Leica Q3 Waitlist/Stock/Shipment

[rayansb]

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9 hours ago, BobsFirstLeica said:

What other cams do you own?  Do you need 60mp?  Have you tried buying from Leica themselves?  Before I got my Q3 I traveled to Italy for 2 weeks.  The Q2 was more than adequate the whole time I was there and that was my main camera.  The A7R5 is a nice cam, one I own.  If you check the Q3 image thread from many weeks back I did a rough comparison of the Q3 with the R5/25mm Zeiss Batis.  Similar results but the Q3 is a lot more pleasurable to carry.

Bob

Thanks for your reply, Bob. I'm not a professional photographer but I'm after excellent image quality as I print a lot. I've been shooting on a very aging Sony DSLR and a budget Canon EOS Rebel T8i DSLR bought at an overseas trip a few years ago. 

8 hours ago, Miltz said:

I’m actually thinking the same same thing, except with the 24mm 1.4 GM which is very close to the 28mm 1.7 as the 28mm is really 26mm. 2mm real world difference. The 1.4 will give me better low light and we know the autofocus is much better. I also think the Sony will be sharper than the Leica in the corners especially when matched to equal f stops. It’s taking Leica 2 months to fill 1 hour of orders from B&H on launch day. They are up to 10am now. That means I’m 6 months away at 2PM. I was hopeful things would improve but with Leica’s recent emails to customers they have no sign of improving. 

Thanks your reply, Miltz. I did the math, the Sony with an ultra compact prime lens for traveling would be slightly heavier than the Q3. I'd be okay with that. I placed my order with B&H on June 30th. At their current pace, I'm more than likely to see the Q3 in 2024!

7 hours ago, adrianh said:

I do own the A7Rv, along with M11 and couple summiluxe and just received the Q3. The A7Rv does not feel so premium and exclusive as the Q3 and especially the M11, but boy is this a machine. AF is in a completely different league than the Q3. The EVF is the biggest and sharpest on the market, all other pale in comparison. Btw, I have put the A7Rv with the 50mm 1.4 GM lens on a scale against the M11 with the 50 Summilux and the weight difference xwas negligible, especialy when you gain AF and stabilization. The GM 24-70GM2 is sensational and there is a 35-150 2-2.8 Tamron Zoom that is also great, albeit heavy. Q3 is of course more compact (however you could combine the Sony with a compact prime) but in terms of IQ I think the A7Rv is comparable and way more flexible. And you might buy a Q3  later to complement the A7RV if you still lust after it. Just my 2 cts. 

Thanks, adrianh. I really really love the Q3! My father used to own a Leica in the 80's and he freakin' adored that thing! it's probably overkill for my purposes but I want it. I'm thinking since B&H already charged me (they immediately charge all non-US orders), I may as well just wait. Your suggestion is good, I'm gonna get the A7RV and with close to a thousand dollar discount, it's very encouraging. 

7 hours ago, petereprice said:

I own the Sony A7rV as well as the Q2M, M10-R, SL2-S. The A7rV is a fantastic camera that can handle very compact depending on the lens you use.  The 24GM is my favorite lens and I would highly recommend it as it’s sharp while still giving you character.  However there are a few other options that are also great like the Samyang 24mm f1.8 which is extremely light and compact and the Sigma 24mm f2 DG DN which has an aperture ring and nice build and optics.  All three of these options are close to the 28 Summilux on the Q3 because the 28 on the Q’s are really closer to a 26.

Additionally you have the same sensor resolution with the ability to shoot in MRAW and SRAW like the Q3.  

It’s not as compact but pretty close when shooting with small primes on the Sony.  The Sony A7rV has really good color and I’ve matched Leica and Sony photos before when using them both for shoots.  I have a suspicion that the A7rV’s sensor is the one in the M11 and Q3, but it’s just a hunch. 
 

If you need a camera now, and want the closest experience to the Q3 as you can depending on your priority of size/ergonomics or resolution and image quality, I would seriously consider the A7rV or a Q2 for your upcoming travels! 

Thanks for your suggestions, petereprice. I really like the Q2 but I'm not experienced enough to handle the lack of a tiltable screen. 

--

Thank you all for your input, I really appreciate it. I've decided to get the A7RV and keep my Q3 order with B&H. I know I'm gonna get the Q3 anyways and knowing myself, even if I canceled today, I'd just buy it 2024. I'll be using the A7RV on my trips to Japan and South Korea this year. 

 

 

[adrianh]

1 hour ago, rayansb said:

Thank you all for your input, I really appreciate it. I've decided to get the A7RV and keep my Q3 order with B&H. I know I'm gonna get the Q3 anyways and knowing myself, even if I canceled today, I'd just buy it 2024. I'll be using the A7RV on my trips to Japan and South Korea this year. 

 

 

Makes absolutely sense, and they will complement each other very well. You'll probably love the all around power and capabilities of the Sony and adore the Leica for the looks,  haptics and ergonomics. 

[Neimad]

On 7/20/2023 at 5:50 AM, CalStanford said:

Don't believe those folks. They're making stuff up to keep you as a customer. I ordered 25 May around 1045 and was told "ETA Mid July, you'll have it in two weeks". Now it's "in 10 days" (so end of July/getting it in August?). It's all made up bull.

B&H is most likely the best place to put a pre-order. Their process is very clear and formal. I have pre-ordered a few cameras like the GFX100s and R5 the day they were announced, and I received them a few weeks later.

However, when it comes to ordering a Leica, I used to think that Leica stores were better. Unfortunately, my experience with Leica stores has been quite disappointing. Leica store SoHo in particular is probably the worst place to pre-order. They don't communicate their rules clearly, and you seemingly need to have some sort of connection or be a "friend" with the store to secure a pre-order.

In the past, I bought some M cameras and M lenses from them when they had the products in stock, and everything went smoothly. So, I decided to give them a chance with the Q3. When the camera was announced, I called the store right at the opening to pre-order. They assured me that there would be no cost, and they would put my name on a list. However, what they failed to mention was that the list had started back in 2021, which is quite frustrating. It's absurd that people can put their names down with no commitment two years before a camera is even announced, and there is no way to confirm whether your name is actually on the list or not.

After realizing this, I decided to order from B&H, but I'm probably way down the line now. Lesson learned, next time, I will stick to my previous approach and order from B&H on the day of the announcement, just like I did in the past.

[petereprice]

47 minutes ago, Neimad said:

B&H is most likely the best place to put a pre-order. Their process is very clear and formal. I have pre-ordered a few cameras like the GFX100s and R5 the day they were announced, and I received them a few weeks later.

However, when it comes to ordering a Leica, I used to think that Leica stores were better. Unfortunately, my experience with Leica stores has been quite disappointing. Leica store SoHo in particular is probably the worst place to pre-order. They don't communicate their rules clearly, and you seemingly need to have some sort of connection or be a "friend" with the store to secure a pre-order.

In the past, I bought some M cameras and M lenses from them when they had the products in stock, and everything went smoothly. So, I decided to give them a chance with the Q3. When the camera was announced, I called the store right at the opening to pre-order. They assured me that there would be no cost, and they would put my name on a list. However, what they failed to mention was that the list had started back in 2021, which is quite frustrating. It's absurd that people can put their names down with no commitment two years before a camera is even announced, and there is no way to confirm whether your name is actually on the list or not.

After realizing this, I decided to order from B&H, but I'm probably way down the line now. Lesson learned, next time, I will stick to my previous approach and order from B&H on the day of the announcement, just like I did in the past.

Yeah..I have not had good experience with the Leica Store Soho either.  It’s rather disturbing to hear that their list started back in 2021.  They are not a corporate store so they don’t follow some of the guidelines that the corporate stores do like the DC or Boston stores.  I once bought a 50mm f2 Summicron-M there and the outer box was open.  I asked them if this was new and they assured me it was but they started opening the box.  One of the clerks was eating his lunch, wiped his hands on his pants and proceeded to try and handle my new product before I stopped him in his tracks.  I proceeded to purchase the lens as quickly as I could and got the hell out of there.  I’m never going back to that store again.  They have generally been rude and not very knowledgeable. Had much better experience with the LA store and the London Mayfair stores which are corporate stores.  I hear an actual Leica corporate store is opening in New York this fall.  Can’t wait!

I’ve also had really great experience working with the online store customer service as well.  Haven’t had any luck picking up a Q3 anywhere though.  Slow going and the preorder process and many resellers seems long and disorganized unless you prepay at which point you get priority. 

[Miltz]

6 hours ago, Neimad said:

B&H is most likely the best place to put a pre-order. Their process is very clear and formal. I have pre-ordered a few cameras like the GFX100s and R5 the day they were announced, and I received them a few weeks later.

However, when it comes to ordering a Leica, I used to think that Leica stores were better. Unfortunately, my experience with Leica stores has been quite disappointing. Leica store SoHo in particular is probably the worst place to pre-order. They don't communicate their rules clearly, and you seemingly need to have some sort of connection or be a "friend" with the store to secure a pre-order.

In the past, I bought some M cameras and M lenses from them when they had the products in stock, and everything went smoothly. So, I decided to give them a chance with the Q3. When the camera was announced, I called the store right at the opening to pre-order. They assured me that there would be no cost, and they would put my name on a list. However, what they failed to mention was that the list had started back in 2021, which is quite frustrating. It's absurd that people can put their names down with no commitment two years before a camera is even announced, and there is no way to confirm whether your name is actually on the list or not.

After realizing this, I decided to order from B&H, but I'm probably way down the line now. Lesson learned, next time, I will stick to my previous approach and order from B&H on the day of the announcement, just like I did in the past.

They started a list in 2021? That’s absurd. It’s so ridiculous I can’t even comment on it. Thanks for the tip, as I’ll never use them now. That’s one of the drawbacks of independent Leica stores. They can do whatever they want and take care of their friends first and everyone else gets pushed aside.

[CalStanford]

12 hours ago, Neimad said:

B&H is most likely the best place to put a pre-order. Their process is very clear and formal. I have pre-ordered a few cameras like the GFX100s and R5 the day they were announced, and I received them a few weeks later.

However, when it comes to ordering a Leica, I used to think that Leica stores were better. Unfortunately, my experience with Leica stores has been quite disappointing. Leica store SoHo in particular is probably the worst place to pre-order. They don't communicate their rules clearly, and you seemingly need to have some sort of connection or be a "friend" with the store to secure a pre-order.

In the past, I bought some M cameras and M lenses from them when they had the products in stock, and everything went smoothly. So, I decided to give them a chance with the Q3. When the camera was announced, I called the store right at the opening to pre-order. They assured me that there would be no cost, and they would put my name on a list. However, what they failed to mention was that the list had started back in 2021, which is quite frustrating. It's absurd that people can put their names down with no commitment two years before a camera is even announced, and there is no way to confirm whether your name is actually on the list or not.

After realizing this, I decided to order from B&H, but I'm probably way down the line now. Lesson learned, next time, I will stick to my previous approach and order from B&H on the day of the announcement, just like I did in the past.

I hear you, but I ordered at 1040am on launch day, been recently told the ETA would be 'Mid July' and well... nothing. Meanwhile I've prepaid everything as I'm abroad right now.

But I agree, Leica Stores are hit and miss. For me very much miss. I was on the waitlist back in the day for the Q2 at two Leica Stores in Hong Kong. They both 'forgot me'. This time I made sure I'd be on the list for the Q3 at the Hong Kong IFC store. When the thing launched they pretended I never went there and quoted me "6 months+" waiting. I'll never give those people money after that.  Leica Online is the way to go if one is lucky enough.

[throwawaynoprivacy]

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Got a call over the weekend from Leica Los Angeles that I'd be getting one on Monday. Just paid my invoice this morning so fingers crossed I'll have it in the next day or two. Ordered around 12 Noon on launch day. Wayyyy faster than B&H where I've cancelled my order.

And agree with the comments here around corporate Leica owned stores vs third party owned stores. Very happy to not have to play games with Leica LA; they were straightforward and helpful throughout the entire process.

[rayansb]

Just received an email from B&H. They're saying the Q3 is still out of stock and they don't know when it will be in stock

[CalStanford]

2 hours ago, rayansb said:

Just received an email from B&H. They're saying the Q3 is still out of stock and they don't know when it will be in stock

I regret having fallen for the ads on here and pre-ordered with them rather than with a Leica store. Never ever again. They tell everyone something else. I was told on 8 July: "according to my system I see the eta is middle of the month". Well. It's end of the month, their store is closed as always. So July is over. Very frustrating shopping experience for a launch day order.

[Neimad]

3 hours ago, rayansb said:

Just received an email from B&H. They're saying the Q3 is still out of stock and they don't know when it will be in stock

We should start a list with the dates and times when people placed their orders on B&H, along with the delivery status. We could use this to make some forecasts.

[Neimad]

4 minutes ago, CalStanford said:

I regret having fallen for the ads on here and pre-ordered with them rather than with a Leica store. Never ever again. They tell everyone something else. I was told on 8 July: "according to my system I see the eta is middle of the month". Well. It's end of the month, their store is closed as always. So July is over. Very frustrating shopping experience for a launch day order.

I don't think you can rely on what their employees will share when being questioned about the ETA. I'm pretty sure that they receive ETA questions on a daily basis for Q3.

I agree that they should probably not provide any details at all (instead of providing dates and creating an emotional roller coaster 😉).

Alternatively, they could calculate estimated dates based on past deliveries (frequency and quantity of Q3 units they received and use the order position in the queue)

The problem is that B&H is a private company, and they don't want to publicize the quantity of orders they received (which I can understand).

[rayansb]

33 minutes ago, Neimad said:

We should start a list with the dates and times when people placed their orders on B&H, along with the delivery status. We could use this to make some forecasts.

I placed mine on June 30th so quite late relative to others so I'm definitely not getting it anytime soon 

[rayansb]

38 minutes ago, CalStanford said:

I regret having fallen for the ads on here and pre-ordered with them rather than with a Leica store. Never ever again. They tell everyone something else. I was told on 8 July: "according to my system I see the eta is middle of the month". Well. It's end of the month, their store is closed as always. So July is over. Very frustrating shopping experience for a launch day order.

a couple of weeks ago I contacted them and pressed them to tell me an ETA and said I shouldn't expect it in 2023. I don't think I've ever had a harder time giving someone 6000 dollars LOL 

Edited July 25, 2023 by rayansb

[nariza7]

If the rumored Sony a7cR comes out within the next 2 months, that may defer some Q3 waitlisters I'm guessing. I'd be tempted aha

[CalStanford]

1 hour ago, nariza7 said:

If the rumored Sony a7cR comes out within the next 2 months, that may defer some Q3 waitlisters I'm guessing. I'd be tempted aha

If there really is an a7cR with the same sensor this might tempt me away from the Q3 just because of the shitty shopping experience (Leica HK stores are crooks, B&H clearly liars and they have $40 worth of interest from me already for the two months pre-paid $6060. They are now telling me they don't know when I will get my order at all). Last week I was in Germany and visited the Leica Store in Frankfurt. I had no idea they would send it to me internationally or I'd have ordered from them from the getgo. They're quoting 3 months wait now (for a total of 5-6 months). 

Spoils the whole brand image for me honestly. Sony is reliable (unlike the freezing new Q3). Not the same nice glass but a lot more choices including some lightweight ones which will make the package comparable but cheaper and more flexible than the Q3. I'll likely drop out of the B&H order (1045am launch day) and use the next 2-3 months to either hear from the Frankfurt Leica store or more likely get the Sony a7cR as GAS will have completely dissipated by then. At the end of the day it's just a camera, let's be honest.

Pity. This was my second attempt after having had the same bad experience with Leica HK four years ago when the Q2 came out. Oh well.

Edited July 25, 2023 by CalStanford
Update from B&H

[Neimad]

There is some Q3 available right now on Leica USA website. I just ordered one.

[photo06]

Just ordered a Q3 from the Leica USA website as well. Cancelling my B&H order (5/25 @ 10:26am ET) as soon as I receive a shipping confirmation. 

[CalStanford]

19 minutes ago, Neimad said:

There is some Q3 available right now on Leica USA website. I just ordered one.

This is the honestly the only way to do it (for those living in the States. They sadly don't ship to us internationally). Congrats and well done! 

[Neimad]

9 minutes ago, CalStanford said:

This is the honestly the only way to do it (for those living in the States. They sadly don't ship to us internationally). Congrats and well done! 

Agreed. I would rank the options as below:

The Leica website - Keep in mind that availability can be challenging, as it can feel like playing bingo even if there seems to be a pattern with availability on Tuesday mornings.
B&H - However, if you plan to use PayPal or order from overseas, be aware that your payment will be processed immediately upon ordering. Also, don't expect precise delivery estimates, as B&H's communication is not transparent to say the least.
I will not recommend using Leica stores unless you are within their network of friends ... (Personnaly, I prefer to spend time taking photos than networking with a store ...)

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica Q

[Kb217]

Does stock typically come out on Tuesday’s at Leica USA or randomly?