New Appreciation of my Leica Q

[lencap]

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Greetings -

A few years ago I bought a Leica Q titanium after growing tired of the many menus/buttons on my Nikon D3500/5500 cameras.  I also regretted selling my Leica M7/M9/MA bodies and 35mm Summarit/50mm Summicron lenses.  I used the camera for a while, but became frustrated with the 28mm focal length (I've been a 50mm lens user for many years).  In frustration I decided to try something else, cycling through the FUJI X series camera and last year adding a Nikon Z6 with the 24-70 F/4.0 kit zoom.  

I tried to convince myself that the Nikon would be "The One" - great reviews, lots of features, full frame sensor, 24MB sensor, very good video capability, changeable lenses - seemingly a good package.  I even got used to the high cost of XQD cards.  As I began using the camera initially all was well, it did what I wanted, but then I slowly began to get frustrated yet again.  The zoom worked well enough, and the F/4.0 speed was fine given the relatively clean higher ISO images.  What began to bother me was what brought me to Leica in the first place - the many menus/choices/and buttons all over the place that had dual functions or other non-intuitive settings/uses.

So, starting a few days ago I dusted off the Q and began shooting with it. And then I realized why I bought it in the first place.  The autofocus is reasonable enough - especially with the firmware updates - but I rediscovered the joy and ease of manual focus, especially with focus peaking.  I also learned a trick (a training video by Thorsten Overgaard) suggesting that I place the viewfinder in black/white mode instead of the default color setting.  That change, coupled with focus peaking makes manual focus easy and almost foolproof.  It reminded me of the MA - basic photography with some extra tricks that make things easier.  

The other tip was respecting distance when composing.  Since the 28mm perspective may require you to "get close" to get the framing you want, I typically did just that - got closer.  But along with that change in distance I soon realized that facial images were distorted, sometimes pretty dramatically.  It was my lack of knowledge/skill that caused me to get too close.  By stepping back I now have the option of cropping the image to keep things in perspective and preserving the ability to not carry an assortment of lenses, as I do with my Nikon DSLRs.

I began to consider simplifying my camera life - sell the D5500/Z6 kit, and use that money to upgrade to the Q2.  The logic is that with the greater sensor I can choose between 28/25/50/75 crops in camera and essentially have a four lens kit on a single fixed lens platform.  While I still am entertaining that thought, I also realized that the Q I originally bought has other benefits.  The 24MP file size is more than adequate for my needs (I haven't printed a photo in years), the colors of the Q are still amazing, and I began to wonder if upgrading is really worth it.  Also having a DSLR with interchangeable lenses may still be useful for shooting rapidly moving grandchildren or other uses, but the more I play with my Q the more I realize how right Leica got this camera and how well it's aged over the years.  And I haven't even mentioned the macro capabilities - sometimes I just switch back and forth between regular and macro mode just to see how elegantly Leica designed the camera, and how functional it is in all settings.

Overall, I'm still on the fence about upgrading, especially since I'm now "stepping back" to eliminate facial distortion, and considering if the higher resolution of the Q2 may make cropping yield more images with high pixel density suitable for enlarging.  Finally, compared to buying a used SL (which was my original plan) the smaller Q is far easier to use and carry, doesn't require extra lenses, and being smaller will always be in reach when I want to take a shot.  

If you're on the fence about what Leica camera is best for your needs, take a look at the Q before you decide.

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

[HighlandK]

I have long come to the view that 24MP is something of a sweet spot for FF sensors. Provided you do not want massive prints from too heavy a crop. I used to have the Nikon D850 with its 47MP FF sensor and found that it really benefitted from a tripod unless high shutter speeds were available. A great camera and some great lenses - especially the f2.8s. BUT heavy kit and so migrated to the Z6 - age begins to take its toll! Almost in tandem with this Nikon movement I had a Q which is a brilliant travel camera and so lightweight compared to the D850. For me an excellent combination at the time. Having got the Z6 a year ago with some of the excellent glass I hankered after the extra cropability of a Q2 and swapped out the Q for a Q2. I find none of the high MP count usability issues I did with the D850. For me the Z6 and Q2 make a perfect pair. The Z6 with a range of current and legacy glass gives greater flexibility in a range of circumstances but the Q2 is a magical companion. 

Certainly I would agree that the Q is an excellent camera and there are some good used bargains to be had. Provided you do not want to print a large and heavily cropped image the results are excellent. A3 prints with some cropping to 35mm crop or even more are more than acceptable in my experience.

Don't tell my wife but I could have continued to live happily with my Q for many years. 🤨

[prk60091]

From the Q sensor i have 2 36” x 24” prints hanging in my weekend place that are spectacular (i have many A2 sized as well) the Q sensor is very good

i have no experience with the Q2

[lencap]

When I wrote this post I had no idea that a Monochrome Q2 was coming in a few days.  Initial reviews seem universally positive.  I didn't realize that there was such demand for pure B&W sensor camera - I just converted color to B&W when I wanted that effect.  Glad to see that Leica has some tricks up its sleeve for the Q line.

[wda]

lencap, if you can resist the seductive upgrade siren, if you are satisfied with the file size and quality of your Q results; please do not rush into chasing the latest.

If I find myself having doubts about a camera or lens, I deliberately put it away for a period of time. When I liberate that out-of-favour item, I do so building on my earlier experience and shoot with it for a week. Invariably I feel like I have a new camera in my hands and I continue to enjoy my photography with refreshed eyes. Your Q will continue to give you pleasure and rich results. Instead of salivating at the thought of a new purchase, plan your next photographic challenge. Enjoy your Q!