Jump to content

Leica Q for first time Leica user questions


Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hello there,


 


I'm currently on the edge of finally have enough savings to be able to purchase my always dream camera, the Leica. I'm really not a rich person. I work and save really hard to be able to purchase my first.


 


I understand that there are some cheaper alternatives from sony and I've tried it with sony A7 + voigtlander 50mm 1.5 for 6 months but I just don't find it as enjoyable as when I tried the M or Q  (was sooo close to buy it when I tried it first time at the store). Shooting experience is really basic, menus are straightforward, compared to a7. Really, not that the sony is bad (amazing iq but it is the simplicity, user experience, and straightforwardness of leica is really on the different level.


 


There is this guy who's willing to let go of his Q, used for 10 months + extra 2 spare batteries for us$3500. The price of Q, even though it’s Leica’s latest most affordable full frame camera, is still more expensive relatively compared to other mirrorless cameras (sony, etc).  Therefore if I’m really gonna buy it I’d like to ask you some question:


 


 


1. If I’m gonna be using the camera for around 5 years or more (with this price, really not looking forward to use it for short time only), will it be safe to take the Q? My consideration is because Q is full digital camera with evf, hence in terms of reliability, the sensor will work significantly more time compared to rangefinders that focus only with optical viewfinders.


 


2. What are the common technical problems that Q users might find in short and long term? We are not talking about cases like dropping the cameras but technical problems like AF suddenly stop working at my 3rd year using the camera (therefore might lead to expensive repairs).


 


3. With M cameras, it’s safe to say that annualy we need to have it serviced/calibrated/etc to ensure it’s working perfectly. With Leica Q will there be a same case of projected annual expenses?


 


4. With replacable lens systems, if our camera breaks, for the worst we can still keep our lens and replace only the body, but Q is a single package. If the lens breaks, you cannot use your camera. If your camera breaks, your lens is as good as nothing too. Therefore, I’d like to know how long is the normal expected hardware lifetime usage for Leica Q?


 


5. Currently I've finished selling all of my canon gears, leaving only 1 fuji x100 and wide converter. I had a trip to Nepal only bringing the x100 so 28mm is not unusual. (http://www.marioputra.com/kathmandu)


 


6. For now, my alternative to the Q (incase you guys think that I shouldn't pull the Q trigger) is a7r ii or a7 ii + FE 35mm f/2.8


 


7. Again, I want a leica not chasing for the society status but for the shooting experience (full frame, enjoyable manual focus, compact, high iso, etc). 100% gonna black tape the red dot to hide it anyway.


 


Thank your for your time and really expect some input from you guys before I'm falling deeper into the red dot world :)


 


Link to post
Share on other sites

1. It shouldn't be less reliable than any other digital camera, EVF or not. It can fail as any other camera as well. However it will not last as a 1970 full mechanical film camera, if that's your concern.

 

2. Seriously nobody can answer this. Again as an electronic device it can fail at any time. As long as there are spare parts available it can be fixed though. My 2005 Nikon D70 still works....

 

3. I wasn't aware of this. I hope I won't have to return my Q to Leica once a year.

 

4. Same as #2. 

 

5. Is it a question?

 

6. Is it a question?

 

7. Is it a question?

 

 

I believe you worry too much. You shouldn't think about reliability but more about your need for such a camera. Can you live with a fixed lens 28mm camera? Do you look after features or simplicity? Why Leica Q and not Fuji X100T or X70 if buying that camera is an important financial effort?

 

I'm sure about one thing, spending that huge amount of money will not guarantee the camera will last forever, not even longer than a $500 one. You'll purchase a very high quality camera that is awesome, but it can fail the next day after your purchase. As long as it can be fixed you shouldn't worry about this too much.

Link to post
Share on other sites

 

Hello there,

 

I'm currently on the edge of finally have enough savings to be able to purchase my always dream camera, the Leica. I'm really not a rich person. I work and save really hard to be able to purchase my first.

 

I understand that there are some cheaper alternatives from sony and I've tried it with sony A7 + voigtlander 50mm 1.5 for 6 months but I just don't find it as enjoyable as when I tried the M or Q  (was sooo close to buy it when I tried it first time at the store). Shooting experience is really basic, menus are straightforward, compared to a7. Really, not that the sony is bad (amazing iq but it is the simplicity, user experience, and straightforwardness of leica is really on the different level.

 

There is this guy who's willing to let go of his Q, used for 10 months + extra 2 spare batteries for us$3500. The price of Q, even though it’s Leica’s latest most affordable full frame camera, is still more expensive relatively compared to other mirrorless cameras (sony, etc).  Therefore if I’m really gonna buy it I’d like to ask you some question:

 

 

1. If I’m gonna be using the camera for around 5 years or more (with this price, really not looking forward to use it for short time only), will it be safe to take the Q? My consideration is because Q is full digital camera with evf, hence in terms of reliability, the sensor will work significantly more time compared to rangefinders that focus only with optical viewfinders.

 

2. What are the common technical problems that Q users might find in short and long term? We are not talking about cases like dropping the cameras but technical problems like AF suddenly stop working at my 3rd year using the camera (therefore might lead to expensive repairs).

 

3. With M cameras, it’s safe to say that annualy we need to have it serviced/calibrated/etc to ensure it’s working perfectly. With Leica Q will there be a same case of projected annual expenses?

 

4. With replacable lens systems, if our camera breaks, for the worst we can still keep our lens and replace only the body, but Q is a single package. If the lens breaks, you cannot use your camera. If your camera breaks, your lens is as good as nothing too. Therefore, I’d like to know how long is the normal expected hardware lifetime usage for Leica Q?

 

5. Currently I've finished selling all of my canon gears, leaving only 1 fuji x100 and wide converter. I had a trip to Nepal only bringing the x100 so 28mm is not unusual. (http://www.marioputra.com/kathmandu)

 

6. For now, my alternative to the Q (incase you guys think that I shouldn't pull the Q trigger) is a7r ii or a7 ii + FE 35mm f/2.8

 

7. Again, I want a leica not chasing for the society status but for the shooting experience (full frame, enjoyable manual focus, compact, high iso, etc). 100% gonna black tape the red dot to hide it anyway.

 

Thank your for your time and really expect some input from you guys before I'm falling deeper into the red dot world :)

 

 

I will try and answer a few.

1.  No one can say since still less than a year old.  But if like most Leica equipment, should be fine as long as you keep care of it.

 

2.  Same answer as number 1.  

 

3.  I have shot with M cameras for 20 years and never needed an annual service done.  Most of those that do, it's due to the rangefinder manual focus mechanism which doesn't apply here.  So, shouldn't need annual service.

 

4.  Same answer as number 1.

 

7.  If you desire enjoyable manual focus, the Q is not that enjoyable for manual focusing....in my opinion.  Get an M instead.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I can understand to question very well.

I was in the same situation once to shoot with a Leica. I started with R lenses being mounted on my Canons.

I always wanted also the feel of a highquality camera and I bought an X1 which I still have and like very much.

Then I  got my Leica Q and it is mind blowing: it is demanding to shoot with one fixed focal length, but I am very happy with this very versatile lens. The camera is superb in terms of easy handling and its performance of the sensor and the lens. This should be your decision, whether you want this fine lens.

 

But - nobody can tell how long the digital functions will survive. But Leica will repair any camera they once produced. But I think these questions should not be so dominant and make you worry. 

If you have the chance of buying a used "Q" then do it.

 

These are only my thoughts and I know that for me a Leica lens is challenging and requires the best out of me more than other lenses (and I have  many and each one has its own purpose, therefore I never sold one and keep them)

Link to post
Share on other sites

X100 has a 23mm lens with an APS-C sensor for a field of view of about 35mm.   The Q is a bit wider than the advertised 28mm.  I prefer the wider view.  Some don't.  I also much prefer the way the Q feels and operates to the X100.  Little things like the location of the aperture ring were important to me.  That's why the Q replaced my X100.  Compare how the Q feels/operates to your other camera choices.  You might like the others better.  Or not.

 

I've not bothered covering the red dot on my Q.   I do have black gaffers tape covering the microphone and speaker openings.  I do not use my Q for video.

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

OP, welcome to the forum and possible Leica ownership. You are right to ask such questions. However, first you need to be comfortable with a fixed wide angle lens of 28mm. Try and borrow one from a dealer on the basis that a purchase should follow provided your trial is successful. Trusting a good dealer is a good investment for the future. If you go ahead, my guess is that other LEICA models will follow to balance your solo wide angle capability. As to reliability, well apart from turnroudn times, Leica offer an excellent after -sales service provided spare components not made by LEICA are available on the global market. I think that should be the least of your troubles unless you are exceptionally unfortunate.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Guest jvansmit

Those are really nice photos on your website, and it’s hard to see how you might improve them by buying another camera. Given the manual functionality of the X100, I’d be considering the Xpro2 was well as the Q. You’ve obviously got used to processing X-Trans files so an Xpro2 would provide more flexibility in terms of lens choice, and your workflow would remain much the same. I can’t see much difference between my B&W X-Trans prints and Leica Q prints when printed at 24”.

 

To me, the key advantage of the Q is that the AF is blazingly fast, and it’s easy to switch quickly between AF, manual and zone focusing. The Xpro is quite good at that too but not Sony.

 

The Q’s lens assembly is not a serviceable unit so repairs may involve replacing the entire assembly. I was quoted approx $1600 by Leica for this. Any surface damage to the camera may invalidate the warranty (as happened in my case with a small 2-3mm scrape on the bottom edge of the body).

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you for the response guys!

 

Yeah, I've never had the chance of using leica for long period of time before so please pardon me for lack of knowledge. :)

 

I don't really mind stuck at the 28mm since I'm more often prefer to include many information in my photos (my favourite photographer is alex webb!)

 

What I'm really concern is the realiability of the camera because with the presence of EVF and how the evf works, we all know that the sensor is going to work in much longer period of time, compared to cameras with ovf. More working time for sensor generally means less age, right? But yeah what you all said that nobody can predict the life of digital stuff does make sense too. I've also find it not difficult to hear positive stories about Leica's aftersales service.

 

By the way about the suggestion for me to use Fujis, I can't. I still have my x100 and although I love it so much that I'm gonna use it till the camera dies, I don't think the usability is up to what I need especially if I'm doing wedding shots. Fuji's AF is OK, but for wedding that requires using 2 camera bodies from my experience is that you can hardly pair a Fuji with non fuji camera because, IMHO, even the base raw file of fuji images characteristic looked so much different compared to other brands that you need to spend a big time on post processing to 'calibrate' them. For example, I don't find much difficulty calibrating photos from my 6d and sony a7 that I use in a wedding.

 

Guess it's time to pull the trigger for Q :)

Link to post
Share on other sites

The Q’s lens assembly is not a serviceable unit so repairs may involve replacing the entire assembly. I was quoted approx $1600 by Leica for this. Any surface damage to the camera may invalidate the warranty (as happened in my case with a small 2-3mm scrape on the bottom edge of the body).

Now thatt is one scary experience. So did you proceed to pay for the service?

Link to post
Share on other sites

 

Hello there,

 

I'm currently on the edge of finally have enough savings to be able to purchase my always dream camera, the Leica. I'm really not a rich person. I work and save really hard to be able to purchase my first.

 

I understand that there are some cheaper alternatives from sony and I've tried it with sony A7 + voigtlander 50mm 1.5 for 6 months but I just don't find it as enjoyable as when I tried the M or Q  (was sooo close to buy it when I tried it first time at the store). Shooting experience is really basic, menus are straightforward, compared to a7. Really, not that the sony is bad (amazing iq but it is the simplicity, user experience, and straightforwardness of leica is really on the different level.

 

There is this guy who's willing to let go of his Q, used for 10 months + extra 2 spare batteries for us$3500. The price of Q, even though it’s Leica’s latest most affordable full frame camera, is still more expensive relatively compared to other mirrorless cameras (sony, etc).  Therefore if I’m really gonna buy it I’d like to ask you some question:

 

 

1. If I’m gonna be using the camera for around 5 years or more (with this price, really not looking forward to use it for short time only), will it be safe to take the Q? My consideration is because Q is full digital camera with evf, hence in terms of reliability, the sensor will work significantly more time compared to rangefinders that focus only with optical viewfinders.

 

New camera so reliability longer term is unknown but why should it be unreliable?

 

2. What are the common technical problems that Q users might find in short and long term? We are not talking about cases like dropping the cameras but technical problems like AF suddenly stop working at my 3rd year using the camera (therefore might lead to expensive repairs).

 

As above, who knows?

 

3. With M cameras, it’s safe to say that annualy we need to have it serviced/calibrated/etc to ensure it’s working perfectly. With Leica Q will there be a same case of projected annual expenses?

 

M bodies DO NOT require annual servicing! Unless there's a problem (rangefinder calibration etc.) they shouldn't need any attention at all.

 

4. With replacable lens systems, if our camera breaks, for the worst we can still keep our lens and replace only the body, but Q is a single package. If the lens breaks, you cannot use your camera. If your camera breaks, your lens is as good as nothing too. Therefore, I’d like to know how long is the normal expected hardware lifetime usage for Leica Q?

 

Most likely part to fail through normal use/wear would be the shutter IMHO. I don't know what the estimated shutter life for the Q is, maybe ask Leica? Presumably it will be repairable in any case.

 

5. Currently I've finished selling all of my canon gears, leaving only 1 fuji x100 and wide converter. I had a trip to Nepal only bringing the x100 so 28mm is not unusual. (http://www.marioputra.com/kathmandu)

 

6. For now, my alternative to the Q (incase you guys think that I shouldn't pull the Q trigger) is a7r ii or a7 ii + FE 35mm f/2.8

 

That's not a direct comparison though. Why would it be a 35mm lens and not a 28mm like the Q?

 

7. Again, I want a leica not chasing for the society status but for the shooting experience (full frame, enjoyable manual focus, compact, high iso, etc). 100% gonna black tape the red dot to hide it anyway.

 

Why? Whatever floats your boat!

 

Thank your for your time and really expect some input from you guys before I'm falling deeper into the red dot world :)

 

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Mario

You've had many good replies to your questions about reliability and whether it is wise to limit your shooting capabilities to a 28mm lens.  All the replies are about the Leica Q, but I think you are going in the wrong direction.  I have experience of owning a Leica M9-P and a Q at the same time.

I can see from your enquiry that you are very excited about owning a Leica and so am I. 

However, you are excited about the Leica shooting experience that you read about!    These reports don't relate to the Q. The Q is nothing like the M rangefinder series.  The Q doesn't feel like a traditional Leica although it certainly is built very nicely and is great quality. With any M body, digital or film, you take time to compose, focus, and adjust exposure, and can choose a lens to suit the subject.  The first thing I noticed when I started using my Q was that there is so much automation, that I stopped composing and adjusting or focussing. That's its strong point. It's very fast to shoot.   In fact I just pointed and shot.  2000 images from a trip to India.  Then I realised that I wasn't getting any personal satisfaction from shooting the Q.  I haven't processed them from RAW because I really didn't get a great amount of pleasure from shooting them.  Anyone can point  and shoot!

 

Yes.  The images will be excellent.  Yes. The number of successful shots will be high, but when the shutter of my slow M9-P returns, I  smile.  I don't care about the noise and I'm controlling and shooting a Leica in the same way that all iconic Leica photographers shot.  I'm using the combination of viewfinder and the rangefinder mechanism.  It's a skill.

My personal advice to you is to have a less expensive M9 and a couple of Leica lenses. It's beautiful to handle and gets many admiring comments. You can be creative with a 50 and a 75, or a 50  and a 21., or whatever combination suits you.  The sensor of the M9 will give a different character to your images.  The weight of the body will give you stability at very low shutter speeds.  I shot hundreds of images in Hong Kong at night at 160 ISO.

THE Leica Q is best for fast moving scenarios and that's why I have mine.   I didn't want to miss opportunities in ever changing scenery.  

 

So.  Do you want the Leica experience that you have heard and read about so often?  Then choose a rangefinder and build a collection of lenses.   If you choose the Q and it is your only camera, then you must have a second camera in reserve.  If you have an M first, then you can save for a Q.  

 

Thats my advice. I've had my M9-P for more than three years and I wouldn't let it go.  All M lenses keep their value quite well.  I have modern and 60 year old lenses.  Each has a character of its own.

Edited by lucerne
  • Like 3
Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi - I can relate to your questions (at least I could just before I bought the Q 7 months ago).  I owned and use many cameras for my work and pleasure (D810, D5, GX8, RX 100 IV, OMD M5II etc.).  I have to say each has it's only special quality.  I chose the Q particularly for when I need ONE travel camera where I am limited for space and weight such as when I took the Q recently on a Porto Portugal to Santiago Spain cycling trek on the Camino de Santiago in mud, rain, wind, and very variable terrain.  The Q held up superbly (3000+ photos) through the weather but i never directly exposed it to rain but certainly some moisture.  So essentially I chose this camera specifically for it's 28mm field of view (knowing i would never have to change the lens - especially on the fly as I was definitely doing in Spain) and it's quick manual FASM settings which have produced exceptional results.  Three things to consider in my opinion: 1.  The Q is not weather proof (but that doesn't mean you cannot take it out in the rain as long as it doesn't come into prolonged direct contact with water),  2. I am somewhat ambivalent on how long the camera body will last given a prolific travel schedule. It needs protection.  It has super build quality but I would strongly advise that it be transported in a case (at least the half-case so frequently mentioned on the Leica Forum), finally 3. you should like the personality of the camera - the Q has a physical and operational personality unlike any Nikon, Canon or Olympus I have ever owned - it should be revered in many ways beyond pixel definition and related specs. and even cost.

  • Like 2
Link to post
Share on other sites

Another thing to consider is focal length. You mention that you are currently using a 50mm lens and have some interest in a 35mm lens. IMHO, shooting with a 28mm lens is very different—and just doesn’t work for me, especially as a fixed lens. Now, some may say that, with the Q, you can use the 35mm or 50mm crop modes, but personally I would not purchase such an expensive camera with the intent of only using a small or very small portion of its censor. Just my 2 cents. YMMV.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...