With the recent progress regarding the development of x‐ray instrumentation, compact x‐ray spectrometers are becoming more and more popular as they allow x‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and x‐ray emission spectroscopy (XES) studies at the research institutes laboratories. Such setups provide a cost‐effective tool for routine sample characterization with unlimited access and are of great utility in feasibility studies preceding the experiments at synchrotrons and x‐ray free‐electron lasers (XFELs). Herein, we present the operation and capabilities of the von Hámos type x‐ray spectrometer in x‐ray absorption spectra measurement for various 3d metal elements. Results allowed us to establish the photon counting performance of the setup, demonstrating a possible range of applications of the in‐house x‐ray spectroscopy apparatus.