Any M users here considering a Q3?

[Q3 Novice]

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Quote

any advantages [of] adding a Q2/3 [to] M11 and M11M

I do not have a M11 or M11M, but I have had a Q3 - for about 2 weeks. As a new Leica user I have much to discover. 

I went through a lot of soul searching - would it be value for money? (I considered an M10R and earlier models, a Q2, as well as Cannon, Sony and Fuji cameras, as I wanted a full-frame, light-weight, easy to use, high quality camera.) Part of my justification for buying the Q3 was the monochrome capabilities that I imagined the Q3 would have. Even though it is early days, I am blown away by the picture quality - both monochrome and colour. I will now have to much improve my photographic skills!

My preliminary view is that the Q3 is really a bit like an M11 (dare I say it), with possibly similar functionalities and build-quality, at a much lower cost (c £6,200 with Leica accessories), and weight. The lens is f/1.7 (not f/1.4), but it is a Summilux. It is a fixed 28mm lens (actually 24/5mm?), with in-camera crop facility, which combined with 60 MP sensor is really useful. The M11 has the capability to interchange lenses (and of course Leica offers a large number of lustworthy lenses), slightly higher ISO and Shutter Speed (mechanical and electronic), Gorilla Glass screen, etc while the Q3 has BSI CMOS, IBIS, latest Maestro IV Processor, Autofocus capability and better AF detection, built-in EVF, tilting LCD (I find it useful for some photographic positions), and short movie capability (not tried yet), etc. 

I am happy with my Q3. As Overgaad reminds, I now have to wear my Q3, go out and take pictures.

I would like to hear what others think. Cherio.

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[mekener]

I have a m11 and a q2.

-If I go out for a day in nature I attach the q2 on a tripod. I do landscapes, seascapes and longer exposures with the q2 while the m11 is attached around my neck with the 50mm. The q2 is very easy to use in those situations as everything is mostly in focus with the 28mm(especially with a nd filter), the scale on the lens just works and the photos turn out great. I use the m11 for the spur of the moment things that pique my interest.

-If I'm traveling of taking a walk in the city I almost always use the m11 and a m3. The 28 mm gets too wide, too confusing for me in such settings but thats just me. Perhaps I don't possess the ability level...

-If it's a family event or a night out drinking with friends I just get the q2 because it's so easy to focus and the ibis really helps, especially after a few drinks when my hands get shaky. I also want to actually be in some photos some of the time. Almost anyone can take a photo with the q2.

-I think the q2 is a great backup for the m11 so it doesn't make sense selling it, they team up perfectly. Instead of a 28mm and a 35mm you have a great backup camera with you.

[rich_]

Not yet for me as the Q2 serving well and I love the appearance of the reporter model. 
I use the M for fun and the Q when I need less effort and focus on the actual event at hand! 

The build quality and feel of the Qs is good but it’s not on the same page as the Ms. 
If someone tried to rob our apartment then I know which camera will be swinging around my head on its strap flail style! 
 

Edited June 10, 2023 by rich_
Typo as usual!

[LocalHero1953]

1 hour ago, rich_ said:

The build quality and feel of the Qs is good but it’s not on the same page as the Ms. 

As a digital M owner up to the M240 (but now only MP/M4 owner) and a current Q2 owner, I'm surprised at this. How does the M build quality differ from the Q? Weight has no bearing on build quality, but I guess some might prefer the feel of the weight.

Edited June 10, 2023 by LocalHero1953

[rich_]

I was comparing an MP, M10 to a q2 Reporter.  I think both a bit lighter than the Q with my small lenses. 

For me the Q2 doesn’t feel as sturdy. It feels similar to a high end Sony A9, A1.
If I were to drop it feels like it would explode in pieces vs dent. When tapping it feels less solid most likely to the anti shake sensor stuff. 
When I sold some Ms years back i definitely missed how they felt in hand vs when I sold a Q it was just another camera. 
 

[Kiwimac]

On 6/11/2023 at 1:32 AM, LocalHero1953 said:

As a digital M owner up to the M240 (but now only MP/M4 owner) and a current Q2 owner, I'm surprised at this. How does the M build quality differ from the Q? Weight has no bearing on build quality, but I guess some might prefer the feel of the weight.

I owned a Q1. 
 

In a padded case, it rolled off a sofa onto a carpet tile floor. About 2 feet in height. Had to be returned to Germany for a new top plate because the inset where the exposure compensation dial is had been dented enough in that drop to be pushed against the dial and prevent it moving. 
 

Pretty sure an M would have survived that. 

[LocalHero1953]

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Just seen this post. 
As an owner of film and digital Ms and a Q2, I’ve seen nothing to suggest a M has better build quality than a Q. 
TBH I doubt it’s possible to tell build quality from the outside. Most things that go wrong with digital cameras are on the inside. 

Edited June 13, 2023 by LocalHero1953

[Patrick Morgan]

Thankfully, I have an M11 and my wife has a q2. I do love the optical quality and lens of the Q2 (and obviously would love the Q3). I only use her Q2 when I want a second small body or for northern lights photography with the wider focal length and the super 1.7 Summilux. (NOTE: I have taken northern lights photos with the M11 as well, an example with the 50mm Summicron below). But personally, I tend to prefer the experience of manual focus and using the range finder patch over the enhancements and ease of a Q.  I also have a Sony system for extreme focal lengths (mainly 12mm to 24mm and longer than 70mm), but I find I use my M11 much more than those as well. Recently, I was in China for two week and only took an M11 with a 50mm and could not have been happier.

But it all depends on you, how much you want to carry (whether you need two bodies - 2 Ms, 1 M and 1 Q3, 1 M and another non-Leica brand), whether a 28mm makes more sense than a new Q, and what you value in photography. 

You mention valuing the slowing down mentality. If that is the case, I think you already have your answer (unless you value having a small second body with autofocus). 

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Edited June 15, 2023 by Patrick Morgan

[Davidms]

What is GAS?

[dugby]

10 hours ago, Davidms said:

What is GAS?

In Covid times, it was something you couldn’t smell, and if you could smell it, you didn’t have Covid, but you weren’t sufficiently socially distancing to the person in front of you….

[THEME]

On 5/14/2023 at 3:20 AM, DBounce said:

I have a M11M and may consider the Q3. I could see it being used when I want a small weather sealed color option. I’m hoping the video is usable and AF improved.

The Q is not small. It actually looks quite big when you see it, mainly because of the monstrous AF lens...

[THEME]

15 hours ago, Davidms said:

What is GAS?

Gear Aquisition Syndrome, a common Leica condition.

[DBounce]

On 10/12/2023 at 8:21 AM, THEME said:

The Q is not small. It actually looks quite big when you see it, mainly because of the monstrous AF lens...

I ended up preordering the Q3. But in the ultimately parted ways with it. The build did not feel on the same level as the M series. Also the video was not great imo. Honestly, it’s not a camera I miss.

Edited October 13, 2023 by DBounce