What to check when buying a Used Q?

[Jenny_H]

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Hi all, I'd like to get a used Q to see if I enjoy taking photos with the Q series ergonomics before getting the Q3.
This is my first time getting an "old" digital camera; are there common faults that I should be watching out for in the Leica Q? Any tips on purchasing a used model would be appreciated!

[stuny]

I've found my 7 1/2-year-old Q to be most reliable, and a pleasure to use.  Consider spending a bit more than in a private sale by getting one at a Leica dealer, who in all likelihood will offer some sort of warrantee.  Discus with the dealer your intent to see if you like shooting with a Q, and if you do that you will buy a Q3 there.  The dealer might even loan you the used Q for you to try for a few days. 

[stuny]

Please stop back here and let us know what happened.

[Jenny_H]

29 minutes ago, stuny said:

I've found my 7 1/2-year-old Q to be most reliable, and a pleasure to use.  Consider spending a bit more than in a private sale by getting one at a Leica dealer, who in all likelihood will offer some sort of warrantee.  Discus with the dealer your intent to see if you like shooting with a Q, and if you do that you will buy a Q3 there.  The dealer might even loan you the used Q for you to try for a few days. 

Thanks! That's a great tip. I've been looking online, but would prefer buying from a dealer. There's no official Leica store in Lisbon, but I will try calling the Porto one to see if they have used models there.

I feel like I should try the Q while traveling to see if it feels secure in the hand, and if it's compact enough to bring along long days.

 

[stuny]

When traveling I take my Q and a Vlux5.  If I anticipate just wildlife, I leave the Q.  Otherwise, I carry the Q almost always, virtually every day, travel or not.

[Driften]

Make sure all of the controls operate smoothly. The macro ring shouldn't to too hard to move. The lock for going from AF to manual focus should work on the focus ring. Take a picture of a blank wall at f/16 and see if there is dust on the sensor. It's not that these things can't be fixed but it's better to not have to add the price of a CLA to the price you're paying as well as wait weeks to get it back from Leica to do the work.

Another thing to note is the Q doesn't operate exactly the same as the Q2 and Q3. It has more buttons and a less streamlined interface. You will also be more limited to 28mm/35mm crop modes. The higher mp sensor on the Q2 or Q3 make the tighter crops more useful. If you love 28mm none of this matters!  The Q typ 116 is a good camera and I loved its picture quality and colors. I just found it too limiting sticking with 28mm. I currently have a Q2 Reporter and with more flexibility I love the 28mm focal length more...  I guess knowing I do have room to crop takes the pressure off.

[Jenny_H]

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16 hours ago, Driften said:

Make sure all of the controls operate smoothly. The macro ring shouldn't to too hard to move. The lock for going from AF to manual focus should work on the focus ring. Take a picture of a blank wall at f/16 and see if there is dust on the sensor. It's not that these things can't be fixed but it's better to not have to add the price of a CLA to the price you're paying as well as wait weeks to get it back from Leica to do the work.

Thank you! Adding all of this to a Note checklist.

I contacted Leica as Stuny suggested (don't know why I didn't think about it before!)  They don't have any used models right now, but will let me know if any used Q or Q2 comes in. I am interested in cropping to 50mm, so a Q2 may be helpful. I also looked at rental prices for a month-long trip, and it seems like it would be more economical to buy and sell if I come across a used Q/Q2.

[JNK100]

MPB in the UK have 4 Q's and 6 Q2's for sale.