Focusing
Leica X (Typ 113) Review – focusing
AF speed is fine for static subjects, but for quick grab shots, manual focus often works better
If the Leica X has a weak point compared to its peers, it has to be focusing. I found that the autofocus, while accurate, simply isn’t as fast as its peers. This isn’t a big problem for static subjects, but it does mean that the camera isn’t necessarily the best choice for anything that moves.
Pressing the AF button allows you to select between modes, including multi-area, single point or spot (which uses a smaller focus area for improved accuracy). Holding the button down for a second ‘activates’ the focus area, allowing you to move it around the frame using the D-pad to match your subject. I found this was quite a slow process, so generally used the centre point and recomposed instead. Other cameras offer more direct approaches to moving the focus area.
Of course, you can always switch to manual focus, which is accomplished by simply rotating the focus ring away from its AF position. There’s a simple distance scale, but no depth-of-field scale for zone focusing, which is a bit disappointing. The only manual focus aid is an optional magnified view. But critically, the X doesn’t necessarily open its aperture up fully for manual focus, making it impossible to focus accurately in bright light. For a camera of this type, this is unacceptable (especially as the old X1 had the same problem, and Leica fixed it with a firmware update).
