Q3 43 or M-EV1: Trying to make best decision as senior with vision issue

[lencap]

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Greetings!

Wasn't sure where to post this.  ADMIN - Feel free to relocate if appropriate.

I recently sold my extensive SL2-S kit for the Q3 43 and have been generally pleased with the decision, but I do miss the flexibility of the 24-90 Zoom at times.  Despite that 80-90% of my photos have been shot with 50mm lens for over 50 years, and it remains my preferred choice as a “go anywhere, do anything” focal length.  For wide angle and long telephoto my iPhone 14 Pro handles the load well enough.  Subjects are mostly people, shot candidly in all lighting conditions using available light.  Travel photos are the exception as are mood shots.  I have strong astigmatism, and as a senior citizen capturing critical focus on traditional M body is challenging, at best.  
 

I chose the Q3 43 as a “one and done” Leica solution.  For me, the 43mm FL is ideal (actually preferred to 50), APO quality is exceptional, and with one all in one camera it is with me all the time.  Autofocus, adjustable diopter compensation, APO quality, light weight, the ability to shoot video (rarely used, but could be useful) and more make it ideal. Still, the M-EV1 has caught my attention, and that’s why I’ve posted.  To duplicate my Q3 43 I’d likely add the M APO 50mm Summicron f/2.0 or M 50mm F/1.4 Summilux to the EV-1 body.  For that I get the classic M body, but lose autofocus and more.  There are clearly other differences, but given my use case and ability to do everything (including using manual focus and macro mode on the Q3 43), I don’t see a reason to shift to the EV1.  And when I consider the price difference, I see even less reason.  I’ve owned M7, M9, M-A, MP with 35/50mm M lenses for many years, and enjoyed the Rangefinder experience very much, but the realities of aging doesn’t make me a “Rangefinder at all costs” Leica fan.  My SL601, SL2-S, original Q were all fine cameras and I was happy with each.  I’m platform agnostic - just trying to get the right tool for the shooting I do.
 

Am I missing something, or does my decision seem reasonable given my use case?

Edited Wednesday at 08:27 PM by lencap

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[Dazzajl]

The Q very much sounds like the right camera for you. The question after that is can you be happy accepting that without trying the EV? 
 

GAS and curiosity make the most gorgeous couple. 

[lencap]

I admit that GAS is an issue, but at my age it’s unfortunately in more ways than just the gear!  I’ll likely try the EV1, but it would take a lot to have me switch yet again.  One camera, one integrated and optimized lens, resolution that allows me to crop and still print 11x17” photos covers pretty much everything I shoot.  Yes, there is only 1 focal length, but it happens to be my favorite and I can easily live with it.  And I’ve been amazed by the APO lens - depth of field and  bokeh compares very favorably to my Summilux M lens images from years ago, but without the challenges of getting crisp manually focused images.

Edited Wednesday at 08:35 PM by lencap

[thierry40]

Today I could briefly try the EV1 … with my APO TELYT 135 …all the photos were in perfect focus even wide open … ok I can manage the lens with the RF relatively well but not that well … so now I have a doubt … the EVF seems way better than my Q2 but I manage the 28 with the RF very well too … so a very interesting experience I must say

food for thoughts for the future, while I turned 60 not so long ago. 

[Jeff S]

Rent it and make a more informed decision.

I primarily use the SL2 with 24-90 and M10 Monochrom with 35 or 50 (both Summicron v5 and Summilux ASPH v1), RF only. I just added the SL 28-70 for a more compact alternative. I may rent the Q3-43, out of curiosity, to see if it’s worth considering as a travel option.  I usually decide against purchasing new gear after rental, but it’s the best way for me to assess.
 

I’m also a senior, with astigmatism.  So far, neither is an obstacle, adapting as required.

[LanceR]

@lencap I am in a similar predicament.  The M11 was my all time favorite camera with two of my all time favorite lenses.  I wear glasses and I have an astigmatism.  I found it increasingly difficult to detect the contrast pop in the rangefinder patch for critical focus.

I hoped that Leica would provide something more focus aids with the EV1 than just magnification and focus peaking.  In truth, they even lag what others are doing on the SL cameras with L mount lenses, where other system provide focus confirmation from the auto focus system when manually focusing.

So, I also picked up the Q3 43.  I would add one benefit you didn't list is that you do get some stabilization with the Q cameras, albeit not like you get on the SL or other systems.

You mentioned cropping.  One other item I would point out in case you were not aware of this feature.  A very clever feature of the Q3 cameras, both the 28 and 43, is that if you press the zoom button to bring up frame lines for other focal lengths, the camera computes based on that focal length.  For example, if you are in aperture priority and select a zoom focal length of 90mm, it will compute your shutter speed as if you had a 90mm lens, as well as engage stabilization, etc.  That really helps ensure your photos are sharp if you know you are going to crop with a RAW file in post.

When I discovered that feature was not just about showing me frame lines to compose, I truly found the Q3 43 to be a one camera one lens solution for most of my needs.

[lencap]

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Lance points out another reason I chose the Q3 43 - IBIS, which from natural light shooting, especially in dim light often makes the difference between capturing the shot or not.  

‘Now that I’ve watched and read some EV1 reviews I find my Q has other benefits I didn’t fully appreciate:  wether sealed body  AND lenses - very much appreciated on my SL gear, and now taken for granted on the Q body.  The Q 43 also fully captures EXIF data by communicating with the integrated lens.  My understanding is that the EV1 isn’t capable of doing this, but I may be wrong - I’d appreciate anyone who knows for sure adding a comment.  There also doesn’t seem to be a tilt screen on the EV1 - not required, but it is user full on occasion.  I initialed hated it (ruined “the look”, but found it allowed me to shot at waist level like my film Hasselblads did - a very pleasing perspective for many shots).

All in all, I appreciate the EV1 as a great solution for many, but for now I’m happy with the 43, and will likely remain so.  In fact, despite not really needing it, I can add a used Q3 with 28mm FL to my 43 for less than the cost to swap into the EV1.  I’m not likely to do so, but it makes it even harder to give up all the features the 43 offers that I’ve come to use and enjoy.  Among them, which is also on the SL bodies, is the ability to easily stitch images together at incredible resolution.  That takes the place of a wide angle lens when I shoot landscape and miss the wide angle FL of the other Q bodies.  No real need for adding another Q body.  The financial difference seems more and more favorable for the 43 as being the best choice for my needs - your decision may indeed be different.

Thanks for the replies - I welcome your thoughts!

 

 

Edited Wednesday at 09:53 PM by lencap

[Markey]

I`m in a similar situation.

Approaching 75 although I can still manage an RF.

I have a 246 ,a Q343  and the SL2S with 2490 and 90280.

That last set will probably go sometime in the future .

I  was going to upgrade to the SL3 but I`m so pleased with the Q3 43 that I`ve more or less dropped that as an option.  

Indeed it might make more sense to get the proposed Q3 mono and phase the the SL2s kit out sooner.

I only tend to use it for equestrian shots but with some careful cropping and even more careful positioning of myself I can make the Q work out in the field.

The 246 remains for now although the new offering looks promising.

I can envisage a Q / EVM set up in the future even though I`m fine with an RF .

Edited Wednesday at 10:17 PM by Markey

[Jeff S]

48 minutes ago, lencap said:

Lance points out another reason I chose the Q3 43 - IBIS, which from natural light shooting, especially in dim light often makes the difference between capturing the shot or not.  

 

OIS, not IBIS.

[lencap]

Agreed OIS, not IBIS.  I appreciate the differences, but my point was that having OIS or IBIS is useful for me and helps in capturing the image I'm attempting to create.  Neither is available in M body.

 

[MRJohn]

The Q3 43 is the best camera I have ever had. If I could only have one camera (and lens), that would be it. - I wished the M EVF would be similar in many ways, but we got less (in critical areas) for more $$$, which is annoying. At least they could have given it a Maestro IV processor and 256 GB of internal memory (in exchange they could have saved money on the red dot by excluding it). I picked it because it is the closest thing (size and weight wise) to a Q with the ability to change small M lenses (of which I have a few). The SL line works well with M lenses too and is technically better than the M EVF, but it just doesn't feel right for me, more like a bridging tool camera. So I welcome the addition of the M EVF but might switch back to the Q3 43 (or a Q3 43 monochrome) and do the rest with an iphone, just as you say.

[Rick in CO]

I also transitioned from the M to the Q343 and am learning to use it.  No eyesight issues at 71, but the OIS and autofocus with easy switch to manual focus is what I was after.  I am a predominantly 50mm shooter, previously having the 50 Apo Summicron on the M10R, and the 43 is a great compromise between 35 and 50mm.

Question:  does focusing with the M EV1 differ from manual focusing on the Q343?  If so, How?  I realize there is the discussion about stop-down aperture, but I've read that there is no light falloff in the EVF when using slower apertures, just a lack of clarity of focus due to the greater depth of field.  Doesn't the focus magnification resolve that?  I use it frequently with the Q343 and find it works very well.  

[jdlaing]

If you have vision issues it may be better if you use autofocus.

[LarryLeica]

On 10/29/2025 at 4:43 PM, thierry40 said:

Today I could briefly try the EV1 … with my APO TELYT 135 …all the photos were in perfect focus even wide open … ok I can manage the lens with the RF relatively well but not that well … so now I have a doubt … the EVF seems way better than my Q2 but I manage the 28 with the RF very well too … so a very interesting experience I must say

food for thoughts for the future, while I turned 60 not so long ago. 

I have never shot a 135mm lens on a Leica M body. Now, you make me think that I should try it with the EV. I tried to get my hands on an EV1 last Sunday but B&H said it did not exist/

I already have to repurchase the 35mm and 50mm Lux lenses, and I wanted to add a 21mm Super Elmar and perhaps a 90mm macro but perhaps I should go to 135mm instead. 

I turned 61 this year. 

[deekay]

@lencap I'm interested in your perspective around the Q3 given that you mentioned at the outset that your preference is for longer focal lengths. Have you changed the type of shooting you do to some degree, or are you cropping?

Edited Saturday at 10:45 PM by deekay

[kiwidad]

On 10/29/2025 at 2:23 PM, lencap said:

Greetings!

Wasn't sure where to post this.  ADMIN - Feel free to relocate if appropriate.

I recently sold my extensive SL2-S kit for the Q3 43 and have been generally pleased with the decision, but I do miss the flexibility of the 24-90 Zoom at times.  Despite that 80-90% of my photos have been shot with 50mm lens for over 50 years, and it remains my preferred choice as a “go anywhere, do anything” focal length.  For wide angle and long telephoto my iPhone 14 Pro handles the load well enough.  Subjects are mostly people, shot candidly in all lighting conditions using available light.  Travel photos are the exception as are mood shots.  I have strong astigmatism, and as a senior citizen capturing critical focus on traditional M body is challenging, at best.  
 

I chose the Q3 43 as a “one and done” Leica solution.  For me, the 43mm FL is ideal (actually preferred to 50), APO quality is exceptional, and with one all in one camera it is with me all the time.  Autofocus, adjustable diopter compensation, APO quality, light weight, the ability to shoot video (rarely used, but could be useful) and more make it ideal. Still, the M-EV1 has caught my attention, and that’s why I’ve posted.  To duplicate my Q3 43 I’d likely add the M APO 50mm Summicron f/2.0 or M 50mm F/1.4 Summilux to the EV-1 body.  For that I get the classic M body, but lose autofocus and more.  There are clearly other differences, but given my use case and ability to do everything (including using manual focus and macro mode on the Q3 43), I don’t see a reason to shift to the EV1.  And when I consider the price difference, I see even less reason.  I’ve owned M7, M9, M-A, MP with 35/50mm M lenses for many years, and enjoyed the Rangefinder experience very much, but the realities of aging doesn’t make me a “Rangefinder at all costs” Leica fan.  My SL601, SL2-S, original Q were all fine cameras and I was happy with each.  I’m platform agnostic - just trying to get the right tool for the shooting I do.
 

Am I missing something, or does my decision seem reasonable given my use case?

The EV in the m ev1 is not any better than the sl2-s. 
I suggest you try using the q3 in manual focus mode. This will reflect your experience with focusing on the m-ev1 for the most part. I don’t recall if the q3 focuses open aperture? If it does it will be better than the m-ev1 as leicas focus peaking is terrible on the m as it is focusing at shooting aperture

[SrMi]

5 hours ago, kiwidad said:

The EV in the m ev1 is not any better than the sl2-s. 
I suggest you try using the q3 in manual focus mode. This will reflect your experience with focusing on the m-ev1 for the most part. I don’t recall if the q3 focuses open aperture? If it does it will be better than the m-ev1 as leicas focus peaking is terrible on the m as it is focusing at shooting aperture

Yes, Q3 focuses at open aperture.

Several people have reported success with peaking in M-EV1 when using appropriate settings. I have found that I can focus at working aperture if the aperture is in my typical range. I will compare it with M11 later, but my first impression is that I do not get better (more in focus) results with a rangefinder.

The situation is not so bleak with M-EV1.

 

[Jon D]

On 10/29/2025 at 8:23 PM, lencap said:

Greetings!

Wasn't sure where to post this.  ADMIN - Feel free to relocate if appropriate.

I recently sold my extensive SL2-S kit for the Q3 43 and have been generally pleased with the decision, but I do miss the flexibility of the 24-90 Zoom at times.  Despite that 80-90% of my photos have been shot with 50mm lens for over 50 years, and it remains my preferred choice as a “go anywhere, do anything” focal length.  For wide angle and long telephoto my iPhone 14 Pro handles the load well enough.  Subjects are mostly people, shot candidly in all lighting conditions using available light.  Travel photos are the exception as are mood shots.  I have strong astigmatism, and as a senior citizen capturing critical focus on traditional M body is challenging, at best.  
 

I chose the Q3 43 as a “one and done” Leica solution.  For me, the 43mm FL is ideal (actually preferred to 50), APO quality is exceptional, and with one all in one camera it is with me all the time.  Autofocus, adjustable diopter compensation, APO quality, light weight, the ability to shoot video (rarely used, but could be useful) and more make it ideal. Still, the M-EV1 has caught my attention, and that’s why I’ve posted.  To duplicate my Q3 43 I’d likely add the M APO 50mm Summicron f/2.0 or M 50mm F/1.4 Summilux to the EV-1 body.  For that I get the classic M body, but lose autofocus and more.  There are clearly other differences, but given my use case and ability to do everything (including using manual focus and macro mode on the Q3 43), I don’t see a reason to shift to the EV1.  And when I consider the price difference, I see even less reason.  I’ve owned M7, M9, M-A, MP with 35/50mm M lenses for many years, and enjoyed the Rangefinder experience very much, but the realities of aging doesn’t make me a “Rangefinder at all costs” Leica fan.  My SL601, SL2-S, original Q were all fine cameras and I was happy with each.  I’m platform agnostic - just trying to get the right tool for the shooting I do.
 

Am I missing something, or does my decision seem reasonable given my use case?

With the Q3 43 you already have an option to use the same manual focus system that has been put into the M-EV1, and the Q3 43 automatically punches in to check focus whereas with the M-EV1 you have to pull a lever to zoom in and again to zoom back out. And the M-EV1 doesn’t have an option for auto focus. So the M-EV1 would be an inferior experience to what you already have - unless you have a strong desire to use multiple focal lengths. 

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[SrMi]

14 minutes ago, Jon D said:

With the Q3 43 you already have an option to use the same manual focus system that has been put into the M-EV1, and the Q3 43 automatically punches in to check focus whereas with the M-EV1 you have to pull a lever to zoom in and again to zoom back out. And the M-EV1 doesn’t have an option for auto focus. So the M-EV1 would be an inferior experience to what you already have - unless you have a strong desire to use multiple focal lengths. 

M-EV1, like all Ms, has autozoom functionality.

[Wipeout]

After spending some time with the Leica M EV1, I’ve found focusing to be more difficult than expected.

The focus zoom shows a lot of lag and image noise in dim light, even with a fast lens wide open at f1.4, which makes it slow and uncertain to nail focus.

The processor is an older generation and not designed for video, which might explain the laggy live view performance. To check focus accurately, you need to open the aperture fully, focus, and then close it back down to your chosen setting, since the camera does not automatically open and close the aperture to aid focusing.

What the M EV1 really needs is a better manual focusing aid, something like the split prism screens found on classic SLRs that gave a clear and definite point of focus.

It is a great concept and beautifully built, but right now focusing feels harder than it should be. I have an SL2 with an M adaptor and much prefer that setup for manual focus work.

I have not yet tried the Q3 43, but I would be curious to see how that compares in practice.