Which do use more Q2 or M11

[materry566]

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Have a question for those who have both Q2 and M11. As much as I love the Q2 I'm finding myself using the M11 more. The joy I get from shooting with the M11 and 50mm Summilux Asph is unbelievable. I got the Q2 for travel and a backup but lately I've been considering selling the Q2 and getting 35mm FLE version 2. In today's market that might be a even trade. Please give me your use habits and thoughts on this.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[JimmyT]

This doesn’t answer your question at all, but I have a Q2 and I’m trying to buy an M11 and 50lux asap because I think that setup would be about as ideal as it’d get for me. Although, after some time I could see myself ending up right where you are now, but I don’t think I’d ever part with the q2 for the days when I might need/want some autofocus. I’d just at a 35mm. 

[materry566]

I was thinking the same thing. But if I get the 35mm I'd probably never use the Q2. 

 

18 minutes ago, JimmyT said:

This doesn’t answer your question at all, but I have a Q2 and I’m trying to buy an M11 and 50lux asap because I think that setup would be about as ideal as it’d get for me. Although, after some time I could see myself ending up right where you are now, but I don’t think I’d ever part with the q2 for the days when I might need/want some autofocus. I’d just at a 35mm. 

 

 

 

 

[rustyrus]

The Q2 is what brought me to Leica...Funny enough I have never liked the camera though. I thought I was going to love it, it just never did that thing for me on a new camera after my first vacation with it. I thought it was just to massive to be a travel kit for me. I have other cameras I enjoy a bit more for a true fit in my pocket travel camera (Ricoh GR3, X100v). 

There are a million great things to say about the Q2 it just wasn't for me. 28mm also doesn't scream the need for autofocus so in 98% of all situations, an M11 with a 28 can probably get the same shot. 

If you didn't own the M11 its hard to steer someone to invest another 6-9K on a camera body plus lenses etc but you already do. You know the joy of the M vs Q. Invest in the glass would be my opinion. 

[tjxism]

I was on the same boat years back - started with a Q and went all in with an M. The main driver being getting a 35mm or 50mm. I originally thought I’d miss auto focus as I’ve never used an MF digital camera at that time, but I found myself mainly using MF on the Q.  I’ve always been using center focusing and then adjust the framing (an old habit), and I find MF works more consistently with my shooting style. 
 

I think your mileage will vary a little bit as Q is basically an excellent EVF-M with a wonderful 28mm lens. If you can manage taking 2 cameras with you it’ll be more efficient than changing lenses on the go. Plus 35mm is too close to an 50mm. Unless you’ll fall into the rabbit hole of older lenses, you can get most of rhe modern 35mm lens look by cropping a little with the Q files. 

[Alobelo]

My Leica journey started with the Q2 and I still use it a lot, especially when travelling with my family because it requires very little concentration to be used and doesn't make me disengaged from the actual activity that may be on hand, if you know what I mean. On the other hand I very much enjoy using the M11 + 50mm summicron when I want and can be more mindful about the process of photography, usually if on my own somewhere, not with the family. Wouldn't want to part with either Q2 or M11. Actually thinking of selling MP + 35mm summicron both of which I hardly use. 

[Herr Barnack]

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34 minutes ago, Alobelo said:

...Actually thinking of selling MP + 35mm summicron both of which I hardly use. 

If I may, my advice about selling is always the same:  Unless you are between a serious rock and a hard place financially, don't do it. 

Six months or less down the road, you will regret selling.  Been there, done that, never again.

Sell the kids, sell the wife if you have to but not the MP and 35 'cron.  If you sell the kids and keep the wife, there's plenty more where the first batch came from.

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer

For the parents out there who are about to bash me as being a monster, I type in jest about selling the kids. 

Mostly...  😊

Edited February 20, 2023 by Herr Barnack

[newtoleica]

I did own a Q2 for 6 months. It's very high quality and the images speak for themselves with that real 'look'. However it seemed an expensive overkill alongside an M, especially if you duplicate the 28-35 range. It's too similar looking, and a bit too big. It makes great sense as an only Leica camera, but if you got into the M series.... However there is a place for a small AF digital camera for more casual stuff so all your family pictures don't look like they've been grabbed with an iPhone....

My solution was a used Sony RX1Rii for £1400. full frame fixed lens AF, high quality BSI sensor, but smaller than a Q2 and has a 35mm lens. Suits me better and lives in my work backpack and comes out on family trips. The other stuff I keep for serious photography when I can concentrate...

[augustwest100]

I've been down that road before many times. One clue to your thinking: in which forum do you post the question? That's probably what you want.

I presently have my Q2 Reporter up for sale in the classifieds, and I own an M11. I was actually considering the same question and may end up listing both and seeing which one feels "easier" to part with.  The Q system is very capable to carry wherever, whenever. You get the "aesthetic" of simplicity, autofocus and macro when you want it, and freedom from GAS. I find that when I go for the Q, I am in the same mindset as I would be if I were to pick up my Rolleiflex, for example, I don't waste a minute thinking about what "focal lengths" I could use for a given situation. It's just the one lens, and you do have some flexibility for cropping, especially with the Q2. Another strength of the Q system is that you can see what your image looks like in the viewfinder, and I find that makes me much less likely to "chimp" -- I am confident the images are exposed correctly because I've already seen them. The form factor is quite nice, and I have no problems "wearing" it all day. I feel that you wear a Q where you "carry" everything else.

The M11: I generally prefer to see the "real world" through as little glass and processing as possible. If you like the optical experience, go for one of the M's. I also like the ability to switch between digital M and film M bodies. However, the shooting process is very different for me. I am exposing for shadows on film, and exposing for highlights on digital. The newer lenses are starting to provide closer focus distances using live view, but I think the Q macro solution is quite seamless and a joy to use.

My conclusion is that they are both amazing! I think a lot of my energy is spent on trying to decide which to bring in what circumstances, and therefore I am personally trying to simplify.

 

 

[CDodkin]

M11 winning out 2.5:1 over the Q2 for me.

Makes sense - more lenses to choose from.

[dpitt]

3 hours ago, Alobelo said:

My Leica journey started with the Q2 and I still use it a lot, especially when travelling with my family because it requires very little concentration to be used and doesn't make me disengaged from the actual activity that may be on hand, if you know what I mean. On the other hand I very much enjoy using the M11 + 50mm summicron when I want and can be more mindful about the process of photography, usually if on my own somewhere, not with the family. Wouldn't want to part with either Q2 or M11. Actually thinking of selling MP + 35mm summicron both of which I hardly use. 

Keep the 35 Summicron. Did you try it on the M11? Could be that 35 mm is not for you, but I would not sell it.

[augustwest100]

I also think M11 and Q2 is a little too "close" to keep both. The Q2 works great as a supplemental camera when I take out my Rollei, and it works great with an SL2S with a longer lens on it, like the 75 APO, and they share the same battery.

I also echo the other advice given about selling lenses. Try not to sell glass if you can avoid it. 

[TheEyesHaveIt]

Like other folks have mentioned, once I got the M11 + 35 Lux, the Q2 seemed a little redundant to me so I sold it. In retrospect, I'm a little torn still given the Q2 had a few nice things going for it beyond what the M11 provides (macro mode, weather sealing, EVF which can be handy). I'm going to travel soon with my M11 for the first time - I loved the Q2 as a travel camera. If I feel some shortcomings with the M11 that the Q2 would've been better at, I will consider a Q3 whenever it is announced.

[DenverSteve]

Honestly, no matter what the answers are, they can't help you.  We all shoot differently.  Why can't you have both?  I agree with Herr Barnack, unless you need the space, or the money, I would keep it.  To your question - I usually use them together.  The Q2 with the 28 pairs perfectly, for me, with the M11 and 50mm.  Toss a 75 in the bag and everything is covered.

[scroy]

I loved my Q2 would still have it, if I didn't lose it on a flight 🙄. Great travel camera. It's also a great camera for family pics as well where more precise focus is important to catch fast moving kids.  The M11 is just different, I love it as its a great camera for me, but I cannot hand to someone to get a pic of my with my boys.

[Olaf_ZG]

It is the curse of the Q: when you sold it, you regret it, when you have it, you use another cam.

Weathersealing, macro and one hand control are things an M doesn’t have and why a Q could come in handy.

I decided for a Q2 alongside a monochrom with 50mm. To me, a great combo.

[ianforber]

I kept my Q2 when buying my M11 rather than trading it in. Since then, it’s hardly had any use. I’m still not thinking about trading it in but I can’t help but play with my new(ish) toy. 

[w00tw00t]

I am in the same boat and just found this thread. I have a Q2 reporter and love it to bits! I'm currently traveling to India and it's been a joy to use out and about as it's quite unobtrusive and I don't have to think about focal lengths.

That said, I am suffering from extreme gas about the M11. I really want to try a rangefinder and I'll probably order one soon along with either a 35 or a 50.

I also own a SL2-S Reporter. My dilemma is the same, should I sell the Q2, or should I sell the SL2-S. I love the SL2-S too and have taken amazing photos with it. However it is quite heavy and big.

I do need to sell one of these... Q2 or SL2-S ... most likely I'll keep the Q2, get a 35 M lens for my M11 and sell the SL2-S + the L lenses I own.. 

 

Edited February 21, 2023 by w00tw00t

[w00tw00t]

4 hours ago, w00tw00t said:

I am in the same boat and just found this thread. I have a Q2 reporter and love it to bits! I'm currently traveling to India and it's been a joy to use out and about as it's quite unobtrusive and I don't have to think about focal lengths.

That said, I am suffering from extreme gas about the M11. I really want to try a rangefinder and I'll probably order one soon along with either a 35 or a 50.

I also own a SL2-S Reporter. My dilemma is the same, should I sell the Q2, or should I sell the SL2-S. I love the SL2-S too and have taken amazing photos with it. However it is quite heavy and big.

I do need to sell one of these... Q2 or SL2-S ... most likely I'll keep the Q2, get a 35 M lens for my M11 and sell the SL2-S + the L lenses I own.. 

 

Or I just might sell the Q2 Reporter too haha! .. and just keep the M11 and get a VisoFlex 2 for specific scenarios 

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[materry566]

1. As much as I like the ease of use with the Q2 I'm not too crazy about 28mm. I find myself cropping to 35 and 50. 50mm is what I mainly use on M11 except for model shoots which I use more 75mm. I also enjoy the 90mm summarit on the M11. Trying not to get into the habit of carrying multiple primes as I did with Cannon for so many years. My switch to the Leica system has been nothing short of amazing for me and my approach to photography. Keeping things simple has definitely made me focus more on creating as opposed to getting so many shots.