I Turned The SONY A7CR Into The LEICA Q3

The Leica Q3 is one of the most desired compact cameras on the market. The only issue is that it's ridiculously expensive. So what if we could take the far more versatile Sony A7CR and Turn It Into the Leica Q3... both from a looks standpoint, but also the image rendering as well.
Sony A7CR: geni.us/sonya7cr
Sony 24mm G: geni.us/sony24glens
Sony 40mm G: geni.us/sony40glens
Leica Style Lens Cap: amzn.to/49nhtJo
Budget Rope Strap: amzn.to/3TY1Y6l
Better Rope Strap: bit.ly/littorope
Leica Q3: geni.us/leicaq3
Sony to Leica Profile: bio.meshna.com/shop/sony-to-l...
Lightroom Presets: bio.meshna.com/shop/presets
Level up your Photography: www.photographyforcreators.com
Presets, Templates & Free Stuff: bio.meshna.com
CAMERA GEAR
Main Camera for Photo (Sony A1): geni.us/Mesh-A1
→ Budget Version (Sony a7IV): geni.us/MESH-A7IV
The Camera I Film These Vids With (Sony FX3): geni.us/Mesh-fx3
→ Budget Version (Sony FX30): geni.us/Mesh-FX30
All Time Favorite Lens (24-70): geni.us/2470GMII
→ Older Version: geni.us/Mesh-2470GM
Favorite Wide Angle Lens (16-35): geni.us/1635GMII
→ Older Version: geni.us/Mesh-1635GM
Best Budget Sony Lens: geni.us/Mesh-2070
Favorite Prime Lens (35mm): geni.us/7H2j3
Astro Lens (20mm): geni.us/Mesh-20G
Telephoto Beast (100-400): geni.us/Mesh-100GM
Portrait / BRoll Lens (50mm): geni.us/Mesh-50-14
STUDIO SETUP
Main Key Light: geni.us/Mesh-300B
Cheaper Light Option: geni.us/Mesh-200x
My Studio Microphone (w/ cloud lifter): geni.us/Mesh-SM7B
Travel Tripod: geni.us/Mesh-PDTripod
0:00 - Intro
0:35 - Why is the Leica Q3 So Special?
1:09 - The Lens
3:15 - The Design & Build
4:23 - The Leica Look
5:47 - Leica Colors on Sony
6:09 - Bonus
6:52 - Examples
7:18 - Is the Sony Better?
8:09 - How Much Does it Cost?
BUDGET OPTIONS
Budget Sony Mirrorless: geni.us/Mesh-6400
Budget Canon Mirrorless: geni.us/g1SL1
Vlogger Camera: geni.us/Mesh-ZV1
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Note: I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases when you click the links above. This is a no cost to you, but helps me to keep the lights on and making great videos for your eye holes.

[@alecmurrell9208]

I’m fortunate enough to own both a Leica Q2 and an A7CR - I love them both, for different reasons. There’s definitely room on my shelf for both (and plenty of room in my bank account, too - being that it’s empty!)

[@GetOutsideYourself]

Dude, the profile is great. Applied it to photos I took recently in White Sands, NM, and they look amazing. Subscribed.

[@mengshun]

Good stuff and well done. Ditto for the Fuji envy crowd. The real point of this is how adaptable and customizable the A7 series is. Not just to wannabe but developing a true individual style with high level features. The ROI on the Sony's and their open-protocol with 3rd parties is unbeatable.

[@lescobrandon3047]

I bought a sheet of round red stickers from a dude in Times Square. I stuck one on my Sony which now is worth thousands more.

[@videogame-techreviews]

Riiiiight. Smart.

[@noctwice]

The funny part is so many Leica users use tape to cover that red dot so as not to be a theft target

[@trym2121]

Nah, you missed the most crucial part. The word Leica in cursive must be inside the red dot

[@GeoffGrant2010]

Great video. I’ve added a Q2M to my Fuji XT5 kit. I’m happy!

[@richardalliers4651]

This is top tier content for compact camera reviews. This has helped me decide on getting the Sony 7cr and although I don't have the money for a leica now, your review has helped me in pursuing one as a 2nd or 3rd option for a fun camera to have in the future. Thank you for this amazing video! Keep it up as I just subscribed and liked the video.

[@kylemeshna]

Happy to help!

[@spencertclements]

This video is spot on. I was set on getting a Q3. Came to my senses and picked up the A7CR with the same exact 24mm f2.8 sony lens. So happy with that decision. The only thing I've been after still is the Leica color science and you just solved that for me. Sony all day.

[@nicolasheinemusic]

However, one stop missing 😞

[@spencertclements]

Which step is that?

[@nicolasheinemusic]

@@spencertclements f1.7 vs f2.5...

[@spencertclements]

@@nicolasheinemusic Got you, misread your comment. Yes, unfortunately the Sony lens doesn’t stop down to f1.7 but I also picked up the zeiss 55mm f1.8 and it’s smooth 😮‍💨

[@nicolasheinemusic]

@@spencertclements Yes - I own this lens and pair it with my A7C quite often. It's a great lens, the only thing that bothers me, is that it's pretty long and does not fit easily into any pocket for everyday use. That's why I just bought a Samyang 35mm 2.8. Even the Sony 24mm 2.8 is pretty long. The samyang is the shortest and least heavy 🙂... also it didnt cost too much.

[@LindtBunny]

Thank you Kyle for the Leica profile. New sub here. I have a Sony A1 and I have used your profile to get that Leica ‘pop’ and I’m very impressed and grateful, so thank you

[@marielichtblick]

Thanks a lot for this helpful video and the LR Profile!😃

[@bao.ng04]

DUDE THE MACRO B ROLL PARTS OF THIS VIDEO IS DEVINE. Absolutely stunning visuals. The aesthetics of this whole vid is so nice

[@kylemeshna]

Dude thank you for that! I saw a video a few weeks ago with some macro shots in their b roll and I was like “damn I should get a macro lens.” Found one on fb marketplace and got it the next day. Very pleased with the added oomph it gives

[@barrymayes6712]

Great video and great set up. But….. it’s all about having the tilt screen not a swivel screen. Makes a huge difference to nailing shots quickly. I sold my Q2 because I need a tilt screen. How about a Fuji X-T5?

[@MartinV.]

Great Video! I need to try out one of these Leica's to see if it's worth the hype!!

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for your video. With the exception of the neck strap my A7CR, one of several Sony cameras I own, has everything but your color profile that I will definitely download and tryout. I’m more of a fan of 40mm so I have the 24 and 40 G lenses but also the 35/2 and 40/2 Zeiss Batis lens that have great color. Also subscribed. Take care.

[@stevefantini2912]

nice vid! I paired my a7cr with the silver smallrig baseplate and sigma 24mm 3.5 to complete the vintage vibe. lovely images!

[@CassidyHansen]

I just grabbed the profile minutes ago and have already applied to a recent photo I was working on. It for sure took the shot to a different level. Hopefully it works this well on lots of different stuff! Thanks dude. I would also really love it if someone made a 'Creative Style' for nice a JPEG straight out of camera!

[@ChristianLawrence]

Been shooting the a7cr and the 24mm for several months and love it. So much versatility than the Q3. Even tempted to switch from canon to Sony full time. Looking forward to checking out your preset.

[@rolandrickphotography]

Wait for the next time if it‘s pouring rain. I know a wildlife photographer having even two a1 bodies and took them for outdoor shooting. During a little bit of rain, after 15 minutes, the a1 stopped working - the camera was advertised as flag ship, being rain and dust proof, remember? The camera was still under warranty and Sony Service Austria claimed she dumped the camera into water - what she didn’t do of course - and Sony wanted her to pay € 3500 to fix that a1. The old adage is still true: „Buy a Sony, buy yourself a lot of problems!“ - specially if it comes to support, service and warranty. - The first shooting I had with my Leica SL2-S and APO-Summicron-SL 2.0/75 - the day I picked it up - was an outdoor event and it was double-pouring rain. Guess what: zero issues. That’s a camera.

[@ItsMeHammie]

​@@rolandrickphotography on the flip side I've taken my A7C out on week hikes in the rain, offroad adventures in the mud, and this last winter on the ski slopes, all with zero issues. Sony makes very solid products and sounds more like your friend messed up a gasket or something.

[@rolandrickphotography]

@@ItsMeHammie Well, looks like you had more luck with your A7C as my fellow photography friend with her a1. FYC, the water entered the body of her a1 by the shutter button. That was the reply of the Sony Service and obsoletes claiming she dumped the camera. If that would have been the case, there would have been water also everywhere else. I envy the Sony shooters for the AF, but not for the lousy customer service mentality they have.

[@stuchandler1296]

We are so on the same page. The folks at the Leica store in Boston practically had to use force to remove my hands from the Leica Q3 because my wife objected to selling one of our cars and I refused to let it go. When Sony released this lens the very first thing I thought was - there's my poor man's Q3! I mated it with my A7Rii and it has rarely been removed since. The lens hood you suggested is pure gravy (I now have one on order) and I just got your Sony-Leica profile. Only thing missing is the A7Rii zoom mode only works with JPG so I see an upgrade in my future. Also need to get some round red stickers from that dude in Times Square. Seriously though, thanks! I subscribed and will be checking out your works, past and future.

[@Felix-vm1df]

I swapped my EOS R6 with RF24-70 2.8 for a Leica Q2. I couldn't be happier as the camera is so much handier and lighter when traveling. Since I mostly take wide-angle photos, the lack of focal length doesn't bother me at all. I just feel like I'm holding perfection in my hands and that makes taking photos even more fun.

[@USGrant21st]

Some people swap A for B and couldn't be happier. While other people swap B for A and couldn't be happier. What does it tell us? -- confirmation bias, pure and simple.

[@marximus4]

You could've just bought the RF 28 2.8.

[@Felix-vm1df]

@@marximus4 you can't compare the RF28 2.8 with the Leica Summilux 28 1.7 :D - the cheap Canon RF lenses have never convinced me and the lack of water protection is just as bad as the STM motor

[@marximus4]

It sounds like your issue was with the system rather than the size and weight.

[@philihc]

​@@marximus4 f2.8 vs f1.7 it's not the same and will never be.

[@Chris-13]

Totally agree with you, I love my A7CR and 24mm combo and I am a life long Nikon user !

[@69fatpenguin69]

Thanks for the preset!!

[@eliaspap8708]

Thank you for sharing, nice setup but i believe you will get a much closer experience if you setup a Fuji XT5 coupled with the Fuji 18mm f1.4, “28mm Full frame equivalent” I don’t have Q3 but a Q2, the Fuji is 40 MPX sensor the color science is surprisingly really good and the film simulations are the icing on the cake. You also get all the the dials and an aperture ring and i found its as much fun as my Leica Q2, actually i find it more approachable to grab and shoot as with my Leica i am alway conscious of getting it scratched or possibly stolen when on shooting on the streets.

[@russell6294]

Holy shit, that’s a lot of work you have done to make this video happen! Thanks!

[@makofoto]

I've got the Q Full Spectrum, Q2 Mono and Q3 ... Sony A7C2. Gave my photographer son my X100VI system ... two different wide angle adapters. Right now the A7C2 is The Winner ... best AF.

[@SCHOOLOFLIGHT]

As a Q3 owner of 6 months, and having watched soooo many Q3 videos before investing, this is video great! I shoot Sony A7r4 and A7s3 as well. Just spent 3 weeks on the streets in India with the Q3 as my stills camera. I’m 53 and am a professional, so the Q3 was a treat, and a bit of a “coming of age”. There are many things I missed, auto focus was a the big one. But for the first time I tried to learn manual focus and how to do it properly and that was fun. The Q3 is flawed. But damn it is a lovely camera to use when you get in the groove. Thanks for the great video mate.

[@kylemeshna]

I do think the Q3 has a special quality to it that is hard to replicate even though it’s very flawed as you mention. As a compact travel / everyday carry camera… it’s just so enjoyable. I’ve lately been bringing my fx3 and q3 as my two cameras, and really enjoy the combo. But I know it’s not a practical camera for 99% of people, so figure this video would help give a more reasonable alternative for most folks

[@quantum_ocean]

Not practical for 99% of people? What’s the source for this data? Just because it’s a prime?

[@duvalpenny100]

@@quantum_ocean I'm guessing because of the price compared to what it can do vs the competition. It really doesn't make sense to buy on paper. It's a luxury camera.

[@dmille6]

Sony Shooter for 10+ yrs professionally.. shot the Fuji x100v since the day it came out. loved the size and feel of the Fuji x100v but focusing and low light were the wall I kept hitting with it. I got a Q3 in Sept of 2023.. I really wanted to hate it.. the more i shoot it, the more i see its "charm." There is something special about the lens.. especially when you convert the images to BW. there is just some little glow in the highlights.. its heavy.. kinda clunky but easy to use once you get used to it. yes is super expensive.. its not for everyone.. but for some (me) its really a special camera.

[@kylemeshna]

@dmille6 think you nailed it

[@Shunjut]

Similar to why I got the Fuji XT30II with 27mm 2.8 instead of waiting for the Fuji X100VI. Also, with it being more targeted to a family/edc set up, it’s nicer to transfer the smaller files and upload to social media. Great comparison between the Leica and Sony! 👍🏻

[@JuanOzuna]

Really awesome video! I shoot with an A7C and for the past few months I've been obsessing on how to make it more of an everyday camera like the Q3. Eventually ended up getting the Sony G 40mm f2.5 and I've been very happy with it! I sometimes wish I had that extra stop, but it hasn't been a dealbreaker.

[@richardbixler]

I’m just doing some research and both these cameras are too much money and more camera than I need. But man, awesome video and providing the color profiles (that look absolutly spot on)for your viewers is really cool!

[@kylemeshna]

Happy to help!

[@thomashirth8773]

I prefer the Leica Q3! The feel and especially the operation of the menu is perfect! I don't like cameras where the plasticizers come out of the rubber coating after a few years and stick terribly.

[@andreasgilgenberg5588]

Wow thanks a lot for the profile ...its great and thanks for the video!!!!!

[@kylemeshna]

My pleasure

[@TheAdampardee]

I had this exact same dilemma last year after owning the Q3 for a few months. Is this worth it, could I maybe save a $2k? I rented an A7CR and the 24mm G lens just like you did. I played around with it and felt really familiar since I do all my professional work with Sonys. There's just something I didn't like about it though. The feel, the look, I felt unimpressed. I specifically chose something other than Sony to slow down, enjoy the process and make taking photos not feel like work after taking photos all day for work. The profile idea is great though and I'd like to try it out and see how those A7CR photos look compared to the Q3. I know you compared everything to the Q3, but the cost of that A7CR setup is about what a used Q2 costs nowadays 😎. Great video Kyle.

[@Reizack]

Excellent arguments, good perspective.

[@pumassg]

Agreed! That was my justification when I was thinking about a Q3 for walkabouts. I ended up getting this exact combination (A7CR + 24mm G lens) but with the added benefit of my whole collection of other Sony lenses. I still love the idea of the Q3, but I personally can't justify it for my own use case. Also, I'd be more willing to get reckless with my Sony camera than I would with the Q3. It'll be like how I treat my dress watches when I get anywhere near a body of water - even though they're technically rated for the splash, I'd hate for a piece of seaweed to gently brush the bracelet, leaving a scratch half the width of a strand of hair that you can only see under microscope lol.

[@thatmidlifevlogger4463]

Thanks for this great video man

[@kylemeshna]

My pleasure

[@DocRock]

Mahalo @KyleMeshna 🤙🏽 I already have the A7IV and ZV-E1 bodies, and my 24MM is the 1.4 GM; how close to this setup could I get with the bodies I have? I ask because I contemplated selling one of them to get the A7CR. To complicate the process, I also have the GR III Diary Edition, X100V, and X100VI, and realistically I could buy a Q3, but I like the flexibility you mentioned about the A7CR. I may have a problem :P Great video.

[@_mccandless_]

Profile is great. Have a new red rope and square hood strapped to 6300 and 24 1.4GM :) Heading for the streets, looking forward to great shots, and admiring looks :) Thx.

[@kylemeshna]

Haha epic!

[@polmestra]

Thanks for the profile !❤

[@russbo97]

I agree this is a very nice combo- Two things missing- The simplicity of Leica menus- It’s a joy to use compared to Sony- also the ability to shoot non PASM. Need to adjust shutter, do it, need to adjust Aperture, do it, need to change ISO, do it. All while keeping the other piece of the triangle in auto or manual mode. One of the biggest pluses so rarely talked about. I would also miss the 1.7 lens but there are some trade offs- Good stuff

[@jeff7694]

Thanks for the fantastic video! I’m sure it’s been mentioned in the comments already but the Q3 also has a leaf shutter as well which means flash sync up to the highest mechanical shutter speed. Super-useful and quiet. Also, the EVF and rear display are much…much better on the Leica. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a Sony shooter and love what they’re doing these days but putting a 2.36MP EVF in a high res kit like the CR is just plain silly. Almost insulting. As mentioned by another person here, you can also look at the Sony RX1Rii. Different focal length with same problems as above and “only” 42MP, but a REALLY cool camera.

[@TCinSoCal]

3:55 have the A7Cii and cannot overstate how easy it is to walk and shoot with this camera body.. even one handed. I have 3 different types of AF mapped and can do all one-handed. Amazing travel/casual camera.

[@michaelmillward8006]

I use the A7CR and 35mm GM most of the time preferring the 35mm focal length. Having passed on the Q3 which was a close call i don't regret the decision at all.

[@darylgov]

The A7cr is replacing my Leica Q and with the 40mm G lens I have the Q with my preferred focal length. Yet, I can attach the 50/1.2 or the 12-24/2.8 giving me one body with tremendous versatility and outstanding IQ. Thank you for the profile, I find Leica colors get in the way more often than not, with digital colors are very malleable.

[@RomainOjabierto]

As many already said, thanks for your hard work on the profile ! Thumb's up man ! Ofc I subcribed too !

[@kylemeshna]

Stoked to hear it was helpful and welcome aboard!!

[@RomainOjabierto]

Thank you Kyle !

[@mozambiquehere239]

Thank you for your LR presets!

[@docwou]

I like your Leica Profile. Thank you!

[@jebeq2007]

Awesome comparison! I agree that the A7CR is pretty much as good and a much better performer than the Q3. I actually bought the the A7CR and loved it although 2 weeks after I bought the A7CR, Sony dropped the price of the A7RV down to $3499 and it was to hard to resist, so I exchanged it. I do miss the compact size on the A7CR though. Your pofile does really help to get close to the Leica color although as you mention it will be almost imposible to get it exactly. The leica leans more towards a majenta and the Sony to a Green/Yellow, You can see that clearly on the photo at 7:04 , the highlights on the background mountains have a more majenta look on the Leica than the Sony and the red brick on the house is much more red then the Sony. I think that in the end no one will really know what you shot the photo on as they are both really close in looks, after all the sensor on the Q3 is a sony sensor.

[@kogeisan]

Great review! I will take this Q3 as a secondary cam, keeping my alpha7c to use with a 105mm in the streets (i'm seaching the perfect solution to have both a 28/35mm and a longer focal lenght - n.b. the macro sigmaart is very versatile and useful for that... without being a heavy weight). The budget for this Q3 is high but I am sure that I will keep it for a while.... and clearly today, I don't think there is a better full format compact cam. The problem: my daily Sigma 35mm will be sad...

[@TechWandererYT]

You must have invested a s*it ton of time into this profile. It deserves its own video. I don't get the hype about the Leica's (X100VI over here), but still appreciate the work you must have put in. Thanks!

[@Sonic-Boom]

Great vid and thanks for the colour profile. Going to try it with my A6700 shots. I wish there was a way of getting the Fuji Simulations into my camera though, that would be so good. Cheers!

[@kylemeshna]

Technically you can. They’re admittedly not as good, but I can make a video on that soon!

[@Sonic-Boom]

@@kylemeshna That would be amazing, I think it'll be a popular video,

[@Smoothblue90]

​​​@@Sonic-BoomI bought some color profiles from Cobalt Image. They have some Fuji color and black and white profiles you could try. They sell separate profiles for Lightroom and Capture One so they are not in camera profiles. You have to buy the profile for your camera. Then by the profile for the look that you want or the film that you want. I bought some of their film color profiles and film black and white profiles and I like them.

[@hanshomesteading1276]

Hello, Leica fanboy here. I own a Leica Q since 2016, it replaced my other camera gear (I had lots) and it has been my primary camera since. To note: I am colourblind and I also don't care about the technical details, i.e. colors rendered, lowest noise, etc etc. What matters for me is the ease of use and simplicity. i also don't want to worry about which lens to chose. the Q lens is not my favourite choice (35mm would), but I learned to use and it made me more creative. Of course technical feature like IQ matter, it just needs to be really good. The Q has been the best camera I've ever owned.

[@digitalrex5]

Great video. I recently got to play with some Leica cameras and although the Q3 and SL3 are great cameras none of them are as “special” as the m11…. That said the A7C series seem to be a great alternative.. one question I’ve heard the 24 has a lot of distortion how does that compare to the 28 on the q3 in that regard?

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

I bought the Leica Q when I had my child. The pics I took with it outshine my Fujis and now Canon r6mii even with the $3200 rf2870. The Summilux just has a feeling thats hard to explain. I sold it and now Im chasimng the feeling again but at $6k its not happening. This seems like a better route because I want to dump Canon anyways for a more versatile lens mount. One thing Sony doesnt have is the insane engineering...the Leica feels absolutely premium in hand. Also....most Leica guys want a 35mm Q so something to think about. My Q had a flat stealth cover from Etsy which was well worth it.

[@sm_leshyy]

Howdy! Great video, but what strap are you using at around 2:30? Looks comfy and I need it. Thanks!

[@stephenspake]

Great video!!!

[@crosstb]

@Kyle That Sony to Leica profile is luscious! Thank you :-)

[@griffinparker8581]

I'll say this I've been told many times my q3 photos in b/w and my sl2 in b/w were some of the best photos they had ever seen. Straight out of camera. The q3 is just fast at the end of the day instant gratification and you don't rly need to edit much

[@chirsd666]

I used to have a Leica Q2 alongside my A7RIV. I sold both and picked up the A7RV and A7CR instead. I love this set-up. I have the menus, custom and function buttons near identical. For professional work, I use the A7RV with my GM zooms or fast primes. For travel or discrete cityscape and street shooting, I take the A7CR with a couple of my compact Sigma I-series primes. No regrets letting go the Leica.

[@kylemeshna]

Honestly sounds like the perfect combo!

[@USGrant21st]

People who don't care about photography care about leica.

[@chikonmikon5585]

oh to be rich

[@dell-tone6472]

@@USGrant21stLOL

[@marcotodino7759]

Hello Chris, I have a question for you. You have both the A7RV and A7CR, so did you feel the lack of the a7cr's 2 fps compared to the a7rv's 10 fps? Thank you in advance

[@TCinSoCal]

I’m very curious about the difference in noise levels between the A7Cii and A7CR. I REALLY want to try the R but don’t know how much of an ISO noise ‘hit’ I’d take. If I’m OK with ISO up to 10,000 with A7Cii any way to advise what the equivalent ISO would be on the R. The R effectively gets you a ‘free’ lens with the higher MP crop. Thank you for this video.

[@SebastienBarrau]

Have a similar setup for similar reasons. Only change is I try to carry the 24 2.8 g and the 50 2.8g with an A7CII when I take it out and if I have to take just one I take the 50 2.8g. I’ve tried the Q3 but was not impressed by its features, it does feel real good on hands but I prefer the a7cii

[@Jwitherow1964]

I got my CR and slipped a Ziess 24 f2 on it with a square lens hood. It’s amazing head turning camera .light wight but capable camera also put the red thumb grip and the red shutter button on it

[@tscavenius]

Any chance of getting you to do the profile for Capture One as well 🙏 Awesome stuff!

[@ArminHirmer]

Had the Q3, awesome piece. yet I swapped for A7Rc, 28mm is just too limiting for me. Thanks for preset, liked and subbed

[@vladf9340]

I think it's not quite a fair comparison, these lenses are much weaker in quality compared to the Summilux 28mm f/1.7. Technically, it would be correct to consider the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens, and here we see that the weight, size, and price are completely different. Leica 743g vs. Sony and 24mm 955g. The price of Leica is $5999, while Sony and 24mm GM is $4714 (price on B&H ). The price difference is $1285, not that much. Of course, I chose and bought the Leica Q3, but I believe that Sony cameras are very good with the best autofocus, and for some tasks, they are the top choice.

[@ledoov]

in all honesty just like most people cannot tell the difference between good wines and cheaper wines, it's the same here. IN the end what matters is what camera you want to use and love to use. the final result to any viewer will be the same I think. Most of the time only you will know or care what camera you used. Just go shoot and have fun.

[@vladf9340]

@@ledoov For sure, totally true. I’m just all about snapping pics with my Leica, that camera really speaks to me.

[@burneshollyman2621]

Love this! Genius approach to a silly emotional topic many "Leica club members" have on this topic. Thanks for putting all the time and energy you did into this video. That said, I am not sure why you call it a "build" when all you did was change lenses and a lens hood on the Sony, which you obviously can't do on the Leica. But doing the "Leica look" in Darkroom in a post is kinda cheating since you can emulate any camera's "look." And you can do an infinite number of in-camera looks in the Fuj X100 VI or its entire X-Pro lineup in camera also if that is your jam One of the biggest differences is that the Leica JPEGs are vastly inferior to the Sony's (or even the Fuji X-Pro lineup). I own all these cameras but also have the Leica M2 Monochrom, and nothing can match it for B&W alone. The menu system on the Sony is a complex rabbit hole vs. Leica's purposefully minimalist approach. But if cost is one's basic criteria, your recommendation is fun. But the fact is you can get a used Q2 for way less than the Sony "build" so doing this on a used camera basis would be interesting. (Now find a place to hide because the Leica fanbois will come out of the woodwork and be haters :-) I am agnostic when it comes to camera religion. So... when in doubt on the topic, use an iPhone ProMax Plus and blow the quality of all the others away! haha

[@michaelmillward8006]

Hi I just purchased the conversation profile. Looks interesting. However maybe add a rider to your read me file because the profile won't show up in the profile selection panel unless a raw file is selected in the develop module otherwise it's not showing. I eventually found this can be the case with certain profiles but it's not obvious what's happening at first. Hope this is constructive.

[@Chaosflo-kc9fh]

Great video, did exactly the same with my Sony A7C2

[@dilfill]

I use a Leitz Summicron-R 50mm f/2 that I picked up for $200 and it basically turned my sony into a Leica. Looks amazing. Basically at this point if you want the Leica look just get a Leica lens modern or vintage and put that on your sony.

[@tomkiessner8869]

I have owned the Leica Q. The Summilux is unique. The micro contrasts are excellent. I sold the camera after several years because there was only one focal length available. The Q3 and the Sony have enough megapixels to crop. That's why I've already considered swapping my Alpha 7c for its big sister....

[@rheadehenning1191]

I have a Sony A7IV. What would you Advise to have Leica type pictures and keep it compact ?

[@user-of5sf9ej8u]

I was traveling around Japan, Korea, Germany, Austria, and Hungary just recently with my a7rv and 'way' too many lenses, many of which I hardly used. With many street shots, I tried to use AF in crowded places which was a bit difficult with my large Sony lenses so I started visiting Leica Stores along the way to get a feel for their cameras again, I've wanted a Leica since the 80s. Well, got back to the US and ordered a Q3 (also have my eye on an m), and I can't wait, I also have an x100VI. I'm going back to the basics and will be selling many of my Sony lenses, I'll keep the a7rv with 24-70 GMII/35 GM but everything else will be sold. Next trip I'll be traveling much lighter and I can't wait. The Q3 is just a joy to hold and I like that I'll have a sensor that is similar to my a7rv.

[@t87h21]

In Germany the a7CR costs €3700, the 24 G costs €580 and with the other accessories that comes to around €4400. If you don't have a new Q3, but rather a used Q3 for €5300-€5800, the price difference will be significantly smaller. But then with the latter you have the real feeling and the experience. I don't own a Leica ""

[@kylemeshna]

Wild how much the import taxes change prices. It’s almost impossible to find a used Q3 under $7000 in the states at the moment

[@ChrisWhittenMusic]

Or buy a used Q2 which is also an outstanding camera.

[@VoltLover00]

The Sony is a way better option compared to a Leica. Far better lens choices

[@ErikN1]

@@VoltLover00Compared to a fixed lens camera an interchangeable lens camera will always have more lens choices

[@twinspowertv1078]

LOVE this! quick question, any recommendations if you already have a dedicated film profile you use on your images, but want to use your profile too?? 😩

[@kylemeshna]

Convert yours into a preset. Then apply my profile and your newly created preset. Then turn that combo into a new profile.

[@twinspowertv1078]

@@kylemeshna nice!! Will try that! Thanks! I might take it a bit further and try a Leica lens on the A7CR 👀👀

[@bdronish]

My Leica setup is Sony a7CII with Sony 40mm f2.5, Haoge Square Metal Lens Hood and Thumb grip)))

[@kylemeshna]

Epic

[@davidligon6088]

Brilliant! I prefer the Sony A7CR, all day. It is so much more flexible. I can use it as a walk-about-town camera or I can swap lenses with my A1 or A7RV and use it as a serious workhorse. Honestly, I’ve been thinking about just getting that lens and slapping it on one of my existing bodies and calling it a day. I do wish, however, that Sony made a compact 35mm. I think the 24 is a bit wide, and the 40 is a bit long.

[@irutgers]

Thanks for the breakdown, my beef is that I hate, did I say hate the Sony ACR viewfinder…it’s why I ended up buying the XT-4 as my fun 2nd camera and not the ACR

[@rolandrickphotography]

How did you do the 8K video with the a7CR?

[@jeffmichaels2672]

Absolute legend! Do you think I would get the same ish result if I got the A7C2 as I already own the A7R5 and am looking for a Fuji X100Vl alternative?

[@kylemeshna]

Yep! Same color science on the A7cii as the A7CR (and a7r5)

[@Thehackerguy2000]

I’ve been trying to snip an old A7C on Craigslist. Would be perfect point and shoot to pair with my vintage 35mm film lenses.

[@OnFinal]

Thank you for Leica profile!

[@noodldoodl1970]

Thank you very much, this is spectacular! And for you next trick I'd like a profile for the Type 246 Monochrom, please!!!!! 😝 xxx

[@smodjo]

I like both setups :) I own q2 since 2019 and use it often and own A7r5 (since one month) --> A7r5 features are so much better than the q2's ... but q2 slows down how you shoot photos ... its not about the technical stuff, its about haptics, form factor, its robust built and somehow Leica history for a lower price than M cameras. And q2 cameras used prices dropped so much since q3 came out

[@RabeTV]

what "creative look" do you start with with your photos? ST?

[@MeestroDavid]

Great video and great tips. Though I wonder if convincing a Leica owner (or a potential owner that sees it as a grail purchase) that there are better-or equal-options for less dough is a lost cause. While I won’t argue that they’re not of very high quality, like Rolex, Leica owners are buying into a brand and the status it projects to strangers more than a camera. Anecdotally, of all the professional photographers I’ve ever hired for projects, only one shoots primarily on Leica…and he’s a sponsored brand ambassador ;)

[@rickbiessman6084]

WOW, I had no idea the difference in colors was that huge. Wish I didn’t know because I’m not a fan of Sony raw colors. :O And I mean, I edit all my photos anyway, even the casual personal stuff I shoot. But still good to know.

[@Georgie_B_]

Wonderful video Kyle! Have you tried this with the RV as well? Are the colours different than on the A7CR? Thanks!

[@kylemeshna]

It’ll work with all the current gen of Sony cameras yes

[@daemon1143]

Brilliant, I'm a Canon shooter, but I'd have the interchangeable lens Sony any day of the week as fun shooter, over a Leica with it's awful auto-focus, lousy IBIS and fixed lens, despite the nice sensor and great colour sceince. And no way would any rational person call the Q3 compact. This Sony idea also beats out the Fuji everyone is banging on about. Thanks for taking the time.

[@_oneclickaway_9862]

Still got my Q2M! What a lovely piece of gear for street Also a7iv for video and stills. But now I’m considering adding a7CR, but that crappy viewfinder keeps me back…

[@Christellezphoto]

That profile is so impressive. Now I want a Leica AND an a7cr haha

[@Carolyne_games]

What’s great about the Q (which is also true about Fuji X100, Sony RX1, etc.) is that the lens can’t be changed. The A7Cs are amazing but the temptation to get more lenses once I have an interchangeable lens body in hand is scary! Fixed lens cameras help me stay in control 😂

[@j16m02]

Easy fix. For a couple bucks, buy a tube of cyanoacrylate and voila! You have a fixed lens camera!😁

[@rayman121985]

Any idea why the profile won't show up when I import it into Lightroom Cloud? Thanks!

[@kylemeshna]

Make sure you’re looking under profiles. Not presets

[@BRollBenny]

I'm very much a function over form type of person, so while this isn't for me, I respect the hell out of you taking the time to do it all.

[@carlossousapereira7275]

Can you share the color profile from Leico to Sony in DCP format?

[@BadVoodoo11]

The aperture difference is more than low light performance, it's depth of field and transition from in focus to out of focus behaves far differently. While field of view is slightly wider than som other 28mm the effects of distortion are similar. This 24mm has a different curvature and distortion profile to the Q3 for objects near the edge of frame. Overall I prefer the image rendering of the Q3. Try some portrait comparisons and get a bit closer.

[@MattatHiddenLight]

Crushed it! If only Sony could get the bottons on their cameras (too many!) and their hilarious menu system (WTF) under control, I'd be sold 🤣

[@kylewist7745]

How did you get a leaf shutter onto a Sony interchangeable lens camera?

[@kylemeshna]

Spun around and said Biggie Smalls in the mirror 3 times

[@paulgrosse7631]

The Leica's local contrast is something that other manufacturers haven't gone for - instead going for local definition (can't have em both - laws of physics and all of that). For that reason, they will not looks the same but you can get close. With my Leica, I took a picture of a steam engine at a station and have that as my lock screen on my phone and several people have seen it and said 'That looks good ... [pause for a couple of seconds whilst looking at the image more closely] ... No, that actually is good.' Leica glass is what makes the images. The sensor is only secondary and the body basically holds it all together whilst it stops stray light getting in. Leica designed glass is what you need - some mobile phone company had that for a while and many people where impressed.

[@josh6499]

Panasonic M43 bodies have Leica designed glass.

[@staticduo_dance]

You talk as Sony glass or Sony sensor is not capable of it. I love leica, feeling and other non tangible things it have. But Sony is better option practically in every single spec compared to. Having both I use more the Sony, give me the capability of using other lenses that increase quality of images a lot when you dont want a 28mm

[@_rhapsodist]

what a bunch of BS..

[@-grey]

Now if you have the Zeiss 35f2.8, you can do an X100VI alternative too. It's about the same size and weight and light/bokeh performance too. 😎

[@Wolfloid]

Except that the image quality will be considerably better. Unfortunately, it won’t have the very nice hybrid viewfinder.

[@-grey]

@@Wolfloid 100% that's a given. You get what you pay for in that sense.

[@cy1512]

Good analysis. What is the resale value of each camera after say, 3-5 years? Same for the lens?

[@BoyarsMedia]

Leica holds value better, Sony is probably worst in the industry

[@ennphotos]

Curious to know how you think photos should metered with this profile? Would a bit of overexposure help out with the additional contrast?

[@Sunrise017]

I am curious as well. When applying the profile my images turn out very dark, contrasty and warm.

[@ennphotos]

Experiencing the same. Definitely significant color change on my recent blue hour photos@@Sunrise017

[@BrixTan]

Great video! but cant seem to download the profile. help!

[@glennmichel6941]

Hi, thank you for the very interesting video! I saw you did a Sony to Leica profile for LR, have you one for Capture one? Kindly, Glenn

[@kylemeshna]

I do not at the moment, sorry

[@glennmichel6941]

@@kylemeshna have a nice day, thanks

[@arneheeringa96]

I can shoot at least 1/15 with a 105mm handheld, maybe 1/8. Recently I saw a video of someone who could do 1/4 handheld. Press your elbows to your body, keep the hand actuating the shutter below and push the shutter very gently. They also used to say that one shouldn't take pictures in the backlight. Which was only true for automatic cameras, but apart from that utter nonsense.