My Way with the Leica X-Vario (2021)
01st October 2021
The fixed-lens Leica X Vario, (called XV hereafter), proved to be a slow starter in the eyes of reviewers and new owners, after its launch in June 2013. Preceded by erroneous, rumour-driven expectations, it was not an interchangeable mini-M rangefinder camera, as many anticipated, but a chunky fixed-lens camera in the X-line. It would be no exaggeration to say that Leica’s marketing machine had scored an own-goal, to borrow a sporting term. The result was that the camera was ignored by many would-be customers, and it was too expensive to attract Leica aspirants. However, much as I would have preferred an upgraded compact X-line camera, I was swayed by the experiences of a good friend in the Leica Fellowship, who had taken his new XV on a long tour of Australia. He was most impressed with his results. So I bought one, eager to replicate my friend's success.
Sluggish autofocusing was the first challenge. For most of my subjects, that slowness did not matter. What did matter was the number of lost shots due to inaccurate focusing. I learned very quickly that you needed to wait for the little green light to glow, indicating that the focus had been set. Once you mastered the technique, you are rewarded with super-sharp, high-quality images, with natural colours. In fact, you hardly notice the initial pause. Much later I bought a new Leica CL, fitted with a standard zoom lens, very similar to that fitted to the XV. However, the CL is equipped with an in-built electronic viewfinder and, in most respects, is superior in handling and performance. I expected to sell my X-Vario, but didn’t, for three very good reasons. First, the X-Vario was superior in the realm of Macro or, more accurately, close-range photography using the zoom lens. Second, its handgrip possessed a tripod bush; strangely, the CL was not so equipped. Thirdly, trade-in value was woefully low. The XV was worth keeping as an active general purpose camera.
Why is the X-Vario superior in close-range photography? For a very good reason. On the XV, the lens is set to 70 mm, the longest zoom setting, for close-ups. That enables a useful shooting distance when compared with the CL zoom which, for some inexplicable reason, has to be set to the widest zoom lens setting. That is impractical for sensitive live subjects, such as butterflies. It is far more practical to use the XV for unaugmented close-range photography. The better solution with the CL is to use a dedicated macro lens. So what else is good about the X-Vario which has appealed to a later generation of buyers?
Advantages of the Leica X-Vario
1. Retention of analogue controls. Modern camera design replaces conventional mechanical controls of shutter speed and lens aperture, with ‘soft’ multirole buttons or dials. Actual settings are only readable by computer or LED displays. This is fine for those who are migrating from smartphone photography to a conventional camera. But for older photographers, analogue dials are familiar and more instinctive to use.
2. Useful range of focal lengths, accessible by a modest twist of the zoom ring. Ranging from 28 mm equivalent on the cropped sensor, up to 70 mm giving a useful portrait and macro setting.
3. Crisp resolution at all settings. It is not necessary to close down the lens aperture in order to improve performance. As the lens designer intended, performance matches current full-frame rangefinder Leica M camera lenses at all common and available settings. It is not intended to match the fastest lenses. However, being realistic, most non-professional photographers do not need f/1.4 as an everyday setting. For many, it is a ‘nice-to-have’ feature - at a hefty price!
4. Acceptable weight and bulk. These factors are important for prolonged travel tours. There are many examples of the X-Vario being the only camera used for holiday travelling.
5. Reliability. The camera has an excellent record of good service over time. It is very reassuring when you own such a versatile instrument.
Disadvantages of the X-Vario
1. Autofocusing. The X-Vario is commonly criticized for its laggardly focusing performance. As I stress later, this negative feature can be tamed by skilled use. Careful choice of focusing mode, ensures more consistent focusing accuracy.
2. Fixed lens. If this is seen as a disadvantage, and a few users claim that it is, the photographers have only themselves to blame. They should have chosen a camera system which provides for interchangeable lenses. On the plus side, a fixed-lens camera is usually less prone to suffer from dust on the sensor, the scourge of some system cameras.
3. A relatively slow lens. This is undeniable. However, the alternative is a bigger, bulkier, heavier, more expensive zoom lens, which is not what most non-professional photographers need or want. I will show the way I compensate for this factor.
4. No inbuilt viewfinder. As delivered, image framing and manual focusing is provided by a large LCD screen. A separate detachable electronic viewfinder is available, which goes some way towards ameliorating this omission. Compared with the neat way that the electronic viewfinder (EVF) is incorporated into the later Leica CL, the old-fashioned clip-on viewfinder does appear as an ugly after-thought. But, it works. While it lacks the higher resolution of more modern EVFs, it serves its purpose for framing purposes and, at a stretch, as an aid for manual focusing.
5. Limited ISO Range. A few users, discovering the X-Vario later in its life, comment on the limited ISO range of its sensor. At the time of launch, the camera was not criticized for this feature. It is only when comparing it with what is available with more modern sensors. Technology moves on. I will explain how I deal with this perceived deficiency.
My way with the X-Vario
1. Autofocusing technique
I have found that by listening for the low whirring sound to end with a distinct ‘clicking’ sound, allows the focusing motor to complete its work before it is ready to shoot. It sounds like a long process. However, believe me, slight patience rewards you with superb, accurately focused pictures. Wait for the click and display of actual shutter speed, lens aperture and green light, three clues to a successful exposure. Where speed is necessary, it is best to pre-focus manually, preferably with generous depth of field.
2. Low-light techniques
Some users are critical of the XV’s performance in low-light situations. Experiment and use up to the highest ISO setting which gives you satisfactory results. Careful use of noise reduction in post-processing enables the usable ISO to be higher than you might have considered, especially if you have earlier experience of using films.
Another useful ploy is to use a wider zoom lens setting. The fastest aperture setting is at 28 mm. Maximize the available speed of the lens by using this wide-angle zoom setting.
Finally, use a tripod. Although a tripod is disliked by many photographers, for indoor photography of inanimate scenes, a tripod makes a lot of sense. I use one for still-life photography and obtain stunning results, mostly using available lighting. Results are more natural and accurately depict domestic interior scenes. For such photography, I also use a calibrated grey-card to set accurate white balance. But that is a subject for another discussion.
3. Approaching better macro
It is possible to achieve commendable results using the macro mode setting on the lens. However, it is also possible to improve on the organic performance by using supplementary lenses. Raynox or Elpro auxiliary lenses are a popular way of achieving even closer focusing, yielding true macro and beyond. I will write more fully on this possibility later.
Conclusions
The Leica X-Vario camera is a fine instrument, capable of yielding excellent photographic results. By understanding its weaknesses and strengths, it is capable of being an excellent entry-level camera into Leica ownership. At the time of writing, my library holds more than 14,000 rated images, produced by my Leica X Vario. Actual pictures taken probably exceed two or three times that number.
Good used specimens are hard to find and hold their value very well. But if you find a good working specimen, you should be well-satisfied with the excellent results it produces. Enjoy!
If you have any comments or queries, please type them below and I will respond as soon as possible. We can all help each other, in some way or other. Thank you.
(The Leica X-Vario is a compact APS-C fixed Vario Elmar zoom lens camera. It has a 16MP CMOS sensor. The lens covers the effective focal lengths of 28 mm to 70 mm, covering the most used settings in practical photography. Maximum lens aperture is f/3.5, which reduces to f/6.4 at the longest zoom setting. Focusing is both automatic and manual. All major controls are manual, which makes it an ideal camera for learning the basics of photography before moving on to more advanced techniques).
Sluggish autofocusing was the first challenge. For most of my subjects, that slowness did not matter. What did matter was the number of lost shots due to inaccurate focusing. I learned very quickly that you needed to wait for the little green light to glow, indicating that the focus had been set. Once you mastered the technique, you are rewarded with super-sharp, high-quality images, with natural colours. In fact, you hardly notice the initial pause. Much later I bought a new Leica CL, fitted with a standard zoom lens, very similar to that fitted to the XV. However, the CL is equipped with an in-built electronic viewfinder and, in most respects, is superior in handling and performance. I expected to sell my X-Vario, but didn’t, for three very good reasons. First, the X-Vario was superior in the realm of Macro or, more accurately, close-range photography using the zoom lens. Second, its handgrip possessed a tripod bush; strangely, the CL was not so equipped. Thirdly, trade-in value was woefully low. The XV was worth keeping as an active general purpose camera.
(Here the Leica X-Vario has been fitted with a wrist strap, a Leica handgrip, a Leica lenshood, and an optional electronic viewfinder (EVF) which is essential when operating in bright lighting conditions. It still makes for an effective and versatile, low-bulk travel camera. The EVF was made by Olympus, with a Leica-badged version sold by Leica. I elected to buy the Olympus original because, at the time, it was possible to buy the very useful matching viewfinder eye-cup).
Why is the X-Vario superior in close-range photography? For a very good reason. On the XV, the lens is set to 70 mm, the longest zoom setting, for close-ups. That enables a useful shooting distance when compared with the CL zoom which, for some inexplicable reason, has to be set to the widest zoom lens setting. That is impractical for sensitive live subjects, such as butterflies. It is far more practical to use the XV for unaugmented close-range photography. The better solution with the CL is to use a dedicated macro lens. So what else is good about the X-Vario which has appealed to a later generation of buyers?
[ (Abstract. Detail of a glass sculpture exhibited in a garden open to the public).
Advantages of the Leica X-Vario
1. Retention of analogue controls. Modern camera design replaces conventional mechanical controls of shutter speed and lens aperture, with ‘soft’ multirole buttons or dials. Actual settings are only readable by computer or LED displays. This is fine for those who are migrating from smartphone photography to a conventional camera. But for older photographers, analogue dials are familiar and more instinctive to use.
2. Useful range of focal lengths, accessible by a modest twist of the zoom ring. Ranging from 28 mm equivalent on the cropped sensor, up to 70 mm giving a useful portrait and macro setting.
(Three fins. The modest 70 mm zoom setting is useful for capturing details such the tailplane of an old civil Airspeed Ambassador airliner).
3. Crisp resolution at all settings. It is not necessary to close down the lens aperture in order to improve performance. As the lens designer intended, performance matches current full-frame rangefinder Leica M camera lenses at all common and available settings. It is not intended to match the fastest lenses. However, being realistic, most non-professional photographers do not need f/1.4 as an everyday setting. For many, it is a ‘nice-to-have’ feature - at a hefty price!
(POSH Painter. This tradesman’s van caught my eye when touring an old English village).
4. Acceptable weight and bulk. These factors are important for prolonged travel tours. There are many examples of the X-Vario being the only camera used for holiday travelling.
5. Reliability. The camera has an excellent record of good service over time. It is very reassuring when you own such a versatile instrument.
(Over 100 years old Fairground steam traction engine at a country show, shows how a well-maintained object can last for years. The X-Vario reproduces lovely fine detail and colours).
Disadvantages of the X-Vario
1. Autofocusing. The X-Vario is commonly criticized for its laggardly focusing performance. As I stress later, this negative feature can be tamed by skilled use. Careful choice of focusing mode, ensures more consistent focusing accuracy.
2. Fixed lens. If this is seen as a disadvantage, and a few users claim that it is, the photographers have only themselves to blame. They should have chosen a camera system which provides for interchangeable lenses. On the plus side, a fixed-lens camera is usually less prone to suffer from dust on the sensor, the scourge of some system cameras.
3. A relatively slow lens. This is undeniable. However, the alternative is a bigger, bulkier, heavier, more expensive zoom lens, which is not what most non-professional photographers need or want. I will show the way I compensate for this factor.
4. No inbuilt viewfinder. As delivered, image framing and manual focusing is provided by a large LCD screen. A separate detachable electronic viewfinder is available, which goes some way towards ameliorating this omission. Compared with the neat way that the electronic viewfinder (EVF) is incorporated into the later Leica CL, the old-fashioned clip-on viewfinder does appear as an ugly after-thought. But, it works. While it lacks the higher resolution of more modern EVFs, it serves its purpose for framing purposes and, at a stretch, as an aid for manual focusing.
(A 1920s FIAT 501 open-top saloon car at a country show. Framing is easier with an electronic viewfinder).
5. Limited ISO Range. A few users, discovering the X-Vario later in its life, comment on the limited ISO range of its sensor. At the time of launch, the camera was not criticized for this feature. It is only when comparing it with what is available with more modern sensors. Technology moves on. I will explain how I deal with this perceived deficiency.
My way with the X-Vario
1. Autofocusing technique
I have found that by listening for the low whirring sound to end with a distinct ‘clicking’ sound, allows the focusing motor to complete its work before it is ready to shoot. It sounds like a long process. However, believe me, slight patience rewards you with superb, accurately focused pictures. Wait for the click and display of actual shutter speed, lens aperture and green light, three clues to a successful exposure. Where speed is necessary, it is best to pre-focus manually, preferably with generous depth of field.
(A quiet Wiltshire lane in autumn. The Leica X-Vario is perfectly at home in landscape photography and is less concerned by so-called ‘focus lag’).
2. Low-light techniques
Some users are critical of the XV’s performance in low-light situations. Experiment and use up to the highest ISO setting which gives you satisfactory results. Careful use of noise reduction in post-processing enables the usable ISO to be higher than you might have considered, especially if you have earlier experience of using films.
Another useful ploy is to use a wider zoom lens setting. The fastest aperture setting is at 28 mm. Maximize the available speed of the lens by using this wide-angle zoom setting.
(Air museum. This is a good test in low-light, using the widest lens zoom setting of 28 mm, which has the fastest lens opening aperture at f/3.5. Coupled with ISO 400).
Finally, use a tripod. Although a tripod is disliked by many photographers, for indoor photography of inanimate scenes, a tripod makes a lot of sense. I use one for still-life photography and obtain stunning results, mostly using available lighting. Results are more natural and accurately depict domestic interior scenes. For such photography, I also use a calibrated grey-card to set accurate white balance. But that is a subject for another discussion.
3. Approaching better macro
It is possible to achieve commendable results using the macro mode setting on the lens. However, it is also possible to improve on the organic performance by using supplementary lenses. Raynox or Elpro auxiliary lenses are a popular way of achieving even closer focusing, yielding true macro and beyond. I will write more fully on this possibility later.
Conclusions
The Leica X-Vario camera is a fine instrument, capable of yielding excellent photographic results. By understanding its weaknesses and strengths, it is capable of being an excellent entry-level camera into Leica ownership. At the time of writing, my library holds more than 14,000 rated images, produced by my Leica X Vario. Actual pictures taken probably exceed two or three times that number.
Good used specimens are hard to find and hold their value very well. But if you find a good working specimen, you should be well-satisfied with the excellent results it produces. Enjoy!
If you have any comments or queries, please type them below and I will respond as soon as possible. We can all help each other, in some way or other. Thank you.
Copyright © David Askham, 2021
Comments
By Dennis Steel: I bought the camera when it was first launched and have used it extensively for travel photography, where it suits my style perfectly and gives me excellent results. I particularly like the camera's ergonomics. It is a very easy camera to carry and operate. Based on my experience, I would also like to make the following comments.
1. Firmware. Initially there were several niggling features which were resolved, after launch, with a firmware update. If buying a used X-Vario, make sure that the latest firmware has been installed. (Downloads can be had from the Leica website).
2. Two features were not mentioned in the article, viz. Flash and Video. Although the inbuilt flash is small, when travelling it often comes to the rescue when touring in darker places, such as underground caves. Likewise, the video, which has been used very satisfyingly for short animated clips, when touring.
3. I would like to praise the X-Vario’s battery. The manual zoom is less demanding on power. Despite its small size, one battery generally lasts me all day, recharging it overnight. However, I always carry a spare. By David Askham: Thank you very much, Dennis. You make some interesting points. Both the in-built flash and the video function were not taken very seriously by many owners of the X-Vario. Yet each feature should be mentioned. I occasionally use the little flash for ‘fill-in’ purposes, when taking portraits in bright light outdoors. It provides a ‘catch-light’ in the subject’s eyes which makes for a more lively portrait.
Because the video function is so seldom used, I forgot to mention how useful it is when travelling and coming across street performers, for example. Thank you for your helpful comments. By Don Morley: I agree with both David and Dennis's most valid extra points.
All I would add likewise as a confirmed V-Vario long time user and lover firstly is it punches wey above its 16mp weight, secondly, and very importantly for me at least, it is one of the very few digital camers designed to work in almost exactly the same way as its many Leica analogue predecessors.
In short several later and higher spec higher M/Pixel Leica's made since have passed through my hands and then left again as I hate trawling through endless menus, whereas the beloved X-Vario not only remains, but also gets chosen for outings ahead of such as my Q, SL, or my somewhat less loved digital CL. Don By David Askham: Don, thank you for your comments. Coming from such an experienced Leica photographer, that is praise indeed for a camera, not regarded by many people as main-stream. By Duncan Kirkwood: The XV's 'magnified manual focus' mode is excellent in low light situations ... the magnified focus zone can be 'shifted' to any part of the 'live view' image ... and works well on both the monitor and the EVF. The Epson made EVF is a tough piece of kit ... mine survived slipping off the camera into a blocked w.c. ... but after a thorough washing and overnight airing cupboard drying, it resumed working fine. By David Askham: You are quite right, Duncan. Magnification certainly makes for more accurate manual focusing. Regarding the durability of the EVF, mine has been rather better behaved than yours. Very pleased that you were able to salvage your EVF, for further conventional duties. By John Falloon: The LXV is a jewel. It reminds me of my Leica Digilux 2 - just updated and improved. The colours and sharpness are superb. Perfect travel and landscape camera. I have 2 of them! By John Falloon: The LXV is a jewel. It reminds me of my Leica Digilux 2 - just updated and improved. The colours and sharpness are superb. Perfect travel and landscape camera. I have 2 of them! By David Askham: John, thank you. It is always pleasing to hear from another very satisfied owner. It is not uncommon for owners, who have used both the Digilux 2 and the X-Vario cameras, to comment on their operational similarity. The XV wins on sensor size and more modern technology, but the D2 was in a class of its own with that spectacular Vario-Summicron lens. I found it so good for portraits. By Mark Holyoake: David,
Inspirational stuff; and encouragement needed to acquire a LXV.
Obvs used, but seemingly great condition- with the lens hood; handgrip; battery charger; neck and wrist straps and Olympus view finder.
Whilst I don’t expect my photos will be as sumptuous as yours - looking fwd to trying it out.
Thank you for this page and others.
A CL floated across my minds eye, and led me to your site, unfortunately not something the purse strings could accommodate…and by chance found your notes on the LXV and X1.
The LXV, with its lens and reported picture quality won the day. By Marl Holyoake: Have the Olympus EVF too; manhandling the camera brings back memories of 35mm cameras from the mists of time.
Your experiences and notes so accurate and valuable, more so than some reviews that were less flattering or supportive, Guess many hoped for the “Mini M” that early press releases hinted at…..seems a fine camera to me. By David Askham: Mark, thank you for taking time to visit my site. The big bonus for me is, that you found inspiration and were not tempted to spend a fortune on new equipment. Once you have mastered its operational quirks, you will be rewarded with excellent pictures. The X-Vario has always been an under-rated camera. It is wonderful, that people like you, Mark, discover its virtues and enjoy its life in maturity. One last point, do master User Profiles and reap the benefits of this great time-saving tool. Enjoy your X-Vario! By John Nicholson: Just a small point. The XV clip-on EVF is often compared unfavorably with the CL built-in finder. But actually it has two advantages. 1. It is really useful to be able to dispense with the EVF in som circumstances. 2. And much more important, it is vari-angle, a real benefit given Leica's refusal to equip their cameras with flexible screens, for composing at awkward angles. Te XV is superb in all its constellations! By David Askham: John, thank you for your helpful comment on my article on the Leica X-Vario. You make two very valid points. I employ both techniques, so much so, they become normal methods of working. The camera's versatility makes it a very attractive photographic tool. Thank for your contribution. By Luis Gómez: What a great review David !
I totally agree on "master Leica XV strenghts and understand its least favorable point". As you said it is a great and beatiful tool.
I just managed to get me one near mint condition specimen (box,accesories, documentation and Leica EVF) for $1,300 USD (wich I think as in 2025 it is a great deal).
I am not as seasoned as you guys, I still use my Fuji X100 OG and a Sony a6000 (using an old nifty 50 Minolta) and as my first Leica, the XV is just a charm, I am in love.
I havent played much with AF (I'm into zone focusing and having a great time) but now I will take your advise :)
Cheers from México City, and again, great post David ! By David Askham: Luis, thank you for your kind comments. Despite the Leica X-Vario's age, it is still a very capable compact camera. I am thrilled to receive feedback on it. It is highly rewarding to continue to receive feedback on my articles. Luis, you are very lucky to find one in such fine condition! Well done!