LewisNYC Posted January 30, 2016 Share #1 Posted January 30, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) Greetings, and thank you for letting me join your community. I received my Q yesterday, my first Leica, and it is in many ways a fulfillment of a dream. I couldn't be more excited. I did however stumble upon a one issue that I am a bit flummoxed by, one serious concern, and one matter of opinion: POTENTIAL ISSUE: I had read about the high resolution EVF and was a bit surprised when I used it -- although the fine detail is amazing and the lag is near-zero, coming from the Fujifilm X-T1 I found the EVF to be blurry/bendy at the corners, bright to the point of causing glare, and darn near impossible to see the entire image (without corner bending) unless I physically move my head/eye. I haven't experienced any of this with the X-T1. I thought the this might be a defect or perhaps even a piece of packing material on the EVF until I read similar reports online. Am I missing something, or doing it wrong? CONCERN: I went out shooting in very bright daylight and snow cover this morning and within 15 minutes, the camera completely hung/froze on me. The image remained viewable in the EVF, blinkies were still blinking, but it would not respond to any button pushes. Even the "off" position did not have an effect. I needed to pull the battery to get the camera to un-hang. This happened twice in the span of a few minutes. The common themes I can think of were that I was in program shift mode and actively turning the program shift dial, while shooting into very bright sunlight at 1/10000, when the freezes/hangs happened. It is also cold out, but not overly so (31 degrees F or roughly 0 celsius.) Since returning back inside, I've shot many more frames with no apparent issue, and IQ coming out of the camera has been phenomenal. Lastly, and far less seriously: OPINION: I am a hobbyist, not a professional by any means, and so purchasing the Q was the purpose of personal enrichment and enjoyment; it's not a tool of the trade for me. Thus, this was quite an investment and one that I want to protect! I know that the first rule of becoming a better photographer is to take lots of photos, but I find myself treating the camera as if it were a faberge egg. This is obviously not conducive to taking lots of photos. I would appreciate any suggestions on the balance you've found between treating your equipment carefully, but not storing it behind protective glass, so to speak. Very many thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have. Kind regards, Lewis Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 30, 2016 Posted January 30, 2016 Hi LewisNYC, Take a look here First day with Q / first Leica - several concerns?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
ropo54 Posted January 30, 2016 Share #2 Posted January 30, 2016 This will probably not answer your question, but perhaps you need to adjust the diopter on the viewfinder? As to the freeze up, I'd just see if whether it happens again. There is also a new firmware update which you may want to do as well. Good luck and hope you continue to enjoy your camera. Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewisNYC Posted January 30, 2016 Author Share #3 Posted January 30, 2016 Thanks so much for the kind response. A few observations: adjusting the diopter did indeed help a bit, and the blurring/glare became significantly better in daylight, even indoors, than it was last night under CFL lighting. I think it is just a matter of getting used to the different style of EVF versus the X-T1. Subsequent to to my original post, I shot about 100 frames and have not experienced the lockup/freezing again. However, I have been indoors using the mechanical shutter at around 1/125 or so. I will keep at it. If there persists a problem, is Leica generally good/cooperative about service and repair issues? Lastly, I am on firmware 1.1 which I believe is the latest? Thanks again, Lewis This will probably not answer your question, but perhaps you need to adjust the diopter on the viewfinder? As to the freeze up, I'd just see if whether it happens again. There is also a new firmware update which you may want to do as well. Good luck and hope you continue to enjoy your camera. Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
beez Posted January 30, 2016 Share #4 Posted January 30, 2016 I agree with the poster above - make sure you have the latest 1.1 firmware update, and see of you get any more freezes. I haven't had any in the three months I've been using my Q, but others have reported some. You didn't say if you do, but If you wear glasses, you may not be able to see 100% edge-to-edge-of the viewfinder. I do, and it's that way for me on pretty much all cameras I've used. As said, you might play with the diopter setting dial and see if that helps - it has quite a range, and unfortunately no markings on it. The dial also tends to move with use of the camera - probably by catching on clothing when it's slung on a shoulder or around the neck. When I got mine set where both the picture and information was sharp, I put a tiny dot of bright coral-colored nail polish as a marker on the dial. Also, this camera's build quality is very good, and there's no need worry about using it on a day-to-day basis. I'm a professional photojournalist, and lately I shoot a lot of presidential political events, where things can quickly turn into close quarters scrums, and the Q has been great. I try to keep all my gear (I also use an M9 and several Nikon DSLRs at the same time) from getting smacked around too much, but it's been as tough as my Ms. Go out and enjoy your new camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marchyman Posted January 30, 2016 Share #5 Posted January 30, 2016 I've had my Q freeze two or three times out of 430 images taken. I've also had a power on "system error" twice where cycling power was all it took to resolve the issue. The first time that happened was scary -- it was the very first time I turned on the camera! I assume these are firmware glitches that will go away with future firmware releases. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewisNYC Posted January 30, 2016 Author Share #6 Posted January 30, 2016 Thanks so much for the additional responses. I have shot some more in the intervening time and have not had any more freezes (but had only gotten as fast as 1/6400; not 1/10000 as with the freezes this morning.) I've also noticed a major difference in my subjective view of the EVF in daylight versus low-light; in the former it feels great and natural, and in the latter is when it almost feels as though there is a layer of cheesecloth over the image. I am sure I will get used to it. As you already know, but it bears repeating, AF, shutter response and IQ are astounding. I literally do not want to put it down. Best, Lewis Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted January 30, 2016 Share #7 Posted January 30, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) I know it's probably not your issue but be sure to check the camera is not on a silly setting. i have the fn button pick the timer and I hit it once and then touch focus and I didn't understand why the camera froze .... (For the timer plus exposure time). also once my hand past the eye piece and so it flicked to evf, then I pressed the touch shutter and it appeared to freeze with the back switched off .... Note that if the camera is in the middle of a photo or in the middle of noise reduction for long exposures, even if you switch the camera off it will continue to process. the classic case is hitting the shutter button with the lens cap on. Then it appears to freeze for 15-30 seconds and the on off switch appears not to do anything. just saying Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewisNYC Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share #8 Posted January 31, 2016 That is really interesting. Now, in my case the "freeze" happened during a series of really short exposures, not long, but I wonder if there was some processing lag that I just should have waited out. I'll keep an eye out. Many thanks! Note that if the camera is in the middle of a photo or in the middle of noise reduction for long exposures, even if you switch the camera off it will continue to process. the classic case is hitting the shutter button with the lens cap on. Then it appears to freeze for 15-30 seconds and the on off switch appears not to do anything. just saying Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MickyW Posted January 31, 2016 Share #9 Posted January 31, 2016 Bought mine in December. Had it freeze a couple of times, and on one occasion, although not on Macro, when I moved close to anything the screen (and LCD) went black/blank! Hasn't happened recently, don't think since the Firmware upgrade. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manoleica Posted January 31, 2016 Share #10 Posted January 31, 2016 IMHO I would call the dealer and report the issues, I would also point out that if the issues continue:- either have a new replacement camera or a Full refund.. The Q is a high end product and you deserve the CS so associated with a high end product.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobpatchcott Posted January 31, 2016 Share #11 Posted January 31, 2016 Hi, I've had my Q since November and had no issues of any kind with it, I also have a Fuji XT-1 which was the first camera I used with an EVF that I could live with, the viewfinder on the Q is every bit as good, if not slightly sharper to my eyes. as for worrying about damaging it well I try to be reasonably careful with it as with any camera but I don't let it spoil my enjoyment of using it It is a lovely camera which is a joy to use and gives excellent results enjoy it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucerne Posted January 31, 2016 Share #12 Posted January 31, 2016 Hi Lewis. your fear of damaging your new camera is understandable but unnecessary. I had the same reluctance to pick up my M9-P (which I still consider a classic), and then the Q. The fear disappears after travelling to distant lands with both cameras . No matter how you baby it and protect it, it will pick up marks. As regards freezing, I have found with the Q, that after an initial brief period and settling down, these problems disappear. The only effect that I currently get in bright sunlight is that the viewfinder occasionally seems to white-out, but I put it down to a combination of preconfigured settings that are illogical for specific shots. I leave my camera configured on auto-ISO with a limit of 6400, auto-focus, and A timing. That's my starting point because I can grab almost any scene. Finally, I would make sure that I was using fast Sdcards. 90mb/sec for the Q. The slower cards that were best for the M9, really do impact on the performance of the Q. If your card has been used in another camera, you must reformat that card inside your Q. hope that helps. Enjoy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewisNYC Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share #13 Posted January 31, 2016 Thank you for the extremely helpful responses. I could barely sleep last night for want of getting out and making some photos! For the sake of posterity, I will keep this thread updated should the freezing issue reoccur, along with any resolution. Many thanks, lewis Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted January 31, 2016 Share #14 Posted January 31, 2016 I would certainly report your issues to your dealer, particularly if they persist. Manoleica has a good point. I've not had any freezing issues with mine, but I believe that if it does then one should simply remove and re-insert the battery. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herve5 Posted January 31, 2016 Share #15 Posted January 31, 2016 Hi Lewis! I'm a Q newbie as well, and while I didn't "get my freezing" too, I did get into serious trouble in different circumstances. I believe they have something to do with commanding the camera remotely, through the Android app. At least, I dod some tricky manoeuvres (cutting the link when the camera was still waiting...needing to switch on and off, various times) and then some hours after I found myself with serious bugs : the upper banner in the display totally disappeared (no more indicators!), the real-time histogram in liveview disappeared too (whatever the setting I selected), along with the horizon gauge. At that point, I decided to reset the camera, which sent me in the long process of readjusting all settings. But indicators, histogram and horizon did came back, and I didn't lose them since then :-) My question is thus : did you play with the remote control app? H. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewisNYC Posted February 1, 2016 Author Share #16 Posted February 1, 2016 Thanks for sharing your experience. I have actually not set up any of the WiFi functionality yet, so no remote control/mobile app. I did shoot in sunlight again today (though not quite as bright; more like 1/6400 at 1.7.) Inspired by a suggestion from lucerne, I did limit my Auto-ISO to a max of 6400 versus the 12500 where it had been pre-configured -- figured it was a safe bet in any case! No additional freezes/hangs yet. And I hope it stays that way. :-) Fingers crossed! Best, Lewis Hi Lewis! I'm a Q newbie as well, and while I didn't "get my freezing" too, I did get into serious trouble in different circumstances. I believe they have something to do with commanding the camera remotely, through the Android app. At least, I dod some tricky manoeuvres (cutting the link when the camera was still waiting...needing to switch on and off, various times) and then some hours after I found myself with serious bugs : the upper banner in the display totally disappeared (no more indicators!), the real-time histogram in liveview disappeared too (whatever the setting I selected), along with the horizon gauge. At that point, I decided to reset the camera, which sent me in the long process of readjusting all settings. But indicators, histogram and horizon did came back, and I didn't lose them since then :-) My question is thus : did you play with the remote control app? H. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerjer Posted February 1, 2016 Share #17 Posted February 1, 2016 Hi Lewis! I'm a Q newbie as well, and while I didn't "get my freezing" too, I did get into serious trouble in different circumstances. I believe they have something to do with commanding the camera remotely, through the Android app. At least, I dod some tricky manoeuvres (cutting the link when the camera was still waiting...needing to switch on and off, various times) and then some hours after I found myself with serious bugs : the upper banner in the display totally disappeared (no more indicators!), the real-time histogram in liveview disappeared too (whatever the setting I selected), along with the horizon gauge. At that point, I decided to reset the camera, which sent me in the long process of readjusting all settings. But indicators, histogram and horizon did came back, and I didn't lose them since then :-) My question is thus : did you play with the remote control app? H. Hi Herve, Your problems seems to be related to a wrong display mode. It looks like you were in video mode. To change display mode just press the set button. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herve5 Posted February 1, 2016 Share #18 Posted February 1, 2016 Hi Herve, Your problems seems to be related to a wrong display mode. It looks like you were in video mode. To change display mode just press the set button. Wow -thank you Jerjer! I did hear about these modes but visibly forgot them! Thanks again, H. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted February 1, 2016 Share #19 Posted February 1, 2016 Worth mentioning in passing that Leica's are somewhat quirky. You do occasionally get the odd unexpected behaviour, normally solved by switching off and on. The Q seems to be more free then most.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herve5 Posted February 1, 2016 Share #20 Posted February 1, 2016 What I find worth mentioning, above all, is the flexibility details that are not in the manual. For instance, if a short press on the single Fn button obviously brings the single function associated to it (that anyhow can change according to the context, e. g. different for live view vs reading), long-pressing the same button brings a dialog box with all the alternate functions that could have been associated to it in this context. So, for instance, if you have it set to ISO but would have liked, on this very picture, to correct the white balance, just long-press Fn and click WB -no need to scan 15 menu settings. While I find this poorly documented (and my french translation is rather... painful) the actual thing is extremely seducing: I have found myself doing things on-the-flight that were only theoretical-or-when-you-longly-prepare-the-setup... Definitely rejuvenating I'd say :-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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