Q or M-A and other such silly questions

[enboe]

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Perhaps it's the cold medicines talking to me, but I find myself asking the question, should I pick up an M-A or a Q?

 

O.K., I really don't need either.  I have recently trimmed the herd, liquidating the old M2 and M3 with vintage glass as I really do prefer modern, coated rangefinders and modern computations of optics.  The colors out of my MP with a current 35/2/ASPH run circles around the M2/35/3.5 combination I sold.  Similarly the current 50/2.8 Elmar-M over a 50/3.5 Elmar.  I do find some nostalgic thoughts, however, that they M-A may be the last film camera Leica designs and produces, at least in my remaining lifetime.  The MP cam out 12 years ago, and 12 years from now I will be well into retirement.  An M-A could well be my very last film Leica.

 

On the other hand, the new Q is interesting.  I played for 5 minutes or so this past week at the local Leica Gallerie.  The EVF is acceptably good, if not "real life".  Speed and sharpness were good enough not to be an issue, color rendition a little "technicolor".  I guess that is to be expected with any EVF.  The one function that did intrigue me was the use of focus peaking during manual focus.  With our classic M's, except the M1, of course, we get a central patch to measure focus with.  On the Q, the entire frame can be bought into play, watching where the focus peaking outlines appear.  Interesting, I think it may have the potential to change the way one focuses and composes, merging the two steps into one.

 

So, I will spend a few more days or weeks waiting for the Q to reach my preorder list position, asking if I should pick up an M-A instead.

 

Eric

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[digitalfx]

Same question has been asked a dozen times...if you need more than a 28mm lens then yes there are far better choices. If all you need is a 28mm lens, this is an exceptional camera that can't be beat. It really is that simple.

[enboe]

I feel like I'm over on the "zz-review" boards being chastised for conversation on topics already covered.  I hope I bring something new to the conversation, but if I don't, and if this is no longer the place for polite if redundant chatter, then I will delete my membership of many years if so requested by a moderator or board owner.

 

For me, photography is about capturing the personal experience, and enjoying the process of doing so.  Choice of a focal length falls into the prior domain, a new way of focusing and composing falls into the latter.  Capture media, be it CCD, CMOS, or silver salts, can actually span both domains - wet darkroom processes can be fun.  I had not seen anyone discuss using focus peaking in wide field as a way of merging composition and focusing, so I introduced that concept.

 

I guess my decision still boils down to a simple one, do I purchase the tool that provides a new method of composition and focus, or do I purchase a tool that provides a feeling of nostalgia and precision manufacturing.  In the end, it will likely be both.

 

Eric

[jdlaing]

Is there a limit on how many people can ask the same questions?

[digitalfx]

Eric,

Sorry you felt you were being chastised...I think you are overreacting personally. Your asking a question thats very personal, only you can decide. 

Your original question was about two completely different cameras, one a system and one a really nice point and shoot. I stand by my first answer...if you would be happy with a single 28mm lens, then I suggest the Q...if you need more than a 28mm lens, then there are far better options. Honestly the answer to your original question is just that simple. The two choices you presented are so very different and the primary difference is in the lens options or lack of.

[Neko]

 As you already  have experience shooting film, you just have to try the Q to decide if is the right choice for you. Buy one, play with it for a while, and if it does not fill your expectations, you can always sell it and buy the M-A. You may lose some money in the trade but you can  gain some valuable experience.

 BTW, I empathize with you. I have often the temptation to look back and get a used m6, but for the kind of projects I am currently involved, digital shooting is more suitable. Anyway I keep my Hassy in case of nostalgia attack.

[FrozenInTime]

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The ideal combination IMHO is the Ricoh GR and a Leica M-A with 50/2.8 Elmar-M.

Which just happened to be what I was walking around with today 

The M-A was the main camera ;

The GR is small enough take along for the journey incase any record, wide or color shots are needed.

 

However come winter, where low light and indoor group centric shooting dominates ... a future Q2 equipped with a 35/1.7 would have me running to the store.

[imants]

do I purchase the tool that provides a new method of composition and focus

 

 I was pretty skeptical about focus peaking but have come around to liking it and actually find it as a asset.  One can see what is in focus throughout the composition not just in the central contained range finding area. Sometimes  something not initially seen gives need to recompose ....................usually for the better sometimes not so.   Using a 35 mm or 50 mm lens is a lot more fun to focus with than a 28 mm or 24mm, I find that using a 28mm is all about composing and using the whole frame and  there is a heap to consider visually. Auto focusing at f5.6 or f8  takes a task out of the equation and composing becomes the sole concern.