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Many fables come to my mind. I am sure there are some specific ones from your region that may apply to this predicament as well.I went to the store to buy a adapter to use a Contax 45-90 (from ebay) on my Leica S. Once I put the adapter and the lens on my S I didn't like the handling, and I didn't like the viewfinder of the S to get darker /caused by the f4.5)
So I decided this combo is not for me, I will stay with the primes I have.
The dealer just gave me the x-Vario in the hand and let me play.
It grew on me and 3 hours later I decided to buy one.
What I am trying to say.... it is not only plain numbers which tell you what works for you and what doesn't. What I thought would work for me did not, and what I thought would not work for me does.
Sorry, but that is not true. Back in the silver age of photography, I did low-light photography with medium-format cameras with f/3.5 and f/4 lenses and 400ISO film. If that is the camera you want, then it will work. With a few exceptions, photography is not limited by the equipment.The camera will not suffer from daylight outdoor photography, if you are into low light indoor photography without a flash, then you had better look elsewhere, this is the simplest way to put it!
DaveWhy not just use the OMD which even with the kit zoom lens is faster? It comes complete with an excellent EVF and the ability to attach a superb range of lenses including the superb Pana Leica D fast prime lenses. It is also very small and light to carry around, all with excellent IQ capability!
Oh, it is also half the price of the X-vario!
The very big downside is of course thai it does not come with a red dot.
Hi DaveWhy not just use the OMD which even with the kit zoom lens is faster? It comes complete with an excellent EVF and the ability to attach a superb range of lenses including the superb Pana Leica D fast prime lenses. It is also very small and light to carry around, all with excellent IQ capability!
Great stuff David - it works better than one might imagine - I've found the software based IS works well at these shutter speeds as well.First attempt at shooting low-light with the X Vario.
Thanks, Jono. I'll give the IS feature a try. Good to know it works well.Great stuff David - it works better than one might imagine - I've found the software based IS works well at these shutter speeds as well.
+1Nice stuff, guys! Used with its capacities, the X-Vario had a lovely signature....
Wonderful read! Thanks for sharing!for those who like to see some more images from the x-vario: I found a review with many nice images here: Review: Leica X Vario Defies Naysayers with Impressive Optics
Engineered to last beyond the electronics
Leica is proud of its engineering prowess, and it should be. Leica products are renowned for their precision feel, and the X Vario continues this tradition. The top plate is machined from solid aluminium in the same process as that used for the Leica M, but that is probably the closest the X Vario will ever come to its famous rangefinder cousins. The letterings are silk screened instead of being engraved, which I find slightly disappointing.
The Slow and The Furious
Leica doesn’t make haste when it comes to product development, and this trait rubs off on the products. Yes, the Leica X Vario is slow. While it is not hopelessly slow as the Sigma DP series, the autofocus is roughly comparable to the Fuji X100 (original, not the S version) and the Fuji XE-1.
The most obvious competitor would be the Fuji XE-1 with 18-55mm zoom lens, or in fact – any of the 16MP Micro Four-Thirds (M4/3) cameras out there. All of them offer large sensors (relative to compacts), interchangeable lenses and image stabilization. And that’s not to mention they are all significantly cheaper, and the M4/3 will kick the living daylights from Leica when it comes to focusing speed.
Added:Forget about grabbing the decisive moment with this camera – it is just too slow. Instead, it is all about taking the time to observe and compose, and taking good long strolls with the Leica in your hands (and Zegna on your back).
Let’s be honest here – there are only two reasons why you are still reading this very negative review about the Leica Vario X. You could be a Leica-hater who is gloating at this over-priced but under-specced camera, so you can quote this review to denigrate the Leica on the forums. Or you might be a Leica fan-boy waiting to read something positive about the camera, so you can go online to defend against the masses and Romans out to crucifix your rich religion.
I can’t remember the last time a camera gave me such mixed feelings. For those who hate and deride the X Vario, I’m certain it is not because of the image quality, because the camera delivers quality in spades.
....
Do these people go around hating anyone who drives a Porsche or owns a Hermes handbag too?