Landscape: Leica Q3 or M or yet another?

[Alexander108]

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vor 6 Minuten schrieb Qwertynm:

Yes, I‘m well aware. But it has a crop mode too and that is 1.6x. It’s under the Q menu where you can choose aspect ratios as well. It leaves you with approx. 19MP files but it’s not reversible like in the Q3!

Oh, wasn't aware of that. Just looked it up. Maybe only if you need smaller files and is is faster in shooting. 

[anonymoose]

I rock a Q2 and A1 + 70-200 f2.8 combo for landscape/nature.

With the Q3 you can get away with quite a bit of crop, so maybe you'll get ~70mm equivalent reach with some room to reframe, but anything beyond that and you'll want another camera+tele with you in my experience.

Edited July 24 by anonymoose

[jacobd]

On 7/23/2025 at 2:38 PM, Alexander108 said:

I am looking forward to visit the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley and some more places next year after more than 10y.

<<<<< SNIP >>>>>

Any thoughts, experiences welcome. 

This is a rather interesting thread. After a similiar trip to and through the American West last year. I returned home with thousands of photos, shot with 2x Fuji XH2s (10-24, 16-80, 70-300 + 1,4x), Fuji x100v and my Q2 Monochrom. When editing I began wondering about what kind of photography/what type of pictures I enjoyed making. To make sense of it all, I also began looking at stats (Photostatistica, Cac equivalent to exiftools) from the trip to the West, but also of all other trips for the past 15-20 years.

From examining cropping vs focal lengths I could draw the following conclusions:
- every now and then I need a wide angle; there is no substitute.
- 28mm-ish is what I use the most
- +200mm FF equiv. is also not something I can do without.
- for everything else…I bought a Q3 43

Now, we are exploring the German Alps and…I brought everything again, in a backpack, which mainly just stays in the car. I did not dare leaving all the Fuji gear at home because what if this-or-that-happened. So far it has not… 

For the past years I’ve carried a Fuji + 3x small zooms (covering 10-300mm) in a Billingham Hadley Small, now I only really walk around with the Q’s in that bag.

Conclusion: trust the numbers, but look at the outliers to see what photos were created at the extreme focal lenghts.
I myself apparently need to do this again later this year…

[M11 for me]

vor 28 Minuten schrieb jacobd:

This is a rather interesting thread. After a similiar trip to and through the American West last year. I returned home with thousands of photos, shot with 2x Fuji XH2s (10-24, 16-80, 70-300 + 1,4x), Fuji x100v and my Q2 Monochrom. When editing I began wondering about what kind of photography/what type of pictures I enjoyed making. To make sense of it all, I also began looking at stats (Photostatistica, Cac equivalent to exiftools) from the trip to the West, but also of all other trips for the past 15-20 years.

From examining cropping vs focal lengths I could draw the following conclusions:
- every now and then I need a wide angle; there is no substitute.
- 28mm-ish is what I use the most
- +200mm FF equiv. is also not something I can do without.
- for everything else…I bought a Q3 43

Now, we are exploring the German Alps and…I brought everything again, in a backpack, which mainly just stays in the car. I did not dare leaving all the Fuji gear at home because what if this-or-that-happened. So far it has not… 

For the past years I’ve carried a Fuji + 3x small zooms (covering 10-300mm) in a Billingham Hadley Small, now I only really walk around with the Q’s in that bag.

Conclusion: trust the numbers, but look at the outliers to see what photos were created at the extreme focal lenghts.
I myself apparently need to do this again later this year…

. . . and imagine that you have only the Q3 you will later find out that you were missing nothing. Instead of 200mm you find another perspective. Same is true for 21mm.

When I say that I think back to a "big" decision I took a few years ago: On a trip I had to think of which camera to take (as we all do). My options were R5 or M10 (at the time) or the Q3 (which was a Beta-Model) at the time. I was brave and I decided to go only with Q3. Now I had of course no 21mm nor had I a 75mm. Or a 16mm or a 200mm etc. etc.

But my personal conclusion at the end of my trip back at home was: I was missing absolutely nothing. The in-camera cropping is great (can be undone in post). I looked for 28mm perspectives. That was what I had including the croping capabilities. That is the first time in my photo-carreer that I learned to travel around with one single focal length. I never ever dared to do that before. A great learning for me.

[jaapv]

1 hour ago, jacobd said:

This is a rather interesting thread. After a similiar trip to and through the American West last year. I returned home with thousands of photos, shot with 2x Fuji XH2s (10-24, 16-80, 70-300 + 1,4x), Fuji x100v and my Q2 Monochrom. When editing I began wondering about what kind of photography/what type of pictures I enjoyed making. To make sense of it all, I also began looking at stats (Photostatistica, Cac equivalent to exiftools) from the trip to the West, but also of all other trips for the past 15-20 years.

From examining cropping vs focal lengths I could draw the following conclusions:
- every now and then I need a wide angle; there is no substitute.
- 28mm-ish is what I use the most
- +200mm FF equiv. is also not something I can do without.
- for everything else…I bought a Q3 43

Now, we are exploring the German Alps and…I brought everything again, in a backpack, which mainly just stays in the car. I did not dare leaving all the Fuji gear at home because what if this-or-that-happened. So far it has not… 

For the past years I’ve carried a Fuji + 3x small zooms (covering 10-300mm) in a Billingham Hadley Small, now I only really walk around with the Q’s in that bag.

Conclusion: trust the numbers, but look at the outliers to see what photos were created at the extreme focal lenghts.
I myself apparently need to do this again later this year…

I hope that you are insured for theft from the car. Even in Southern Germany, break-ins do happen. 

[Le Chef]

Last year on a trip to Scotland I took a Q3 28 and a D-L 109 as a backup, which I never used. I shot mountains, seascapes, city streets, and did not miss anything longer. 

Edited July 26 by Le Chef

[Oxfordian]

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7 hours ago, M11 for me said:

. . . and imagine that you have only the Q3 you will later find out that you were missing nothing. Instead of 200mm you find another perspective. Same is true for 21mm.

When I say that I think back to a "big" decision I took a few years ago: On a trip I had to think of which camera to take (as we all do). My options were R5 or M10 (at the time) or the Q3 (which was a Beta-Model) at the time. I was brave and I decided to go only with Q3. Now I had of course no 21mm nor had I a 75mm. Or a 16mm or a 200mm etc. etc.

But my personal conclusion at the end of my trip back at home was: I was missing absolutely nothing. The in-camera cropping is great (can be undone in post). I looked for 28mm perspectives. That was what I had including the croping capabilities. That is the first time in my photo-carreer that I learned to travel around with one single focal length. I never ever dared to do that before. A great learning for me.

I agree, if you limit yourself to a smaller kit, even one camera and lens, it forces you to open your eyes and look at different ways to create your image, using the Q3 has been a revelation in that respect. I certainly don't miss my ultra wide or tele zooms at all.

[M11 for me]

vor 18 Minuten schrieb Oxfordian:

I agree, if you limit yourself to a smaller kit, even one camera and lens, it forces you to open your eyes and look at different ways to create your image, using the Q3 has been a revelation in that respect. I certainly don't miss my ultra wide or tele zooms at all.

Of course all of this is linked to wheight. Under the condition that you say that a backpack of 12kg of camera gear is no problem to you then you are open to anything of course.

I remember that I have been in the ZOO of Zurich with a Canon back pack a few years ago. I remember how I felt happy with all my equipment and how I suffered at the ame time. 

Never again.

[Alexander108]

vor 19 Minuten schrieb Oxfordian:

I agree, if you limit yourself to a smaller kit, even one camera and lens, it forces you to open your eyes and look at different ways to create your image, using the Q3 has been a revelation in that respect. I certainly don't miss my ultra wide or tele zooms at all.

The relevant words are "limit yourself".

I decided that I don't visit these great places most likely the last time in my life only to learn that I limited myself too much and don't get the images I see but cannot capture. 

Of course, I fully agree that this approach may be different for a lot of people. This is my view at it. There is no right or wrong. 

[keithlaban.co.uk]

As much as I love my Q3 43 I'd never limit my shooting to one focal length lens when traveling and would never travel with only one camera.

[jacobd]

11 hours ago, jaapv said:

I hope that you are insured for theft from the car. Even in Southern Germany, break-ins do happen. 

Why worry?

Why worry about theft of gear? If the images are backed up then…who cares? Proper insurance is a given amongst adults. On this trip I have gone as far as flipping the backpack over and putting random crap on top of it; it would be extremely annoying having to waste time by going the the repair shop to get new windows etc.

Sorry - I have very strong opinions about cameras about being tools and nothing more; nobody buys a hammer and then begins worrying about banging it up.

As far as limitations: if it is part of a specific creative project/vision then it makes sense, if due to financial constraints…less so.

[LeicaR10]

Alexander108,  I have read the posts on your OP thread.  Many of the photographers have offered you sage advice and I will offer mine as well.  I was a professional landscape photographer with my life works spanning 50+ years with Leica gear.  I used nearly all the systems with the last 15 years being the Leica S, SL and M systems.  As I did less works, I downsized my gear to only the basics of the M system.  I use the Q3 and 43 as my travel cameras and on occasion, landscape photography.  Like you, I didn't want to carry the heavy loads that my assistants use to carry on my challenging terrain ventures and assignments.  I found the M system works superbly for landscape photography.  I print very large with sizes going to 4 ft by 6 ft and larger at times.  I use the M10-R and M11-P along with the M11-M.  My preference is the M10-R for most of my work in the local area.  I suggest you consider weight and needs in your decision process.  Like the article below, I use the M 18 SEM, 35 and 50 Summicrons and 90 Apo Summicron.  Occasionally, I will take a M 16-18-21 Tri-Elmar instead of the stellar 18 SEM.  The Tri-Elmar works superbly in places like Horseshoe Bend, Bryce Canyon NP, Grand Canyon, etc.  The good news for you, there are many great choices.  This is just suggestion for you among many.  I am certain, at the end of the day, you will decide what is best for you.  r/ Mark

PS  You might consider looking at the Official Leica Classic Marketplace website if considering buying certified Leica gear.  You will save money and have peace of mind, the gear has a Leica warranty with your purchase.

Try:  https://www.macfilos.com/2024/04/10/jeremys-year-shooting-landscape-with-the-leica-m11-rangefinder/

Edited July 27 by LeicaR10

[Mikep996]

I used to carry a backpack with bodies/lenses - most of which I never used.  Up until very recently I carried only a Q2, later a Q3.  I never felt like I missed a shot with the Qs.  

 

As far as worrying about print size, I have never understood this issue.  Any camera can produce any size final print you want and it will look great when viewed from normal distance.  If you are looking at the Pyramids, you don't stand 2 feet away and look at one of the stones...🙄  

There are 4x6 foot prints in galleries from 35mm film; Billboards can be made from less than 3MP files.  Both appear sharp to the eye.  I have cropped Q3 images to more than 90mm and can see no lack of sharpness/resolution at normal viewing distance.  If your GOAL is pixel peeping, that's a different thing and, of course, you need a Hasselblad X2D and associated lenses!  🤣

Edited July 27 by Mikep996

[jankap]

Exactly! 

A Din A4 print is my measure. If that is ok, then A3+ or more is possible too. More important is the focal length.

The electronic presentation of photos (on a monitor) is different, of course. With software, one can look at the stones of the pyramid. Not that, that is interesting.

 

Edited July 27 by jankap

[Alexander108]

vor 4 Stunden schrieb LeicaR10:

Alexander108,  I have read the posts on your OP thread.  Many of the photographers have offered you sage advice and I will offer mine as well.  I was a professional landscape photographer with my life works spanning 50+ years with Leica gear.  I used nearly all the systems with the last 15 years being the Leica S, SL and M systems.  As I did less works, I downsized my gear to only the basics of the M system.  I use the Q3 and 43 as my travel cameras and on occasion, landscape photography.  Like you, I didn't want to carry the heavy loads that my assistants use to carry on my challenging terrain ventures and assignments.  I found the M system works superbly for landscape photography.  I print very large with sizes going to 4 ft by 6 ft and larger at times.  I use the M10-R and M11-P along with the M11-M.  My preference is the M10-R for most of my work in the local area.  I suggest you consider weight and needs in your decision process.  Like the article below, I use the M 18 SEM, 35 and 50 Summicrons and 90 Apo Summicron.  Occasionally, I will take a M 16-18-21 Tri-Elmar instead of the stellar 18 SEM.  The Tri-Elmar works superbly in places like Horseshoe Bend, Bryce Canyon NP, Grand Canyon, etc.  The good news for you, there are many great choices.  This is just suggestion for you among many.  I am certain, at the end of the day, you will decide what is best for you.  r/ Mark

PS  You might consider looking at the Official Leica Classic Marketplace website if considering buying certified Leica gear.  You will save money and have peace of mind, the gear has a Leica warranty with your purchase.

Try:  https://www.macfilos.com/2024/04/10/jeremys-year-shooting-landscape-with-the-leica-m11-rangefinder/

Financial constraints make your advice not feasible at the moment. At least I cut my weight in half with replaceing two of my canon lenses. At basically no expense. 

I visited a friend yesterday who just got his M11. Great camera. Very intriguing. 

[jankap]

The iPhone 16 pro offers an equivalent widest focal length of 13mm! The picture measures 2Mb, that is 4000 x 3000 pixels. The weight is 200 grams.

Edited July 27 by jankap

[Alexander108]

vor 3 Stunden schrieb jankap:

The iPhone 16 pro offers an equivalent widest focal length of 13mm! The picture measures 2Mb, that is 4000 x 3000 pixels. The weight is 200 grams.

For me personally a Smartphone has nothing to do with photography. There are too many s/w related things going on. Not my world. Important: this is just my personal opinion. There are many people enjoying taking pictures with a Smartphone. But not me.

If I had unlimited financial resources I'd make a trip to Hamburg and buy a fully fledged M11 kit with a few lenses. Unfortunately, I don't have these resources.

 

Edited July 27 by Alexander108
Typo

[ravinj]

5 hours ago, Alexander108 said:

For me personally a Smartphone has nothing to do with photography. There are too many s/w related things going on. Not my world. Important: this is just my personal opinion. There are many people enjoying taking pictures with a Smartphone. But not me.

If I had unlimited financial resources I'd make a trip to Hamburg and buy a fully fledged M11 kit with a few lenses. Unfortunately, I don't have these resources.

 

Agree with your smartphone assessment.

For Grand Canyon or the US West, I would not recommend Q3 as the only camera. Some of my best shots from Grand Canyon were with the Leica R 180 Apo Elmarit mounted on the Sony A7II. IBIS worked magically and allowed me to ditch the tripod. Similar situation in Grand Teton National Park. 

Q3 is ok for places like Arches National Park hiking on the Delicate Arch trail and Bryce Canyon doing the Peekaboo or Queen's Garden trail. Or if you are hiking trails like the South Kaibab in GC. 

In general, I would take gear to cover the extreme wide on one side and then something like the 70-200 on the other. If doing Yellowstone and wildlife is of interest, 100-400 is handy. 

[Alexander108]

vor 3 Minuten schrieb ravinj:

Agree with your smartphone assessment.

For Grand Canyon or the US West, I would not recommend Q3 as the only camera. Some of my best shots from Grand Canyon were with the Leica R 180 Apo Elmarit mounted on the Sony A7II. IBIS worked magically and allowed me to ditch the tripod. Similar situation in Grand Teton National Park. 

Q3 is ok for places like Arches National Park hiking on the Delicate Arch trail and Bryce Canyon doing the Peekaboo or Queen's Garden trail. Or if you are hiking trails like the South Kaibab in GC. 

In general, I would take gear to cover the extreme wide on one side and then something like the 70-200 on the other. If doing Yellowstone and wildlife is of interest, 100-400 is handy. 

Fully agree. Thanks to the great advice in this Forum my equipment will be:

• Q3 covering 28-70mm (more 28-50mm)
• Canon R5 body 
• Canon 16mm f/2.8 lens (arrived yesterday - love it)
• Canon 70-200 f/4 lens (cropping to 300mm possible / arrives in a few days)
• Canon 24-105 f/4 lens only as backup for the Q3. This will stay in the car.

That means: the majority of pictures will be taken using the Q3. 

As I am not a wildlife photographer this is equipment will work. I just weighted my backpack with this equipment (q3 + R5/16mm + 700g RF 70-200) I am now at 5kg for the backpack. I may be able to use my next smaller backpack. So all is good. This is the plan. I'll test out this equipment in our next trip to Italy / Liguria in September.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica Q

[jaapv]

20 hours ago, jacobd said:

Why worry?

Why worry about theft of gear? If the images are backed up then…who cares? Proper insurance is a given amongst adults. On this trip I have gone as far as flipping the backpack over and putting random crap on top of it; it would be extremely annoying having to waste time by going the the repair shop to get new windows etc.

Sorry - I have very strong opinions about cameras about being tools and nothing more; nobody buys a hammer and then begins worrying about banging it up.

As far as limitations: if it is part of a specific creative project/vision then it makes sense, if due to financial constraints…less so.

Who worries? Not me. But leaving gear in the car is rather inviting.