Another Q with maybe 85mm lens?

[nick h]

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I am thinking more and more how good a longer lens version of the Q2 would be. I have talked to some other photographers who use Q/Q2s (mainly news photographers) and when I have mentioned it they all said they also would like that.  A perfect combination for me, for photojournalism, would be two bodies a 28mm and a longer one, say 75mm to 90mm. Maybe F2?

Any thoughts on this? What would your ideal combination be?

I have just been on a trip where I had my Nikon gear and ended up using my Q2 more and more, but still needed a Nikon with 85mm. I would have much preferred to have 2 Leica Qs.

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[Guest]

So your problem is solved… 

49 minutes ago, nick h said:

A perfect combination for me, for photojournalism, would be two bodies a 28mm and a longer one, say 75mm to 90mm. Maybe F2?

 

49 minutes ago, nick h said:

ended up using my Q2 more and more, but still needed a Nikon with 85mm.

 

[nick h]

Hah! I would prefer the consistency of the same 'look' of the images and a lighter camera...

[bobtodrick]

Discussed two weeks ago

 

[Guest]

Then choose a lighter Leica that has a lens system you require, CL, TL or M. Leica chose the Q to be a fixed lens of 28mm, why does it need to change?

[darylgo]

Many have expressed the desire for longer focal lengths than 28mm.  Ricoh has the equivalent of 40mm in their GR. That Leica has discontinued the CL makes me think they will introduce more Q bodies with other focal lengths.  The solution of cropping in the present Q2 at best is barely acceptable, however if the Q3 has 60mp and a 40-50mm Summilux lens 85mm would be 30mp+ and acceptable (for my use). 

[LeicaKyu2]

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The Ricoh GR IIIx 40mm is APS-C, not full frame – not a big deal for me. It pairs excellently with the Q2 at an even smaller form factor but not nearly as fun and pleasurable to shoot with (imo). 

[darylgo]

On 11/2/2022 at 8:04 PM, LeicaKyu2 said:

The Ricoh GR IIIx 40mm is APS-C, not full frame – not a big deal for me. It pairs excellently with the Q2 at an even smaller form factor but not nearly as fun and pleasurable to shoot with (imo). 

+1

Edited November 7, 2022 by darylgo

[Herr Barnack]

An 85mm Q? 

I wouldn't hold my breath...

[Einst_Stein]

On 11/2/2022 at 4:28 AM, nick h said:

I am thinking more and more how good a longer lens version of the Q2 would be. I have talked to some other photographers who use Q/Q2s (mainly news photographers) and when I have mentioned it they all said they also would like that.  A perfect combination for me, for photojournalism, would be two bodies a 28mm and a longer one, say 75mm to 90mm. Maybe F2?

Any thoughts on this? What would your ideal combination be?

I have just been on a trip where I had my Nikon gear and ended up using my Q2 more and more, but still needed a Nikon with 85mm. I would have much preferred to have 2 Leica Qs.

Good dream! I bet you know 85mm is unlikely! Even far unlikely than 28-70mm or 24-90mm zoom. 
 

[Le Chef]

I'm hoping that Leica has the discipline to stick with the original design brief of a fixed, high quality wide-angle lens full frame camera. And that's it. I always think it's sad when people take things like Land Rover Defenders and add all sort of puffery - bigger engines, low profile tires and acres of quilted leather and in the process lose sight of the essence of the Defender and what its purpose is.

My view is if you want a Q with zoom lenses or different focal lengths or "enhanced" video, look elsewhere.

Edited November 7, 2022 by Le Chef

[Viv]

16 minutes ago, Le Chef said:

I'm hoping that Leica has the discipline to stick with the original design brief of a fixed, high quality wide-angle lens full frame camera. And that's it. I always think it's sad when people take things like Land Rover Defenders and add all sort of puffery - bigger engines, low profile tires and acres of quilted leather and in the process lose sight of the essence of the Defender and what its purpose is.

My view is if you want a Q with zoom lenses or different focal lengths or "enhanced" video, look elsewhere.

I agree.

The files from the Q2 permit considerable cropping while maintaining image quality.

[Phil75]

vor 49 Minuten schrieb Le Chef:

I'm hoping that Leica has the discipline to stick with the original design brief of a fixed, high quality wide-angle lens full frame camera. And that's it. I always think it's sad when people take things like Land Rover Defenders and add all sort of puffery - bigger engines, low profile tires and acres of quilted leather and in the process lose sight of the essence of the Defender and what its purpose is.

My view is if you want a Q with zoom lenses or different focal lengths or "enhanced" video, look elsewhere.

I'd prefer a Q with 28-70 zoom similar to the X Vario's, however this isn't realistic, as most will again complain about the "poor" max. aperture, if you want to keep such a lens small and handy. Current Q-concept is great, and a bigger sensor will lead to more than acceptable, cropped pictures comparable to even a 24 MP M-body.

Edited November 7, 2022 by Phil75

[LocalHero1953]

Think of a fast 85mm full frame lens with AF and OIS - put that on the front of a Q2.
Do you still want that beast?

Think of the smallest full frame lenses: they are typically 28mm or 35mm.
That's why I want to stick to 28mm.

 

[Anakronox]

That’s a resounding no for me.  I’ve not found myself in a situation with the Q2M or Q2 where I thought “I really need a telephoto lens.”  The 28mm performs exactly as I expect and I don’t go out with it to take photos with any other focal lengths in mind.  I suppose that everyone’s expectations are different, but since this is a personal question, my very personal opinion is no.  Not needed nor wanted.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go yell at some kids to get off my damn lawn. 

[Siriusone59]

I think it was smart marketing on Leica's part.  Putting an excellent lens on the Q series gets one hooked on the brand, at least it worked with me.  After a while of wishing for a longer lens I considered the M.  So now Leica has sold another camera and a few lenses.  Still love the Q but have a M for other focal lengths.  It's an addiction.🤪

[darylgo]

For all the nay sayers, you might be correct for all the reasons you state however if anyone could put a longer fast lens with exceptional IQ into a Q it’s Leica.  It may require exotic glass, it’s cost higher, perhaps a limited edition.  The photographic industry is in a rather unfortunate position financially except for Leica, who has hit home runs with innovative thinking.  

[darylgo]

Just now, Herr Barnack said:

An 85mm Q? 

I wouldn't hold my breath...

As with anything Leica.
And only when pressing the shutter.  

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[Herr Barnack]

20 hours ago, Anakronox said:

That’s a resounding no for me.  I’ve not found myself in a situation with the Q2M or Q2 where I thought “I really need a telephoto lens.”  The 28mm performs exactly as I expect and I don’t go out with it to take photos with any other focal lengths in mind.  I suppose that everyone’s expectations are different, but since this is a personal question, my very personal opinion is no.  Not needed nor wanted.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go yell at some kids to get off my damn lawn. 

I think he means it.  😳

Edited November 8, 2022 by Herr Barnack

[Stuart Richardson]

23 hours ago, Le Chef said:

I'm hoping that Leica has the discipline to stick with the original design brief of a fixed, high quality wide-angle lens full frame camera. And that's it. I always think it's sad when people take things like Land Rover Defenders and add all sort of puffery - bigger engines, low profile tires and acres of quilted leather and in the process lose sight of the essence of the Defender and what its purpose is.

My view is if you want a Q with zoom lenses or different focal lengths or "enhanced" video, look elsewhere.

This is quite a weird analogy. No one is asking for something different in the body, handling or cosmetics, they are just asking for a different focal length. I think a better analogy based on the Defender would be the Defender 90 vs the Defender 110. Essentially the same vehicle with a longer wheelbase. Not everyone is enamored of the very wide 28mm in the Q series...it seems that it was what they could make with the technical constraints at the time. I suspect it was also because they were targeting younger users and new users to Leica who are used to things like the 28mm in iPhones. That said, historically Leica's compact cameras have been offered with a 35mm or 40mm lens, such as the ones in the Minilux, CM and CL. 85mm is unlikely to appeal to many users, so I do not suspect we will see one of those, but a 40mm could be a possibility, and certainly would be a preference for me. Offering a wide angle and normal version of fixed lens cameras is well-trodden territory and has been successful in the past. Fuji has done it multiple times with their medium format fixed lens cameras and the Klasse cameras, Plaubel did it with their Makinas, Nikon with the Ti series, and of course Ricoh has done it as well. I think adding a different focal length does not change what the Q is...it is still an ultra-premium compact fixed lens camera with a full frame sensor with Leica's interface and color. Adding another lens option for photographers who do not shoot as wide does not change what it is, it just opens it up to more photographers. If you are happy with the 28mm, count yourself extremely lucky, as you have already had two generations to choose from.