Leica T to Q Dilemma

[sidhorn]

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I currently have a Leica T which I do like. Bought the 18-56 3.5 lens which I really don't care for. Too slow for my taste. Almost never use. In doors high ISO is needed to produce images.

 

At the time of my T purchase I also bought an 'M" to T adapter as well as a used 35mm ‘M’ 1.4 Summilux which has now become my preferred set-up with the T. I use a visoflex as well.

It’s annoying not have a built in EVF but I’m used to it. Works well and is essential to manual focus an M lens. The truth of the matter is that the 35mm on the T's sensor is really a 52mm. So I’m used to viewing, as I walk around, at roughly 50mm.

 

My dilemma: I am totally blown away by what I've read about the Q and all of it’s great features. Fast auto focus, built in EVF, 1.7 28mm Summilux plus many other great handy, useful features. 

 

What I’m wondering is; will I have problems adjusting to a 28 mm. fixed lens? Have any Q owners regretted working with a  28mm fixed lens? I know the Q is a FF 24MP and should allow for some decent cropping but I’m wondering …will I miss my 50 viewing! Any thoughts on this?

 

I’ve sold all my Canon lenses and 1D Mk lll. Want to simplify my photography.

 

So I’m down to one camera now.

Sid

[ramosa]

Lens choice is a very personal matter. I currently have just the Q and am getting a feel for what it's like to shoot just at 28mm. I'd prefer shooting just at 35mm--as that focal length, for me, is more flexible. And, as you note, the Q lens is actually a bit wider than 28mm. Really, only you can answer the question of whether you can thrive at just the 28mm focal length. Moreover, some people like multiple options in terms of focal lengths. In contrast, I like the idea of using just one fixed lens--but, again, would prefer my it to be 35mm, instead of 28mm. That said, I committed to the Q given that it meets all of my other needs. Nothing's perfect.

[Guest]

The answer here depends on your photographic style and what you shoot, and as such really lies in the eyes of the beholder (you). 

 

Perhaps you can help your decision by trying to use your 18-56 zoom only at the wide end (28mm equivalent) for a while as a 'test drive' to see if you could live with just that fixed focal length.  

 

(You can do the same with your cell phone camera - an iPhone has a 29mm equivalent lens.)

 

That's what I did and realized that, while I love a 28mm perspective for landscape scenes, it's rather wide for my portrait/street/documentary photography and can distort facial features up close.  Cropping a 28mm isn't always the same as using a 50mm lens (compression & DOF differ besides the distortion issue).  

 

The Q is definitely a beauty.  I was thinking of doing the same thing that you are (I also own a T with the zoom, 23mm T Cron & a 35mm M Cron). I passed on the Q since I realized that focal length matters more to my particular shooting situations and I couldn't live with a fixed 28mm lens as my only camera.  Instead I am anxiously awaiting the T 35mm Lux (for the convenience of AF).

 

All that said, I am sure that many others are living with - and loving - the Q as their only camera.  It's "horses for courses" as they say.

 

Good luck.

[Flu]

The Q is the best and is amazing for general purpose and street shooting!!

 

IMO the only camera Leica offers currently that can compete with it in terms of features, camera responsiveness, and ease of use is the SL. However, the SL is pretty big with native lenses and is more suited for professional shoots, sporting events, close up headshots, etc etc.

 

So as others have pointed out, you gotta ask yourself what subjects you usually shoot. If the answer is street, general purpose, landscape, environmental portraits, and the like, then the Q is most likely for you.

 

I'll put up a sample photo in the Q image thread of the Golden gate I shot this past Summer. Photo is LR edited only.

[biglouis]

You could always buy a Ricoh GR secondhand and shoot with that first.

 

It has an equivalent 28mm focal length and in fact has the same sensor in it as the Leica T.

 

Like you, I would have chosen a 35mm fixed lens camera and indeed I did have a RX1Rm2 on order at the same time as a Q.

 

However, having shot a lot of frames with my GR and also a 28/2 on my A7R/S I was finally comfortable with the Q's 28mm format.

 

In my experience Leica chose to do things for a very good reason which is not apparent in either their marketing or information but then you find on use it all makes sense. The Q makes sense, imho. However, whether or not it makes sense to you is only something you can decide.

 

Hope that helps

 

LouisB

[wda]

I have neither camera. But picking up on your question regarding the 28mm focal length, why not try it with your current T + zoom.

 

Set the lens to 28mm and DO NOT CHANGE THAT SETTING.( I hesitate advising taping it with removable tape)

 

Spend a day or two or three or more, just shooting at 28mm. Note the occasions when you yearned for a different focal length. Then you will have a realistic assessment of how wise or wicked you will be to swap just because of favourable reports on the Q.

[Iduna]

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Sid,

like many others here I think it is  a personal matter. I also was a bit sceptical about the fl of 28 mm .But I noticed that it was my most favourite lens on my Canon 5D II. If you feel tha camera and ist handling you probably will get used to it and explore the wide range of Option you have with this camera:

landscape, architecture, street, macro and also portraits, for street it is such a decent, very fast camera with a good high ISO Performance. This does not work immediately work perfectly but you will learn to frame and get the best IQ.

It will not be my only camera, because I also need a tele lens and I need a B function for my night shots.I will keep my gear and use it furthermore -  But in most cases you will probably discover that not much more will be needed. I am still learning and have started just to love the "Q"

[sidhorn]

Want to thank everybody for responding to my T to Q dilemma. Not much of a dilemma really. I jumped inand put an order in for the Q.

Not sure when I'll have it though. Still on backorder. Actually doing all the research was a great deal of fun for me.

 

Was able to return all of my T-gear to B&H. Easy for me since I live in Manhattan. B&H is a very respectable retail operation.

 

As we all know, there is no one perfect camera that does it all, even though we strive to find it. There are big heavy camera systems, small compact

cameras, fixed lens cameras, true point and shoot ones etc. (I do, however, own the first Sony RX100. Truly brilliant small pocket camera)

 

I feel confident that I will be very happy with the Q. Thanks again to everybody.

Sid