Looking for the wisdom of the group

[Simon_E]

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New Leica user, new on here... previously SLRs (mainly Canon); Mirrorless (mainly Fuji)

Hoping you can offer recommendations for hand straps, thumb rests (are the 3rd party ones any good?), any other accessories I should buy for a new Q3.

Delivery tomorrow - can't wait.

Simon

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[Sharpshooter]

Welcome aboard Simon and congrats on your wise choice of camera.

First off I’d purchase a spare battery and a decent sd card. A spare battery is really dependant on your needs - I’ve had my Q3 for a few months now and only had to change battery once whilst out and about, but you never know when you’ll need it. As for the sd card, if you read through this forum, most folk with experience of certain issue recommend you buy a good quality card - SanDisk and Sony Tough cards seem to receive the greatest praise here.

A good rope neck strap and Leica’s handgrip top off the accessories that I feel I need for my Q3. Yes, the handgrip adds weight to the camera, but the added feel of a secure grip on a £6000 camera is worth every penny and ounce of the cost and weight.

enjoy your new camera in good health.

Vic

[coleica]

There is a youtuber, three blind men and an elephant, who is developing a camera grip/thumb support combo accessory for the q3.  In addition, it will allow the installation of an apple tracker so you know where the camera is located, in case it it misplaced. I am in no way associated with the channel, other than watching his videos from time to time.

[LocalHero1953]

I have never felt the need for a grip or thumb rest. I use a wrist strap almost all the time, which protects against drops, though it doesn't feel insecure, and I prefer the simplicity of the body alone, with no add-ons. YMMV.

Between the Q2 and SL2-S I have five batteries, which is at least one more than I need, but I can't count beyond three without making a mistake. For the Q2 alone, I would find two enough, but I'm not familiar with the Q3 or the larger capacity batteries.

Edited June 27, 2024 by LocalHero1953

[bobtodrick]

I to am like Local Hero…I see no need to clutter up a Q, which is meant to be compact, light and unobtrusive with a bunch of add on’s that add weight and size.

Admittedly no one has accused me of having wisdom 😂

[Le Chef]

I use the hand grip from my old Q2 on my Q3, as my hands are quite large. That’s it.

[Trankster]

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Rope strap, half-case (from Artisan Workstation), LCD glass screen protector, fast UHS II memory card and spare battery.  That's it for me.  The half-case has a bulge that gives me the grip I need and protects the base of the camera from my clumsiness.  

Edited June 27, 2024 by Trankster

[Miltz]

You don't need to buy anything. Don't fall into an accessories trap. The camera that Leica ships is complete as is. 

[Simon_E]

Thanks all for the input and advice

[Smogg]

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[SLamb]

I have a thumb grip, Arte di Mano case, Woodgate rope neck strap and a B+W 007 lens protection filter.  My choice for better grip, handling and protection when putting the Q3 in a backpack. 

My Panerai watches came from the manufacture with a strap. I have nine third-party Panerai straps, not because any watch wasn't sufficient without them but because each one adds something to the watch and wearing experience.  Each accessory I have purchased for my Q3 add something to the user experience for me.

It's your Q3 so get what accessories you want or need.  Everybody has their own views and you should have yours. 

Edited June 28, 2024 by SLamb

[bobtodrick]

1 hour ago, SLamb said:

I have a thumb grip, Arte di Mano case, Woodgate rope neck strap and a B+W 007 lens protection filter.  My choice for better grip, handling and protection when putting the Q3 in a backpack. 

My Panerai watches came from the manufacture with a strap. I have nine third-party Panerai straps, not because any watch wasn't sufficient without them but because each one adds something to the watch and wearing experience.  Each accessory I have purchased for my Q3 add something to the user experience for me.

It's your Q3 so get what accessories you want or need.  Everybody has their own views and you should have yours. 

As I said earlier, not a big fan of accessories…but a good filter (as you mention) is a must.

Recently took in a M 35 Summilux that had a big scratch in the coating due to a piece of grit on the customers cleaning cloth.

The bill was $1200,

[Aram Langhans]

I have developed into a shaker, so I need to use a tripod a lot. I know that might be blasphemy for a Lecia, but it is just a tool that you use to suite your needs, not fit into some preconceived notion of what is acceptable.  I have the RRS L bracket and it is great. Had one for my Q2 and now for my Q3.  It also provides for a comfortable and secure grip on the camera.  And I just use the neck strap that came with the camera.  It is perfectly fine for me.  Everybody's needs are different so take any advice offered as a reference as to what is available to you and then you can decide for yourself what will fit your needs and circumstances.  Welcome to the wonderful world of the Q.

[fotografr]

I swear by thumb grips. They are small, lightweight and add tremendously to the security of hand holding the camera. I actually prefer the less expensive Match Technical version because it doesn't interfere with operation of the thumb wheel on the camera top. Another must have for me is the metal Qtect lens cap that attaches to the shade. It snaps firmly into place and is very unlikely to fall off and get lost. If you are determined to use a wrist strap, I'd consider the Leica hand grip to increase your comfort and stability when just holding the camera with one hand. Personally, I don't like wrist strap shooting because one ends up in too many situations where the camera must be set down, such as on a table at a restaurant or coffee house. It's a good opportunity for thieves. The best neck strap I've found in many years of Leica shooting is the Leica Wide Strap. Rope straps and thin shoulder straps can pinch nerves in the neck and become painful in long outings. 

Enjoy!

[ianforber]

You’ll have as much fun choosing the accessories as the camera!

For my Q2 I have:

An extra battery, protection filter (I use Formatt Hitec), Lims half case ( I have an Arte di Mano on my M11 but wanted a built in arca swiss plate for the Q2), a Harry Benz strap and, of course, several bags!

[Blackadder978]

Only an extra batterie since Qs tend to unload their battery over night from time to time, so that is a must. Otherwise a Thumbgrip and a strap and you are done.

[nonoirie]

Congrats!  I hope you enjoy the Q3 much as I do. 

*** make sure your firmware is up to date! ****

1.  Spare battery.  I bought 2 more for peace of mind during travel.  I would just start with one as Q3 does handle USB-C charging.  

2.  Fast SD card.  I'm using Prograde SDXC UHS-II V90 300R 256gb and I have no issues).  Please note, the files are quite large if you shoot Large DNG.  

3.  Thumb Rest.  When I got my hands on the Q3, it did not fit in my hands out of the box.  Before genuine thumb rest was readily available, I tried the handgrip/finger loop combo, it was okay but when I was able to get hands on the thumb rest, I sold my handgrip and finger loop and never looked back. 

4.  Genuine lens cap is quite large.  Otect lens cap suits my needs perfectly.  

https://otect.co/

 

[SrMi]

48 minutes ago, Blackadder978 said:

Only an extra batterie since Qs tend to unload their battery over night from time to time, so that is a must. Otherwise a Thumbgrip and a strap and you are done.

My Q3 has not unloaded the battery in the six weeks it has been in my drawer. I have the Connectivity set to Off.

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Hallo,

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[Trankster]

1 hour ago, SrMi said:

My Q3 has not unloaded the battery in the six weeks it has been in my drawer. I have the Connectivity set to Off.

Same here.  Had my Q3 6 months with no drop in battery level overnight or a week (even if I occasionally forget to turn off the camera). 

[Mikep996]

Below is a list of accessories I found I needed for my Q2 beyond what came in the original box:

 

 

                                          [SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

   OK, I admit I have a spare battery but have never needed to replace the battery during a day's shooting.