Does the Q2/Q3 feel like an M when holding it?

[Mikep996]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Indeed!  Thanks for the correction, the camera is not Dyslexic, just the owner!  https://www.hasselblad.com/x-system/x2d-100c/  

Edited May 30 by Mikep996

[Advertisement]

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

[jaapv]

There is quite a steep price difference... over 8000 Euro, and lens prices make it twice as expensive as a Q. Not to mention the weight.  

[Mikep996]

True but less expensive than an M11 and lens(es).  I bought the X2D used in the UK for less than the price of a new Q3 and it looks/functions as brand new (original box/packaging - the usual).  I also bought a used 38mm XCD lens (same deal, like new in the box) for around 2/3 the price of a new one. 

As far as size/weight, when you hold it in your hand it does not FEEL big/heavy at all - almost seems impossible to me every time I pick it up..  But the reason I brought it up here is primarily due to the image stabilization in relation to the original poster's questions/concerns.  It far exceeds what the Q3 can do in that regard.  OTOH, I have never had any complaints re image quality with the Q3 even with very heavy crops.  SO, if the level of image stabilization is adequate for individual use and you don't feel the need for interchangeable lenses, I'd recommend the Q3!!

 

Edited May 30 by Mikep996

[JNK100]

24 minutes ago, Mikep996 said:

True but less expensive than an M11 and lens(es).  I bought the X2D used in the UK for less than the price of a new Q3 and it looks/functions as brand new (original box/packaging - the usual).  I also bought a used 38mm XCD lens (same deal, like new in the box) for around 2/3 the price of a new one. 

As far as size/weight, when you hold it in your hand it does not FEEL big/heavy at all - almost seems impossible to me every time I pick it up..  But the reason I brought it up here is primarily due to the image stabilization in relation to the original poster's questions/concerns.  It far exceeds what the Q3 can do in that regard.  OTOH, I have never had any complaints re image quality with the Q3 even with very heavy crops.  SO, if the level of image stabilization is adequate for individual use and you don't feel the need for interchangeable lenses, I'd recommend the Q3!!

 

Of course a used camera will be cheaper including the Q3, so I don't really understand.

 

 

[Mikep996]

It's simply an OPTION that seems to me to better fit the concerns expressed by the original poster re camera operation.  He seemed to WANT to use an M camera but is no longer comfortable with it.  The Hasselblad gives him the options of the M10 - interchangeable lenses WITH superior stabilization which was a major point, as I understood it.  It's just a suggestion that I think the OP should consider.  If he looks at the available info and says it won't work for him, what's lost?

[JNK100]

1 hour ago, Mikep996 said:

It's simply an OPTION that seems to me to better fit the concerns expressed by the original poster re camera operation.  He seemed to WANT to use an M camera but is no longer comfortable with it.  The Hasselblad gives him the options of the M10 - interchangeable lenses WITH superior stabilization which was a major point, as I understood it.  It's just a suggestion that I think the OP should consider.  If he looks at the available info and says it won't work for him, what's lost?

Fair point

[keithlaban.co.uk]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

https://camerasize.com/compare/#893,794

A size comparison between the X2D 100C and my Nikon Z7.

😉

Edited May 30 by keithlaban.co.uk

[gotium]

On 5/28/2025 at 4:17 PM, DS Jones said:

I understand this is probably the most idiotic question ever but...it's important to me.

I live (retired) in Baja Mexico so there's no way to try/hold one of the Qs unless I drove up to Beverly Hills. A week ago I had to sell my lifelong dream of a camera, the Leica M10R due to my history of Multiple Sclerosis rearing its ugly head the last several months. My eyesight, instability in walking/standing which I liken to having tremors in the hand while holding the camera and my cognitive/memory have all taken a hit. Thus I made the heartbreaking decision to sell my M.

I think I could get along with a Q though. My wife has the digital CL and I've been using it the last several days. Excellent camera but it just doesn't *feel* like an M. I don't like how it fits in my hand, or doesn't fit. It's too small for me. I'm left with the Q2 or Q3.

So my question is for any current owners of Qs who also have or had an M, are they similar when holding? The heft, the weight distribution, the actual tactile feel of the body...dare I say does it feel as magical holding a Q as it does with an M?

Thank you all for any input and guidance.

DJones

As far as heft, weight, size and ergonomics, yes it is close enough. To me it does not ooze luxury like the M line, but if you are looking for something that's easier to focus and will give you less motion blur, don't hesitate. The experience of using it is still excellent. 

[steve edmunds]

I have a Q2 and a M262 , the Q is very close to the tactile feel and quality to the M series cameras so would be a great choice in my view.

[Tseg]

My Q3 43 feels like an M with a Noctilux lens on it (size-wise, although lighter).  If shooting with auto-focus it is less of an issue than wrapping hands around the big barrel for manual focus.  Also less of an issue with the focus tab.  When manual focusing, the Q3 does not feel as supple as when using an M camera.

[Genoweffa]

On 5/28/2025 at 7:17 PM, DS Jones said:

I understand this is probably the most idiotic question ever...

Yes, you are correct

[Pelu2010]

Hello, 
I hope you can still enjoy taking photos. 
I think it is important to secure the camera against falling. 
You could do that with a wrist strap. Then the camera can slip or fall. As long as you're not near the ground, nothing will happen. 
I would pay attention to that if I were a trembler. 
Alternatively, if you are using a rollator, you could attach the camera to the rollator and use the rollator as a tripod. 
I hope this helps and wish you continued fun with your photography.

All the best Peter 

[evikne]

34 minutes ago, Genoweffa said:

Yes, you are correct

I certainly don't think so, if you read the rest of the opening post. But another thing is that we haven't heard much from the thread starter, so we don't know what he thinks about the answers he has received.

[S Maclean]

The Q feels great but not the same as an M.  Honextly I think it is mostly due to the lens weight and heft, it just balances differently.  

The M with a 35 or a 50 will feel leaner. 

That said, The Q is a pleasure to work with. Once you take, say, a cople of dozen shots and get used to "it" and set it up to your liking it really becomes a great extension of your arm. Fast, realiable and with amazing performance.  Much liken the M, but with the added benefit of not needing a rangefinder and having the option of autofocus. 

 

[Jeff S]

6 hours ago, evikne said:

I certainly don't think so, if you read the rest of the opening post. But another thing is that we haven't heard much from the thread starter, so we don't know what he thinks about the answers he has received.

Actually, the opening post (7 days ago)  was his first and only post since joining the forum 3 years ago.  We should be hearing back in a year or two.