(Leica X1)
The Lecia X1 feels a bit detached from the present world in that it is not fast in AF, has no video function or quick function keys or playful modes. It doesn't sound right that one can use it just for purely photography in colour or black and white –well, it offers some margin of appreciation in tuning the contrast, sharpness and saturation levels.
Or is it us that don't sound right in believing that a camera should not be used just for photography; full stop, that is it?
Leica is Leica not for no reason. The thickness of experience the camera maker has gained in the trade bestows on it a philosophy in simplicity. Okay, some would say that Leica has too much simplicity and too little functionality. That's right. In terms of software engineering, Leica is set to lose. There is nothing much one can do other than taking photos with the X1. Tuning and tweaking are only related to the exposure, thanks also going to the fixed lens. And for that reason, framing and composition require a physical zooming mechanism – your legs. There is no need for the user to think about whether the scene should be captured in film grain mode, retro mode or high tone mode. None of these options is available.
But with the X1, in a way the Ricoh cameras are to a lesser degree in comparison, the user will know the difference between a camera maker working with programmers and the other one alongside a photographer. It is a camera which the photographer will feel just right. See a scene, concentrate on forming the image and fully press the shutter release. Full stop, that is it.
Comments