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

[jonoslack]

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4 hours ago, Anonautico said:

Don't tell Leica, because the Q43 with lens costs less than the best Leica optics, which Leica considers to be the best optics. 🙄

 

Leica knows. Just look at the MTF charts!

[lencap]

Apologies for the radio silence—I've been traveling a bit, but given the continued commentary here, I want to update my thoughts.

Thanks to everyone for the comments; they're all genuinely helpful and welcome. And a special shout-out to Jono. Your ability to articulate the full creative experience (the image, the art) with each Leica platform is why I've bought SL, Q, and M bodies/lenses over the years. My local dealer and I both owe you a commission!

My Journey to 'The ONE'

As a hobbyist for over six decades, I'm squarely in the full-frame camp (after enjoying everything from film Hasselblads and Nikon Fs to the "latest and greatest" digitals). But Father Time always wins: aging eyes made critical rangefinder focus and parallax alignment tricky. This realization is what drove my interest in the Q line, starting with the Q-116.

While I loved the quality, I never fully bonded with the 28mm FL. This led me to the SL/SL2-S (with SL primes and the 24-90 zoom). I recently consolidated and chose the Q3 43 as 'The ONE', as the weight/size resulted in leaving the SL kit at home more often than taking it with me.

Why the Q3 43 Works - For ME 

Why the Q3 43? Simple: looking back at 60 years of my photos, the vast majority are 50mm shots focusing on emotion and candid portraiture in available light.

• The 43mm FL is ideal for capturing faces with minimal distortion (and the optimized APO lens is a bonus).

• The Q3 43 checks every box for a true one-camera solution: magical output, macro option, fine manual focus and zone focusing, and a small footprint/weight.

• For wider/longer shots, I'll let my iPhone 14 Pro handle the task for now (I know, not an ideal solution, but it works).

• Yes, I do miss the M Rangefinder experience, but reality has a way of focusing (pun intended) on solutions, not fondly insisting on tradition and heritage.

Thanks again to this forum; you were instrumental in helping me navigate this maze of choices! Now, I just need Jono to stop writing such wonderful Leica reviews before he moves me to another solution! 😉

Be well, everyone.

[jjroroek]

On 10/29/2025 at 9:23 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?

i did a swap to the q3 for the same reason as you did.   i am stille happy i did. Being  a 28 shooter the q3  28  suits perfectly  but i miss the DOF  wide open of the summilux 35 , 50  and 75 so  i am waiting to swap back again to the m system. The biggest proplem with the M Ev is focussing while  the aparture is not wide open. that was the reason i never used my visoflex on  yhe  m10r. Tnew M Ev is nothing more than a m11 with the visoflex build in.  i will skip the M ev and i wait for the m with a q viewfinder and ibs. the only way to achieve that is to make m lenses with build in shutter or i will wait for a q with interchangeble lenses

[SrMi]

4 minutes ago, jjroroek said:

Tnew M Ev is nothing more than a m11 with the visoflex build in.

I understand that the next iteration (M-EV2) will be nothing more than M12 with the Visoflex built in. That is by design.

8 minutes ago, jjroroek said:

i will skip the M ev and i wait for the m with a q viewfinder and ibs.

M-EV1 has the Q3 viewfinder, though it lacks the 120Hz refresh mode.

[lencap]

On 11/1/2025 at 6:45 PM, deekay said:

@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?

DeeKay -  Sorry for the late reply - it's been a busy week!  I tried to love the 28mm FL, but I realize that it's not really how I see things and forcing it is frustrating.  I also had issues with distortion due to my lack of skill at 28mm FL composition and framing.  It's me, not the camera.  Still, the Q3 43 has a perspective and depth of field very similar to the 50mm FL I've used as my primary lens for over 60 years.  I'm comfortable with it, understand what it offers and where it doesn't work as well.  I tend not to crop, but do when the image calls for it.  The hidden benefit of the Q cameras is the macro feature.  I initially used it infrequently on my Q 116, but began to appreciate it more.  In the Q3 43, the APO lens is great for most of my shots, but the macro option gives me added flexibility.  It's still early in the "honey moon" with the new camera, but so far I have less "Buyer's Remorse" than I've had with any product I've ever owned.  In fact, even if I never shoot another image with it, I can just leave it on my desk and admire the way it looks - that's art in real life!

And there is one additional major benefit of being a member of this forum.  Every day I can reread Jono's Q3 43 review and fall deeper in love with the camera all over again!  Thank you Jono!

Edited November 11 by lencap

[LocalHero1953]

9 hours ago, SrMi said:

I understand that the next iteration (M-EV2) will be nothing more than M12 with the Visoflex built in. That is by design.

Has Leica decided already? I thought one purpose of the EV1 was to assess demand for future iterations. If so, that's a quick decision. 

[SrMi]

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6 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

Has Leica decided already? I thought one purpose of the EV1 was to assess demand for future iterations. If so, that's a quick decision. 

I have no additional information from Leica. I also assume that the possibility of the next iteration has yet to be determined.

In case the M-EV will be continued, I assume that it will continue to be a variant of the RF version and not a separate line with features different from the RF line. E.g., any improvement in EVF focusing should also be available in RF's Visoflex; it will have IBIS only if the RF gets IBIS; no tiltable LCD, because the body would be too thick.

The point of the M-EV1 is that it has to feel like shooting an RF but with embedded EVF. There is always the SL3 if one does not care about  the RF's feeling/ergonomics.

[Jon D]

On 11/11/2025 at 2:53 PM, SrMi said:

I have no additional information from Leica. I also assume that the possibility of the next iteration has yet to be determined.

In case the M-EV will be continued, I assume that it will continue to be a variant of the RF version and not a separate line with features different from the RF line. E.g., any improvement in EVF focusing should also be available in RF's Visoflex; it will have IBIS only if the RF gets IBIS; no tiltable LCD, because the body would be too thick.

The point of the M-EV1 is that it has to feel like shooting an RF but with embedded EVF. There is always the SL3 if one does not care about  the RF's feeling/ergonomics.

Having used the M-EV1 for a brief time my view has changed slightly. I’m shifting my ground in the more positive direction. I think the SL range lacks the compactness of the M, and the engaged experience that comes with using an M. The EVF was significantly better than I expected, in that I found I could easily use it whilst still wearing my glasses. Something I cannot do comfortably with the rangefinder patch, nor Visoflex 2. That’s a significant feature that I had not considered or had underestimated. If the focus peaking system can match the hit rate of the rangefinder (I don’t know the answer to that), then suddenly it becomes a serious consideration at the point I wish to upgrade, or where the rangefinder system becomes untenable for the eyes. 

[deekay]

The comments from users with older eyes and the rangefinder patch made me wonder whether everyone who wears glasses is using their M rangefinder with one of Leica's diopter correction lenses. Takes a bit of fiddling out but it makes a significant difference I find.

[Lightwrangler]

Been there. Never got used to it. Always struggled to take my glasses off, store them somewhere (in case the wife is not there to hold them for me) to see through the viewfinder and then not see the surroundings with the other eye. Sometimes I forgot wether I got the diopter in or not, always ending up with the blurred view, be it with glasses or without 😉

Edited November 12 by Lightwrangler

[intermediatic]

It's very strange, but I find the Q3 viewfinder is never in focus for me. I have tried to adjust the diopter but I don't get. I do not have this problem with, say, the Hasselblad X2D2.

[S Maclean]

If you have a vission issue then AF would be the most complete solution for you, so the Q, or an SL, would work best.  The EVF will vertainly assist you better than RF alone, but  you still relay on your vision to asess focus. Focus Peaking and magnification are aids, and on some scenarios very valuable ones, on other scenarios they do get on the way a little.

The Q vesrus MEVF conversation, though, is not just about focus, but about form factor, lens options nad flexibility of the tool, versus Fast, reliable, water protected great optics.  Both are great choices, but it depends on what you and how you photograph, not only on your sight.

[Jeff S]

On 11/12/2025 at 4:55 PM, deekay said:

The comments from users with older eyes and the rangefinder patch made me wonder whether everyone who wears glasses is using their M rangefinder with one of Leica's diopter correction lenses. Takes a bit of fiddling out but it makes a significant difference I find.

I keep my glasses on (correction for distance and astigmatism) and simultaneously use a +.5 diopter to optimize focusing with my aging eyes. Very simple to determine using free trial diopters at my local optician.

[steve edmunds]

On 11/3/2025 at 9:02 AM, jonoslack said:

I quite agree - it's the same EVF, and the Q3 43 not only has AF, but probably the best lens Leica has ever made! 

All the best

Jono

who designed that lens? its just that i have never read anything about who designed the lens despite lots of lenses being designed and publicly stated peter Karbe designs.

same applies to the 28mm Q lens?

[jonoslack]

14 minutes ago, steve edmunds said:

who designed that lens? its just that i have never read anything about who designed the lens despite lots of lenses being designed and publicly stated peter Karbe designs.

same applies to the 28mm Q lens?

Interesting question Steve - I don't have the answer, and excellent though the 28 Q lens is, it really isn't a patch on the APO lens on the Q3 43.

[BernardC]

23 hours ago, steve edmunds said:

who designed that lens? its just that i have never read anything about who designed the lens despite lots of lenses being designed and publicly stated peter Karbe designs.

Peter Karbe is Head of Optical Design at Leica, so he's not working alone. He has said in interviews that his role is more like an internal consultant and representative these days. I wouldn't attribute any new lens design solely to him, even though he is certainly the public face of his department.

That being said, it's still fair to call this the "Karbe era" of Leica designs, just like we've attributed other eras to preeminent designers (Berek, Mandler, etc.). As the Head, he sets the tone and the priorities for the whole Department.

[steve edmunds]

On 11/16/2025 at 7:31 PM, jonoslack said:

Interesting question Steve - I don't have the answer, and excellent though the 28 Q lens is, it really isn't a patch on the APO lens on the Q3 43.

the Q 43 obviously is outstanding as your comment proves, my Q2 summilux is pretty decent in truth, its just curious that the lens/lenses of the Q series has no apparent designer.

[steve edmunds]

45 minutes ago, BernardC said:

Peter Karbe is Head of Optical Design at Leica, so he's not working alone. He has said in interviews that his role is more like an internal consultant and representative these days. I wouldn't attribute any new lens design solely to him, even though he is certainly the public face of his department.

That being said, it's still fair to call this the "Karbe era" of Leica designs, just like we've attributed other eras to preeminent designers (Berek, Mandler, etc.). As the Head, he sets the tone and the priorities for the whole Department.

i do not agree to be honest because the M APO lenses and several others are trumpeted as Karbe designs and i wonder why these outstanding Q series lenses have no name attached to its production.

its not important of course but a curious thing to me at least.

[Switz]

I started back in the 70s with several Leica R3 systems and a Hasselblad system that required strength to haul the 50 pound suitcase of lenses and camera bodies. Life continues to happen and a divorce lightened what I could take with me to a new life. Cameras ceased to be until the iPhones came along. In late 2019, I acquired a Leica V-Lux (Typ 114) for a nine week camera trip through seven countries in Southern Africa. We got lots of excellent photos despite my ignorance of all the lore of photography.  My wife and I both had both eyes upgraded to multifocal lenses in our eyes several years back,

So when the burr under my saddle for a regular camera manifested into a lightly used 2022 Leica M 11 silver rangefinder (Leica certified with two year warranty) and a new Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens, I started learning the camera lingo. I like the rangefinder focusing system and it works for me and my "new" eyes. The settings will take sometime.

I have discovered that a single fixed lens might need some siblings and have started looking into a possible couple of choices. I still have the V-Lux and it's 400mm telephoto capability. Since I lack the strength of a pack mule, I have to travel lightly these days so a camera body and a couple of lenses in a carry bag will have to suffice.

The Q3 43 is an interesting choice between my 35mm lens and a possible 50 mm lens for the M11. A happy medium so to speak,

I joined these forums to read about all the pros and cons of the various Leica flavored equipment and will certainly benefit from the vast informational data base of all of these members.

Thanks for sharing.

 

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[jonoslack]

22 hours ago, steve edmunds said:

the Q 43 obviously is outstanding as your comment proves, my Q2 summilux is pretty decent in truth, its just curious that the lens/lenses of the Q series has no apparent designer.

Well Steve - a little googling brought up this - I'm not saying it's accurate, but it makes some sense:

I Quote:

The Leica Q3 43's lens was a collaborative effort, with the initial optical design created by Japanese designers 

Takehiro Nishioka and Yoshiaki Kurioka, and a significant part of the design also attributed to Panasonic, who reportedly hold the patent rights. Leica then integrated this design into the final camera, adding its own knowledge, technology, and craftsmanship, including the APO (Apochromatic)designation and features like digital lens distortion correction

Unquote

The Lens for the Q3 on the other hand seems to have been designed by Peter Karbe

Edited November 18 by jonoslack