28 /1.4 or Q3

[Ernstk]

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The difference between a 28mm and the 35mm that you already have is minimal. I can see no point in you getting a 28.

Go for a 21mm (or at least a 24mm). You will literally see the world in a different light.

Ernst

[JoshuaR]

Last winter, I pulled my four-year-old son up and down some hills on a sled. One hand was on the rope, the other held the Q2, and I could make beautiful pictures one-handed.

More recently, I went on a weeklong family vacation to the beach. I didn't have much room in my bag and didn't know where we'd be going or what we'd be doing, so I packed the Q2 because of its flexibility, quietness, and AF. Also, my wife could borrow the camera and take a few photos in which I was included.

On another occasion, I went on a multi-day hike in the mountains. I brought the Q2 because of its weather resistance and relatively light weight.

These are the kinds of scenarios that make me glad I own a Q2. That said: I often think of selling it, because I enjoy the rendering of my M lenses and the experience of using an M significantly more. For the M system, I have CV 21 f/3.5, Elmarit 28 ASPH, 35 Cron v3, 35 Lux FLE, 50 Cron v5, and CV 75 2.4; if I were to sell the Q2, it would be to help fund a 21 SEM and 50 Lux. But I hold off on selling it because I know these scenarios come up. The Q2 isn't an everyday camera for me, but then again, a 21 SEM wouldn't be an everyday lens. So I keep the Q2 for rainy days (literally).

I would decide whether I wanted a Q2 or Q3 based on whether I often encounter scenarios where such a camera makes sense.

Edited August 6, 2023 by JoshuaRothman

[Ernstk]

23 hours ago, M Street Photographer said:

Rather, I see two other questions:
Why a 1.4? I don't think it's necessary
And why 28mm? I deliberately bought a Voigtländer 21 1.8 for the M10R because the difference between 35 and 28 mm was too small for me.

Completely agree. There's not enough difference between 28 and 35. The 21mm however is a complete revelation.

I have a 2.8/21 Elmarit M which lives on my M-P 240 80% of the time. The other 20% I use my 35 'Lux.

Ernst

[M Street Photographer]

I used to have a 24mm 1.4 on the R IV. Because of the evf, there were never any problems with the DOF.
Since I own a Visoflex because of my adapted lenses, I chose the Voigtländer 21 1.8 Ultron. For me it is not too big on the M. I bought it used because I occasionally have orders to photograph a person in very small rooms (8 - 10 square meters) and as a challenge for street photography.
After some experience with the VC, it was the right decision for me.
As I wrote, the difference of 35 mm to 28 mm would be too small for me. And so I would advise 24 or 21 mm if no Q is an option.

[Photoworks]

In camera correction on the Q2

does it mether? not really, but you do loose a minimal or resolution in the corners.

 

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[rsolomon]

22 hours ago, BradS said:

The differences between the lenses seem insignificant compared to the difference in user experience of the two cameras.

ABSOLUTELY AGREE…. Which is why there is justification for either and both. Only the user can really determine 

[Lelmer]

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On 8/5/2023 at 11:18 AM, Orson said:

I have 10R now with 35 and 50 mm summilux M lenses.

I lean more towards 27-28 mm in street photography these days.

I like using my 10R however.

I try to decide between a 28/1.4 and Q3?

 

Any pros and cons?

If you like using your M, go for the lens.

The Summilux (or other) will keep its value and will still be there the day you'll change your M body.

[Ouroboros]

I don’t agree with comments that a 28mm is too close to a 35mm to make having both focal lengths pointless. That is just plain wrong! The visual difference in aov between 28mm &  35mm, especially in tight spaces and close-in to the subject is marked.
Adding a 28mm to an existing pair of 35mm & 50mm lenses makes perfect sense to me and opens up several options for carrying one, a pair or all three lenses depending on intent.  
For anyone fortunate enough to have the finances available, the 28mm, 35mm and 50mm summilux lenses make a stellar set of three of the best M lenses to have as a set that will serve most situations perfectly for life!

 
 

[M Street Photographer]

@Ouroboros, 

No one said it was pointless to use 28 and 35mm, only that they are too close together for me. And yes larger angle than 35mm is better in tighter spaces. Only 28 are just not far enough for me, in the circumstances in which I have to take pictures.
If it stays with the lens purchase, then the advice was to think about 24 or 21 mm.
Nobody questioned the quality of the Summilux, but what I doubt is that a 28 mm Summilux for street photography, for which the thread starter wants to use it, has a significant advantage.
There are also other fast lenses that meet the same requirements.

[Darrell]

The 28mm Summilux-M is the best 28mm lens available in M-Mount. Is it overkill? No, it is just enough kill to get the most amazing images from just about any street scene. Could you get by with a cheaper lens?  Yes, if all you want to do is get by. You won’t get the color and pop from any other lens without some serious work in post.

I have the 28, 35 and 50 Summilux lenses. They complement each other and form the great triad of Leica rangefinder photography. I’ve only recently added the 35mm as I thought 28 and 50 would be the perfect combination and that 35 was too close to 28 to make a difference. I was wrong. 35 and 50 are both normal views (just different takes on ‘normal’) and 28 then just gives a little more breathing room.

I traded a lot of Canon and some Leica lenses to get these and I have no regrets parting with those ‘other’ lenses to put this set together.

[M Street Photographer]

@Darrell, 

Excuse me if I put my finger in the wound.
The question was Q3 or 28 Summilux.
Once again: no one denies the quality of the Summilux, and there is no need to repeat who and why loves the Summilux series.
It's about pros and cons for the Q3 or for the Summilux, for street photography and not about the quality of the Summilux.
And it's not the hardware that makes good photos, as we all know, especially in street photography the hardware plays the least role. At best, she can technically complete artistic photography, nothing more!
It would be very good if the thread starter would also comment, thanks.

Edited August 7, 2023 by M Street Photographer

[DadDadDaddyo]

Heh. This is the first time I've heard an M Series camera referred to as "unwieldy".

I guess it's unwieldy in the same way as my Miata, which has a clutch pedal and a six-speed transmission which requires you to change gears by hand. I've never heard the Miata referred to as unwieldy either. 

That said, I guess I buy the argument that you can hand a Q series camera to practically anyone and they can hit the button to produce output that attains a level of technical quality meeting or exceeding the expectations of most people. 

That's a Good Thing, and there's certainly a well-earned place in the Leica lineup for the Q Series. 

But truthfully, it's more remarkable that there's an M Series in the world than it is that there's a Q Series in the world. A camera you have to focus and set the exposure on? In 2023? Astonishing. 

I remain grateful to Leica for continuing to make the M Series for folks like me who prefer it. 

Edited August 7, 2023 by DadDadDaddyo

[charlesphoto99]

2 hours ago, Darrell said:

Could you get by with a cheaper lens?  Yes, if all you want to do is get by.

I'm sorry, but the 28 Summicron would like to have a word with you....

(yes, the Summilux is a very good lens, but please, nobody should buy this hyperbole)

[Photoworks]

I love the Summilux-M 28

I didn't have this feeling with Summicron-M, but this is me!

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[4art]

Interesting as I currently have a 16, 18, 21 Wate, 28, 35 & 50 luxes with a 90 Thambar and macro. I picked up the new 35 thinking I’d go wate 35 and 75. I can’t seem to get the money I would like out of the Summilux so the new close focus 35 may go instead and keep with original 28 50 90 set. Trade my 50 for a 75 Summicron but the lens is not in condition stated so it’s going back. So my dilemma is 35, 75 or 28,50. The 90’s aren’t going anywhere neither is the wate.

[jgeenen]

I had the Summilux 28mm and the Q3 on loan for two days. While the Summilux is an fantastic lens with lots of "character" (positive thinking, one could call it heavy light fall-off, too), I preferred the Q3 for two reasons - first, the Summilux is in my hands far too bulky to be convenient (the Summicron 28mm seems to be far more balanced with the M camera), and second, precise image composition with the optical viewfinder is virtually impossible - especially considering the heavy viewfinder blocking on the right edge). 

As a result, I selected a cheaper 2/28 from Voigtländer as a companion for my M11 and stay with my Q2 for lightweight "one focus length" shooting.

Johannes

 

[fededuran]

59 minutes ago, jgeenen said:

I had the Summilux 28mm and the Q3 on loan for two days. While the Summilux is an fantastic lens with lots of "character" (positive thinking, one could call it heavy light fall-off, too), I preferred the Q3 for two reasons - first, the Summilux is in my hands far too bulky to be convenient (the Summicron 28mm seems to be far more balanced with the M camera), and second, precise image composition with the optical viewfinder is virtually impossible - especially considering the heavy viewfinder blocking on the right edge). 

As a result, I selected a cheaper 2/28 from Voigtländer as a companion for my M11 and stay with my Q2 for lightweight "one focus length" shooting.

Johannes

 

I'm saving my pennies for the SL3, but also would like to add a 28mm to my M system. Being aware of how expensive the 28 lux is and how similar in performace the summicron and the ultron v2 are, I'm going to do the same: picking an ultron and be ready for the big investment next year. 

[Ouroboros]

 

14 hours ago, M Street Photographer said:

@Ouroboros, 

No one said it was pointless to use 28 and 35mm…..

Scroll to the top of this page and read #21.

What part of “no point….” does not equate to ‘pointless’?

It seems you have difficulty in accepting that others  have opinions that differ from your own.

 Repeating yours isn’t necessary and is not going to change anyone’s mind, least of all mine. 

[M Street Photographer]

Am 5.8.2023 um 11:18 schrieb Orson:

I have 10R now with 35 and 50 mm summilux M lenses.

I lean more towards 27-28 mm in street photography these days.

I like using my 10R however.

I try to decide between a 28/1.4 and Q3?

 

Any pros and cons?

@Ouroboros,

Taking a quote out of context creates a false impression in a populist way.
Also, I didn't try to change anyone's mind and you didn't at all.
However, it is allowed to point out that according to the thread title:
"28 /1.4 or Q3"
And the 1st contribution, this is not about a Summilux and its quality.

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