and a silver camera for color images.

It is foolish for me to not have options after going on location with associated costs or meeting clients only to have an equipment issue.

Not only that, but when I do a project, I do not mix film images with digital images, so, the M3 and other film cameras just do not fit for me when I am working on a "digital project". Keep in mind, this is a long-term plan due to financial constraints. The costs of X1 cameras have dropped dramatically and when it is possible to confirm my projects which will include the cost of gear acquisition, then, I can move forward.

Last Fall I had a "senior duh! moment"... shooting portraits for a friend of mine, I took the R4 and the M3 with the intent of using the R4 to meter especially in backlit situations. Worked okay for a few minutes until the batteries died in the R4, no problem, changed batteries. Shot with the R4, used the meter reading for the M3...and... FAIL!

The R4 was set on the wrong aperture setting and both rolls of film turned out some awful exposure in certain lighting situations! I had not gotten used to the R4 prior to the shoot and somehow the differences had escaped my attention as I was more concerned about composition, etc.

So, with virtually similar cameras, I don't have to think, which is difficult for me to do when shooting anyway. I always try not to think.

On a side note, X1 cameras in good condition are quite affordable, so why not add the cost into the project as it is cheaper than using color film and paying for processing and developing at this point.

[Frank Version Two]

So you haven't owned a X1 yet? Why not just get one to try first, before committing to two?

Doing professional work means having camera redundancy but doing self-assignments and personal work means you can trade that boring redundancy for variety and options. Perhaps a different yet complimentary camera, a different format, focal length, etc.? I know that I can be perfectly happy shooting with the "other camera" while the first is being repaired or replaced.

[dave lackey]

Originally Posted by Frank Version Two

So you haven't owned a X1 yet? Why not just get one to try first, before committing to two?

Doing professional work means having camera redundancy but doing self-assignments and personal work means you can trade that boring redundancy for variety and options. Perhaps a different yet complimentary camera, a different format, focal length, etc.?

Yes, Frank, I have been using loaners for about four months now. Thoroughly enjoy this camera! It works well for me as I get used to a 35mm pov.

I gave up DSLRs after a decade + of using them. I hate general P&S cameras but the entire experience of the X1 from the aesthetics, size, IQ and ergonomics works very well for me, enough that I do not care to look at any other cameras.

Down the road, the M bodies may work but I can buy two X1 cameras for far less than an M8 body, not even considering the cost of lenses! Cost is a huge factor for me, that is why I have set up a loaner program just for me...

This is a crop from one of the first images from a friend's X1 on a grey, rainy day in February:



Again, for what I do (small town documentaries), it works very well. And portraits are amazing as well! I simply love the camera.

Another trial shot AFTER the one above, in the rain:

[dave lackey]

A quick snapshot while camping before Easter.



No effort at all...no post work...no flash...no sweat.

Since then, I have been working on some creative portraits and hope to post some decent images in the future.

Hopefully, I will be able to rise to this level:

http://www.flickriver.com/groups/lei...l/interesting/

[dave lackey]

So who is ordering an X2?

Cheers:

[jsrockit]

I haven't decided yet. Right now I'm very happy with the X-Pro1. I also have the X100 for the times when I would bring the X2. That said, the X2 is ultralight and smaller... the X1 was a great camera to bring with you all day, everyday. Even more so than the X-100. The issue is that the X-Pro1 has made the M9 superflous for me (I think). I'd be smart to sell all of my leica stuff and put the cash in the bank...but maybe that X2's siren call will get the best of me. Sometimes I wish I didn't use the internet.

[dave lackey]

Hmmm....X2 Delivered today!!!!

There is a discussion on LUF about a member receiving his X2 and has images of the Oly EVF! yes, it works!

[jsrockit]

photo Village in NYC just sent an e-mail saying they have them in stock. Looks like they are being delivered.

[jippiejee]

I'd like to upgrade my X1 to the X2. Camera is almost perfect, but when a 4x times faster AF (as rumored) is real, an X2 would seem like a great upgrade. Took out my X1 today again... just because it's such a fun camera to take anywhere. Even for beers...


tasje by aad_b, on Flickr

[gnuyork]

No X2 for me but I just acquired an almost brand new X1 (black one - matches my M6) for a crazy good deal with the Leica brightline finder both cases, and an extra battery.

yes, the auto focus is slow, but if I can get used to it, I will really like this camera. The few images I have taken with it have been rally outstanding...

My wife actually took this one... I processed it in PS.

[jsrockit]

I think I'm going to grab an X2 eventually. Dave, I'm going to sue you for $2000 for planting this into my head!

[dave lackey]

Heh, heh.....

[f16sunshine]

Originally Posted by gnuyork

No X2 for me but I just acquired an almost brand new X1 (black one - matches my M6) for a crazy good deal with the Leica brightline finder both cases, and an extra battery.

yes, the auto focus is slow, but if I can get used to it, I will really like this camera. The few images I have taken with it have been rally outstanding...

My wife actually took this one... I processed it in PS.

Wow that's horrible vignetting!

[gnuyork]

A couple more - just messing around. So far I'm digging the X1 and I have a couple of Canon DSLRS that don't excite me as much.

[dave lackey]

Originally Posted by gnuyork

No X2 for me but I just acquired an almost brand new X1 (black one - matches my M6) for a crazy good deal with the Leica brightline finder both cases, and an extra battery.

yes, the auto focus is slow, but if I can get used to it, I will really like this camera. The few images I have taken with it have been rally outstanding...

My wife actually took this one... I processed it in PS.

Congratulations on the X1 and tell your wife she rocks!

Oh, and best regards to the dog!

[gnuyork]

Originally Posted by f16sunshine

Wow that's horrible vignetting!

I know - terrible!

Have you seen the Portlandia skit called "put a bird on it"? I feel like that with vignettes.

[gnuyork]

Originally Posted by dave lackey

Congratulations on the X1 and tell your wife she rocks!

Oh, and best regards to the dog!

He sits on Greta's gigantic bed. She was our black lab. we lost her about two months ago to lymphoma. Oreo, my wife and I have been pretty down from the loss of her. She was such a great dog and companion to Oreo.

[paulfish4570]

cute and capable cam. but for 2 Gs? whoof ...

[gnuyork]

I have wanted the X1 since it came out - but I couldn't pay 2k for it - got it for less than $700 including all the accessories, even the leica finder - I couldn't pass that up. I'm happy, happy. I figure worst case scenario I could probably sell it for more than that, but so far it's a keeper. A nice compact digital to go with us on trips. A nice replacement for my wife's digital elph of 2002ish...

Only day three with it so far. I'll try to put it through the paces this weekend if I have time. Got a new 16Gig Sd card for it last night from costco.