Today I pulled the plug after seven months of waiting for the X1D. I cancelled my order. It was not just the delay, but after much investigating, monitoring posts, hearing from the few actual users, and so on, it is clear to me that the X1D does not lend itself to my particular approach to photography, which is nature, still-life, and stacked images. The less-than-state-of-the-art LCD screen (LiveView), and particularly the fact that there is no toggle-joystick to quickly locate a focus point, and the fact that I frequently use a photo-loupe to check focus, makes it inconvenient to try and use touching the screen. The color looks good on the X1D, but I have confidence that raw files from competitive MF mirrorless cameras are probably workable. Luckily, I ordered the Fuji GFX within hours of its availability, so now I am waiting again, but for a different camera. LOL. If, in the intervening time, Nikon should produce a 54 Mpx update on the Nikon D810, I might just go with that. Also, as regards the GFX, the fact that there are now tests suggesting the Otus lenses work well on the GFX is meaningful to me, since I have them. And the 3-way tilt-able back-screen is very useful to me as a close-up photographer, often to be seen crawling around on all fours with a tripod. Tilting the screen or being able to look directly down on it is a feature I could use.
I am aware that others will have different reasons for getting (or not-getting) the X1D; it looks like a very nice camera. And while, initially, I loved the minimalism of the X1D, through this long waiting-process, I have realized I am more a gearhead than I thought. I need all the technical advantages of something less-than-minimal. If the X1D is a Porsche, then I guess I drive an SUV, which in fact I do. It has been a fun ride, nevertheless.
