Q3 Monochrom ...Yes / NO

[MyFriendJames]

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On 1/18/2024 at 12:35 PM, AussieQ said:

Lately I have been curious of the monochrom cameras and so I downloaded RAW DNG files from Q2M and M11M. I know this may seem offensive to monochrom owners, but when processing and even assessing the RAW files in photoshop, I really couldn't find anything that stood out in the fashion that monochrom youtube influencers rave about. I find I am able to achieve the similar results in just converting my RAW Q3 files to monochrom and realistically, I can make them look as dramatic as I choose. I was a tad cheeky and even posted some Q3 raw converted to monochrom on social media groups on the M11 Monochrom and they got rave likes. But nobody knew the photos were actually taken with a Q3 and converted to back and white. I appreciate the extra dynamic range and lower iso noise, but in this age of noise reduction and amazing dynamic range on most cameras, is a Monochrom camera even worth while having such a limitation of only shooting in BNW? I would rather have the option of colour and be able to convert. Not being rude, just can't get my head around buying a monochrom Q3 and be limited.

 

On 1/18/2024 at 12:35 PM, AussieQ said:

Lately I have been curious of the monochrom cameras and so I downloaded RAW DNG files from Q2M and M11M. I know this may seem offensive to monochrom owners, but when processing and even assessing the RAW files in photoshop, I really couldn't find anything that stood out in the fashion that monochrom youtube influencers rave about. I find I am able to achieve the similar results in just converting my RAW Q3 files to monochrom and realistically, I can make them look as dramatic as I choose. I was a tad cheeky and even posted some Q3 raw converted to monochrom on social media groups on the M11 Monochrom and they got rave likes. But nobody knew the photos were actually taken with a Q3 and converted to back and white. I appreciate the extra dynamic range and lower iso noise, but in this age of noise reduction and amazing dynamic range on most cameras, is a Monochrom camera even worth while having such a limitation of only shooting in BNW? I would rather have the option of colour and be able to convert. Not being rude, just can't get my head around buying a monochrom Q3 and be limited.

 

 

There is something fantastic about a monochrome viewfinder. That specific experience is lost when shooting color and converting later. It just puts you in the b&w mind, and that's a nice place to dwell. I've had the Q2M for several years. I've considered the M11M because I want a proper portrait lens. Perhaps if a new Q3M came with a 50MM +- A nice change to tease new buyers into the market. 

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[Le Chef]

6 hours ago, MyFriendJames said:

There is something fantastic about a monochrome viewfinder.

I agree. I set my Q3 EVF to show B&W. It helps me think graphically and in terms of tones. Worth it if you’re not sure about committing to a QM of some description.

[mhasman]

Once again, can't wait for Q3M

[Gingerbear]

I'm so close to pulling the trigger on a Q2 M. Is this too close to the inevitable Q3 M?

[Driften]

15 hours ago, Gingerbear said:

I'm so close to pulling the trigger on a Q2 M. Is this too close to the inevitable Q3 M?

I would say even if they announced a Q3M tomorrow it will be 6-8mo before you could get your hands on one. I don't think they will announce it any time soon as they are still trying to keep up with demand on the Q3. So if you want a camera you can enjoy this year I say go for the Q2M. 

[ksrhee]

15 hours ago, Gingerbear said:

I'm so close to pulling the trigger on a Q2 M. Is this too close to the inevitable Q3 M?

Leica may announce this later this year, but availability will be extremely limited. The announcement might be pushed back if there is still a waiting list for the Q3. I would say you might want to look at a used M10M given that the Q2M still carries something close to full price.  There are many top-conditioned used units right now.  

Edited May 1, 2024 by ksrhee

[Gingerbear]

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On 5/1/2024 at 2:33 PM, Driften said:

I would say even if they announced a Q3M tomorrow it will be 6-8mo before you could get your hands on one. I don't think they will announce it any time soon as they are still trying to keep up with demand on the Q3. So if you want a camera you can enjoy this year I say go for the Q2M. 

Bought it and LOVE using it. Thanks for the recommendation!

[wolfloid]

Those who say that they don’t see the difference between the colour models and the Monochrome models are probably only comparing them at ISOs under 1600. The advantage comes as ISOs rise. The two main reasons for me to prefer the Monochrome version over the colour version of any of these models are 1) pulling up shadows, and 2) shooting at night. 

In my experience, there are two extra stops in the shadows to gain, which is sometimes useful. When shooting at night there is a very obvious advantage - much less noise at high ISOs, which means the shutter speeds can be raised or you just gain a much smoother, more detailed, tonally rich image.

In addition, there seems to be a better tonal transition, and mid tone separation at ISOs above 1600 (it’s there but much less noticeable at lower ISOs unless you print large).

Of course, the caveats are that converted files have greater tonal rendition possibilities, and AI noise reduction in post processing is getting better and better.

[Kampongboy]

I loved the Q2m sensor, can't wait to get Q3m 🤟

[Dmkke]

On 1/17/2024 at 6:08 PM, Simone_DF said:

First of all, there's nothing wrong about your idealization. You are looking at this from a more "romantic" point of view, I'm more practical and look at usability first and foremost. For example what if the composition you have in mind is from a high or low angle? Between squatting and tilting a screen, I'll take the tilting screen any day. And sometimes squatting is not even enough of a low angle. 

Regarding holding at hip level, all TLR users had a top-down view from above and shot from the hip. Many also shot black and white. Vivian Maier is the first that comes to mind. A tilt screen would allow for something not too different, tilt the screen, position the Q like in the photo below, compose, shot.

 

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Edited June 12, 2024 by Dmkke
Sorry not my reply

[Dmkke]

I personally would love to see a movable screen in portrait mode like the Fujifilm XT-5. Makes getting as close to the ground as possible with the ability to frame still. So this would be way better than even a tilt screen. As for the amount of megapixels, I think the Q2 has enough. 

[Mr Perceptive]

6 hours ago, Dmkke said:

I personally would love to see a movable screen in portrait mode like the Fujifilm XT-5. Makes getting as close to the ground as possible with the ability to frame still. So this would be way better than even a tilt screen. 

Agreed

[Le Chef]

That might be the Q4 coming in around 30 months from now.

[luetz]

I would be an interested/potential customer for a Q3M, but a "definite" buyer for a Q4S that is optimised for stills ONLY,(No Video functions whatsoever...)

[Simone_DF]

22 hours ago, luetz said:

I would be an interested/potential customer for a Q3M, but a "definite" buyer for a Q4S that is optimised for stills ONLY,(No Video functions whatsoever...)

That would be in the 15000€ or more ballpark, given all the lost sales from the video folks

[SLamb]

It would be interesting to know how many people use the video function of the Q3.  I bought the camera for photographs and it was just a bonus that it had video capability.  I'm not sure I would ever use that and it certainly wasn't a deciding factor for me to buy the Q3.  I would be just as happy if it wasn't there.

[Barralad]

Me neither. No interest in video at all. But then I’m old(-ish) and wonder whether video appeals more to younger owners?

[luetz]

2 hours ago, Simone_DF said:

That would be in the 15000€ or more ballpark, given all the lost sales from the video folks

Special editions have done well with "Leica"..and always at a premium price...

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Hallo,

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[LocalHero1953]

55 minutes ago, Barralad said:

Me neither. No interest in video at all. But then I’m old(-ish) and wonder whether video appeals more to younger owners?

As the forum goes I am young - under 80 - and I do video. I have the Q2; although I use it mainly for stills, it's handy to go on a gimbal/stabiliser - the SL2-S does as well but it's a bit heavy.

[leicameech]

I would like to see a Monochrom version of every Leica camera.