Everything wrong with the Leica Q3 & Hong Kong camera shopping

[@ridecycling]

As a Q2 and original Q owner, I am watching your video on the basis that I will probably buy a Q3 43mm. Being able to disable the swipe function, should in theory be pretty easy. I thought the Q was great, the Q2 was even better. I think when you start packing in more and more it can get complicated, but I must admit, Lecia have done a really good job in managing these changes over all. An APO lens for a Q will be special. I have the Sl2s with the 35mm APO and the results are stunning.

[@MancunianWay21]

Great video - love this camera but the accidental swipe to video mode is so annoying and happens to me on a too frequent basis. Frustrating as it's a well known issue and would be so easy to fix with a firmware update.

[@therealsirrobin]

All photographers that I know of that have a Q3 are annoyed by that "feature". I've told people at Leica HQ about it and I hope they once and for all will address it.

[@pdk]

Regarding the very annoying thing of accidentally switching to video mode: I like to keep these cameras (i have Q2 and SL3) in EVF Extended mode, so the back screen is off by default. Then the swiping action is ignored. I donʻt know about the Q3, but on the SL3 this is extra easy cuz when i want to use the back screen, I just tilt it a little bit and it becomes active. Then I can compose with the screen without changing mode. Then when the screen is back in place (retracted), screen off again. (Very similar to why I really liked the fujifilim x-pro3: no doubt about when i want the back screen on/off. open = on, closed = off)

[@therealsirrobin]

I happens while using the camera with the screen flipped out. Accidentally touching screen can already trigger the switch over to video mode.

[@pdk]

@@therealsirrobin I guess that feature really, REALLY annoys you. 😃

[@therealsirrobin]

@@pdk Yes, it simply doesn't make any sense and I am not the only one.

[@baobo67]

Thanks for this, Not often one gets such an honest review. Yes all cameras have some issues but at Leica prices there should be not be this many. Cheers.

[@albertobellini2579]

For me one of the things to update remains the AF. The sensitivity of the focus point to remain on the subject in tracking should be increased. Also during tracking it would be useful for the AF to switch to eyes and face automatically when the subject becomes recognisable. Obviously we cannot expect sports AF from this kind of camera, but an update is definitely needed.

[@therealsirrobin]

I am sure the af will be refined over time, same as on the Q2. 👍🏻

[@stevemiller6167]

Nikon F100 sigma 35mm 1.4 good sharp black and white film same with colour film, no issues with my set up for street photography.

[@therealsirrobin]

For film I prefer my M6 over any SLR. 😀

[@stuartdorman7125]

Thanks for sharing your long term usage-based opinions of the Q3. You know the Q2M was my re-entry point into Leica after more than a decade away. Still have it, still love it because I feel the "limitations" allow it to excel at black and white fixed focal length photography. The M11 problems give me pause, so I won't be tempted to upgrade my M10-P any time soon. However it's not getting as much love as my SL2-S with adapted M lenses. The eyes aren't what they used to be. Could we be seeing a video soon "Why I traded my beloved Q3 for an SL3"?

[@therealsirrobin]

Thank you Stuart! The SL3 is nice it's not a replacement for a Q3. 😀

[@venttack7741]

I got Q3, Gr3x & S1R. If Q3 have the customize colour setting like GR and S1R tilt screen, I would get used to other cons of Q3

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Good to see you again on YT 😊

[@therealsirrobin]

Thanks mate! 🙏

[@manuelsomonte]

I have really had the problem of the video with my Q2 monochrome. But I 100% agree with you with all the other issues. Great review!

[@therealsirrobin]

Yeah, also had the issue on my Q2M but it wasn't as bad in comparison.

[@markmarshall7359]

My Q2 will never be sold.

[@Reddotshutter]

The only thing good about Q3 is that it is the first point and shoot camera with a 60mp sensor via a f1.7 lens that does macro and focus not by magnets. Everything else is subpar. But there isnt another camera with those specs to compare to. You have similar form factors but never close. Leica should remove the video function and just stick with photography like Hasselblad. Their flop in M240 was not learnt.

[@therealsirrobin]

Yes, there isn't anything close to a Leica Q which is strange since the concept is almost unchanged since 2015.

[@Reddotshutter]

@@therealsirrobin i think its hard to make a compact autofocus planar lens of 28mm f1.7 or faster that does macro also without compromise in imaging for a full frame sensor. If you look at all the fast 28mm with AF by other brands they are huge. Often bigger than 50mm. The only way it could be done is by leaf shutter so that the AF system is built from the camera extending to the lens. This also means fixed lens and that is bad for business because you can only sell accessories. Only fuji does it with apsc sensor. Collectively they werent a big hit until Q3 / X100V got hyped up postcovid. So if you consider how long it takes for R&D it's no shock that there are no alternatives, yet. Its a hype train and brands like Nikon/ Canon/ Sony tend to ignore these like Toyota did with EV.

[@jaycoffsky8979]

I have had the Q3 for about a month and maybe use it 10 times I also find that almost every shoot at some point it is in video and I have done nothing. maybe the screen is touching my chest or and it turned the video on. I find this most annoying for any camera much less a 6k camera. some times this happens multiple times in the same day.

[@therealsirrobin]

Yeah, I hope they'll address the issue with a firmware update asap. 🙏

[@TimofejNenarokov]

Lag can be fixed, panasonic sl sister cameras have "boost" mode. It rases up iso for preview than during shot it uses iso wich you set. The only minus of "boost" mode is that focus peaking is automatically disableld. So I think it's possible to get rid of lag in dark invoramet

[@karinjohnstone6690]

Thanks for this - great photos. I have a beautiful QP. You lot you had one do you think I should tape over the two mic holes for dust or is this a myth? Also Sir Robin do you use a filter - I know you do not baby your cameras so i wondered if you protect your lens? Thanks Karin

[@therealsirrobin]

Hi Karin! I don't think you need to tape the mics, I never did that on my old Q. I am using a pro mist on my Q3 rather for the effect and not so much for protection.

[@frankiacone6642]

I sold mine and bought a Q2 monochrome IA. I also thought my Sl2 was much better in color rendition and Q2 reporter.

[@GastonShutters]

You are so right. The rolling shutter issue is bad. I would’ve thought that the Maestro IV and new sensor would allow faster readout. Another reason why they should’ve even removed all video features from it and make it a dedicated photo camera. Still the best camera for street photography and I made a video just about that a few weeks ago.

[@therealsirrobin]

Yes, despite the issues it's a great camera! Have watched your video already. 👍🏻

[@baobo67]

Remove the Video feature altogether and possibly then have a more compact body. Must be a lot of bods like me who will never shoot Video.

[@seansaca]

I had that laggy low SS problem on multiple LUMIX cameras GH5, S1R, etc. I think there’s a motion preview setting you can turn off if I remember correctly. Not sure where it is on the Leica menus.

[@therealsirrobin]

You mean exposure preview? That doesn't really help. 😖

[@andyjones5192]

Many of the “issues” have been with the Q series since the Q1 like the laggy screen on slow shutter speeds. If you switch off the optical image stabilisation it’s gone.It’s not on the SL series with any lens AF or manual.Same like the swiping video/ still screen. Never happened to me accidentally. Funnily the Q2 has the slowest video recording at 1/30. Also the speed defaults on switching on and off. It’s not annoying me, it is what it is. The pros of this camera by far outweighs its cons. Cheers.

[@therealsirrobin]

The issue is still present with image stabilization turned off. The swiping problem also occurred on my Q2M but less frequent.

[@pindyMX]

Yep, #2, my Q3 does that same laggy live view. It’s fine if I take my finger off the button.

[@therealsirrobin]

Yes, but if a split second counts wether or not I get the shot that I am after then I don't want to take the finger off. 🥺

[@pindyMX]

@@therealsirrobin No, I'm with you all the way. It needs to be fixed if possible! So if it only happens with your finger on the button, it's got to be a function of high ISO processing for live view/DOF Preview mode, hasn't it?

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

Good that Leica is also addressing the problems of the Q3. It feels like half of the problems would be solved if they could simply turn off annoying features. The swipe to video mode also happened to me, but only when I had a sweaty t-shirt. It switched to that mode on its own while I was wearing it.

[@therealsirrobin]

Fingers crossed they are addressing the issue. I know many photographers that are having the same issue over and over again. 😆

[@masterprintmaker]

has anybody figured out how to set the camera up that AE is not locked via shutterbutton half press while using AF/S mode ( p.117 Q3 manual )

[@MaximillianandRubyGrace]

Currently using Fujifilm XT-1.. was thinking of this camera Now I’m rethinking

[@therealsirrobin]

Despite the issues, it's still my favorite camera.

[@kpuebc777]

Thanks for the great video, after watching your video I decided not to change my Sony A1 Leica Q3

[@therealsirrobin]

Wait for the next video, maybe you'll change your mind again. Even though it has some issues, it's still my favorite camera.

[@hendrixg]

Everything you do content wise is amazing. That thumbnail is ridiculous though hahaha

[@therealsirrobin]

Haha 😹

[@LensForgotten]

M11M is slow and shuttery at ISO 6400 in low light....

[@therealsirrobin]

At least it has an ovf. 😆

[@camerafusion]

That’s a laundry list for sure

[@JenHamon]

Q2 + Q2M are the peak.

[@markusinfos4858]

What flash are you using?

[@therealsirrobin]

LightPixlabs flash Q 20II

[@Roar.]

The lag on the viewfinder/screen in the dark is the same on the Lumix S5IIX. Very annoying, especially as on my Canon R it's always smooth.

[@wernerwinkler8137]

There is no laggy screen on my Q2 when i switch to AFC.

[@geraldpeterson2350]

Neither on Q3

[@thinkpadx60]

you should see how terrible the M11M and M11P is with the camera locking up ever so often. Pathetic if you ask me for such a premium brand.

[@therealsirrobin]

It's still happening on the M11P?

[@powderedtoastman3093]

As others have said .. the Q line are the entry level for Leica. Not polished as well as the M and SL line.

[@AdamMuise]

I love All Good Friend Camera

[@TungstenOvergaard]

There are a lot of wrong things on the Q3, but is what you get for the price. Cheap gear comes with compromises.

[@therealsirrobin]

There are way more positive things outweighing the issues. 👍🏻

[@AndersKavcic]

Cheap? 😉

[@fastguitars4380]

In the Original Greek, the word "Leica" means... "your broken expectations make us rich".

[@robertrowles4948]

After several weeks of using my Q3 daily, taking many images, I have never yet experienced it switching to video accidentally. This is a superb camera that needs perhaps a little getting used to, but so does any different camera system. Why do people feel the need to knock something just because it happens to be superior?

[@therealsirrobin]

I am using the camera for more than a year now and I've used it a lot. I know some other photographers that own a Q3. All of them are annoyed by the swiping nonsense.

[@misteragb7558]

The size of the lens is ridiculous, should be a pancake lens

[@JayJayNay]

Leica makes great cameras for sure. Their Software division is underdeveloped I guess?

[@fastguitars4380]

The Q series is the best camera the '1970's ever produced.

[@ShirazChanawala]

I have a Q3 and a Sony A7cii. My opinion is how awful the Leica autofocus is. Not sure why they could not say license the autofocus technology from Sony. My Sony A7cii has unbelievable accurate autofocus and I get the focus right 99% of the time.

[@tonylevoyageur]

Good you convinced me not to buy it 😅

[@MARKLINMAN1]

I wish LEICA would GET AWAY from putting a VIDEO feature on this camera! If i want VIDEO i will use my I-phone or get a SONY! Sometimes i think the people at LEICA are DRUNK!

[@therealsirrobin]

I don't mind it but simply take out the swiping features or let the users turn it off in the menu.

[@AI3Dorinte]

Aside for the glass people should just admit they are investing in a fidget toy when they buy Leica cameras. The lens are great though, I love Leica glass.

[@karinjohnstone6690]

😂

[@marcmichelmann6411]

Nope. Canon R5.

[@john3Lee]

What I find annoying - Some people choose gold lens hoods, and shutter releases - Why do they do that 😂

[@rraven8057]

What I find annoying is when people publicly criticize other people’s choices - Why do they do that 🤔

[@xiayu6665]

Because they are poor and envy

[@SteveJobIess]

​@rraven8057 probably the same reason you did it.

[@Joe-kw8hq]

Yes, he puts an eye-catching bronze lenshood on a black camera, which would attract a lot of attention, and then claims he is a street photographer, lol...

[@Kevon420]

To be flashy.

[@ikaros4203]

An X-pan for $5,000 lmao do people really pay that?