The Leica X Vario (Typ 107, 2013) pairs a 16.2 MP APS-C sensor with Leica's first-ever zoom lens on an X-series body — the VARIO-ELMAR 18–46mm f/3.5–6.4 (28–70mm equiv). Shutter count is stored in the DNG MakerNote and readable directly in the shuttercount.app browser tool. Estimated shutter life: ~150,000 actuations.
Check Shutter Count →The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) was released in June 2013 as the first zoom-lens model in Leica's X compact series. It features a 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.6 × 15.7 mm, no AA filter) and a Leica VARIO-ELMAR 18–46mm f/3.5–6.4 ASPH fixed zoom lens (28–70mm equivalent). The camera generated attention at launch for its large APS-C sensor in a compact body, though the relatively slow maximum aperture (f/3.5–6.4) prompted discussion. At approximately €2,450 / $2,850 at launch, it was positioned as the versatile travel alternative within the X series. Leica does not publish an official shutter rating; estimated shutter life is approximately 150,000 actuations.
| Model | Release | Sensor | Lens | Est. Shutter Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leica X Vario (Typ 107) | 2013 | 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS | 18–46mm f/3.5–6.4 (28–70 equiv) | ~150,000 |
| Leica X (Typ 113) | 2014 | 16.5 MP APS-C CMOS | 23mm f/1.7 (35mm equiv) | ~150,000 |
| Leica X2 | 2012 | 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS | 24mm f/2.8 (36mm equiv) | ~150,000 |
| Leica X1 | 2009 | 12.2 MP APS-C CMOS | 24mm f/2.8 (36mm equiv) | ~100,000 |
exiftool -ImageCount yourfile.DNGThe X Vario is a compact travel and street camera. Many units were used as walk-around cameras for deliberate, considered photography rather than high-volume shooting.
| Shutter Count | % of Est. Life | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 5,000 | < 3 % | Very low use — lightly used, near new |
| 5,000 – 30,000 | 3 – 20 % | Low use — plenty of life remaining |
| 30,000 – 80,000 | 20 – 53 % | Moderate use — normal for an active camera |
| 80,000 – 120,000 | 53 – 80 % | High use — inspect carefully; negotiate price |
| 120,000 + | 80 %+ | Near estimated limit — factor in Leica service costs |
Leica compact service is expensive (typically €300–800+). Also inspect the zoom ring for smooth operation, the rear LCD for scratches, and the hot shoe contacts. The lens is non-interchangeable, so any optical damage is permanent.
The VARIO-ELMAR 18–46mm f/3.5–6.4 zoom covers a 2.6× zoom range on the APS-C sensor. Leica prioritised maintaining the compact body dimensions and optical quality over maximum aperture. The f/3.5 wide end is competitive with other travel zooms, but the f/6.4 telephoto end limits low-light performance at 46mm. In good light the lens delivers excellent Leica optical quality across the zoom range.
The Leica X Vario outputs native DNG files — open-standard RAW files that embed the Leica MakerNote in their EXIF structure. The MakerNote's ImageCount tag reliably records the total shutter actuations. This is the same method used by the Leica Q, X, and early M-series digital cameras. The count is cumulative and cannot be reset without specialised Leica service tools.
The Leica X (Typ 113, 2014) replaced the X Vario with a fixed 23mm f/1.7 prime lens — a significant aperture improvement at the cost of zoom versatility. The Typ 113 has a slightly higher-resolution sensor (16.5 vs 16.2 MP) and a refined body design. Buyers who prioritise zoom versatility favour the X Vario; those who shoot in low light or need more subject separation favour the Typ 113.
Drop a DNG RAW file onto shuttercount.app or run exiftool -ImageCount yourfile.DNG. The shutter count is also accessible via Menu → Camera Information on the camera's LCD.
Leica uses internal type numbers (Typ) to designate specific hardware revisions. The "Typ 107" identifies the 2013 X Vario model unambiguously in Leica's product catalogue. Later Leica cameras (M11, Q3) dropped the Typ designation.
No. The X Vario has no in-body image stabilisation. Leica introduced optical image stabilisation in the fixed zoom (the VARIO-ELMAR lens has no IS), so slower shutter speeds at the telephoto end require steady hands or support. This is an important consideration for low-light shooting at 46mm (70mm equiv).
The X Vario offers genuine Leica APS-C image quality and a versatile zoom range in a compact body. On the used market it is available at significantly reduced prices compared to launch. The non-interchangeable lens and limited aperture are trade-offs to weigh against its compact size and optical quality.