[Leica] IMG: X-E1 with Adapters

[jhnichols at lighttube.net (Jim Nichols)]

Hi Aram,
I have only had the X-E1 for a few days, and a lot of that time has been 
spent just learning the details and options.  To start out, I used the 
Fuji 18-55 autofocus lens, and Program Mode, all automated.  I gradually 
found out what I didn't like, such as an immediate delay to view each 
image after it was shot, and began turning things off.  With no viewing 
of images, the delay between shots is fine, and, while the shutter 
response is not as instantaneous as a film Leica, I have become 
accustomed to it to the point that I can capture images of insects on 
flowers with pretty good success.  Passing cars are more of a challenge!

With the X-E1 I have essentially live view in the EVF as well as on the 
LCD display on the back.  While I seldom use the back display for hand 
held shooting, the EVF is quite useable, even in sunlight.

I bought two adapters from Fotodiox, because I have used their products 
in the past, and I didn't see a need for the expensive Fuji adapter.  
The Leica-R to X adapter fits perfectly, and works fine.  The Leica-M to 
X adapter functions fine, for the short time I have spent with it, but 
it fits extremely tight to my LTM/M adapter from CameraQuest.  I'm not 
sure how I will accomplish separating the two if that time arrives.

As to focusing, I have not installed the latest firmware upgrades to the 
body and lens.  It is supposed to improve the "snap" in manual 
focusing.  With the original firmware, I find that focusing the Leica 
Elmarit-R 60 Macro is similar to that with the Olympus E-1, which I have 
used for several years.  Some say the new firmware version helps, others 
can't see much change.

Hope this helps. :-)

Jim Nichols
Tullahoma, TN USA

On 7/31/2013 6:55 PM, Aram Langhans wrote:
> Hi Jim.  So there has been some talk about using R glass on the new 
> Leica M and since you are in live view, the shutter lag problem.  I 
> don't know much about the Fuji cameras, so how does this relate to R 
> glass or M glass on the X-E1?
>
> And how does the focusing work?  I know it is manual, but how easy is 
> it to really pin point where you want to focus, especially for someone 
> with again eyes?
>
> Aram
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Jim Nichols
> Sent: Monday, July 29, 2013 4:35 PM
> To: LUG at Leica-Users.org
> Cc: Olympus Camera Discussion
> Subject: [Leica] IMG: X-E1 with Adapters
>
> My Fotodiox adapters arrived this afternoon, so I had to try them out.
> The Leica-R to Fuji X adapter fit perfectly, with no noticeable play in
> the mount.  The normally-cooperative Tiger Swallowtail kept me on the
> run, and manual focusing makes the hunt more challenging.  While his
> head is hidden in this shot, the back wing, where I apparently focused,
> gives an idea of what can be achieved.
>
> http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Chasing+the+Tiger.jpg.html
>
> The Leica-M to Fuji X adapter fit extremely tight.  Function is fine,
> but I will have a challenge when I have to separate my LTM/M adapter
> from the Fuji adapter.
>
> Comments and critiques welcomed.
>