Leica X Vario: What Other Users Say...

Build Quality | Compactness | Handling | Lens | Autofocus, Manual Focus | Image Quality | General || References

Archive

On this page, I randomly(!) collect opinions from other Leica X Vario users on this camera. The opinions were taken from forum threads (l-camera-forum, Leica forum on dpreview.com), and since they are in the public, I cite them without asking for permission (I link to the original posts, though...).

I tried to sort the opinions according to topics (lens, handling, image quality, build quality, ...). Where applicable, I also add my personal opinions at the bottom of each topic. At the bottom of the page, there is an unsorted list of the original citations for your reference.

Editorial Notes

Note that I do not list opinions of testers here (those testers who were handed over a camera by Leica and others who published test reports). You can find links to tests and other reports - and the respective opinions - on page References. You can also find opinions on the lens on page Lens.

Also note that I list only opinions of people who actually use(d) the Leica X Vario. After its announcement and during the first months after its introduction a "shitstorm" broke down over the X Vario, which I do not want to replicate here. Some of the people who blamed the camera for not being what they had expected even changed their opinion in favor of the X Vario and acquired one...

Introductory Notes

For those readers who previously owned a compact camera with a small sensor, probably a few notes are appropriate. Many users praise the compactness of the Leica X Vario. Please consider that this judgment has to be understood in relation to a Leica M or DSLR gear with several lenses. Compared with a small compact camera like my wife's Ricoh CX4, the X Vario is bulky and heavy, and it does not easily fit a trouser or jacket pocket (have a look at the technical data for details or see page Size and Weight Comparisons).

In my opinion, comparing a Leica X Vario with a Sony Alpha 7(R) is "comparing apples and pears" - these cameras play in different leagues. Therefore, I will not present comments on this here (apart from a few brief mentionings...).

I made slight corrections and changes to the following citations for better understandability. I did not make corrections to the citations in the References section below.

Build Quality

Compactness

colonel/harold1968: Advantages of the XV should be thought of as:
...
3. Compact compared to APS-C CSCs with zooms
...

XVarior: Also the weight, form factor, the ergonomics, I just love having this camera around me while I never used to have my DSLR this way. It's impossible to carry a DSLR everywhere but It is so possible to carry a compact everywhere.

GW: Read my remarks on this above.

Handling

DGPNY: ... - that from the moment you put the XV in your hand - it felt like "deja vu", like it's something (or a good friend) you've known and been familiar with for a long time. The XV has a great feel and layout (except for that damn D-pad location), and it is very intuitive for "deliberative" photography.

euston: ... the camera’s strength, in my opinion, lies in the way that manual and auto features are integrated. It’s this, I think, that makes the handling feel so right and, dare I say, so Leica-like.

GW (waloszek = myself): I agree that the well done integration of manual of automatic features is one of the reasons that I like the X Vario. It invites me much more to play around with manual settings than my previous cameras (Ricohs in the recent past...) did.

Lens

2WK: ... The lens is amazing, although I wish the widest end would have a bit less distortion. I love the 70mm macro abilities. I've never really been a zoom person, but it is very liberating to just toss the XV in the bag and have that whole focal range covered. ...

bobbyg53: For me, I wanted the Leica color signature in a relatively light and compact all-in-one package with superior optics. There is nothing else on the market with the XV's stellar lens rendering throughout the entire focal range at any aperture with a fixed zoom lens. Nothing.
Leica designed the XV around the lens first and foremost. They would not compromise on that.

colonel/harold1968: Advantages of the XV should be thought of as:
1. Zoom lens, where entire range is sharp
...

colonel/harold1968: There are a number of things which make the XV unique for me and irreplaceable in the market. No other camera has all of these things together:
...
2. Zoom lens that does not move much and does not extend out of the camera when it is switched on.

George: I've been using it as my primary camera for the last 4 months and have not had any issues with the "slow lens".

thfloegel: I was very surprised what the lens of the X Vario is capable of, when it comes to color-rendition, sharpness and resolution. The zoom-function is very practical, and the only thing I would like to have changed, is the opening aperture, which - of course - isn't possible. ISO 6400 is simply no alternative for an opening of f/2 or so.

GW: I also collected opinions from Leica and from testers on page Lens.

Autofocus, Manual Focus

2WK: ... The autofocus is good enough for me. ...

colonel/harold1968: I find the AF very good. It hunts a bit in low light but all contrast detects do to a certain extent, even the E-M1.
The AF is certainly very accurate
The main beef is that very occasionally you get an in-focus green light when clearly the subject is not in focus. I never actually take the picture as its instantly obvious on the screen or EVF.
I am pretty sure this could be fixed in software, but its so rare, and never effects my photos, that I personally never consider it an issue.

colonel/harold1968: In terms of innovation, despite the fixed fixed zoom nature I would say the manual focus implementation is really excellent and something other competitors should address.

colonel/harold1968: There are a number of things which make the XV unique for me and irreplaceable in the market. No other camera has all of these things together:
...
7. Manual focus methodology - the best yet for any digital camera

euston: There’s nothing wrong with the XV’s AF in my experience, but the camera’s strength, in my opinion, lies in the way that manual and auto features are integrated. It’s this, I think, that makes the handling feel so right and, dare I say, so Leica-like.

fotografr: The AF issue occurs with my X Vario so infrequently that I don't consider it a problem. Perhaps one shot in 30 will be out of focus, and when it does happen I'm not sure if it's me or the camera. I would suggest that when shooting in critical situations where a missed frame is a big problem, use the manual focus. It's fast (once you get used to it), easy and extremely accurate.

Rjans: Well, I have my X Vario for a few months and I have not yet had any troubles with the autofocus. Sure, sometimes it cannot focus but in that case you get a red confirmation of that. The most effective way of focussing is manual, but have to admit that according to my experience manual focussing is easier with my M8 rangefinder when compared to the X Vario.

thighslapper: I am just back from holiday and have processed 1200 XV photos. Some are at night and also low light levels in monasteries and churches. I have found 6 that are out of focus probably due to the camera not locking onto the subject properly (and several of these were rapidly snatched shots) ..... and another half dozen with camera shake as I inadvertently used silly speeds (1/4 sec).
Otherwise this camera has performed faultlessly and all the images produced would at first glance pass as M9 or M240 photos ....... and apart from sharpening they hardly need any processing in LR. I can find NO EVIDENCE WHATSOEVER of the problems outlined (to the point of open warfare) in this thread.
I don't think I've ever had a camera with a usable image ratio of 99%
I've no idea what the complainants are doing with their cameras .... or whether they are faulty in some way ..... but mine ... in my hands, works perfectly.

thighslapper: As I posted elsewhere I took 1200 shots on holiday in Cyprus and a handful were OOF .... and they were either 'snatched' or with some obvious reason why it failed.
AF is plenty fast enough for me ..... and the manual focus implementation is really well thought out and implemented. There are lots of other nice touches and simple intuitive ways of accessing useful functions that make it a pleasure to use. In contrast a day with a Sony A7r had me tempted to throw it at a wall.....
I have to say I now prefer the XV to my M .... unless I have some specific plans where I know the M will definitely make more sense.

thighslapper: I've just marched around the house tonight as an experiment for you ........ with it set on Auto ISO and Auto Exposure.....
Up to ISO 800 AF is pretty well instantaneous, 800-1600 it occasionally hunts, and 1600+ it is very dependent on what your focussing on ...... 3200+ it sometimes will not lock at all.....
I did all this at 70mm .... so you are stuck at f/6.4 ........ performance at 28mm is miles better....
I took loads of photos of dark monastery/church interiors ....... and AF seemed to work fine .... and on those occasions when it didn't I just set the distance manually ..... dof is enough at the wider settings for this to work perfectly adequately....

XVarior: Some users are experiencing intermittent AF lockup issues, many others "including me" are not. Leica is expected to release a firmware update soon anyways.

XVarior: You're so right here (in reply to euston). The MF / AF integration is so unique it can hardly be match by other systems. I find myself the using MF more and more. it's so addictive!
Love everything about this camera.

GW: I devoted several pages on this site on this topic. For details, please start here.

Image Quality (Colors, Dynamic Range, Exposure, White Balance, DOF, Bokeh...)

General (or Summary Statements)

Parts of the following statements may have appeared as single statements in the topics above. Here, I provide the statements as "complete" evaluations of the Leica X Vario.

2WK: I love the XV too! The more I use it, the more I enjoy it. The autofocus is good enough for me. The colors and the way the raw files hold up to editing are fantastic. The lens is amazing, although I wish the widest end would have a bit less distortion. I love the 70mm macro abilities. I've never really been a zoom person, but it is very liberating to just toss the XV in the bag and have that whole focal range covered. My favorite part of the camera might be the fact that it can sync flash at all speeds!
All in all, I am finding it an excellent (color) addition to my Monochrom. It is often the camera I grab as I'm heading out the door.

colonel/harold1968: ..., the great colors, the lack of distortion, the detail, the color depth, etc. all come from the camera. In any event, my point is that I am not sure you could do better even with a much more expensive camera, which is the point about the XV.

colonel/harold1968: Advantages of the XV should be thought of as:
1. Zoom lens, where entire range is sharp
2. Silent shutter
3. Compact compared to APS-C CSCs with zooms
4. Great colours

colonel/harold1968: It's not a secret that the XV, whilst selling ok, has underperformed in the market.
Leica wanted to produce a versatile zoom camera with a zoom as good as primes. The current lens range and aperture is the only way it could be done within a reasonable size.
However this requirement, combined with sheer hate from people who have never used it, have made it a minority persuit. Although interestingly I heard that sales are now better then they were at launch, meaning it's picking up.
Also sensor size is irrelevant if the results bear out. One only had to look at the success of the Fuji T1.

There are a number of things which make the XV unique for me and irreplaceable in the market. No other camera has all of these things together:
1. Silent shutter
2. Zoom lens that does not move much and does not extend out of the camera when it is switched on.
3. Build quality and design
4. Lens quality
5. Colours are amazing
6. Dynamic range
7. Manual focus methodology - the best yet for any digital camera

I would like an AEL button (this could be solved in a firmware release) and a 1/4000 shutter but otherwise I can't think of anything.
Again, the XV is a minority persuit, but if you know what you are getting and can take advantage of it there is nothing out there like it.

colonel/harold1968: The main issue when using the XV today is the perceived stigma that some on-line forum participators try to instill on the XV and its users.
In actual use its wonderful (depending on the relevance of the occasional erroneous green focus indicator to you) and the pictures are stunning. And non-forum addicts tend to think its quite cool.
My main beef is not having a AEL button, although this could be addressed in a firmware update and is kind-of work-aroundable by using the manual dials.
The build, handling and operation is super. There is no APS-C zoom combination that gives the range of quality this camera does, certainly in this size. Any more light and the size would have shot up. FF competitors have much bigger lenses of variable quality.
In terms of innovation, despite the fixed fixed zoom nature I would say the manual focus implementation is really excellent and something other competitors should address.
The "virtually no" extension to the zoom is also excellent.
... the truly silent shutter, shared only with the RX1 and G1X, is essential for many of the uses I put it to.
...
Lastly, in terms of light, we of course would all wish for more. But its worth remembering that:
a. The sensor is fine to 3200, even 6400 is usable
b. At 28mm its f/3.5. Which is only 1/2 a stop off the X1, X2, Ricoh, Coolpix and many other fixed APS-C compacts. And you get up to 70mm thrown in as well.

DGPNY: Having owned & shot with many fine cameras before, I cannot believe how much more I am enjoying the X Vario than any camera before, and this emotional attachment I now have. LOL. ... Now, not having to change lenses, having such versatility and wonderful handling and feel, and getting unmatched IQ from that special lens make the XV a great all-in-one camera to have on-hand to capture the world around us...

DGPNY: Great camera. I'm sure you will love the rich output and its handling.

DGPNY: Not only is the X Vario more than the sum of its parts, but when you consider its build quality, handling and outstanding image quality (with that Leica look), it truly is in a different league unto itself.

Dr. Urich Rohde: Seeing this excellent picture I don't understand why the X-Vario has not become a bestseller, which it has deserved ! ... I always was overwhelmed with the great quality of the X Vario pictures.

Dr. Urich Rohde: This camera has a much better performance than the general public gives it credit. The zoom is extremely good but it comes with a price! I own it and I am very happy with it.

Dr. Urich Rohde: I have and like the X Vario performance, the lens is extremely good and the sensor reproduces good color and dynamic range. The X Vario is not fully appreciated.

Edward48 (Mike): The XV has it's limits, of course it does, but can be great fun to use within those limits. But so far I can't say it's restricted me much.

jmteno76: ... I agree the X Vario is great camera that is easy to carry and takes wonderful photographs. ... It is fun camera to use with a great work flow.

leepoe: The XV is a wonderful camera that has a lens that comes close to an M lens. Speed on auto focus is not one of its strengths. If you want comparison to a late model Nikon, there is no contest. DSLR will win every time. I love my XV. It serves a purpose in my Leica bag.

thingslapper: I have a D300, D700, Fuji X100, Leica M9, M, MM and Sony A7r........... and find the XV by far the best balanced camera of the lot in terms of ergonomics, ease of use, image quality and adequate file size to crop or print from.

XVarior:

tmldds: In my opinion, Leica goodies are like 911's. They are expensive, but not unaffordable. I use them because they are not overly complicated and feel good in my hands. Do I shoot better with my Leicas than my Canons, or Nikons? No. The limiting factor is my average skills, not the tools!

I feel like I do shoot better with my X Vario. It seems that The tool does matter. I never thought it would be this way!
The mere fact of having a tool I fully trust, feel so comfortable with without worrying about which lens to pop up next, allows me to be even more spontaneous.
Also the weight, form factor, the ergonomics, I just love having this camera around me while I never used to have my DSLR this way. It's impossible to carry a DSLR everywhere but It is so possible to carry a compact everywhere.
I noticed even that the tool makes a huge difference to my human subjects too. Pointing a camera that is so beautiful "whether the XV an M, X2 or even a Fuji" at someone is not like pointing a DSLR, with the Leica style cameras, subjects tend to wonder and smile. Some even try to go further to even ask if they can handle the camera in their hands...
All this adds to the outcome.
The type of tool, not the brand, does make a difference in my opinion.

References

Below, I list the opinions in their original form and - as much as possible - format.

List (Alphabetic according to the Nick Names)

2WK (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/322191-question-xv-users-3.html#post2646608)

I love the XV too! The more I use it, the more I enjoy it. The autofocus is good enough for me. The colors and the way the raw files hold up to editing are fantastic. The lens is amazing, although I wish the widest end would have a bit less distortion. I love the 70mm macro abilities. I've never really been a zoom person, but it is very liberating to just toss the XV in the bag and have that whole focal range covered. My favorite part of the camera might be the fact that it can sync flash at all speeds!
All in all, I am finding it an excellent (color) addition to my Monochrom. It is often the camera I grab as I'm heading out the door.

bobbyg53 (www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53012415)

For me, I wanted the Leica color signature in a relatively light and compact all-in-one package with superior optics. There is nothing else on the market with the XV's stellar lens rendering throughout the entire focal range at any aperture with a fixed zoom lens. Nothing.
Leica designed the XV around the lens first and foremost. They would not compromise on that.

colonel/harold1968 (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/321162-xv-review-woderlaland.html#post2636761)

jaapv: I think these pictures take their interest from the majestic subject matter, not so much from the camera used.

for sure
but on the other hand, the great colours, the lack of distortion, the detail, the colour depth, etc. all come from the camera
In any event, my point is that I am not sure you could do better even with a much more expensive camera, which is the point about the XV.

colonel/harold1968 (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/322191-question-xv-users.html#post2636942)

before answering your question about AF, advantages of the XV should be thought of as:
1. Zoom lens, where entire range is sharp
2. Silent shutter
3. Compact compared to APS-C CSCs with zooms
4. Great colours

I find the AF very good. It hunts a bit in low light but all contrast detects do to a certain extent, even the E-M1.
The AF is certainly very accurate
The main beef is that very occasionally you get an in-focus green light when clearly the subject is not in focus. I never actually take the picture as its instantly obvious on the screen or EVF.
I am pretty sure this could be fixed in software, but its so rare, and never effects my photos, that I personally never consider it an issue.

colonel/harold1968 (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/325119-x-vario-reduced-price.html#post2656250)

It's not a secret that the XV, whilst selling ok, has underperformed in the market.
Leica wanted to produce a versatile zoom camera with a zoom as good as primes. The current lens range and aperture is the only way it could be done within a reasonable size.
However this requirement, combined with sheer hate from people who have never used it, have made it a minority persuit. Although interestingly I heard that sales are now better then they were at launch, meaning it's picking up.
Also sensor size is irrelevant if the results bear out. One only had to look at the success of the Fuji T1.

colonel/harold1968 (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/322576-reflections-xv.html#post2639089)

The main issue when using the XV today is the perceived stigma that some on-line forum participators try to instill on the XV and its users.

In actual use its wonderful (depending on the relevance of the occasional erroneous green focus indicator to you) and the pictures are stunning. And non-forum addicts tend to think its quite cool

My main beef is not having a AEL button, although this could be addressed in a firmware update and is kind-of work-aroundable by using the manual dials.

The build, handling and operation is super. There is no APS-C zoom combination that gives the range of quality this camera does, certainly in this size. Any more light and the size would have shot up. FF competitors have much bigger lenses of variable quality.

In terms of innovation, despite the fixed fixed zoom nature I would say the manual focus implementation is really excellent and something other competitors should address.
The "virtually no" extension to the zoom is also excellent.
Lastly the truly silent shutter, shared only with the RX1 and G1X, is essential for many of the uses I put it to.

Of course you are paying for the Leica name, build, 2 years guarantee, 1 year passport (in UK), etc. but we all know that right.

Lastly, in terms of light, we of course would all wish for more. But its worth remembering that:
a. The sensor is fine to 3200, even 6400 is usable
b. At 28mm its f/3.5. Which is only 1/2 a stop off the X1, X2, Ricoh, Coolpix and many other fixed APS-C compacts. And you get up to 70mm thrown in as well

DGPNY (www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53346030)

... - that from the moment you put the XV in your hand - it felt like "deja vu", like it's something (or a good friend) you've known and been familiar with for a long time. The XV has a great feel and layout (except for that damn D-pad location), and it is very intuitive for "deliberative" photography.
Having owned & shot with many fine cameras before, I cannot believe how much more I am enjoying the X Vario than any camera before, and this emotional attachment I now have. LOL.
...
Now, not having to change lenses, having such versatility and wonderful handling and feel, and getting unmatched IQ from that special lens make the XV a great all-in-one camera to have on-hand to capture the world around us...

DGPNY (www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53219675)

Great camera. I'm sure you will love the rich output and its handling.

DGPNY (www.dpreview.com/forums/post/52917757)

Not only is the X Vario more than the sum of its parts, but when you consider its build quality, handling and outstanding image quality (with that Leica look), it truly is in a different league unto itself.

Dr. Urich Rohde (www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53330519)

Seeing this excellent picture I don't understand why the X-Vario has not become a bestseller , which it has deserved ! I am not as good a photographer as you, but i always was overwhelmed with the great quality of the X Vario pictures.

Dr. Urich Rohde (www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53229405)

This camera has a much better performance then the general public gives it credit, The zoom is extremely good but it comes with a price ! I own it and I am very happy with it.

Dr. Urich Rohde (www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53221575)

I have and like the X Varion performance, the lens is extremly good and the sensor reproduces good color and dynamic range.

The E Vario is not fully appreciated

Edward48 (Mike) (www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53363618)

The XV has it's limits, of course it does, but can be great fun to use within those limits. But so far I can't say it's restricted me much.

euston (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/322191-question-xv-users.html#post2637508)

There’s nothing wrong with the XV’s AF in my experience, but the camera’s strength, in my opinion, lies in the way that manual and auto features are integrated. It’s this, I think, that makes the handling feel so right and, dare I say, so Leica-like.

fotografr (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/318745-x-vario-af-issues-follow-up-4.html#post2627106)

The AF issue occurs with my X Vario so infrequently that I don't consider it a problem. Perhaps one shot in 30 will be out of focus, and when it does happen I'm not sure if it's me or the camera. I would suggest that when shooting in critical situations where a missed frame is a big problem, use the manual focus. It's fast (once you get used to it), easy and extremely accurate.

George (www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53175988)

Some snaps with this fun camera. I've been using it as my primary camera for the last 4 months and have not had any issues with the "slow lens". I have experienced a few lock-ups that are annoying that I hope Leica addresses with a future firmware update.

jmteno76 (www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53332127)

Thanks - I agree the X Vario is great camera that is easy to carry and takes wonderful photographs. Even though I have the A7R, I am going to get rid of the Cannon and kept the Leica.
It is fun camera to use with a great work flow.

leepoe (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/322191-question-xv-users.html#post2637002)

The XV is a wonderful camera that has a lens that comes close to an M lens. Speed on auto focus is not one of its strengths. If you want comparison to a late model Nikon, there is no contest. DSLR will win every time. I love my XV. It serves a purpose in my Leica bag.

magneto shot (www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53159415)

its a camera that forces u to deal with deep dof. so yeah its a very different way to shoot from how i would normally would, i almost never shot above 2.0 given that i am a bokeh and shallow dof freak for portraitures.
any camera kit lens would have done it, but this camera has the IQ lure and build quality that gives me all the motivation i needed to keep up at the "lessons".
i enjoy it alot.
i like the exposure and wb...just...perfect.

Rjans (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/318745-x-vario-af-issues-follow-up-4.html#post2628835)

Well, I have my X Vario for a few months and I have not yet had any troubles with the autofocus. Sure, sometimes it cannot focus but in that case you get a red confirmation of that. The most effective way of focussing is manual, but have to admit that according to my experience manual focussing is easier with my M8 rangefinder when compared to the X Vario.

thfloegel (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/305385-first-experiences-x-vario.html#post2644266)

I was very surprised what the lense of the X Vario is capable of, when it comes to colour-rendition, sharpness and resolution. The zoom-function is very practical, and the only thing I would like to have changed, is the opening aperture, which - of course - isn't possible. ISO 6400 is simply no alternative for an opening of f/2 or so.

thighslapper (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/321801-leica-x-vario-photos.html#post2635262)

I have a D300, D700, Fuji X100, Leica M9, M, MM and Sony A7r........... and find the XV by far the best balanced camera of the lot in terms of ergonomics, ease of use, image quality and adequate file size to crop or print from.
Apart from the M and MM all the rest are finally heading for eBay as I have finally found my ideal constant companion ......

thighslapper (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/318745-x-vario-af-issues-follow-up-6.html#post2631022)

I am just back from holiday and have processed 1200 XV photos. Some are at night and also low light levels in monasteries and churches. I have found 6 that are out of focus probably due to the camera not locking onto the subject properly (and several of these were rapidly snatched shots) ..... and another half dozen with camera shake as I inadvertently used silly speeds (1/4 sec).
Otherwise this camera has performed faultlessly and all the images produced would at first glance pass as M9 or M240 photos ....... and apart from sharpening they hardly need any processing in LR. I can find NO EVIDENCE WHATSOEVER of the problems outlined (to the point of open warfare) in this thread.
I don't think I've ever had a camera with a usable image ratio of 99%
I've no idea what the complainants are doing with their cameras .... or whether they are faulty in some way ..... but mine ... in my hands , works perfectly

thighslapper (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/322191-question-xv-users.html#post2637334)

As I posted elsewhere I took 1200 shots on holiday in Cyprus and a handful were OOF .... and they were either 'snatched' or with some obvious reason why it failed.
AF is plenty fast enough for me ..... and the manual focus implementation is really well thought out and implemented. There are lots of other nice touches and simple intuitive ways of accessing useful functions that make it a pleasure to use. In contrast a day with a Sony A7r had me tempted to throw it at a wall.....
I have to say I now prefer the XV to my M .... unless I have some specific plans where I know the M will definitely make more sense.

thighslapper (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/322191-question-xv-users.html#post2637346)

I've just marched around the house tonight as an experiment for you ........ with it set on Auto ISO and Auto Exposure.....
Up to ISO 800 AF is pretty well instantaneous, 800-1600 it occasionally hunts, and 1600+ it is very dependent on what your focussing on ...... 3200+ it sometimes will not lock at all.....
I did all this at 70mm .... so you are stuck at f/6.4 ........ performance at 28mm is miles better....
I took loads of photos of dark monastery/church interiors ....... and AF seemed to work fine .... and on those occasions when it didn't I just set the distance manually ..... dof is enough at the wider settings for this to work perfectly adequately....

waloszek (myself) (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/322191-question-xv-users.html#post2637552)

I agree that the well done integration of manual of automatic features is one of the reasons that I like the X Vario. It invites me much more to play around with manual settings than my previous cameras (Ricohs in the recent past...) did.

XVarior (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/321162-xv-review-woderlaland.html#post2651750)

I feel like I do shoot better with my XVario. It seems that The tool does matter. I never thought it would be this way!
The mere fact of having a tool I fully trust, feel so comfortable with without worrying about which lens to pop up next, allows me to be even more spontaneous.
Also the weight, form factor, the ergonomics, I just love having this camera around me while I never used to have my DSLR this way. It's impossible to carry a DSLR everywhere but It is so possible to carry a compact everywhere.
I noticed even that the tool makes a huge difference to my human subjects too. Pointing a camera that is so beautiful "whether the XV an M, X2 or even a Fuji" at someone is not like pointing a DSLR, with the Leica style cameras, subjects tend to wonder and smile. Some even try to go further to even ask if they can handle the camera in their hands...
All this adds to the outcome.
the type of tool, not the brand, does make a difference in my opinion.

XVarior (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/322191-question-xv-users.html#post2637069)

Some users are experimenting (experiencing) intermittent AF lockup issues, many others "including me" are not.
Leica is expected to release a firmware update soon anyways.

XVarior (www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/322191-question-xv-users.html#post2637530)

You're so right here (in reply to euston). The MF / AF integration is so unique it can hardly be match by other systems. I find myself the using MF more and more. it's so addictive!
Love everything about this camera.