Retro at a High Price
For much of the mid-20th century, the Leica name was synonymous with finely designed 35mm film cameras and superb optics. But as the industry moved from film to digital, the company seemed to have lost it footing and missed the opportunity to maintain its technological and engineering edge.
Leica hasn’t given up.
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As I walked the aisles of PhotoPlus Expo, I couldn’t help but stop when I spotted these amazingly bright colors starring me in the face. This was the Leica’s booth and these are their X2 cameras. |
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Surprisingly, the cameras are available in ten different leather trims. If nothing else, this fact alone makes the X2 a statement in style. Notice the matching straps and protective case.
It sports a 16MP APS-C sensor, a fixed 24mm f/2.8 Leica designed lens, 2.7″ LCD in a very compact package. Leica likes to say this is the only digital camera made entirely in Germany, stressing its handmade workmanship. For more information, see Leica X2 |
Above is my Leica M3 film camera from the 1950s
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You can see that the X2 inherits a lot of its looks from the M3. Leica is betting that the “retro” look of the X2 will prove to be an attractive selling feature. I found the X2 to be very eye-catching.
If you’re a believer in the Leica pedigree, you may want to take a deeper look at the X2. Reviews of the X2 are mixed. While the camera is well built, it doesn’t have features which separate it from the competitors’ offerings. And the X2 significantly pricier than the other brands.
The X2 sells for about $1995. Accessories include matching leather strap, protective case and an electronic viewfinder.
Written by: Arnie Lee
