In summary:
The Sony RX1R has great image quality, but is not so great at capturing the “decisive” moment. Too slow. Too many button presses in manual mode. Too much of a clunky computer, not enough of a camera.
If you’re into static scenes, posed shots, or letting your camera do the work for you in auto mode however, it just might be your ticket.
Although I created many images with the RX1R, I’m only posting one or two more.
—Peter.
Prosophos 
That didn’t take long (8>). I’m sure you’ve given this camera your best effort. I refrained from commenting on the images you posted and I don’t plan on commenting on any of your future Sony images you may post.
You’re style is reflected in the images you’ve shot with this camera, but I could tell instantly that the images were missing something. I will just leave it at that.
No it didn’t take long… but you could see the “writing on the wall” from my very first post.
I was extremely disappointed with this camera, which – along with its predecessor – has been hyped so much on the internet. It’s ultimately only a glorified point-and-shoot.
Once again, I’ll reiterate that the image quality was excellent… but I hated the ergonomics.
Admittedly, I’m very biased, so anybody considering purchasing this camera and reading my comments must consider them in the context of my personal shooting style and camera preferences.
As you know Peter I’m very new, so to speak, to the Leica platform. But prior to shooting with a Leica body, I shot with a couple Leica lenses that led me to a complete “kit”. There is a unique “quality” to the whole process of not only handling a Leica rangefinder camera that includes the undeniable signature that’s imprinted on the sensor that’s transferred over to the screen/print.
When I view any of your Leica images I know the sensations your hands and fingers are feeling as you manipulate the focus tab and steady your right index finger over the shutter button. The camera feels alive in your hands. It does not complain and does not interfere with your artistic intentions as you activate the shutter.
I can sense the feelings you have in the time you take in processing the data the camera creates. There is a life in the photographs you display from your M9 that I do not see in the Sony images.
There will be a few that I’m sure will comment and maybe some that have shot with a Leica but many that haven’t just won’t understand. They can’t. I’m sorry. There is just something there that’s unarguable. (8>)
Very much appreciate the update.
Thank goodness.
Not surprised Peter.
Having come from the OMD to MM I can really understand those thoughts. I think the best single fixed lense camera in the market for images that suit it’s focal length WITH REGRAD TO ERGONOMICS would be the Ricoh GR recently released.
they have designed those cameras very well for street use in a pocket and for people who appreciate the ergonomics! Obviously getting off track a bit but it’s the camera I’d go if looking for something small even though it is APSC size…Fuji x100s also beats Rx1 for feel and ergonomics imo….
So….grab that lux and start taking pictures 🙂
I owned the original Ricoh GRD 1 and found that Ricoh really did understand shooters. The camera was a joy to use, but the sensor was small. I always thought that if the same body design housed a larger sensor, I’d get it. When the Ricoh GR was announced a short time ago, I almost *did* purchase one, but the sample images I viewed made me pause… not sure what about them didn’t appeal to me – and I realize everybody is raving about the GR image quality, so I guess I am in the minority.
Ultimately, I think I’ve been spoiled by the M9. I’m lucky enough to be able to shoot with one, but it worries me that once it dies, I’m not sure what would replace it. All I know is that it would have to be a rangefinder.
You’re afraid that once your M9 “dies”?
There exists already a quite simple solution for this “problem” – simply adding a second or even third M9(P) to your beloved M9 (I did so)!!!
RIPX1R
🙂 almost a palindrome.
I think when you’re drawn to a camera as you were to this, it’s great to have the opportunity to satisfy that curiosity whatever the outcome.
I know I’m in good company when I say that I’ve also been very excited about a particular camera or lens only to feel disappointed and on a fast track to a quick sale.
Fortunately sometimes the reverse happens though; you pick up something you’ve been curious about for a while having never taken the plunge, and are blown away!
This spring I bought a Hasselblad 503, thinking I might have been foolish to do so, and have not put the thing down since! I think in no small part for the same reasons you feel so at one with your rangefinders; it’s simply a wonderfully made tool that inspires use, one which rewards an investment of time with an intuitive experience and stunning images.
In short, it gets out of the way and lets you concentrate on the important stuff.
Interesting posts Peter.
“In short, it gets out of the way and lets you concentrate on the important stuff.”
I couldn’t agree more with you, James. Well said.
As for taking a chance on the RX1R, you’re right, I have no regrets. Just like I don’t regret trying the Pentax 645D. I learn something each time, even if it doesn’t work out. It also gives me insight and allows me to discuss the pros and cons of various camera systems with some measure of credibility.
I’m glad the Hassey 503 is working out for you. Would love to see some images from it, and you’re welcomed to share them here.
I took the same chance on the M8 years ago, thinking the same as you – that it was a foolish move – but it was the start of something wonderful, and the rest is history…
Indeed Peter – great to be able to give these things a try. As many have said, it’s not about what outspecs what, it’s about what appeals to us as individuals and what inspires us to shoot. What we all love (and loathe!) makes for lively discussion after all, and I personally love seeing how other people see the world and present their view of it.
Trying something new often gives perspective on current tools and techniques too, whether reaffirming a fondness (as the RX1R has for the M9), or realizing you’ve just discovered a new way of looking at things (as your M8 did).
Thanks for your interest in my Hasselblad photos (and the invitation to share here). Having been lucky enough to relocate to Vancouver from the UK to work, a whole new country is on the doorstep! A few are here:
http://jamespstevenson.tumblr.com/
I’m not a photographer, just someone who loves to take photos, discover new techniques and have a record of places I’ve travelled and those close to me.
An M9 is still very definitely on my wish list! I’ve yet to find a digital camera I truly feel at one with – though the OM-D is the closest I’ve yet come.
Some day!!
Wow James, your images are quite good – quite polished. I believe you’re being modest. Are you scanning the film images yourself? If so, you’ve really mastered the process.
Hi James,
Nothing like a new city to inspire and motivate let alone a new camera! Looks like you are finding your way around nicely! Hope you continue to enjoy our little corner of the world through each season.
Regards,
Jason Timmis.
(Richmond)
Wow the Leica crew must be dreading the day you get hold of a M240, however I would pay for the admission.
Ian, I’m not interested in the M240… the image quality is a step down from the M9. Hopefully, with the next generation sensor, things will be okay… though I know without a CCD sensor, things will never quite be the same :(.
I also hope they don’t continue to add weight to the camera, or bloat the features and menu items.
In short, I hope Leica never forgets that it’s all about image quality and operational simplicity.
Agree
Told you! ;o))
With all due respect Peter…I’m not sure why you even bothered. Your M9 imagery is you.
I hear you Bob, but sometimes we are pleasantly surprised if we step out side of our comfort zone. Admittedly, sometimes we’re burned but, hey, you only live once…
This is my first comment here, I found this blog while looking for opinions about the RX1R.
I recently sold my M6 (did not like film way) so now I am wondering about buying a new camera.
The RX1R is currently my first choice but I have in my closet 3 Leica M lenses (Summicron 35mm “King of Bokeh”, Summicron 50mm pre ASPH and a Elmarit 90mm pre asph). So another option is wait enough to used them and:
1- buying a new M 240
or
2- buying a used M9
Honestly I do not know which one to choose but my first idea was to exclude the M9: too old and not so good in low light; M 240 would be good but it is more than twice expensive than the RX1R. So my first choice become the RX1R: I can get rid of those Leica lenses and find the money to buy it. These are my thoughs about it
Reading you opinions is forcing me in trying to re-think my decisions, while honestly I cannot understand how could be possibile to consider a RX1R “too slow” when on the other side you are using a rangefinder manual focus camera that is for sure slower than the RX1R autofocus. Just trying to understand your point of view that is quite unclear for me now…
Thank you.
Hello Riccardo,
I find rangefinder focusing (and generally rangefinder shooting) quite fast and intuitive. If you look through this site, you’ll see plenty of “action” shots at tricky wide open apertures to back up my personal view.
Having said that, we all work differently, and you may find the RX1R to be preferable. My only bit of advice to you would be to go out and handle one before committing to buy (if you haven’t already).
Also, I have a clear bias and preference for the M9 over the M240, so clearly I’d never opt for the M240 (search this site to learn why, if you’re interested).
Without a doubt, the RX1R can produce beautiful images, but it’s just not for me.
Now, the issue of price. Yes, the RX1R is less expensive than a digital rangefinder, but it’s still quite expensive, so I wouldn’t make my decision based on price. Otherwise, you may end up wondering “what if…?”.
The only thing that makes me pause in reflecting on your situation is that you’ve already used a rangefinder (an M6) and you “did not like the film way”. The question you need to answer for yourself is “did I like the rangefinder way?”.
Hope that helps,
Peter.
Thank you Peter for your explanation.
My current main camera is an old Panasonic GF1. I love this camera first of all for its small dimension but I am struggling in getting good images at high ISO, shots become really noisy in low lights and the camera is showing M4/3 limits and its age.
That’s why I though about buying a digital M in the last couple of year: Leica M has great quality, full frame sensor, and the same portability (is just a little bit bigger than the GF1 but not bulky).
Issue with M6 was about film, not about rangefinder way: I am a compulsive shooter, something difficult to do with films.
So I was looking for a compact digital camera with outstanding image quality, better if full frame. Until last year the only camera with these features was the Leica M (9 or Type 240). And if I had to choose betweet these two models I would get the 240, because I think live view could be an advantage for me.
But then the Sony RX1 came: a compact digital camera with outstanding image quality. So… now this dilemma. M or RX1?
Honestly I do not care so much about “rangefinderness” because I would prefer to have a live view mode on my camera rather not having it. On the other hand, low light performances at high ISO are more important for me.
So the dilemma is just about deciding to stick with my 3 Leica lenses and spending 6000 euro for using them or spending lesse than a half to buy a RX1 with one fixed lens.
I would like to try them all, but while RX1R will be less difficult to finf for a hands-on, the Leica will be much more diffilcult to try.
Thanks again for your help.
Hi Peter,
Clearly you know exactly what you’re doing and it’s obvious that the RX1 just did not do it for you…but to reject it in just 7 days?
Surely if someone told you that they were not getting on with their week-old M9 you would suggest thay they live with it for a while in order to get used to it’s way of doing things – that they learn how to adapt to it’s weaknesses and play to its strengths.
Not a criticism at all, I’m just interested in the sheer speed with which you decided against it.
All the best,
Chris
Hi Chris,
I can’t speak for others, but I knew within 7 minutes (let alone 7 days) that this camera was probably not suited for me… conversely, I also knew within the first shot that the M8 (way back when) was suited for me.
Peter.
Peter,
Fair enough, it’s your money! I also wasn’t sure about the RX1 on first use, but each time I used it it astounded me more. In my (subjective) opinion it does beat my M9 for image quality and the ergonomics were improved significantly by adding a Gariz half case. It didn’t feel toylike either, the quality of the build was better than most cameras I use (including the M9 and D800E).
Are there things that could be improved? Yes, I wish they had included a VF and a shutter speed dial (and lost the mode dial). That said the camera is eminently customisable, so for me the only compact camera nonsense I ever have to see are the icons on the mode dial.
Best
Simon
Hi Simon,
I appreciate your view, and appreciate that we’ve both have come to different conclusions. Variety is the spice of life, as they say…
And, yes, no argument from me regarding the RX1(R)’s image quality… it really is in the top tier.
Peter.