is the Leica X Vario a good "entry drug" for Leica cameras?

[sonic123]

Hi. I'm a camera aficionado. I have several cameras: Sony A1, Fuji X100V, Fuji GFX100S and a Ricoh GRIII x. However, the Leica "bug" has been bitten me all the years and I'd really like to get to know the Leica "world". I love the styling of the Q2 and M cameras, but don't want a new Leica camera just to try it. Alas, in my country there is no possibility to rent a Leica for a few days. I'm intrigued by the manual focusing features of the Leicas, specially the pre-focusing options and also about the so called Leica colors and/or 3D pop photos effect. I also love the construction and general feeling.

What I would like to know is if the Leica X Vario (a used one of course) could be a good entry drug to Leica in which I can get used to Leica cameras operation, using the manual focus (practice for a M model?), experimenting first hand the difference in colors and quality of the photos (if they exist in comparison with my other cameras) etc etc. They are selling one X Vario on Ebay at $1,500 and the seller has good reputation. I would really like to hear your opinions/help and/or suggestions about other models I could buy to live the Leica experience. and hopefully get convinced and buy a new camera.

Thank you very much!!

 

[LeicaEye]

Hi. I'm a camera aficionado. I have several cameras: Sony A1, Fuji X100V, Fuji GFX100S and a Ricoh GRIII x. However, the Leica "bug" has been bitten me all the years and I'd really like to get to know the Leica "world". I love the styling of the Q2 and M cameras, but don't want a new Leica camera just to try it. Alas, in my country there is no possibility to rent a Leica for a few days. I'm intrigued by the manual focusing features of the Leicas, specially the pre-focusing options and also about the so called Leica colors and/or 3D pop photos effect. I also love the construction and general feeling.

What I would like to know is if the Leica X Vario (a used one of course) could be a good entry drug to Leica in which I can get used to Leica cameras operation, using the manual focus (practice for a M model?), experimenting first hand the difference in colors and quality of the photos (if they exist in comparison with my other cameras) etc etc. They are selling one X Vario on Ebay at $1,500 and the seller has good reputation. I would really like to hear your opinions/help and/or suggestions about other models I could buy to live the Leica experience. and hopefully get convinced and buy a new camera.

Thank you very much!!

The XVario is a great camera, fantastic lens, the af is slow compared to todays cameras.. Only you will know if the XVario gives you the Leica Bug.. The D-Lux7 is the XV's little brother.. Currently there is no replacement (XVario) camera in the Leica Lineup.. Enjoy the Leica Experience... L

 

[Hansadlp]

First, $1,500 is a lot of money for a used X Vario, unless a viewfinder (EVF2), grip and case are included. Second, although it's technology is outdated (2013), as a camera it's performance is very very good. Features are sober and basic, so expect a slow menu, only one aspect ratio (3:2) and no such things as filters or wifi. However, both color and b/w are excellent and it's JPEG's are often praised as being 'best in class'. The D-Lux (7) does have all of the modern features, but at heart is a Panasonic Lumix LX100 (I or II). Pictures with my former D-Lux, while good, were nothing special. Pictures with my XV are a in a different class and can easily be distinguised without looking at the exif data. While XV's slow focus and handling might make you grumble, looking at the output on a screen (or IPad) often brings a satisfied smile. There's a lot to like if you are looking for Leica with M-like output on a budget.

 

[Sho-Bud]

The X Vario is a wonderful camera, but it isn't a good training tool for manual focussing. The X Vario, when using manual focus, shows an enlarged part of the image, which gets sharper or unsharper as you turn the focus ring. I find it not easy to see the perfect sharpest setting. It's completely different from other Leicas, in which you see a field with a split image.

 

[Sho-Bud]

First, $1,500 is a lot of money for a used X Vario, unless a viewfinder (EVF2), grip and case are included. Second, although it's technology is outdated (2013), as a camera it's performance is very very good. Features are sober and basic, so expect a slow menu, only one aspect ratio (3:2) and no such things as filters or wifi. However, both color and b/w are excellent and it's JPEG's are often praised as being 'best in class'. The D-Lux (7) does have all of the modern features, but at heart is a Panasonic Lumix LX100 (I or II). Pictures with my former D-Lux, while good, were nothing special. Pictures with my XV are a in a different class and can easily be distinguised without looking at the exif data. While XV's slow focus and handling might make you grumble, looking at the output on a screen (or IPad) often brings a satisfied smile. There's a lot to like if you are looking for Leica with M-like output on a budget.

With regard to your comments about WIFI: I use a FlashAir memory card which is supported by the X Vario, it works freat to wireless transfer images from the X Vario to the smartphone.

 

[Hansadlp]

The X Vario is a wonderful camera, but it isn't a good training tool for manual focussing. The X Vario, when using manual focus, shows an enlarged part of the image, which gets sharper or unsharper as you turn the focus ring. I find it not easy to see the perfect sharpest setting. It's completely different from other Leicas, in which you see a field with a split image.

Very true, it takes getting used to, as does the whole X Vario experience. Of only Leica had included focus peaking... The thing is, I got used to it and it's not an issue any more. Even at the time of introduction in 2013 de XV was somewhat behind the competition in features. The XV never had cutting edge technology, but it does have a charm of its own and with patience and persistence can produce astonishing results. The same applies to the Leica X (typ 113) with its excellent 1.7/35 mm lens; like a Q on a budget.

 

[Vetteran]

XV's can produce great images. They are still a little pricey given their age, but the results can be very nice. I still use mine. Here are a few XV photos from Ireland trip in November. One downside you should be aware of is that Leica no longer supports or repairs the XV.




Dingle Peninsula




On the road from Dublin





On the road to Killarney

--
Physicist, Traveler, Photographer
VR/
VETTRAN

 

[AndreasBauer]

For me the entry drug was an M8 and a Summicron 35mm Love the focusing-experience and the output. Now i love my M10 with a Summilux 50mm.

 

[Jk1002]

I would recommend the Q, that was the entry drug for many including myself.

With the electronic components its a gamble at the 10 year point so 1500 seems a lot.

 

[Vetteran]

If price matters(and it always does), another option to consider is a used X1 or X2. They are very similar, both have APS-C sensors, have stellar IQ, are slow as hell, but are under $1k; especially the X1. Either of these will provide the Leica “experience “ IQ-wise and may fit your price point.

Alas, these are also not being supported by Leica anymore.

 

[eliehbk]

Why not the TL2 with either the 18-56mm Leica lens or one of the amazing Sigma lenses?

 

[eliehbk]

Gorgeous pictures of a beautiful place!!

 

[Stan K]

May I suggest, a Leica X2 - It is slow but, the quality of the image is just wonderful, read up on it and see what you think. I had a Leica X1, that crashed, and Leica U S had no parts, but they offered me a Leica D-Lux 7, at a special price and is one camera that does everything it suppose to do. Who cares it is a Panasonic, it has the Leica logan. I also purchased the X2, glass exceptional.

 

[Le Chef]

Do more homework by reading more reviews of Leica cameras. Think about the type of photography you do and which Leica might best lend itself to that. And if you can travel to another country that has a Leica dealer then it would be worth waiting to actually get your hands on a Leica.

You already have plenty of cameras so it’s not as if you are starved of opportunities to take pictures.

 

[AndreasBauer]

I totally agree: the IQ you can get from the X2 (or the X Vario) is very well. For me the plastic feeling of the Lens barrell was a little bit disapointing, the X Vario felt much better.



slow: it depends…. I adore taking images with it. After turning of the autofocus for me it was much more fluent to work with. And Hey, i own a sigma dp0 Quattro if you or your subject is not in hurry this is wonderfull cameras

 

[paratom]

I once owned one and found it to have a great user interface (manual feeling) and very good colors.

I dint like the AF so much because it was slow.

So I would recommend the X-Vario of you do not plan to shoot fast subjects, action, kids, sports. For details, landscape etc its fine.

I replaced it with a TL and later CL, today I use a Canon G1xIII for such occasions, and I would choose it over the X- Vario. Faster, smaller, evf.

 

[Karl Huber]

Hi. I'm a camera aficionado. I have several cameras: Sony A1, Fuji X100V, Fuji GFX100S and a Ricoh GRIII x. However, the Leica "bug" has been bitten me all the years and I'd really like to get to know the Leica "world". I love the styling of the Q2 and M cameras, but don't want a new Leica camera just to try it. Alas, in my country there is no possibility to rent a Leica for a few days. I'm intrigued by the manual focusing features of the Leicas, specially the pre-focusing options and also about the so called Leica colors and/or 3D pop photos effect. I also love the construction and general feeling.

What I would like to know is if the Leica X Vario (a used one of course) could be a good entry drug to Leica in which I can get used to Leica cameras operation, using the manual focus (practice for a M model?), experimenting first hand the difference in colors and quality of the photos (if they exist in comparison with my other cameras) etc etc. They are selling one X Vario on Ebay at $1,500 and the seller has good reputation. I would really like to hear your opinions/help and/or suggestions about other models I could buy to live the Leica experience. and hopefully get convinced and buy a new camera.

Thank you very much!!

The X Vario is a brilliant camera.

One of the few regrets I have in life, is having sold my X Vario. I really miss the portability and the magnificent lens.

 

[LeicaEye]

Hi. I'm a camera aficionado. I have several cameras: Sony A1, Fuji X100V, Fuji GFX100S and a Ricoh GRIII x. However, the Leica "bug" has been bitten me all the years and I'd really like to get to know the Leica "world". I love the styling of the Q2 and M cameras, but don't want a new Leica camera just to try it. Alas, in my country there is no possibility to rent a Leica for a few days. I'm intrigued by the manual focusing features of the Leicas, specially the pre-focusing options and also about the so called Leica colors and/or 3D pop photos effect. I also love the construction and general feeling.

What I would like to know is if the Leica X Vario (a used one of course) could be a good entry drug to Leica in which I can get used to Leica cameras operation, using the manual focus (practice for a M model?), experimenting first hand the difference in colors and quality of the photos (if they exist in comparison with my other cameras) etc etc. They are selling one X Vario on Ebay at $1,500 and the seller has good reputation. I would really like to hear your opinions/help and/or suggestions about other models I could buy to live the Leica experience. and hopefully get convinced and buy a new camera.

Thank you very much!!

The X Vario is a brilliant camera.

One of the few regrets I have in life, is having sold my X Vario. I really miss the portability and the magnificent lens.

+1

 

[DaveyA]

+1 !

 

[Foskito]

If you want a camera with a Leica logo even a rebadged Lumix will do (D-Lux 7).

If you want a true Leica experience, get an M8. In fact a Fuji X-Pro gives more of a Leica taste than any X or T cameras.