Will the Q stop the T system?

[robert blu]

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I'm interested in substituting my Leica X1  I still use it in spite of its flaws beside my M7with a quicker camera.

Not ready (yet?) to go the 240 route.

 

Thinking about a T (+23 and adapter for the eventually M lenses I already have). But it seems me the T system is still in a early stage, not sure about its future evolution.By the way there is not much activity in the T sub-forum which could be a symptom of not a great diffusion of this (interesting) concept among Leica users.

 

Now there is the Q. Which has of course excellent IQ. 28 or 35 crop, even 50. Same price (about) as a T+EVF+lens...still size and weight acceptable (I know this to be relative).

 

In an ideal world I should buy both  but money suggests me to select one of the two, at least now.

When Leica introduced the X2, XV etc...didn't make any FM updating to improve the performances of the X1  .

 

Now even if tempted by the T I'm afraid that if sales do not increase it could be left in a kind of limbo, no more additional lenses, no firmware upgrading, no ...

On the other side more sales are the only reason to convince Leica to inver more time and resources to develop the T system.

 

I write what I'm just thinking loud between me and myself but I'm curious to know others Leica users thoughts. Thanks.

 

robert

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hunebed]

Whether the t receives more development or not does not seem relevant for the choise you consider. The Q is a just a Q. If you want to upgrade in the future you have to buy the new Q, or m, or whatever. Same accounts to the t, but on the t you can use your m lenses.

 

I do not understand why the t does not get more praise. I find the t a real pleasure to use, mostly due to the interface. For me it is a camera that invites itself to be taken out and used. Used a lot...

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[jrichie]

I have the same set up you are considering and did have the opportunity to get a Q instead.

 

Suffice to say I didn't and really do enjoy the T.  The 23 is sharp and the M adaptor with M lenses is very easy to use and have had good results so far.  As Hunted said it is a pleasure to use.

[wildlightphoto]

Being a long-time R user left without an adequate solution for using my outstanding and very costly lenses I understand the reluctance to purchase anything T.

[tom0511]

I also prefer the flexibility of the T over the Q.

I do hope Leica continues the T idea, but I do think they will.

The good thing: With the allready excisting lenses for the T one allready has a wide range of focal length and they are all good.

Aditionally one could use M lenses.

[TheHobbit]

Got the T by chance while waiting for the Q. Have to say that I am enjoying using the T and hope that Leica does continue with the T. One or two more prime lens would not hurt.

[bcorton]

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I perceive the T and the Q as completely different cameras. I don't think the Q means Leica has lost interest for the T. Only poor T sales will kill the T, and I have no idea how it's selling. Probably others do. My guess is that it isn't flying off the shelves, and I can understand your and Doug's skittishness. I too have a sack of R stuff.

 

Nevertheless, I just bought a T, a couple of lenses, and an M adapter. I am absolutely loving it. For me it is nearly the perfect camera. And I can't say enough about how nice it is to use some of my M lenses digitally ('had to sell some M lenses to fund the T). No regrets.

 

I too worry about whether Leica is committed to the T for the long term. But worry is not the same as regret. No regrets.

 

Brent

[asiafish]

Being a long-time R user left without an adequate solution for using my outstanding and very costly lenses I understand the reluctance to purchase anything T.

The R series had a roughly 30 year run, a pretty good track record if you ask me.

[bcorton]

And mine still works.

 

Actually, I guess from a product standpoint a 30-year run is fine. But from a customer's standpoint, considering the sizeable investment, it's pretty cold comfort.

[Hunebed]

I thought r lenses would fit the t using an r to m adapter on the m to t. Some users show good results with this set up.

[asiafish]

I thought r lenses would fit the t using an r to m adapter on the m to t. Some users show good results with this set up.

Jono Slack has some amazing shots using the R 60mm Elmarit.  R lenses are also popular on Sony A7 cameras and on M240s with the adapter and EVF.  Fantastic glass.

[hamey]

The R series had a roughly 30 year run, a pretty good track record if you ask me.

Actually the reflex system including the Leicaflex, SL and the SL2 and all R models went for over 40 years.

 

In my opinion the Leica reflex system was the best of all, I personally don't like the stuff they're producing nowadays.

 

Ken.

[colonel]

The Leica T is fabulous

 

I think that some Leica aficionados have been put off by the touch interface. But once one has tried it, its excellent.

The other thing the T series need are some fast prime. Leica has gone with slow zooms initially, probably thinking that this is the one gap they have in their range. Now this is filled I think they should go for 24, 28, 35 and 50 fast primes. 

 

Whatever the future of the format, I think the T mount is here to stay. Leica need a AF mount as the M mount can't be used for this.

My understanding is that the T mount can be used for APS-C and FF, so I am sure that its here to stay, albeit in many different camera forms.

 

Lastly, an orthogonal way of look at it, both second and new, the T+zoom is not much different in price from the X-vario. so one can consider it a fixed lens zoom, and if you want to use any other lenses in the future its a real bonus that you can ....

[euston]

The Leica T is fabulous

 

I think that some Leica aficionados have been put off by the touch interface. But once one has tried it, its excellent.

 

I can attest to that. I didn't think I would get on with the touch screen interface but once I tried it my doubts fell away. It's very well implemented. I'm so used to it now that I find myself trying to use touch gestures on the screens of my conventional cameras.

 

I also think you're right about the T mount. Its versatility ensures its longevity.

[pop]

The Leica T is fabulous

I certainly is. However, during the demo in the shop I got to handle it about five times. Each time I first raised it to my eye. Using it exclusively or mostly with the EVF would somewhat defeat the nifty user interface, no matter how well done. Also, it would raise the price and make the camera cumbersome both to carry and to bag and unbag.

[jonoslack]

I really like the T as well - full of great ideas, and R lenses are great on it as well . . . as are M lenses, and the longer M lenses are particularly satisfying (135, 90 macro elmar 75 'cron etc.)

 

I use it with the EVF nearly all the time, and still find the interface really intuitive and great to use (after you've got it configured the way you like it). 

 

Obviously there's lots I'd like to see improved in a new camera, but I think it forms a solid basis for a great system (and a great companion for the M).

[starshipstu]

I have had a T for a year, and just got a Q as well. Here are some of my thoughts:

 

http://www.stuartfeldman.com/blog/2015/7/11/tsandqs

[Belle123]

I sure hope the T stays around.  It fits a niche with my existing M lenses and need for something more portable than the M240.  Addicting to shoot.  Easy to use.  I keep getting wowed by the results.  And I also have an R lens leftover from my R years, and luckily was able to sell the real long R lenses for a decent amount btw.  The R to M adapter fits the M to T adapter very nicely with my R 100mm Apo Macro lens which is my all time favorite.  I also use that lens on the M and my Canon 5d no problem.  And....getting off the subject....have a 35mm leica Summicron R lens bought picked up for pennies after got the Canon that is my preferred lens on that system.  A superb lens.  I haven't tried it also on the T, but bet would do well as a cheaper option but will become bulky.

The T, it would be nice if they added focus peaking but I find the EVF to be large and clear enough I usually have no problem focusing manual as long as not in a hurry.  This camera is not about speed.  Am still considering the Q as another portable camera.  Think I will wait a year and see how it shakes out.  My fondest hope is Leica makes a Q 50mm.  And the only reason I would consider the Q is to get full frame on a portable camera.  Cropping on the Q to get 50mm equivalent, probably would be lower IQ than the T but I haven't done the math.  I would have to really like 28mm shooting to justify the Q.

[colonel]

My fondest hope is Leica makes a Q 50mm.  And the only reason I would consider the Q is to get full frame on a portable camera.  Cropping on the Q to get 50mm equivalent, probably would be lower IQ than the T but I haven't done the math.  I would have to really like 28mm shooting to justify the Q.

 

I agree. I think buying the Q to use cropped is quite frankly a waste.

 

There seems to be a whole load of people self-justifying why they now will shoot at 28mm and use the crop for 35mm. I am not a 28mm shooter most of the time and therefore the Q, whilst a great camera, is not for me.

 

I had the RX1 for a while and felt limited by the single FL so will think hard before getting one again. As a pocket camera for occasional use maybe. 35mm ?? 50mm ??

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[Belle123]

I agree. I think buying the Q to use cropped is quite frankly a waste.

 

There seems to be a whole load of people self-justifying why they now will shoot at 28mm and use the crop for 35mm. I am not a 28mm shooter most of the time and therefore the Q, whilst a great camera, is not for me.

 

I had the RX1 for a while and felt limited by the single FL so will think hard before getting one again. As a pocket camera for occasional use maybe. 35mm ?? 50mm ??

Yes, there does seem to be a lot of self-justifying.  To me Leica really narrowed their audience with the choice of 28mm.  The perspective starts to really skew at that focal length.  I see a lot of nice shots with it, which is why I haven't completely taken off the table the possibility of getting a Q.  Before I do, I need to learn to really like my 28 on the M first!  I just find over the past 10 plus years of owning that lens, not one I gravitate to.  But maybe I need to work harder at it.  It has often been on the chopping block on trade but still with me.  Last time I looked, many available used so isn't a popular focal length!  But the 28 I am learning to like on the T since is essentially 42mm!  Has become a keeper with the T.