Leica Q vs. 28mm M lens

[IntrepidTraveller6]

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I have found myself in a seemingly difficult decision. I have the option to purchase a new lens and cannot decide between going with a Leica Q or purchasing a new M mount lens in either 28mm or possibly wider focal length.

I have an M240 and 35 cron right now.  I can likely get a 28mm f2.8 or f2 for a little less than a used Q. 

My alternative camera is an Xpro2... so the use of a EVF and auto-focus is not a barrier. 

Lens or camera would be primarily used for street and travel photography. 

Assuming I can purchase either option within the same relative budget which do you feel would be the better option?

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[david strachan]

Sometimes it's good to have auto focus.  Think I'd go with Leica Q.  But it's an arguable decision...🤔

 

 

[PhotoCruiser]

I also would go with a autofocus camera,  sometimes a autofocus comes handy, especially in street photography when you ave to act quick.

Chris

 

[01af]

vor 25 Minuten schrieb PhotoCruiser:

... sometimes an autofocus comes handy ...

At other times, a 50 mm or 90 mm lens comes handy ... or a 21 mm ...

[Herr Barnack]

6 hours ago, IntrepidTraveller6 said:

I have found myself in a seemingly difficult decision. I have the option to purchase a new lens and cannot decide between going with a Leica Q or purchasing a new M mount lens in either 28mm or possibly wider focal length.

I have an M240 and 35 cron right now.  I can likely get a 28mm f2.8 or f2 for a little less than a used Q. 

My alternative camera is an Xpro2... so the use of a EVF and auto-focus is not a barrier. 

Lens or camera would be primarily used for street and travel photography. 

Assuming I can purchase either option within the same relative budget which do you feel would be the better option?

In the past, I owned and used a 28mm f/2 Summicron M ASPH.  It was a wonderful lens and I cannot recommend it too highly.

At present, I own a 28mm f/2.8 Summarit M ASPH.  It is a slower by one EV than the 28 Summicron, but is still an outstanding lens and a steal, given its price.

About a month ago, I acquired a Q2.  IMHO, the Q2 is a must have.  In addition to the 28mm f/1.7 ASPH lens, it has many strong points, chief among them being a 47 MP sensor that is ISO 50,000 capable.  And then there is the nearly silent leaf shutter  When I make photographs, I can barely hear the shutter - and that is with the Q2 pressed against my face!!

The Q2 is priced at $4995 USD, which sounds like a lot.  When you think about all that it has to offer, $4995 is a bargain.

Bottom line:  Get the Q2.  You won't regret it.

Edited December 11, 2019 by Herr Barnack

[PhotoCruiser]

vor 13 Stunden schrieb 01af:

At other times, a 50 mm or 90 mm lens comes handy ... or a 21 mm ...

Sure,
but if this would be OP's need then the Q/Q2 is absolutely the wrong camera, but all depends on what OP would like to do with the camera
The advantage of the Q series camera is that there is no way to change lens what makes street and photography simple and light.
The same could be achieved using a small camera with interchangable lenses and using a 28mm (or 35 mm) lens and leaving the other lenses at home.

I switched from a Nikon D800 plus all prime lenses rig to the Q2 and the only lens i miss is the Sigma 15mm EX DG as for wide landscape where it's a great lens.

However, the "spirit" of the Q series is going light and compact with all bells and whistles and the need of getting used to work with the 28mm lens.

Chris

Edited December 11, 2019 by PhotoCruiser

[IntrepidTraveller6]

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12 hours ago, Herr Barnack said:

In the past, I owned and used a 28mm f/2 Summicron M ASPH.  It was a wonderful lens and I cannot recommend it too highly.

At present, I own a 28mm f/2.8 Summarit M ASPH.  It is a slower by one EV than the 28 Summicron, but is still an outstanding lens and a steal, given its price.

About a month ago, I acquired a Q2.  IMHO, the Q2 is a must have.  In addition to the 28mm f/1.7 ASPH lens, it has many strong points, chief among them being a 47 MP sensor that is ISO 50,000 capable.  And then there is the nearly silent leaf shutter  When I make photographs, I can barely hear the shutter - and that is with the Q2 pressed against my face!!

The Q2 is priced at $4995 USD, which sounds like a lot.  When you think about all that it has to offer, $4995 is a bargain.

Bottom line:  Get the Q2.  You won't regret it.

Thank you. I have looked at the Q2 and while I agree it is the better choice it is outside my budget. I live in Canada and with the exchange and the cross border tariffs buying one from the states adds too much to the cost. If i could do a shopping trip to Hong Kong and avoid the taxes it might be worth it. 

right now I can likely get a Q on ebay for less than $4000 CAD. 

[Herr Barnack]

The Q2 has been on dealer's shelves for eight months now - you might be able to find a used copy as there are usually a few Leica shooters who will buy a camera or lens, fiddle with it for a few months and for whatever reason trade it or sell it.  Finding a slightly used Q2 at a Leica dealer seems like it would be a challenge, as this camera is by almost all accounts a keeper.  It's worth a try, though.  Perhaps a few calls to Leica dealers could help make something happen.

As for buying from a U.S. based Leica store, the exchange rate is set but cross border tariffs can be avoided with a little innovation and creativity...  😎

Edited December 11, 2019 by Herr Barnack

[danielmfrank]

22 hours ago, IntrepidTraveller6 said:

I have found myself in a seemingly difficult decision. I have the option to purchase a new lens and cannot decide between going with a Leica Q or purchasing a new M mount lens in either 28mm or possibly wider focal length.

I have an M240 and 35 cron right now.  I can likely get a 28mm f2.8 or f2 for a little less than a used Q. 

My alternative camera is an Xpro2... so the use of a EVF and auto-focus is not a barrier. 

Lens or camera would be primarily used for street and travel photography. 

Assuming I can purchase either option within the same relative budget which do you feel would be the better option?

I shot for four years with a Leica M, and the 28mm Summicron (new design) was my lens of choice. I probably used it for 80% of my shots.

One of things the made me sell my M and get a Q2, is that it's really impossible to accurately frame for a 28mm lens in an M viewfinder. Yes, it has frame lines, but I could never see them all at once, and when I moved my eye position slightly, the framing changed radically. In many cases I found myself taking multiple shots of the same thing (when it would hold still) because I wasn't getting the framing I wanted.

For me, the M viewfinder was useless for framing anything wider than 35mm. I could use it for focusing just fine, but nothing else.

For shooting 28mm, I would get a Q or Q2 rather than getting an M lens.

[marchyman]

Switching cameras is easier/faster than switching lens.  For that reason I often carry a Q and an M 262 w/75mm lens.   If space is at a premium, e.g during motorcycle camping trips, I will leave the Q at home and take a 35mm lens in its place.

[SonomaBear]

On 12/10/2019 at 11:29 AM, IntrepidTraveller6 said:

I have found myself in a seemingly difficult decision. I have the option to purchase a new lens and cannot decide between going with a Leica Q or purchasing a new M mount lens in either 28mm or possibly wider focal length.

I have an M240 and 35 cron right now.  I can likely get a 28mm f2.8 or f2 for a little less than a used Q. 

My alternative camera is an Xpro2... so the use of a EVF and auto-focus is not a barrier. 

Lens or camera would be primarily used for street and travel photography. 

Assuming I can purchase either option within the same relative budget which do you feel would be the better option?

I prefer my Q over my 28 Elmarit on SL.  Nice to have both but I may sell the 28 Elmarit since it is rarely used.

28 Elmarit is perfect on any M, especially film Ms.  The 28 Summilux Q is the best 28 I have ever used, bar none.  

Yes, I often use the Q in manual modes.  I'm old fashioned.  But traveling with the Q is a joy since the images take themselves while I enjoy my travel.

[Ko.Fe.]

Do you still need MF? Just look at Q focus scale and 28 M focus scale. It is bad joke with Q.

[IntrepidTraveller6]

On 12/11/2019 at 2:18 PM, marchyman said:

Switching cameras is easier/faster than switching lens.  For that reason I often carry a Q and an M 262 w/75mm lens.   If space is at a premium, e.g during motorcycle camping trips, I will leave the Q at home and take a 35mm lens in its place.

Most of my travels are with a group. I run a travel company that offers tours for groups... when on tour i'm working and need to be ready to move and tend to my clients needs. This doesn't stop me from taking pictures. In fact photography is by far the best part of travel for me. This also means i'm on my feet a lot and need to carry my gear with me all the time. So keeping the weight down is important. I fear two bodies would be to much to carry and tend to. 

It is likely the Q2 is the best option for fixed lens given the resolution and ability to crop. Problem is I don't want to spend $6000 CAD right now. I've already bought a M240 and 35 cron this year and spending that much more just isn't a smart move financially. 

I fear i have caught a bad case of GAS!

[Leica Guy]

The Q and Q2 are such simple cameras with truly outstanding performance. The Fast lens, AF and sensor makes them really nice as an all around travel camera. I traveled extensively for 3+ years with a Q and now have a Q2. I know of no other camera better for traveling or I’d have it instead. 

[david strachan]

Well perhaps we all agree Mr Intrepid...use the M240 with 35mm lens...🤔

I'm not sure why you asked, if you knew the answer, through affordability,  already.

...

Edited December 13, 2019 by david strachan

[bags27]

You've already answered your question about whether you're a one or two camera body person.

So, I'd get the M24 f/3.8, which is an absolutely spectacular lens to use with decent light. It will be fantastic for very large group shots, landscapes, and large buildings and easily zone-focused for street. Excellent copies available on ebay for $2K US. It will not lose its value, and, if you don't like it, sell it for what it cost you.

[Le Chef]

Maybe you should focus on improving your photography and not worry about changing/buying gear. After all, what can you do with what you’ve got?

[Herr Barnack]

On 12/12/2019 at 11:31 PM, Le Chef said:

Maybe you should focus on improving your photography and not worry about changing/buying gear. After all, what can you do with what you’ve got?

That is certainly a worthy approach. 

 

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Hallo,

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[Zero9]

I was in the same situation few months ago... had a used 28 summicron vs used q. I chose leica q instead of the lens and I don't really regret it...

Few reasons:

1. AF is more handy in certain situations..such as when you are travelling and you want a stranger to take a photo for you. You don't want to bother with spending 5-10 minutes telling them how to manual focus...

2. the macro mode on q is a plus, otherwise you have to live with the 0.7m focusing distance.

[IntrepidTraveller6]

Update on this subject... I ended up purchasing a Leica Q used from someone in my city.