Leica Q3 43 vs Leica M10 Monochrom + 50mm summilux

[FlashGordonPhotography]

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You can not entirely replicate the mono look of the M10M on the Q3.

You can not get the flexibility i post on the M10M that you can on the Q3.

Pick your poison. Personally I like some *grit* in my b&w images and sometimes it's easier to do that on the Q3-43, because the M10M is *too* clean. But really late when it's mastly dark, nothing beats a mono sensor.

The only correct answer is to have both, of course.

Gordon

p.s. None of the available mono sensors have PDAF, so it's unlikely we'll see a direct Q3 mono with the same AF as the Q3-43. This may not matter as for single shot the Q2 mono is plenty fast enough and a 43mm lens version would be an instant hit.

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[JNK100]

8 hours ago, enoxiste said:

Do you know how many stops OIS have? If its not giving an effect at least 3-4 stops, that would be a problem. 

I have not been able to find a conclusive answer, but from usage, I would estimate 2-3 stops. Please do not take this as fact though.

What I would say though is that the camera performs very well at high iso which means I have never not been able to take any indoor shot I wanted.

I go to 6,400 if need be so I wouldn't be concerned imo.

[enoxiste]

10 hours ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

You can not entirely replicate the mono look of the M10M on the Q3.

You can not get the flexibility i post on the M10M that you can on the Q3.

Pick your poison. Personally I like some *grit* in my b&w images and sometimes it's easier to do that on the Q3-43, because the M10M is *too* clean. But really late when it's mastly dark, nothing beats a mono sensor.

The only correct answer is to have both, of course.

Gordon

p.s. None of the available mono sensors have PDAF, so it's unlikely we'll see a direct Q3 mono with the same AF as the Q3-43. This may not matter as for single shot the Q2 mono is plenty fast enough and a 43mm lens version would be an instant hit.

As you and other writers have confirmed, i shouldnt give my m10m over. I think the best solution is saving money for leica q3 43 (i need a year i think  ) 

My friend suggested me to buy additionally sl2-s instead of q series if weight is not concern for me. Sl2-s is sold around 2-2.5k nowadays, and i can use it with m lenses for evf and for AF if i want, i can use sigma or panasonic lenses, but i dont know how bw photos will look like with them. But m10m stays  

[Olaf_ZG]

Today I went to a family dinner. I always take some portraits, just people sitting at the table, nothing posed. I was doubting to take the Q43 or the monochrom. Went with the latter, as I didn’t want to take any flash, the monochrom would be able in mixed or absent light.

my auntie reflecting about her life and recent happenings. MM plus lux

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[Herr Barnack]

On 3/29/2025 at 7:07 AM, enoxiste said:

As you and other writers have confirmed, i shouldnt give my m10m over. I think the best solution is saving money for leica q3 43 (i need a year i think  ) 

My friend suggested me to buy additionally sl2-s instead of q series if weight is not concern for me. Sl2-s is sold around 2-2.5k nowadays, and i can use it with m lenses for evf and for AF if i want, i can use sigma or panasonic lenses, but i dont know how bw photos will look like with them. But m10m stays  

Good call IMO. 

I am keeping my M10M no matter what.  In the past I have shot mostly color but I want to go deeper into digital B&W which is why I got the M10M in the first place.  It has a lot to offer:  40mp full frame sensor, ISO range of 160-100,000 with a usable ISO of 20,000 +/- for a look that is reminiscent of Tri-X film.  That opens a lot of doors in terms of making B&W images and prints.

[T25UFO]

On 3/22/2025 at 9:12 AM, M Street Photographer said:

Since we have 100 years of Leica, I would wait and speculate that there will be a Q3 M this year and then ask myself the question again.

Sadly, unlikely to happen because PDAF doesn't work with Monochrom.  Been discussed a lot and most recently here: