Last week I wrote about my experiences with the Leica X1. While I was down in Vancouver I also had the opportunity to have a more extended test period with the Leica M9.
50mm Summicron on the left with a 35mm Summilux on the M9 Continue reading »
Nov 082010
Nov 012010
The X1 was launched by Leica alongside the M9 back in September 2009 and a new all black version was displayed at Photokina this year, set to ship within the next month. For those unfamiliar with this camera there are a few stand out features that immediately set this camera apart from other compacts. Firstly Leica have managed to squeeze a 12MP APS-C sized sensor into the diminutive X1 body which is an impressive achievement and immediately gives it an advantage over most other compact cameras. Secondly the X1 features a fixed 24mm Leica Elmarit lens. Elmarit in Leica land means that it has a maximum aperture of f2.8 and the 24mm on the APS-C sensor gives it an equivalent focal length of about 35mm.
A week ago I met with Leica representatives in Vancouver to try out both the M9 and also the X1. I thought I would start things off with the X1 though as the M9 was in my hands for a lot longer and so the resulting article is taking me a little longer to tackle. I was able to spend an afternoon handling the X1 though and taking some sample shots on a walk in the city. Read on to find out my thoughts on this unique little camera.
