Design

Leica X2 review – Design

The X2 retains the same retro, M-series inspired design that the X1 sported. The streamlined, uncluttered styling manages to look classic and modern at the same time, and works well in either the two-tone black and silver or all-black finishes in which the camera is made available. The texture of the grip has changed from the X1, now more uniform in its finish, and while there’s no discernable handgrip the camera nevertheless fits in the hand nicely. Should you want something more substantial to hold, there’s an optional handgrip available for the camera which connects via the tripod socket at the base of the camera, providing a more secure hold.

The magnesium body is solid and well finished, though in the hand it doesn’t quite have the same pleasingly tactile feel as the Fujifilm X100.

While many creative compacts have a control ring around the front of their lens that can be set up to adjust a variety of shooting controls – or, in the case of the Fujifilm X100, features both a manual focus ring and aperture ring – the X2 relies on positioning its controls along the top-plate instead, leaving this ring unutilised. While this is fine for the shutter speed settings, we can’t help feeling that the aperture controls would provide a more intuitive and pleasing shooting experience had they been positioned round the barrel of the lens instead.

The on/off switch has been positioned around the shutter release button, and this also doubles as the drive mode selector, with the choice of either continuous or single shot. On the other side of the hotshoe is the built-in, pop-up flash. Rather than just popping up like it does on the X1, the flash on the X2 also springs forward.

On the back and to the left of the screen is a five button array, providing quick access to playback, delete/focus, white balance, ISO and display info. On the other side is a four-way D-pad offering adjustment for exposure compensation, AF/MF, flash and self-timer controls. In the middle is access to the main menu, while there’s also a scroll wheel running around the outside. Above that and you’ll find a thumbwheel to adjust manual focus.