Thread: Why I like my X1

Thanks Kathy for your users comments on the X1. Unfortunately this camera was subject to much criticism way before it was available and that caused many to write it off as unsuitable. I have had mine for only a couple of months and can say that I am very happy that I did not write it off. I am using the 35mm voigtlander viewfinder and find it very workable (and necessary). Use of this optical viewfinder gets a bit tricky when the object being photographed is closer than a meter or so but one can get used to that, and most viewfinders give some small adjustment line at the top to help compensate. One thing I noticed in your comments however was regarding the aspect ratio of the camera. According to the manual (p.130) the sensor aspect ratio is indicated to be 3:2 rather than 9:16. Like yourself I also think the camera takes a bit of getting used to before one is comfortable with it. But then I come from a generation of fixed non zoom lens cameras. Apart from the viewfinder I added two things to make using the camera a bit more comfortable. One was a Giottos Shott Glass screen protector (SP8270) which fits perfectly and the other was a half case by Artisan&Artist which for me adds to the secure holding of the camera. I also feel that the color out of the camera is amazing. More comments from users of the X1 would probably be appreciated by those considering a purchase and I would hope to see more here. The answer of whether the camera is worth the pricetag is a very personal one. My answer also is Yes, for me it is!

Paul, thanks so much for adding to this thread. I am very interested to read and learn as much as I can from owners - in case you didn't realize this.

I have read that quite a few X1 shooters actually say that the jpegs are quite good and am wondering what you think, given your comment " I also feel that the color out of the camera is amazing."? I know many are RAW devotees, and I recognize that as well as the fact that RAW offers a greater latitude, but I'd like to hear and see what a properly exposed jpeg image is like. And of course, I'd like to see many more photographs with this camera, so I hope you and others will post some of your photos with this intriguing camera for our enjoyment.

Again, thank you for your input, Paul.

I have not shot much in raw yet using the X1 because I am not that familiar with post processing and am waiting for Lightroom 3 as a download from leica. Attached are some jpeg images out of the camera with only some cropping. The colors are very true to the actual at the time of shooting. a couple were actually mid-day, not the best time to shoot flowers

Thank you Paul! Interestingly, Aperture 3 does support the X1 so I was able to import soundimages's RAW and did a little fooling around with them which was interesting. I'm used to the Olympus PEN cameras so I realize there will be color differences initially. I certainly know what you mean about the light at midday not being great for photographing flowers...and often find myself out early in the morning or more likely in the early evening or late afternoon.

It's funny but when I see these flowers, I have to remind myself that you're in New Mexico - Sante Fe, I know is not the desert. It's been too long since I've been out that way...as a matter of fact I hate to think how long ago I was out there. You've got a lovely garden!

Again, many thanks!

Paul, you are right. I should have checked my manual first.

I mostly shoot raw, but I went out the other (very grey) day and shot jpegs in high contrast b&w. No processing except some straightening and cropping if necessary.









I was trying to pick subjects that would test the dynamic range.

Super, Kathy - thank you! So this is the in camera black and white - quite impressive, really.

I seem to have posted the same picture twice. What I meant to post was this

These are jpegs from the DNG files. I think the colours are pretty accurate. I set it to take a DNG and a B & W jpeg which I find really useful.

Christilou, did I forget that you had this camera? Super color! When you write that you these are jpegs from DNG files, I'm embarrassed to say that I am not 100% sure what you mean. Can you give me a little remedial help?

I think you're using Aperture 3, too, right?

I just meant that I did minimal pp in LR3 and transported them as jpegs. I'm probably much less competent than you in that department! I have given up with Aperture because I'm finding LR much more intuative.