Anyone move from the Q2M to the Q3?

[Mikep996]

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"(I LOVE being able to use the Q3 as my 28/35/50 camera)"

I have always used my Q2 that way and in printing 16x20 there is essentially no meaningful difference between the Q2's "enlarged" 50mm images and my M10R prints shot with a 50mm lens.     In fact, I have a couple of Q2 90mm crops that, on computer screen, look essentially the same as an M10R/90mm lens photo.  

But I admit I'm usually a sucker for the "more MP is better" thing - replaced my M10 with an M10R - even when my eyes consistently tell me I don't need those MPs.  🙄  

 

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[radialMelt]

Elaborating on the in-hand feel... the screen is definitely the worst offender, but I have to say, the leather covering on the Q2M is also far superior to the covering on the Q3. The finish makes a difference too, being more matte on the Q2M and more polished on the Q3. The Q2M just feels so nice to hold. I could probably get used to the Q3, but it is unfortunate that one has to make such a sacrifice in order to reap the technological benefits the Q3 brings to the table.

- the EVF blackout is substantially worse than the Q2M. I don't mind it so much on the Q2M, but the Q3's blackout is a bit too much for my uses. Thankfully the 2fps continuous mode is an excellent workaround.

- AFs, spot - I don't detect any acquisition speed improvements on the Q3 vs the Q2M. No problem for me; they are both fast enough for my needs.

I've yet to get out and actually shoot with the thing. Will give some more impressions once I've had a chance to put it to use and dig into the files.

[ksrhee]

I don't have the Q2M, but I can tell you that my M10M feels so much better in my hands than the Q3.  I ended up getting the Leica halfcase to compensate.  Just FYI.  

[radialMelt]

On 3/16/2024 at 5:28 AM, ksrhee said:

I don't have the Q2M, but I can tell you that my M10M feels so much better in my hands than the Q3.  I ended up getting the Leica halfcase to compensate.  Just FYI.  

Yeah I had one of those for a bit and it felt really luxurious. I think it's the same covering as the Q2M.

On the topic of the Q3... one nice feature for me is the fact that the screen turns on when you tilt it out, regardless of what EVF-LCD mode you're in. I like to switch between EVF-Extended and LCD quite a bit, and on the Q2M I dedicated an Fn button to cycle through EVF-LCD modes. Not wanting to leave the LCD on all the time this meant I was doing a lot of switching. On the Q3 I can leave it in EVF-Extended and pull out the screen when I want to use it. This frees up an Fn button for me which is great.

[bobtodrick]

I’ve had a chance to try both.

As a long time B&W shooter in film and a convention darkroom I’d say this…if you were happy with prints on resin coated paper you’ll be fine with the Q3.

If you printed on, and appreciated fibre base paper (there is a difference in look) stick with the Q2M.

Hate to say it 😢most people now wouldn’t know the difference.

[mrlouie]

After a year & half I made the switch from Q2M (first Leica) to Q3 ..

What do I miss about Q2M .. low light quality at high ISO .. 12,800 was never an issue .. 25,000 was ok if needed. Q3 try to stay at 6400, can live with up to 8,000. 12,800 is kinda ok if I had too but try to never go that high. 
 

The look/quality of the Q2M B&W photos in lowlight isn’t the same. Q2M much better to me.. daylight about the same. 

Q3 .. its color !!! lol .. but seriously after over a year of only shooting B&W I needed color again for some events I shoot. 

Q3 .. Auto Focus .. waaaay better ! The Tilt Screen, yes a little more bulky compared to Q2M clean design but I’m used to it now and couldn’t go back without it. Especially when I’m shooting at car shows, having a tilt screen again is a must. The 60mp .. much better .. I crop in a lot so I notice the difference. I also like the new button layout better. 

Q2M .. advantage.. the Firmware !!! Q3 has gone backwards. Q3 has lost AF lock & AE lock where they stay locked until you unlock them. Q3 is back to one shot lock .. horrible. Also in playback / delete mode Q2M I could zoom in & out to check photo - delete if necessary. Q3 if I’m zoomed in I can’t zoom out .. I must exit delete mode .. big pain 

Q3 EVF better ! I don’t use touch screen other than playback, so that was big to me. 

Q2M .. the look .. stealth.. no red dot / white numbers .. 

Im very happy with switch to Q3 since im  shooting color this year for events, but when I look at my Q2M photos .. ooh they got this look to them .. so nice. I shoot a lot adult events at bars & night clubs where flash isn’t allowed so that’s where the Q2M would really shine. 

Sooo, I’ll need to save up for a Q3M for my night events lol. 
 

Speed & performance the same if not better, I’m not having any issues with either. 

louie 

[mrlouie]

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22 hours ago, radialMelt said:

Yeah I had one of those for a bit and it felt really luxurious. I think it's the same covering as the Q2M.

On the topic of the Q3... one nice feature for me is the fact that the screen turns on when you tilt it out, regardless of what EVF-LCD mode you're in. I like to switch between EVF-Extended and LCD quite a bit, and on the Q2M I dedicated an Fn button to cycle through EVF-LCD modes. Not wanting to leave the LCD on all the time this meant I was doing a lot of switching. On the Q3 I can leave it in EVF-Extended and pull out the screen when I want to use it. This frees up an Fn button for me which is great.

Yes !!! This is so helpful. The few times I do use the screen to shoot with its great that it turns on once tilted out, very fast for shooting at events 

I got a new Fuji X100VI .. the screen has to be turned on to use, I forgot about that. It’s such a pain having to put that on a FN button. 

[radialMelt]

Well, I've decided to go ahead and sell the Q2M (no turning back!) If anyone is interested, let me know. Currently posted to Fred Miranda buy & sell.

Will continue to update the thread with my findings. Thanks!

[algrove]

I sold my Q2M and got the Q3. I do not miss it as I use the M11M also. That said a small AF FF monchrom is just delicious to own and I cannot wait for the Q3M to come out once the Q3 backorder is well behind us.

[algrove]

On 2/22/2024 at 10:15 AM, radialMelt said:

Thanks a lot for this, Steve, really appreciated. Yeah, I've checked those vids a couple times now and it's mostly pretty obvious stuff.

The main thing that is motivating me to switch is the need/want for a color-capable digital camera. The Q2M is my only digital camera at the moment, and occasionally I find myself wanting to shoot color in the digital realm (bad weather, fading daylight, interiors, travel where taking film is not practical, product shots, etc.) I think the (tonal) merits of a monochrome sensor are somewhat lost on me, as I prefer a contrasty B&W look anyway (i.e., pushed Tmax). So it comes down to low light performance and overall handling of the camera. If moving to the Q3 doesn't put me back in those areas, I think the upgrade will work for me. 

Once again, thanks for the input!

I get your preferences. BTW, I use my Q3 in Monochrome HC mode where I only see B&W through the EVF so I feel it is a monochrome camera. I convert about 80% of my Q3 images to B&W, but when I want color it is an excellent tool. Perhaps I posted under Q3 images many images about the Inyo Mine in Death Valley and they are all Q3 conversions.

[arem]

I haven't seen any comparison of the "effective pixels" of a 50Mb mono-only sensor vs 60 Mb color-filtered one. Has anyone seen such a comparison?