Slippery slope

[Probus5002]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Apart from a Panasonic compact with a red spot, the Q was my first dipped toe into the Leica pool.  As a travel camera for a "once in a lifetime trip" to New Zealand, the Q was perfect.  Light, compact and versatile, the Q surpassed my expectations.  However, I soon found myself checking out the variations of the M in various Boutiques.  I looked closely at the M9 several years ago but having found one in the HK Boutique, I was told to go on the waiting list if I wanted a Summilux 35mm to go with it.  A £500 cash back offer and a very tempting price for my Q saw me in Red Dot in Clerkenwell buying the 240 MP and the 35mm Summilux.  I knew that the Q would lead to a full blown range finder.  The progression was inevitable.  I miss my Q but the learning curve to master the MP is a rewarding compensation.  Basically, I am returning to my first photographic experience with a Russian Fed rangefinder over 40 years ago.  The Q is a great camera but ...

[Advertisement]

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

[stevieboy]

The main thing is that you understood going in what you were giving up as well as gaining. The autofocus and exposure features on the Q make it a different animal than an M, though of course when you use the Q manually the exposure features and the ability to use the distance scale marked on lens to zone focus gives M like operation in those ways. Focusing in the viewfinder is quite a bit different and sets the two part of course. I find that in situations where I would use the rangefinder on an M I use autofocus with the Q.

 

I'm lucky to have both types. I would miss having a 35mm lens too much to go strictly with the Q.

[ramosa]

Same. I tried a Q, but, as expected, would never be able to "live" at 28mm. At 35 or 40 or even 50 would be another story ...

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[SonomaBear]

Last night I shot over 300 images with the Q at a local Shakespeare performance.  I am astounded at what good images I can extract from mere portions of the RAW in Lightroom (and how well the details can be extracted) -- But now I want a 50mm and my Canon lens/sensor quality is so very inferior!

So maybe a M with 50 Summarit is in my future (75 to follow).

Question for the M crowd here on the Q forum:  Being a manual sort of person, do old 50s and 75s perform well on M9 and M240 bodies? {maybe I should jump to the M forum}

[ropo54]

Last night I shot over 300 images with the Q at a local Shakespeare performance.  I am astounded at what good images I can extract from mere portions of the RAW in Lightroom (and how well the details can be extracted) -- But now I want a 50mm and my Canon lens/sensor quality is so very inferior!

So maybe a M with 50 Summarit is in my future (75 to follow).

Question for the M crowd here on the Q forum:  Being a manual sort of person, do old 50s and 75s perform well on M9 and M240 bodies? {maybe I should jump to the M forum}

 

 

Another way to go: Leica T and the new 35 1.4 TL will render equivalent 50mm (but not at full frame).  Leica T prices are very inexpensive on the secondary market as I suspect a T2 is soon to be announced but it is still a very capable camera.

Agree with you on the Q that it is exceptional.

[ropo54]

Here's what the T plus Leica 35mm TL is capable of:

 

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[Lucena]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Another way to go: Leica T and the new 35 1.4 TL will render equivalent 50mm (but not at full frame).  Leica T prices are very inexpensive on the secondary market as I suspect a T2 is soon to be announced but it is still a very capable camera.

Agree with you on the Q that it is exceptional.

I also had the T with the summarit 35mm (and the 3 T zooms), I did notget along with it, the only explanation I have is the fact of being used to full frame... I "traded" it with my husband who is very happy with it.

Q is a do it almost all (except telefocus) everyday fantastic camera, even for usual artistical macros.

For other specific issues I take my D800 and heavy top primes...

[Belle123]

Last night I shot over 300 images with the Q at a local Shakespeare performance. I am astounded at what good images I can extract from mere portions of the RAW in Lightroom (and how well the details can be extracted) -- But now I want a 50mm and my Canon lens/sensor quality is so very inferior!

So maybe a M with 50 Summarit is in my future (75 to follow).

Question for the M crowd here on the Q forum: Being a manual sort of person, do old 50s and 75s perform well on M9 and M240 bodies? {maybe I should jump to the M forum}

Absolutely! I have old and new lenses and for my tastes I prefer the older lenses. My favorite lens, great classic character, is older Summicron 50mm, over 20 years old. I shoot now with the m246 which I highly recommend if you love monochrome.

 

I also shoot these same lenses on the T. Does very well with M glass. For a much less expensive option.