Approaching The Scene 252: I Love My Leica Q2 & Why I’m Buying a Q3

[@rsa008]

I have been looking for this kind of review for months. Many reviewers show no actual photos. Here you show us what you are talking about. Epic!

[@jorsetti]

I'm forever grateful for you pulling me aside to show me the Greg Williams YT video and how it could affect my work. You couldn't be more right about this awesome camera and share your passion for using it. Your HDR images are spectacular! Inspired! ...Likely will buy Q3.

[@JeevesTCW]

Some wonderful images

[@DarrenLloydPDX]

I only handled it briefly in the studio but I get it, using it makes photography fun. Excited to check out the Q3.

[@frand6822]

Thanks for another informative and interesting video. I'm never disappointed. As for the Q series, I've been using the original Q since December 2015 and it remains my favorite go-to camera. It goes everywhere I go. I also have the Q2 Monochrom (since Jan 2021) which fellow photography friends roll their eyes at...until they see my prints. I've pre-ordered the Q3, and then though it'll be a small emotional "death", I'll sell my Q.

[@GeoffGrant2010]

Thanks. I look forward to your Q3 review. I’ve subscribed!

[@mpw621]

Great Pictures!

[@watch_MrG]

Got my q2 for 2k couple weeks ago. Stick with it. Worthy every penny

[@GeoffGrant2010]

Thanks for your comment about b&w in the viewfinder- I hadn’t listened long enough.

[@johnkosterimages]

I shot a Q2 for over a year in every condition possible, and it's a phenomenal camera. Two gripes: wish the lens was a 35, versus a 28, and the AF was only contrast, and was lacking as a street camera. Now that the Q3 is taking care of one of those problems and arguably with the 61 MP sensor it takes care of both, this could be the street camera for the ages.

[@StewartLambertDesertRat]

Excellent review of the Q2. I’m afraid to say you have encouraged me to buy this camera.

[@tonypenate4461]

Hi Hudson, love your channel and am enjoying this video - keep it going! Had to share with you something I’d heard before but never double-checked until now…. In talking about the autofocus not being very smooth (agreed), you mentioned that apparently Leica didn’t have a long history with autofocus. But if you Google “which camera company developed autofocus?” you’ll be directed to a Wikipedia page where we read that it was…. Leica! I’d heard that before but hadn’t looked into it until just now. I’ve also heard that they didn’t think it was a big deal so they didn’t pursue it further, but that I don’t know for sure. Just sharing, FYI! PS - just ordered Q3, will arrive tomorrow; trading in my Q2 which is phenomenal. Thanks again! Tony

[@berniestang2616]

LOVE NIKON. Yay got a Z8 . Cant wait for your Z8 video. Love your channel . THANK U

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

OH I do too. Nikon is the workhorse. The Z8 content just went live. The Q2 is the little guy that goes with me everywhere though. There's just something special about using it... A perfect connection to the past and future.

[@alfredvitanza2878]

I have all leica Q1, Q2 and they are marvelous-easy to use, light to carry and all the MP I'll use. The Q3 will be the next addition. I have Z9,Z7ii,Z6ii and I was thinking about the Z8..I cancelled Z8 and ordered the Q3..For me leica is not over priced for the build quality,leica glass is the best for color rendition and the all metal barrel..,It's smooth to focus and pride of ownership..It's nice to travel light too

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

👍

[@NikonDave]

It's just so fun. I never travel without the Q2. On the fence still about the Q3. The new features aren't things I've felt I've ever needed. Who am I kidding? G*A*S* always wins with me. :) Same scenario...Never leaving Nikon but there is just something about the Q2 that invigorates my photography journey.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Exactly! Well put.

[@connorbowen3704]

Great photos and videos! I’ve used the Q before and enjoyed the ease and simplicity but decided to keep using my Z system exclusively…. Any thoughts on the 28 1.4 e (f mount) to pair with my 28 2.8 z lens? Thinking of using it when I miss the look of the Q

[@rigobertomorales6092]

Congratulations, you are first ever to start a review showing the pictures.Most of the reviews are about the camera function, but they hardly show pictures, so is difficult to appreciate a camera if you don’t see what kind of pictures are with that specific camera, again you did well

[@PixelGuy22]

Thanks!

[@nancycarroll7452]

I just watched this video and thought it was great. I know you recorded it 10 months ago. The Zoom/Lock button is programmable for AF-L for use as BBF. you are probably aware of that now.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yeah, it's nowhere near a real alternative to back button focus though, even with the Q3 it locks for just a second or two before releasing. Barely time to recompose and then focus is suddenly back on the shutter without warning. I would love for them to enable it as true back button focus without any focus actuation on the shutter. Maybe with future firmware...

[@victorcarmelo8606]

Very refreshingly honest video. Had my Q2 since 2020, originally bought for myself as a retiring/birthday/Xmas combined present. Always with me wherever I go. Only use my A6400 when required. Sticking with Q2, no need for 60mps or flip screen. My personal feeling is that Leica lost the aesthetics of the Q2 with the Q3 version, the USBc/MDNI should have been incorporated in the attaching grip and used a Visoflex instead of the flip screen. Just my opinion. Thanks for the video.

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

Hudson, I just paid a deposit for a Q3. Your video is hands down the best online that gives a "new to Leica" owner like me the adrenaline rush of owning a Leica Q series camera. Thanks for the video and look forward to seeing your Q3 review. I probably won't see mine for about 3-4 months due to back log of orders :(

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I'm waiting for mine too... Anxiously. :)

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto You would think Leica would have at least manufactured a few thousand of them in advance!!! Cheers.

[@iTriguy1]

I have had a lot of fun with my zfc but. I am selling my zfc, z6II, and 500 PF to get a Leica Q. I haven’t decided if I am getting a used Q2 or a Q3. Given it is a Leica a big part of me wants that mat green reporter edition of the Q2. It just looks so good. I am hoping the Q3 will have something similar soon.

[@johonew-EdD]

The Match lens cover is the BEST accessory for any Leica Q camera!

[@gewglesux]

I'm sticking with my Q2/M..

[@RandyCatoe]

Want to make sure that I use a link to order a Q3 today that helps support your activities. The B&H link points at the Q2, so if using that then navigating to the Q3 preorder page will work, please let me know.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

The link in the video's description should take you to the Q3. Thanks!

[@garymc8956]

KURVD Lens cover was my first add-on and the Leica cap is back in the box. Works great and would also with the Q3. A lot cheaper to replace.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yeah, I always have a KURVD for emergencies for any lens in my kit since they're universal. Trust me you'll like the Match cap on the Q lens much, much better. It's a simple one handed press fit like the stock cap made for the lens, but it's snug, secure and flexible in your pocket.

[@GeoffGrant2010]

Thanks for your review! Does the camera show b&w in the viewfinder when you select that jpg treatment like the Fuji?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Sure does!

[@marcusbraun8889]

Friend of mine has a Q2 and it's a great camera indeed. 28mm is one of my favorite views as well. However, I use a Nikon z30 for this purpose. Main reason is it has to be (semi-)disposable as an always-carry-around camera, and a Leica isn't. At least not for my wallet. And that's why I don't carry my z7 with a small prime for such purposes either, as much as I like the output from that sensor (and which wouldn't be really much larger than such a Leica.) Put that z5 sensor in a z30 body, Nikon, then I'd have the perfect buddy for the z 26mm 2.8!

[@StephenAkinlami]

Hi Hudson wondering how is the q2 in low light ?

[@jorsetti]

You can BB AF on Q2: Menu #4/CUSTOM CONTROL/Zoom-Lock-Button/AF-L (only works in AF mode and not manual).

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

That sadly only locks AF. It wont roll continuous.

[@PixelGuy22]

Hi. Thanks for a great video on the Q2/Q3. I currently shoot with a Sony A7R5 (non-professional) and one lens, a 28-75 f2.8. It's technological wonder but not very satisfying to use or handle. That had me looking at a Zfc for more camera "character" and handling. So now I'm actually think about going from Sony to the Q3. I'm not a bird shooter or action sports shooter. So, I'm wondering what you think I might be giving up with the Q3. I shoot travel, landscape and some street. Thank you in advance.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

If you miss the Depth of field scale for zone focusing and the feel of manual aperture control and shutter speed, then the Q3 will make you feel back at home. That said, you don't get to change lenses. You can crop way into 60MP and it's the finest 28mm lens I've ever shot with extremely lovely bokeh at 1.7, but you can't swap it for a 105 for example. If it's in the budget, maybe preorder one from B&H ( bhpho.to/3OWRWQX ) and try it out for 29 days carefully. If you don't like it, no biggie... Send it on back. If you do then sell the Sony gear. :-) One nice thing about Leicas is how they hold their value. Look at used Q and Q2s right now... :-)

[@PixelGuy22]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks for the advice. After careful consideration I think for now I'll stick with the Sony gear and my Z fc.

[@kqschwarz]

As always, your reviews and insights are the best of all KZbinrs. Since you had an opportunity to use the Q2 and Q2M side by side, what did you think of the latter? I was thinking of saving up for the Q3M when it comes out, and it would be nice to hear from someone like you if the Q2M mono images were a significant bump up from Q2 images that are converted to B&W. I have a Sony A7R4 and A7R5 and a couple of 35 mm lenses already (one very small and one very fast), so I am not sure whether the color Q3 is worth it for me, but the Q3M might be (especially for B&W movie making). Your insights would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's quality of black and white image is stupendous and it gives you less noise at higher ISO, but for me the flexibility of a color sensor and the added latitude in post working in the color channels make the color version my choice. I don't desire to carry two of them and I love having color RAW files.

[@kqschwarz]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thank you for the info. I am looking forward to finding time for one of your photography trips in the future, particularly if you choose do to another one in Oregon (I'm in NY, but exploring urban Portland and the nearby coast sounds like fun to me). All the best.

[@poche660]

I appreciate getting rid of the "triangles" and things dangling from the camera.

[@R.Hogarth]

Given how much you love this camera, and given Leica's association with Panasonic, do any of the things that you like about this "cross-pollinate" with Panasonic Mirrorless Cameras or is their association restricted to lenses?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Sadly, the simplicity and elegance of the user interface and the quality of the lens are not transferred. It's really something this little machine.

[@R.Hogarth]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto That is too bad. It was VERY evident how much you enjoy shooting your Q2 when we were in Owens Valley. I hope the Q3 exceeds all of your expectations.

[@stevendente9270]

Nice video Hudson. Great to see that you are enjoying your Leica experience. They are such special cameras, with such great imaging, and a unique shooting experience. My Leica addiction is with the M system , currently the M11. Simply amazing. For me the Leica lenses are just spell binding in their image quality. Like you, I never leave the house without my Leica M. It has truly been the tool that fully integrated photography into my every day life. So hard to communicate this special nature of Leica, you did an excellent job with that. I am looking forward to seeing your Q3 video. Take care, best wishes to all up that way. Steven Dente

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I remember our Palouse discussion. When next we link up be sure to bring the next temptation. ;) hope you're well my friend.

[@stevendente9270]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto The next temptation is obviously an M11. Not so much for the camera, but for the amazing lenses you can put on it. I will bring mine on our next trip and let you use it the whole time. That is how temptation works. 😉 I wanted to do the Cuba trip so bad, but health issues made impossible this year. Next year looking good however.

[@madskrabbefotografi]

Great video as always! Btw can you tell me what watch you are wearing? 😊

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

This Gshock mudmaster. amzn.to/43zcaEn I've beaten it to hell from Patagonia to Alaska the past 6 years. Still looks new. Solar powered and auto syncs to the world's atomic clock signals. The altimeter is more accurate than my old Suunto. Best watch ever. Worth every penny.

[@madskrabbefotografi]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto thank you so much. Keep up the good work my friend. Love your content - honest and down to earth.

[@RolandAyala]

They def fixed the prob w/ the lens cap! (Other end of spectrum, lol). Q3 show Leica can finally do A/F, and the tilt screen is much needed addition for this class of camera. Fantastic camera! Take it anywhere.

[@jaunman71]

Q3 doesn’t have a treaded shutter for cable release! It’s just for a soft button.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yeah, I've found that out too. What a shame.

[@RobertFalconer1967]

Is that the new Voigtlander 50mm f/1.0 Aspherical lens mounted to your Z9...?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yes! You win the eagle eye award. Wondered if anyone would ask... It rewards the skilled manual focuser with insane results. Leica like... ;) I'm testing the 40 1.2 also.

[@RobertFalconer1967]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks for the confirmation. Since you just gave it an optical endorsement, I'm thinking it might be an idea street photography lens when paired to the Z8 - nice to have that zone focusing scale on a manual focus lens!

[@RBRowe7]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Fantastic. I'd love to see a separate video of you talking in depth about how to use manual lenses swiftly in many situations, with focus peaking & zoom magnif., esp. with the latest gen. Z mount Voigts. on Z cameras, to regain the tactile pleasures and better engagement of manual focus shooting. Have found you can bring to a Nikon Z more of the joy of shooting a Leica Q2/3 or M camera using a manual focus lens? While trying to downsize and simplify my gear, I'd love to rediscover the pleasures and the mindful process of photo creating with both hands (manual focus and even aperture), not just fast auto-everything shooting, albeit with theoretical best specs and speeds. As a lobbyist, I need to remind myself the process of the photo making is just as (probably more) important to my overall enjoyment and satisfaction than the final result in the captured file.

[@pixelmixture3067]

Regarding the huge bump in resolution this camera should have a panoramic crop !!!

[@nelsonclub7722]

Lots of people wanting a Q3 is probably the reason I can't get one - 3 month waiting list according to my Leica Rep

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

That and a very low quantity produced comparatively. It's a lovely camera. The sensor boggles my mind. Great ISO performance and 60MP. What noise you get looks a big filmic. The lens still pairs perfectly. Nuanced handling improvements too. It's a winner.

[@domipro123]

Where is the promised video about the Q3?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It will come soon. :)

[@garymc8956]

You don’t say why you’re going to get a 3 when you have a 2. I’ve got the 2 and after watching half dozen videos of the 3 release will not be upgrading for the very few improvements that are relevant to me.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I did. Usb-c, hdmi, an extra top, back button (I hope will back button AF and take it off the shutter), and a newer generation sensor to squeeze even more out of that epic lens. Post announcement, the AF upgrades sound pretty epic as well as the full frame raw down resolution for some snapshot situations. But, if I don't feel it's worth the upgrade, I'll share a video as to why and send it back, just as I did recently with Nikon's new 85 1.2 S. One of the things I love about B&H is the no question 30 day return window, which stretches to 40 if executed right. :) There's nothing wrong with the Q2 and I may join you sticking with it. They hold value quite well, so it's not like it'll cost full price to upgrade. :)

[@garymc8956]

Your perfect point is the Q makes you ready for anything at anytime. Sure, with other cameras you can take the same photos. It’s just that you wouldn’t. Leicas never lose their value or capabilities and now there’s three levels of opportunities with the 1,2 and 3 all relevant.

[@Coldgecko]

I could care less about Nikon -- I'm a dedicated Sony shooter. But I do have a Q2M and plan to get a Q3 -- got my name on lists... I like your style... Do more Leica stuff... Less Nikon :).

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I've shot a ton of Sony, Canon and Fuji. I get all those shooters in my workshops, and I test all the cool new tools. All the brands actually rock. I've been primarily Nikon a long long time. Of the big full frame brands, nobody is doing better mirrorless glass, durability and ergonomics than Nikon. Leica is in another category. Everyone has something to learn from them if they pay attention. Again, all the brands are killing it right now. It's a great time to be a photograpgher irrespective of brand loyalty. :)

[@Coldgecko]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks Hudson. Yep, good times -- albeit a shrinking market. Phone cameras will gobble up the vast camera market in a few years. That said, I have my own large scale printer -- 44" -- so I print large format generally. New Q3 is what I was waiting for. I've also been to Sony A7R - To Fuji X4 - Back to Sony :). It's all about comfort and history. Thanks, I really did like your style of communications. Most KZbinrs are talking talking heads and never show shots.

[@jeffchastain2977]

Sorry, but I am never going to wear a 6000 dollar camera around my back, so "its not even there". Its going to be around front so I can see it ALL THE TIME.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Well there's function and there's fashion. The latter matters squat to me. I keep a bit of gaffers tape over the Leica Logo most of the time. All that matters to me is that way that lens renders the world. I wish I could get something like it for Nikon. The reason Leica is revered is it's lens design. If you look at a lens like this for the M system, it costs nearly as much as the whole Q3. It's all relative.

[@mikewong9513]

Why you Americans keep pronouncing Nikon as ‘nine kon’? The official name is pronounced as ‘Nee kon’ …

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

And aluminum is said A-loo-min-ee-um in Austrialia, Z is Zed in Europe, heck Germany is Deutschland too. Havana is Habana, Florence is Firenze. I fear the list could go for days. Regional dialects. If only everyone could use one country's "official" pronunciation and spelling... But wait wouldn't that be more boring? You're the first to complain of my American Nikon pronunciation "Nigh-con" (it's how everyone here has said it for generations after all), but the minute I start saying it "nick-on" or "knee-con" I'll get a thousand comments calling me pretentious and silly sounding. I actually love regional accents. My creek is a southern US person's "crick." Fine by me; makes the world more fun.