Choosing the Perfect Leica Camera: SL, Q, or M?

[@guillaumebouqueau]

As a hobbyist, I like the fact that the M system still has an optical viewfinder. EVFs are great but there’s quite often too much info. That takes you away from the only thing you should do with a viewfinder : take care of composition. The ergonomics of the M system totally make sense to me.

[@AskMOTT]

You do well with that M my friend.

[@guillaumebouqueau]

@@AskMOTT thanks Justin.

[@GastonShutters]

Great video Justin. My same thoughts on the SL3. Waiting for it. Most likely will inherit the sensor, phase detection, maestro 4 from the Q3 with advanced video features. And I have a feeling they’ll introduce a smaller 24-70 f2.8 or similar. Much needed smaller lenses. One of the reasons I’ve stuck to my M11 and haven’t made the move to the SL system.

[@simonbnyc]

I've had my Q2 for over 18 months and it's been absolutely perfect for my needs. I've no regrets purchasing this camera whatsoever. Initially the 28mm lens was a challenge but I gradually grew into it and now it's a natural part of the way I see. I would definitely consider an upgrade to an M11 if funds allow as I am familiar with rangefinder focusing although my eyesight maybe an issue. Using an EVF with an M11 sort of defeats the purpose so I might as well stick with the Q2! As for the Q3, it doesn't have enough new features to warrant an upgrade from the Q2 but I would recommend it as a first time Leica for someone.

[@pnw_md]

Don't discount the M system! Put on a 28mm on a M system and shot it at f8 and it will be super easy to focus. I use to think that the EVF defeated the purpose of the M system, but I bought a Visioflex 2 and it's great! I think it's the same resolution as the Q EVF, so it's quite good. I use it about 5-10% of the time, usually shooting wide open on a 50mm at 1.4 or 90mm. The ability to change lenses is big advantage of the M system.

[@andyjones5192]

Totally in love with the SL System. It’s the most versatile system of any manufacturer I’ve ever used. It takes my old Summicron from 1954 as well as a crazy Leica 90-280 lens. The L mount lets you chose from all kind of lens options of Panasonic or fantastic Sigma glass. AF is not quite there yet with the competition but the SL3 will surely take care of it. My to go kit is often the SL-2S with a Summilux 50 M and a Leica Q in addition. Light powerful kit with superb image quality. The M system i only use for shooting film for my private work and enjoyment. Cheers, Andy

[@AskMOTT]

What a great kit Andy, I have big expectations for the SL3 as well :).

[@kubowich]

Same...except the Q which I did not enjoy (huge Q2 files and kind of weird, generic colors)...SL2-S + MP all the way, paired with 28+50 crons

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

I like the idea of being able to walk into a tavern or coffee shop or restaurant and take a photo. It's for that reason that I bought three of Leica's fastest M lenses, 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm. I haven't regretted buying those lenses or my M10-R. Shooting "wide open" I can isolate people. I think I have a very useful setup.

[@mwales2112]

My M10 and original Q work for me in different settings and circumstances. The SL just seems way bigger than I would like to lug around..

[@AskMOTT]

It is quite reasonable w M lenses actually but yes it gets chunky w the SL lenses

[@JBurtonTenor]

My friend let me borrow his m11 last month and it changed my life, haha. It’s singular and wonderful. I shoot Nikon Z series. But, man…I want one so so much. Nothing like it.

[@theomerbarak]

Love your channel, and learning a lot from it. After years of Fuji (Xt-4, Xt-5, Xh2s) and canon (r6ii) I said goodbye to all those cameras and traded them for one Leica q3. The only one I didn’t sold was the xh2s for its video capabilities, as I some time need them. I get that it’s not a Leica M series, but again, coming from Fuji I’m AMAZED from the photos and the sharpness I’m getting. The color rendering is amazing, and you can crop so much into the picture to the point where it almost feels like cheating. It’s such a great EDC, and I’m taking it everywhere with me. I understand there are better leicas out there, but the size factor and the light weight make it the perfect camera for personal use (and also professional, but it’s not why I bought it). I think that if you don’t shoot sports or wild life and focus only on portraits, travel and life style as I do you can’t ask for a better camera. Just wanted to give this perspective, if any one is in the fence for a q3. Again, love your work.

[@AskMOTT]

You’re so kind Omer, thanks for taking the time to write and thanks for the kind words. Q3 certainly is a camera that can do it all, glad you like it :).

[@lukemerrill1272]

I've just purchased my first Leica, the M8 with a Voigtländer 40mm Nokton Classic lens. It has been much easier to get used to (and love!) than I expected. Thanks for sharing your knowledge gained from experience!

[@JS-shim]

I use the Q because of my age. Like all older people your near vision deteriorates and you develop a tremor. Good manual focusing becomes impossible. The lack of image stabilisation is also a problem on the M.

[@markielinhart]

Older photographer here too. I just swapped out my Leica M8 for the same reasons to a Q and I love it. With its 35mm crop I get the frame lines feel as well. Focus leaking is a benefit in zone focussing✌️🇦🇺

[@hoagyguitarmichael]

I ended up with a used SL 601 as my first serious camera because seemed the least complicated camera I could afford. The Canons, Sonys, and Fujifilms all looked great but the menus seemed endless. On Ralph Gibson's advice I started with an M adaptor and a 50mm Summarit almost exclusively for two years. Just got my first auto focus lens (Sigma 90mm 28) and it was interesting to hear you say that the SL's autofocus lags behind the others-I thought I might be doing something wrong. Still almost feels like cheating after shooting manual all this time ;-)

[@smith507]

Another quirk of the SL is the L-Mount, you can mix and match lenses from Sigma, Panasonic and even adapt Canon EF lenses, if that's your thing. A pro for the M system is that people don't perceive you as a journalist but rather as a tourist or an amateur and are less wary of your presence. I've been moving away from traditional mirrorless cameras unto an M 240 + M3 combo and enjoying the experience.

[@victormarcios]

I joined the Leica world last year with a Q2. I am studying the possibility of purchasing or upgrading to an M. What’s your suggestion for me to start in the M world? My initial thought would be M10/11 and a 35mm summicron. What’s your opinion about?

[@eirikkittelsen9787]

The camera I carry the most is the M10-Monochrom and the 28 lux or a 50mm Lux black chrome. I also have a SL2 with is great for those times i ned color or weather sealing. The M is definitely closest to my heart.

[@AskMOTT]

That’s a cool combo Erik, I’m jealous.

[@camelotvanerven9667]

Recently bought a new SL2-s with a 50mm 2.0. Got a good deal. Love the camera and the build. My M10-P gets some rest these days.

[@justin_704]

What in you opinion is 'professional quality'? I am shopping around for a new/used camera and I keep trying to justify the purchase of a leica or a hasselblad. What is your explanation of "professional use"? I always gravitated to the school of thought of 'it is not the camera, it is the fotographer'

[@AskMOTT]

Whatever you can afford Justin , I’m not a camera pusher :). Professional quality to me just means will your clients be satisfied with the files and most of time any camera that is 21ish megapixels and up will do the trick . I’m a big advocate of buying used . Shoot every day if you want to improve and get a project to work on.

[@robertowen-jones443]

Thank you Justin. For the last four years I have used a GFX100 professionally and value its MPs for its ability to produce large prints. The sensor on the GFX100 ii is the same sensor. So for now I’m holding off replacing my GFX until I hear what the SL3 might bring. And this leads me to my questions. Have you heard any rumours about a MP bump for the next SL? Do you know if the SL lenses will be able to cover a medium format sensor? Or will we see a S4?

[@BUSCAP]

Easy for me… have all 3 😄…. Seriously, I agree with you, M primary and SL backup or vice versa.

[@AskMOTT]

But I guess you have to decide which to use and when :), good problem to have .

[@palamj2]

I use and love my M11. Keen to pickup the SL although I would use it I think with small primes. The big zooms look too big and heavy. The fact there is an adapter for M lenses is another attraction. As for the Q series the fixed lens is the deal breaker.

[@AskMOTT]

I’m with you John :).

[@AskMOTT]

Which system works for you?

[@michaelacedeno]

All of them are great but for overall versatility, M + SL is my happy place.

[@malcolmmacgregor1406]

Leica M-10 with 75mm lens is great. Paired up with Hasselblad X2D and 55mm lens. Neither have video which is perfect. Totally 'get' your theme about minimalism. Too many cameras out there with complex menu systems which are also big and bulky. Many thanks for this review

[@rickseigh460]

I own the M11, Q3, Lumix S5iix. I don't look at the M system as an upgrade from the Q. They're totally different in my mind. I purchased the M first then the Q and I'm considering selling the M11 as I don't use it as much anymore. The Q3 is like an everyday camera but with great image quality. The M is more of a sports car that you take out on the weekends. It slows the process down and is very enjoyable to use but I'm looking forward to the SL3 or SL3-s to see how it compares to the Lumix. Love video first but shoot photos more.

[@bamdadmasoudi4241]

Thanks Justin for the video. Had one quick question, would you consider the Leica SL typ 601 in 2024 a reasonable option for someone who wants to have all the benefits of Leica cameras, mainly the image quality and the colour rendition, and doesn't have the budget to go for the more expensive options? or would you suggest saving some money and going for an SL2 or Q2 ?I should also note that I'm a hobbyist and don't do any professional photography. thanks

[@garymc8956]

My M11 has a purchase for the thumb and a surface that makes it easy to grip. Not so with the Qs and I find the need to have add ons that increase the bulk. Wish Leica would do a couple of easy changes to make the Q easier to hold.

[@AskMOTT]

Good point Gary.

[@JJHills-ho3br]

Which leica m lens has the same image rendering as the leica q,the 28 summicron or elmarit?

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

Well reasoned and well said. I am with you on the M bodies. I shot a IIIf for a short while in HS and thought that was all there was, M bodies. I tried to get in cheap: M8.2, great B&W. Color is OK, too. Then the M9, great color. And the the M240, which is an M that shoots movies. I have them all, still, and favor the M9. I agree that they feel "right" when held and used. I got into Sonnars through the Jupiter 8's and then a CZJ and a Skyllaney Bertele. And a nice Cooke Amotal Planar. But what I need now is to keep watching you and your command of composition and color. Your work is amazing and evocative. And your money-maker, the reposing rhino and game warden, would be enough for me to do in a lifetime. You have clocked some great images. I just love looking at your work. And thanks for sharing your knowledge. Cheers

[@vvvvvvvvv1939]

I’ve always loved the CL but I wish it was full frame

[@AskMOTT]

I still need to try that system, everyone seems to love it.

[@vvvvvvvvv1939]

@@AskMOTT you should it’s basically a digital Leica m EVF simple to use just no full frame hope Leica remakes this camera

[@ianforber]

Interesting point about you not liking to over-crop your images. I know plenty of people think like that but, personally, I bought the Q2 specifically because I could crop the hell out of the files. I don’t think of it as wasting pixels but as it’s adding value. I have an M11 as a backup camera though 😂

[@richa2495]

I shoot with the m10. The rangefinder is so rewarding to use. The simplicity of the manual focus. The 35mm Summilux is special. One question thought. At f1.4, do you have any advice on getting consistent critical focus on the eyes? I get it about 2/3rds of the time. I enjoy your videos Justin. Thank you.

[@catherinejoanpiazza420]

M10-P and M10 monochrome. I had the SL2 and it takes stunning photos and my thinking was it would be perfect to use my M lenses for landscapes. It was a great landscape combo but overall so is the 24 mp M10 system. I didn’t care for the weight, really poor battery life, and no tilt screen on the SL2. I traded it recently for the M10 mono. I feel done and have no need for more of anything other than books and trips.

[@annikamiloshkevich1124]

Thank you very much for such a great video. At the beginning I wanted SL3 (before was focused on getting Canon r3), the only but - both of them are literally too heavy for me So i am now looking at Leica q3 or m10r. Ah If I could I would also get a Monochrome M10r 😅 and pentax 645 Z 😂

[@AskMOTT]

Nice set up Annika :).

[@annikamiloshkevich1124]

@@AskMOTT thank you very much:) Photography is my dream.

[@marcusnz232]

I shot professionally for a number of years and used mainly Nikon. Prior to that I’d shot Leica M film but when I needed to go digital for work there was no evidence Leica would ever produce a digital M. Sold the lot. Then they produced a digital M and lens prices skyrocketed 😢 I lost a fortune. However, I don’t really work much now and returned to M11 with the 35 Apo Summicron. I do own the 50 Summilux but it’s not been on the camera since got the Apo 35 which is an astonishing lens. I love the simplicity of the M system.

[@phillipallaway7306]

Thanks again for the video Justin. I love to hear your thoughts about the Leica system and look forward to more of your insights into the use of an M as a professional. They say the Q is a gateway to the M system but I came to the M10 and SL2 first (from Canon FF and Fuji) and only more recently bought the Q3. I now have an M11M, Q3 and have just traded my SL2 for an SL2-s Reporter for the 24mp sensor and better low light performance. Having said that, I will probably get the Lumix S1Rii when it is released next year - I won't have the funds for an SL3 and internally they will probably be virtually identical. As for lenses, the SL primes are great glass but expensive. The only native SL lens I still own is the 90-280 for nature photography. I have several Sigma L mount lenses which are more than enough for an amateur like me. I have some Leica M lenses (35 and 50 lux) but also some Voigtlander (21, 28, 50 and 90) which are right up there in terms of optical quality and worthy cheaper options. Also the Light Lens Lab do some great re-makes of older M lenses - I have their 35mm 8 element collapsible. I just enjoy swapping between each system and lens. I shot at a niece's 21st with the Q3 and a friend's wedding with the M11M and both were perfectly suited to the task.

[@AskMOTT]

Love hearing how everyone uses different gear for different things, thanks for sharing Phillip. I’m hoping the SL3 is a big leap.

[@nelsonclub7722]

Such a simple answer. Any of them . Also all of them -which is not the same answer - Jane has the SL3 becuase it is smaller and lighter - I love the M8 as it is just so lo tech and actually quite artsy and brilliant - the Q3 is our always have camera and I love the SL2, partly due to it's utter simplicity, the added grip gives it a Pro look which is just as well as thats what we do but also because of Multishot - something the SL3 does not have (although there was a rumour that a software update may make it possible in the future - fingers crossed), and it so underrated - there is hardly any info on this subject - yes the camera has to be stable but the subject doesn't!!!! But M lens shot 187MP are so glorious I sold our Hass X2D's for it!!

[@michaelacedeno]

The Q feels a gateway to the rest of the line up as an amateur for the size/weight/simplicity/quality. When you want more than that, the other systems offer more, but most struggle with answering that question truthfully. I currently own the SL2-S + M11 and am a working photographer/DP based in London (moved here from LA in April). I switched over in the last year because my Canon SLR and Sony FX6 kits were too large/not dynamic enough as a single shooter. Between the two systems. I can shoot both great quality video and stills without needing a team around me. I traded away my 24-70/2.8 Vario Elmar so that now I'm only shooting M glass but feel the desire for a couple smaller/lighter SL lenses only for the sake of weather sealing as I'm not doing as much studio work these days. That said, my trio of 28/50/90mm is great for both photo/video work and all of my clients have loved the imagery that I've provided with both. SL3 will be an interesting announcement to keep an eye out for. I could personally care less about any AF/speed/resolution improvements (current system hasn't been an issue) but would really like an increase DR and 16-bit color for stills and 12-bit color for video in camera.

[@superkrell]

The camera I picked, being a film photographer for many years, is the Leica MD 262. A digital camera without a screen makes shooting so simplistic. I could never be happy owning a digital camera with a screen. It will complicate the experience and the focus, pun intended, is taken away from the subject to the camera. Another reason going digital is my preference on film development. Optical printing, premium scans, flash drives, cost of film and shipping is over $100 a roll! For me the MD 262 is a no brainer since I don`t have the brains to understand all the complexities of a screen...!

[@phuchong7568]

Videos are looking great again! Oddly enough, for me the first Leica’s were the M240 and the M3. Bought them as a packaged deal. Wasn’t fond the of the M240 so traded it for an M4. I’d love to get another digital M such as the M10-D or even the M11p but I’m too invested in film. Also not enough in the bank account to buy one 😹🦖I still love my original Q but I’m not a professional, more of a hobbyist that loves street photography. I find the 28mm is great for shooting around Saigon✌🏻

[@mikeabcable]

My best gear ? my iPhone. I always carry it with me. I can shoot anywhere anytime. nobody bothered. In fact, one of my favourite shots was photographed by iPhone when I was traveling Iraq back in March. It was early morning in southern Iraq, I was traveling from Basra to Nasiriyah, blasting through the desert. A woman in hijab was standing on the dry dusty ground in the middle of nowhere, the smoke from the oil rigs in the background (I got compliments from journalists like yourself sir - perhaps it meant the image wasn't bad at all - for an enthusiast - wink ) lit by the sunrise. I had no room or time to react so I photographed with my iphone. I'm not a pro so I don't care that much about gears if I'm honest. I just react to the scenes. Although I can buy Leica, it just doesn't justify the value as I'm not a pro. I still use an old DSLR from '14. I use it in different occasions. As always thank you so much for your videos. :)

[@1946gsp]

If it's moving around or it's an indoor group shot? Q2. If I have time. Stuff isn't moving around. And I need to use different lenses? M11 . Don't know why, biut I'm beginning to lust after an SL.

[@9dragonarts]

Im the one doing street photography with SL2-s LOL

[@AskMOTT]

If it works for you that’s awesome. I love doing street w it w M Lenses , but when I show the larger SL zoom lenses on a hot day it wore me down.

[@9dragonarts]

@@AskMOTT 🤣🤣 I just feel funny that I always did is been mention( in a good way) also sadly I can’t afford SL lens, what I use instead is sigma I series lens and voigtlander~~ one day! I will get myself a real Leica glass!

[@Deetroiter]

Agreed that if it works for you! I did some street skateboarding photography with a borrowed M10 that was really beat up (top with a massive dent over the viewfinder, etc) and it did the job! The SL with the AF would have been a better option but it’s just working with the tools you have at hand within its abilities. It’s an old school camera so just use it with an old school style. Set it to f4, prefocus it to where the skateboarder is going to do the trick, and then snap away. I noticed after a couple of shots that there was a very slight delay in the photo i thought I snapped and the photo I actually got. So I adjusted for that, would just take the picture a hair sooner than I expected. Worked amazing. Keep up that street shooting with the sl2!

[@thedarkslide]

Leica SL, Leica Q, or Leica M? As Ken Rockwell well knows, the true answer to this question is: The Leica Man doesn't have to choose, he owns all three. However, the true Leica Man he is, he only ever carries any one at a time with no more than one lens.

[@Fleet42]

I have the M11 and a Canon R5! I’m a portrait guy but I shoot spoand events too! Great vid and please drop a like to the bike hooks I can’t find them🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@bugsybunny398]

When I got my first Fuji camera, I learned it was called a poor man's Leica. I've had my eye on the Q system ever since. What attracts me to Leica is its history, heritage, and boldness (some might say arrogance) to stick to the design ethos that defined its cameras over seventy years ago. When I started looking at second-hand prices for the original Q in 2020, the price was AUD 3,500. I baulked at spending that sort of money at the time. Now, they sell for 4,000 - 5,000 AUD. So, if I had purchased one in 2020, I could have used it for 3 years and sold it for a profit.😍

[@stephandaldrop2770]

Slow down man ! You got. the power huuuuuu

[@victormarcios]

I joined the Leica world last year with a Q2. I am studying the possibility of purchasing or upgrading to an M. What’s your suggestion for me to start in the M world? My initial thought would be M10/11 and a 35mm summicron. What’s your opinion about?

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks for your question Victor, it's really hard to say without know you and your work better. I offer gear consulting and portfolio reviews if that sort of thing interests you. www.askmottbyjustinmott.com/photography-coaching I'd say in general as yourself what do you think is holding you back using the Q2 first . A general piece advice would be to save money on an older M10 or M10-r and save yourself some $$$ but again hard to know without know you better. Hope that makes sense.

[@victormarcios]

@@AskMOTTit’s makes sense to me. I want the rangefinder, but the AF it’s important to me. Because I shot airplanes, cars and motorcycles