Farewell Q

[designdog]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Loved the camera — too much! A big bite from the Leica Bug and I will be replacing my Q with an M10 tomorrow. Going to have the 35 and 50 Summicrons to play with. Big time sale of Nikon equipment, but I knew it was coming.

 

I was not here long but I enjoyed the company! Thanks!!!

[bags27]

Enjoy your M10! But when you look at your files and say, jeez, there's just a little beyond the 35 mm frame that I really wish I had included, remember: you had your chance! :-)

[Advertisement]

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

[Astropap]

Thinking about making the same switch. Let us know how it goes.

 

Amy

[Tailwagger]

Enjoy your M10! But when you look at your files and say, jeez, there's just a little beyond the 35 mm frame that I really wish I had included, remember: you had your chance! :-)

 

Thats what 28, 24 and 21mm Summiluxes are for.  Well that, and transferring significant amounts of one's net worth elsewhere.  

[gbealnz]

I'm the least qualified to dish out advice, having just cobbled together enough to acquire a used Q, but the one thought I had was "keep the Q, and add the M10 plus 50".

Not that the OP was asking for advice of course.

Gary

[zampelis]

I'm the least qualified to dish out advice, having just cobbled together enough to acquire a used Q, but the one thought I had was "keep the Q, and add the M10 plus 50".

Not that the OP was asking for advice of course.

Gary

 

 

I agree on that. For me, having 35mm crop in Q at 18MP is sufficient for my needs and it has been tested that, other than the resolution difference, it is almost identical with a 35 summicron, maybe it has a bit more prominent bokeh (1.7 vs 2.0). Having a Q is essentially having an autonomous 28 and 35 lens to quickly grab and take a shot if you need. Sticking a 50mm on a M10 and keeping the Q could be a faster alternative to lens switching on M10.

 

Dont get me wrong, I see myself following you on getting an M10 in a year or so, but having the Q now plus:

 

- The fact that the Q has Macro mode and auto focus when needed

- Could give me extra energy as it has its own battery

- Could also act as a back-up camera in case my M10 gets broken

- It can record videos (not that I have recorded any but it is this little extra that I know that it can do, if I need to)

- There is also this rumour about firmware update which means that Leica still supports it and there are chances we see more improvements

 

All these would make me keep it instead of buying a 28mm or 35mm lens for the M10! I am also connected with it and I wouldn't like to see it go!

 

Having said that, I hope you have lots and lots of fun with your new M10 and take some amazing photos! I also love your blog and looking forward for some great new shots with the M10!

Edited May 16, 2018 by zampelis

[Guest]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I must say that for us, Leicaphiles, the Q is an absolute bargain in a package capable of so much more than most give it credit. Yet, if you miss bringing a whole bag of expensive glass and body, all the better for the Leica company. Wishing you the best and happy photography!

 

Alton

[bags27]

Looking up your "vitals', designdog, I'm really impressed that you're 73 and moving to a rangefinder. I'm almost 71 and, while I've been tempted by the same, I've been cautious in principle. In fact, I keep getting attracted to the big and clunky SL because of its amazing view finder. So, good for you for ignoring the canard. Let us know how it feels after you've crossed over to the "dark side". :-)

[tgdinamo]

I've also been very tempted for many years, and the sad reality that I have never owned the real M is something I will regret for the rest of my life (I'm 54). But unfortunatelly I have read and heard enough about problems people with glasses and older eyes seem to have with the M that unfortunatelly there is nothing I can do about it at this point (when I can actually afford it).

By the way, I love the Q and have no regrets going with it as the next best thing, but if Leica M with big/bright EVF (built in) existed I would have purchased that instead of the Q - would have happily given up the AF as long as magnification and focus peaking work as well as on the Q. Let me also say that I have no interest in some new hypothetical "M" that is using L or some other mount (this speculation/possibility has been discussed in some other forums on this site) - for me the real interest in M is all about those high quality and small lenses (and I don't like converters).

[bags27]

I've also been very tempted for many years, and the sad reality that I have never owned the real M is something I will regret for the rest of my life (I'm 54). But unfortunatelly I have read and heard enough about problems people with glasses and older eyes seem to have with the M that unfortunatelly there is nothing I can do about it at this point (when I can actually afford it).

By the way, I love the Q and have no regrets going with it as the next best thing, but if Leica M with big/bright EVF (built in) existed I would have purchased that instead of the Q - would have happily given up the AF as long as magnification and focus peaking work as well as on the Q. Let me also say that I have no interest in some new hypothetical "M" that is using L or some other mount (this speculation/possibility has been discussed in some other forums on this site) - for me the real interest in M is all about those high quality and small lenses (and I don't like converters).

our sentiments are roughly similar. But, at your age with so many productive years left and obviously feeling deeper regret than some others, have you thought about renting one of the recent M models for a week? Even if you conclude that it currently doesn't work well with your eyes, you'll know better the degree of your interest if/when Leica produces an M with a view finder closer to your own optical capabilities. 

Edited May 16, 2018 by bags27

[tgdinamo]

our sentiments are roughly similar. But, at your age with so many productive years left and obviously feeling deeper regret than some others, have you thought about renting one of the recent M models for a week? Even if you conclude that it currently doesn't work well with your eyes, you'll know better the degree of your interest if/when Leica produces an M with a view finder closer to your own optical capabilities. 

 

Thanks. Maybe I should rent one and see first hand what the experience is all about. But as far as buying into M system (even if I like the M10), I'm going to wait until the next M comes out and see what they do with it (now that I have the Q which basically has the same sensor as the M10 I feel if I'm going to spend the money on the new M it should ideally get the updated sensor as well - with maybe even some more pixels, althought that's not super important to me).

[bags27]

Actually, I'm thinking of making a week with an M10 and a nice lens a birthday present to myself. About $500, but it would save me many, many thousands if it scratches that itch!

[Tailwagger]

For those wondering if an RF is a viable tool in there hands, consider an M240. At $500 a week for rental, it likely would be cheaper overall to pickup a used 240, M9 or M-E and a 50 Summicron and resell them if you find it just isn't for you.  

[gbealnz]

Fully agree with the TWagger.

Buy the 240, try it, and see from there.

At 62 and having used M since 16, I find the Leicaflex SL far better FOR ME.  I had a brief affair with an SL, and loved it, but native lenses were huge, and hugely expensive so I aborted on that.

My X-Vario still does most, but the Q is something I am trying and learning, and will see how that unfolds.

Gary

[bags27]

you know the phrase that kids use, "this is a first world problem"? well, to put out the cash to buy a used 240 plus a lens is still probably 7-8k. That's definitely a "Leica problem"! :-)

 

gbelnz: have you thought about the CL? I'm probably "working my way" toward that.

Edited May 16, 2018 by bags27

[Tailwagger]

you know the phrase that kids use, "this is a first world problem"? well, to put out the cash to buy a used 240 plus a lens is still probably 7-8k. That's definitely a "Leica problem"! :-)

 

gbelnz: have you thought about the CL? I'm probably "working my way" toward that.

 

Half that.   240s can be had for $2.5-3K. A nice Summicron for $1k.   Even from a Leica dealer, the cost isn't much more. At the moment Tamarkin, for example, has 3 240s with extras  and a 1 year warranty for $3600.  Pair that with a used Zeiss or CV 50mm off of Ebay and you can still make $4k.  Still expensive, no doubt, but not  at the level of a new M10. 

Edited May 16, 2018 by Tailwagger

[bags27]

didn't realize you could get a 240 for 3600. food for thought....

 

nice summicron for $1k?I haven't seen one for under $2k anywhere. I ask sincerely, since I'm looking to possibly get a few in hopes of...well...

[Tailwagger]

didn't realize you could get a 240 for 3600. food for thought....

 

nice summicron for $1k?I haven't seen one for under $2k anywhere. I ask sincerely, since I'm looking to possibly get a few in hopes of...well...

Early ones, if you like the glow, which I do. If not, you again go CV or Zeiss or pony up a bit more for the latest version Summicron.  Realistically 1400-1600 for a really nice one. Sold mine, perfect copy with box for $1525 a few months ago.  BTW, Camera West has a 240 for 2995, no warranty though.  

[gbealnz]

gbelnz: have you thought about the CL? I'm probably "working my way" toward that.

Bags,

Yes, at the time I bought the SL (used) I decided that I'd rather have the used SL for the same money as a new (it was just released then) CL.

I still "own" a TL, it has been at Ffordes for some time now on behalf but hasn't sold. I am considering getting it back and just using it, having had a selection of T's in the past. Great cameras, real nice to use, with both the native AF lenses as well as adapted lenses, the M lenses especially.

The nagging thought though, do I really want to go down the crop sensor route again, having to buy into more lenses, (OK, I can use my R lenses, but it seems to negate buying a compact lightweight body when you slot a hefty solid R lens on the front). All this when the Q is so versatile, and all round, no lens to have to change, and an excellent lens at that.

Mind you, we're getting well of the track that the OP had, sorry designdog.

Gary

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica Q

[GuyN]

I’ve spent about 40 hours researching/ogling over the M10. I am a B to B+ level photographer with a Q who is itching for the challenge of a rangefinder, but. . . .

 

(1) Assume a 28 mm lens on the M10, would I see a material difference in image quality?

(2) Assume a 50 mm Lux ASPH on the M10, would the only material difference be the focal length?

 

As you can sense, I don’t want to spend $10,000 for just a different “experience.”

 

Thanks!

 

Guy