Leica X1 18420 User Manual

Product codes
18420
Page of 13
LEICA 
X1
Unsurpassed performance in a compact package.
There’s one thing that all Leica cameras share: each is born of the desire to develop cameras that deliver the 
best picture quality in the world. The Leica X1 is the direct benefi ciary of 100-plus years of German engineering 
experience, and it delivers the best picture quality in its class – in the proud Leica tradition. This elegant camera 
features a professional CMOS image sensor that’s as large as those in high-quality SLRs. Combined with an 
outstanding Leica lens it captures images of unmatched brilliance. Any way you look at it, the Leica X1 is a winner: 
it’s conveniently compact, its controls are intuitive, and it offers a full range of sophisticated automatic functions.
Full-size view
If you demand premium image quality, a large sensor is the way to go. With its APS-C format, 
the CMOS image sensor of the Leica X1 is the same size as those employed in many upmarket 
DSLR cameras – and that in an amazingly compact form. Despite its 12.2-megapixel reso-
lution, the individual pixels on the sensor are still large enough to collect light very efficiently. 
This ensures low image noise, a wide dynamic range, and accurate color differentiation, 
enabling the compact Leica X1 to deliver a level of performance comparable to that of 
professional cameras. That’s what makes it utterly unique.
Image sensors in comparison – all images in full-size view
Countless iconic images in the history of photography were shot with a fixed focal length of 
35 mm. This focal length is considered to be a classic for reportage photography, and it has 
lost none of its timeless charisma today. The Leica Elmarit 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH. is a true Leica 
lens with outstanding optical performance. Expressed in terms of 35-mm film format, it has 
the same coverage as legendary 35-mm focal length. The moderate wide-angle character of 
the lens conveys an agreeable impression distance when needed, but still allows photogra-
phers to get in close to capture details. The Leica Elmarit 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH. ensures that 
photographers won’t miss any shot, any situation, any nuance, or any exquisite detail.
In terms of image quality, the Leica X1 is “BIG.” However, whenever you need it, it also offers 
really easy, intuitive handling. If you choose to, you can leave all the technical details to the 
numerous automatic functions of the X1 – from precise autofocus to automatic exposure. This 
lets the photographer concentrate completely on composition and capturing the most mean-
ingful moments. Even absolute newcomers soon find their way around the Leica X1. Never 
before has it been so simple to capture true Leica quality images. 
The Leica X1 embodies the design and style of classic Leicas — seemingly simple but expres-
sing an ideal functional form. This soon becomes evident when you take the X1 in your hands 
for the first time. Its robust, all-metal construction, the feel of its leather trim, its clean lines: 
all these attributes combine to create a feeling of compact capability and the quiet confi-
dence of being able to get the absolute best from the camera at any moment. It radiates the 
certainty that it will never let you down or leave you wanting. The X1 is comfortably compact 
and disappears discreetly into a jacket pocket but, when it reappears for shooting, its superior 
qualities soon come to the fore.
SIMPLE
CLASSIC DESIGN
AN ALL-AROUND 
GENIUS
SIZE MATTERS
Leica X1, APSC format 
FourThirds 
Compact
camera, 
1/2.33
Compact
camera, 
1/1.63
 
LEICA 
X1 I 13 
 
12 I LEICA 
X1