Leica X series - My Current Thoughts (Updated: April 2024)
19th April 2024
Since writing my original articles on Leica's X-series products, there have been several interesting developments in the compact digital camera market. Several similar models were launched by competing brands. However it was Fuji's X-100 which went on to dominate the sector. The main and significant difference was that Fuji designers recognised the importance of an integrated viewfinder. That was a real advantage and was a huge leap forward in viewfinder technology.
Such a feature was missing from Leica's X-series, even when the Leica X2, X-Vario, Type 113 and special editions were launched. In contrast, the Fuji models started life with a hybrid viewfinder, which combined the advantage of live-view with a traditional optical viewfinder. It proved to be so significant that, despite the growing appreciation of the Leica X-Vario camera, the end of Leica's X-series was in sight.
Meanwhile, Fuji's X-100 model continued to be developed and improved, thus retaining and increasing its popularity. Indeed, so popular has it become, that demand is constantly outstripping supply, with indeterminate delivery times and many frustrated potential buyers. Did Leica not see the potential for a precision compact cameras?
A similar story can be told for Ricoh's famous GR series of truly pocketable cameras. The current GRIII models were upgraded and fitted with an APS-C sensor, thereby elevating its performance considerably. The latest version of the Ricoh III has the equivalent of a 40 mm lens to meet increasing demand for this focal-length. Now there is speculation that a new Ricoh GR model is scheduled for future release. All of this evidence convinces me that the future of APS-C compact cameras is assured, although Leica may not be involved.
My original article
I have owned and used the original X1 model since it was launched in 2010, and find it an extremely compact and capable little camera. I have never replaced it. In 2014, I added the X Vario version, which has a high quality zoom lens (28 mm to 70 mm equivalent). It is more versatile and is capable of top quality photography. However, I experienced issues with unreliable autofocus, which were investigated and resolved by Leica Germany. The motherboard was replaced, and it has worked flawlessly ever since that event. The Leica X Typ. 113 was the last model to be launched. Despite it being a tempting upgrade to replace the X1, it was not as compact. So I retained my X1, and it continues to serve me well, albeit in a minor way nowadays. It is a compact camera on hand, and often accompanies me on non-photographic outings.
Sadly, the future of the X series cameras does not look encouraging. Leica has invested heavily in new system cameras such as the Leica S, Leica SL, Leica TL and the Leica CL - all in addition to the M-series of rangefinder cameras and the full-frame Leica Q and Q2. So the X cameras retain historical interest and value, which does not mean they are not very useful and capable cameras. From time to time I will be adding pictures and notes on my continued ownership of them, which I know is of value to those entering Leica-world by buying a used copy of one of these veterans.
Here are links to some later articles on the X1 and X Vario cameras, which cover my experiences and how I use the cameras.
Owners often question the need for the detachable Optical Viewfinder. https://www.davidaskham.com/how-useful-is-the-ovf
Explore the use of higher ISO settings and ways to reduce unwanted noise.
https://www.davidaskham.com/x1-new-notes-on-higher
Diminishing spares for obsolete digital cameras are the main risk for current owners. I feared mine had reached its end of life when the lens failed to retract. Fortunately, Leica UK managed to obtain the required lens extension sensors. So, my trusty X1 was granted a new lease of life. https://www.davidaskham.com/leica-x1-suddenly-had-a
Here is a link to my article "My Way with the Leica X Vario";. Many owners have found this useful, particularly those considering buying pre-owned cameras. https://www.davidaskham.com/using-the-leica-x-vario
Such a feature was missing from Leica's X-series, even when the Leica X2, X-Vario, Type 113 and special editions were launched. In contrast, the Fuji models started life with a hybrid viewfinder, which combined the advantage of live-view with a traditional optical viewfinder. It proved to be so significant that, despite the growing appreciation of the Leica X-Vario camera, the end of Leica's X-series was in sight.
Meanwhile, Fuji's X-100 model continued to be developed and improved, thus retaining and increasing its popularity. Indeed, so popular has it become, that demand is constantly outstripping supply, with indeterminate delivery times and many frustrated potential buyers. Did Leica not see the potential for a precision compact cameras?
A similar story can be told for Ricoh's famous GR series of truly pocketable cameras. The current GRIII models were upgraded and fitted with an APS-C sensor, thereby elevating its performance considerably. The latest version of the Ricoh III has the equivalent of a 40 mm lens to meet increasing demand for this focal-length. Now there is speculation that a new Ricoh GR model is scheduled for future release. All of this evidence convinces me that the future of APS-C compact cameras is assured, although Leica may not be involved.
My original article
I have owned and used the original X1 model since it was launched in 2010, and find it an extremely compact and capable little camera. I have never replaced it. In 2014, I added the X Vario version, which has a high quality zoom lens (28 mm to 70 mm equivalent). It is more versatile and is capable of top quality photography. However, I experienced issues with unreliable autofocus, which were investigated and resolved by Leica Germany. The motherboard was replaced, and it has worked flawlessly ever since that event. The Leica X Typ. 113 was the last model to be launched. Despite it being a tempting upgrade to replace the X1, it was not as compact. So I retained my X1, and it continues to serve me well, albeit in a minor way nowadays. It is a compact camera on hand, and often accompanies me on non-photographic outings.
Sadly, the future of the X series cameras does not look encouraging. Leica has invested heavily in new system cameras such as the Leica S, Leica SL, Leica TL and the Leica CL - all in addition to the M-series of rangefinder cameras and the full-frame Leica Q and Q2. So the X cameras retain historical interest and value, which does not mean they are not very useful and capable cameras. From time to time I will be adding pictures and notes on my continued ownership of them, which I know is of value to those entering Leica-world by buying a used copy of one of these veterans.
Here are links to some later articles on the X1 and X Vario cameras, which cover my experiences and how I use the cameras.
Leica X1
Owners often question the need for the detachable Optical Viewfinder. https://www.davidaskham.com/how-useful-is-the-ovf
Explore the use of higher ISO settings and ways to reduce unwanted noise.
https://www.davidaskham.com/x1-new-notes-on-higher
Diminishing spares for obsolete digital cameras are the main risk for current owners. I feared mine had reached its end of life when the lens failed to retract. Fortunately, Leica UK managed to obtain the required lens extension sensors. So, my trusty X1 was granted a new lease of life. https://www.davidaskham.com/leica-x1-suddenly-had-a
Leica X Vario
Here is a link to my article "My Way with the Leica X Vario";. Many owners have found this useful, particularly those considering buying pre-owned cameras. https://www.davidaskham.com/using-the-leica-x-vario
Comments
By Peter: Silly or not I just bought an X1 with the viewfinder (cannot take shots without one) I have owned Panasonic Leicas before. This took my interest as it's a German made to me a real Leica. Seems to work OK and I am getting on with it nicely love the control I get. As for the viewfinder no information like my other camera (Sony A6000) but the way I see it I known my setting so don't need them in my eye line. This 10 year old camera still seems to do the business, bet there are not many about still using these old pieces of kit.
Great page by the way and help me make my mind up to buy the X1, thank you
Peter By David Askham: Peter, thank you for your kind comments. It pleases me when my experience helps other photographers. A useful website for Leica X1 discussion is on the Leica Camera Forum. The picture sections also have more examples of X1 work. Just search the forum for a start.
The X1 will complement your Sony A6000 well. Often there are situations where the discrete character of the X1 can work without arousing undue interest. Our pets ignore the X1 but react noticeably if they are awake and see a larger system camera appear in their space.
Enjoy you X1. It will serve you well.
David By Gerald Guenther: I love my Sony A7 RIII and my MFT gear from Oly and Pana but have really been hooked again on photography after discovering the older X series Leicas. The X1/2 are a gem, the X Vario beyond words for anything but fast-paced street photography and the X-U great for rain, mud and snorkeling. I am less impressed by the IQ of the beautifully engineered TL2, and though the CL is nice it really falls between the X and Sony's gear and thus not really convinces me though beautiful to (be)hold. My recommendation: get yourself an X1/2 or a X-Vario and get back to the basics of composing photos. Move fast, cause there are fewer and fewer of these around being sold in top condition. By David Askham: Gerald, thank you for expressing your strong support for the wonderful X-series of Leica compact cameras. It is good that you see their merit, against a background of experience in medium format cameras. Their handling is so intuitive, reminiscent of the way cameras used to operate. Long may you enjoy your latest discoveries.