The world's most hated camera, again...

[@NigelDanson]

My conclusion from this video is that....... I want to go to Vietnam....

[@taddufort8400]

Same!

[@MiscellanyTop]

Hi Nigel. FYI the Hampshire (UK) photographer, Mike Browne (who also has a long-established high-sub YT channel) has led workshops out there and published several vids on his channel about that location. All the best.

[@shred3005]

I am Aussie so SE Asia is kind of on our doorstep and Vietnam is my favourite country in the region. And not only as a photographer

[@JFW5358]

Do go Nigel. It is a beautiful country and very cheap. I was least impressed by Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) but that was all 11 years ago. I'd love to go back.

[@jsoros8086]

Amazing place, great food

[@lukemerrill1272]

Leica makes niche cameras and that's their strength. I previously owned an M8. It had so many limitations, but it's also the favorite camera I've ever owned. I think the same can be said for the Q. These cameras require more from the photographer, which causes frustration at times, but also a real pleasure to use. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

And no one ever saw that new Hasselblad ever again. :D

[@davidmurray5926]

He’s sold it, well done Hasselblad

[@trevorsneath4665]

I wonder if you get some cash with your new Leica from MPB when you send them you Hasselblad? 😂

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Used it in the video before this one…🙂

[@SourPlanet]

FINALLY. Someone specifically points out that manual focus is the real magic trick of this lens. Any other setup requires a lens swap to jump between zoning at F8 and AF at F1.7. Plus, it has macro! That's the true brilliance of the setup, imo. It's clearly a travel/street camera with a fixed lens, yet that fixed lens provides the versatility of 2 to 3 lenses on other systems.

[@SylvainBourmache]

manual focus...seriously

[@RegrinderAlert]

@@SourPlanet The image quality is outstanding, much more than just sharp. There are many lenses that are sharp edge-to-edge wide open. Much less that are as well corrected as this true APO. And even less that still manage to retain some character and 3D pop. Very similar to the great 50mm Voigtländer APO Lanthar.

[@SourPlanet]

@RegrinderAlert Did you mean to respond to me? I wasn't calling into question the lens, which is a Summilux; and therefore top class.

[@RegrinderAlert]

@@SourPlanet Just supporting your sentiment. But the 43 is a APO-Summicron and f/2

[@SourPlanet]

@@RegrinderAlert Ah yes, correct. I keep forgetting it's F2.

[@Johnkostercreative]

Wow, not my experience at all. I thought the AF was snappy and much better than the Q2 and worked really well on the street. Love the ergonomics, fits well in the hand with a grip, phenomenal image quality, really quality camera. I took this camera all over Ireland for a month doing portraits and darn near everything else, including landscape, and it was absolutely a blast to shoot and could definitely do professional work with it. Strange. Who needs two card slots?

[@alwyng572]

My Q3 43 is everything I expected it to be. It’s not a working tool and wasn’t bought as such. It’s more an everyday carry and travel camera which I will be using rather than lugging my Z8’s around. Zone focusing and hyperfocal focusing pretty much negate the need for AF which will be relegated to backup status and both are a doddle with the lens. The lens quality is outstanding in every way and the focal length is perfect. Your images especially those in the rice paper workshop are great and demonstrate just how good the 43mm lens is for documentary photography. I hope I get the opportunity to shoot something similar when I travel to Japan next year. Have fun and grow into it, it took a while for me to love the Q2 Monochrom which is another incredible camera but very niche. One last note, the ergonomics work for me as someone with larger hands - other compacts I could never use simply because of the form factor.

[@GlenBarnett]

James, you need to stop apologising for having a job that many of us would absolutely die for. Leica, Sony, Fujifilm... Who cares. As long as the images are as stunning as those that come from your lens, it really doesn't matter mate. Keep on doing what you do 👍

[@mikepanton]

The edits and colors on those photos of the rice paper making are incredible.

[@balintboris1260]

You mentioned that you might make a video about youtube as a business and please do, it's a very interesting topic, and it would be a nice insight to how complicated it actually is to make these videos. I'd love to see that video! Also, great shots in this one and the video looks fantastic as well. Cheers!

[@eveanddell]

Stunning images. Especially love the rice paper village shots.

[@shaunmadill8866]

My copy of Human Nature arrived yesterday, James. It's fantastic! Well done!

[@ChrisBrogan]

If there's ANY camera I still have GAS heavily about it's the Q3 43. So glad you shared more thoughts and snaps from it, James. This would be my "sell all your others" camera, such as it is. I'm only a hobbyist, so no one would care. But what a treat. Great coverage and thoughts. Thanks for your point of view.

[@spidersj12]

The price of GAS keeps going up year after year, and I'm not talking about petrol...

[@ChrisBrogan]

@spidersj12 agreed. But I do like how James probably kept me from buying this. Because it sure wasn't a glowing review.

[@eastbaystreet1242]

@@ChrisBrogan agree! This is the review I really needed. I keep obsessing on the Q3 but don't need it at all, in any way. I have so much wonderful gear that does the job just as well, sometimes better. I have to admit that the design of the camera itself is really attractive to me. But, as James said, that makes sense too - my sports car is all about design, pure form over function... and I love it. Ugh, I still want the Q3. But this video probably pushed me away from it for good.

[@fairwayfrank]

I won't ever have either Q3 model, for work or play, but I did just order a 40mm Voigtlander lens for my Df. Call me old fashioned, or just plain old for that matter. But my wife and I have been enjoying the heck out of your book. It's a marvel and a joy. Thanks much.

[@julianheritage6436]

James you are my fav KZbin photographer, but the title of this video again, it’s nuts, guess it’s feeding the algorithm

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

But I genuinely think it’s true. Most cameras don’t generate opinions of any sort, but lots of photographers have opinions (good and bad) about these things.

[@shanestorozukphotography]

Over $10,000 CAD for a point and shoot fixed lens camera is absolutely absurd. The images you produced with it are gorgeous, but you can make gorgeous photos with any camera these days...certainly more useful and reliable cameras that don't cost over 10K. Leica non-sense aside, loved the video and can't wait to see more of your lovely work from Vietnam James!

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

In no way shape or form is the Q3 a point and shoot😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@shanestorozukphotography]

Touché, I understand it’s a tool like all other cameras to take photographs…but common man….that price is just silly. I get Leica camera’s are legendary but it’s just become a luxury brand. I could buy a Fuji body and a whole kit of lenses for that price and produce work just as good and on a much better system imo. But I digress, maybe it’s a great camera and I’m full of shit. 🫡

[@baxterbradford7063]

Whilst the words & thoughts aren’t exactly glowing, the pictures certainly are.

[@Tbonyandsteak]

Got give credit to those lenses, the stats dont say much, but the glasses are very exotic.

[@softiczlatan]

That’s why I got rid of my Sony A7CII because it does a really great job when it comes to performance but doesn’t motivate me at all to go out and shoot everyday stuff with it. It’s that good that I feel like a robot behind it…Just clicking & clicking and not feeling present during the process of making images of given moments in our already stressed lives. That’s why I got Leica Q3 43 for everyday stuff but I will definitely keep pair of my A7IV that I love for my paid work.

[@Danneh03]

Dude those photos are INCREDIBLE

[@laurormrz]

Love all the tones and lighting on all your images shown here! The yellows in particular really pop and add some nice warmth to the scenes.

[@artiedoc]

Tell me what you really think of the Leica 🤣 James , the shots especially the indoor and low light shots are FABULOUS ! Love the atmosphere…awesome my friend!!!!

[@framedman]

That's nuts, turned on, and I'm like why are you on the Red River bridge, literally on the route In used to commute on years back. It literally threw me back in my seat. Not what I was expecting. Never did I think you'd find yourself in Hanoi. Funnily enough, it was where I bought my very first DSLR camera and really got into photography.

[@edang352]

felt the exact same way because my family lives on the river and every time i visit i take that bridge! also the lake he sat at is where i used to go for morning runs every single day!

[@AlecMurrell]

Some cracking photos! I bought this camera for three reasons. 1. The lens 2. The lens 3. The lens. I absolutely love it and, together with my Q2, I don’t need any more kit. At all. Won’t suit everyone but I’m sorted.

[@collinheath3290]

Got my book last week. Amazing. Seeing my name in the back was too cool! Also, I jumped on the Q3 43 as soon as it was announced. I love the camera. The main thing I've learned... If there's more than two people, go with single point auto focus. Makes the experience much better. Also, I got a leather case with a small grip on Etsy. I recommend that in addition to the thump support. Cheers!

[@nelsonclub7722]

It's only hated by people who have never seen it let alone used it - like most Leica cameras - pro here 35 yrs in the game - we use many cameras - this one is one of our favorites - it just does everything - we use alongside our SL3 and our 907x - it just works

[@johnchastain4351]

Thank you for making me like my Canon more.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Broooooo... I'm loving your Vietnam imagery/photos. I can't wait until my next trip back (exactly a year from now). Your style suits Vietnam so well. It looks good on you.

[@harrydeyong441]

I think also that Leicas have become, to some degree, jewellery, a way to show off that you can afford one, instead of a seriously competent camera. Not long ago, I saw a tourist here in France with a lovely new Leica hanging around his neck............taking pictures with his phone.

[@MyLifeFrAiurGaming]

All their contemporart competence come from panasonic 😂

[@kenn6592]

Have to disagree on this. I am sure some people buy Leica for the reason you note, but for me it was the opposite. I don’t want it to be noticed in a busy city that I have an expensive camera. Too many people get robbed these days. So I bought an old looking strap and a basic looking small bag. If you pick up a like a Q3, I think you will understand why they get the raves. They inspire.

[@sh8736]

Probably couldn’t afford a second lens or bought a fixed lens version which didn’t suit the scene…

[@DavidSenteno]

Yeah….no. That juice isn’t worth the squeeze. 🍋

[@luisfaustino]

Thanks for addressing the cost issue and how it’s a different dynamic for your case.

[@steve834]

Beautiful pictures. Really capture the feeling of SE Asia. Can almost smell the street food and feel the humidity.

[@Stone1108]

Been watching you for quite some time now, please don’t take this the wrong way but I think i’ve just seen some of my favourite images of yours in this video. Maybe it’s just my taste but I believe it’s noticeable how much you enjoy this focal length. 👏

[@Vottmar]

Hi James, I just found your channel, absolutely love it, and therefore started binge watching your videos. Thank you! It is probably because my algorithm changed watching a lot of Leica content lately as I’m currently thinking about minimising my setup moving from Fuji to Leica . I love the images you produced with the Q2, really like those Leica colours and deep blacks. I’m looking forward to your next videos!

[@stefansmuts8882]

Great insight - I have the Q3 and a Sony A7IV. Feel exactly the same way.

[@fotodivision]

I mean , It should not be compared to any other camera, Although some are digital, the feeling and experience is like shooting with film. totally agreed that the best experience is to shoot & focus manually. Love my q343.

[@lispbar]

The village photos are moving. The images were able to transfer strong emotions. I use my Q2 with a mix of autofocus and manual focus. For me the most important part of the camera is the optics and what one can do with it. The Q optics are extremely good for my personal taste. I don't have an M camera, but the main advantage there is manual focus with a large range of different lenses. There is the mix between perfection and imperfection. The Q gives a taste of that, but with a fixed lens. In the end, what counts, is the joy one gets from the images AND from going out and seeing the world.

[@james.a.h.]

I love the analogy of the sports car or the dress shoes. That really summarizes this camera.

[@ginaherold]

Finally got my x100vi last week, so Leica urge is quenched for now, but I was happy to know more about it. More fascinating to me now is seeing other photographers I have followed for years just discovering a city I have been photographing for almost a decade. Really looking forward to more of your Hanoi, James 😊

[@seantaplin7211]

The summary sounds like you're talking about the Pentax K01. It really does!

[@retirewithjames6745]

Very good and helpful comments. I have the Q3 28mm. I totally agree with you.

[@bastian.michel]

Loved this video! Great photos, entertaining commentary, and clear, relatable analogies. Just an all-around excellent video. Well done, James!

[@aidan.3303]

love the fact you can see each others influences in Roman and James' stuff

[@alexpaolillobiodynamics]

These pictures all look so beautiful!!!!!!! They make me imagine the taste of the food in that wedding...

[@JeevesTCW]

Very honest first thoughts. No joystick or decent grip would drive me mad. That said the pics do look magical James, but is that just the light mmm. Vietnam looks fab btw.

[@lebaje1]

I feel like you are right from the beginning to the end ...still want one lol

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

That shot behind you over the hazy water with the branch , couldn't stop looking at it. Great shots you got though of Vietnam and those small communities and there way of life

[@MeAMuse]

I remember the video you made about the Sony A7R5 where you said the technology was too much. This is the problem with us photographers… we flip flop on what is important to us based on what we are currently shooting. I own the Leica Q3 28mm and a Sony system and my main camera is a Sony A7R3 (second body is A7R2). I would say the AF is somewhere in-between the 2 - but I don’t care. If anything I use my Leica like my Nikon FA film camera from 1983… it is about being fun to use… slowing the process down… actually making it feel like I make the photo… not the camera. It’s very satisfying for what it is (and my keeper rate is better). The AF is good enough (especially for the 28mm focal length). To use your car analogy - do you want a practical minivan with all latest in parking features, screens, cruise control, etc. or do you want a classic car that has some fairly modern tech like good brakes, ok AC - but does not break down all the time. The answer is both… but I am going to smile more while using the “classic”.

[@AndyDavisonPhotographer]

Thanks James - wonderful images (that light/atmosphere!) and a great first impressions precis. I now want to visit Vietnam and will hold off on that Q3 43 order.......I sold my Q3 for many of the reasons you've mentioned and was tempted back by the lure of a focal length that I prefer. But you've reminded me again of many of the reasons that I didn't get along with the Q3, issues that remain with this camera.

[@wesleystreetshots]

Tell Roman to hold the camera more steadily. LOL. Saw you behind the scenes in his yesterday. I went with the Small Rig grip. It's not bad. Oh and I agree with you on the AF. I got a lot of fan hate on my KZbin video when I crapped on the AF. Especially AF-C and tracking. Lots of screen tearing. And start up times upwards to 3 seconds. Still love using it, but for the price there are sooooo many better options out there.

[@Izlik]

One of the people going by on the bikes so could've snatched the camera in the first shot 😅

[@eebags1]

Lucky its not the third world country of Britan. 🤭

[@imreallydamntired]

think it was a camera man, had a bit of shake to it

[@dr.chungusphd108]

You think we are that careless with our cameras that we’d just let someone grab and ride off with it ?

[@NinjaMonkeyPrime]

I was worried the way he kept gesturing with the camera into the traffic while looking away. It looked close enough for someone to get hit / hit him just by accident.

[@spidersj12]

I was toning the same thing. He needs a camera clutch and wrist strap from PD. I use them for my cameras for that reason and to stop dogs from knocking the camera out of my hands when they run by.

[@dct124]

I've never met a camera I didn't like 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@husshardan3511]

I see you have never used a Zenit TTL

[@andrewhillier2734]

They give you blisters until worn in. And then they feel amazing and are wonderful to wear!😂

[@Bryan-lu4du]

Incredible photos

[@joerg_koeln]

Very nice pictures. I don't think that I could "hate" a camera unless it's completely unreliable when I want to use it personally. Everybody has a different taste about the ideal tool - for me the tool does not really matter unless it is highly specialized equipment with unique features. Enjoy the Q3 43 🙂

[@desgardner7169]

Right brand wrong camera! Yes those villages and the people are just wonderfull. Thank you.

[@federicosequino3904]

JESUS... it's the First time that i look at your "reportage" style... Man... It's amazing, i love the shot, the story, the post etc .. i really enjoyed and i Hope to see more "human" close shot like this in your Channel because you are vert talented! Keep going i Will follow you 💪

[@erickchevezr]

Love your photography James! Big fan! I'm always puzzled by your reviews of the Q series though. To me it seems the series of cameras fits you quite well, something rather small yet powerful for your travels. Rudimentary eye AF shouldn't be a problem with your landscape work or even family/travel. And as you said pricing is not an issue because you can even monetize the purchase for your channel. The biggest advantage of a Q camera is very simple, you get some of the best glass on the planet on a nice package and a somewhat small size. As simple as that, it doesn't need much bells and whistles. I do agree about the ridiculous prices for every small Leica accessory like the thumb support, and totally agree on the lack of internal memory. That is just a really wrong move from Leica and missed opportunity as they already include that feature on their newest Ms. I could be wrong but I think you try to frame your Q series reviews from a 'general' standpoint rather than just focusing on your own use cases for the camera. It seems to me every time you review a camera like this one you feel like you need to 'defend' the purchase or compare it to the more traditional work mirrorless cameras and I just think these are completely different products and use cases. Just my two cents but as always your video was great, loved the photos you took and just have so much fun with every watch. Your channel is amazing. Cheers mate!

[@edshotsdotcodotuk]

Mad they didn't put internal storage in for this model! So close to my dream camera.

[@GeoffreyEduard]

These are without a doubt some of your best images. So maybe those downside really push to make great imagery. It's a very confusing thing. It's more expensive, you get less... but your images are stellar.

[@paulasimson4939]

It's so funny seeing the exact same locations as in Roman Fox's last video, but with photos that are distinctly James Popsys. Great video.

[@lewproffitt]

I've just returned a few days ago from Hanoi! What a brilliant place! Great to see your photos from there.

[@NeonShores]

Am I the only one who prefers convex shutter buttons? Lovely images by the way ;)

[@flowkes2707]

Great day! New James Popsys video!

[@alexispluchery]

Enjoy your time in Hanoi ! Regardless the camera model the light there is incredible (thanks to the fog). I encourage you to reiterate the trip you did to small comunities in the countryside, these are memories i cherish. Thanks for the nostalgia burst 🙌

[@ericmenu5408]

Beautiful photos ! Congrats 👍

[@stevehawes6172]

Well, I actually have one, and I really don't mind a blister or two! But, the key point here is that the target buyer is essentially the older M rangefinder user who is now struggling with M manual focusing, the sheer weight of the M cameras, and the lack of image stabilisation - myself included! Never ever thought Leica would do a Q with a 43mm lens, as it clearly competes with their classic M / 35mm combination, so it seems to me that Leica are finally and quietly reinventing in order to hang onto their generally older users. You don't really mention how amazingly light they are, or how little post processing is required - the lens is absolutely outstanding and colour rendition is very much improved (no M11 magenta cast!), consequently my images normally require very little or no sharpening at all. Not only that you can crop away to your heart's content, so the 43mm lens can be used like a 90mm lens - incredible versatility. The (kinda!) macro mode is also superb and so easy to select. I use Leica's own grip which hugely improves the day-to-day ergonomics. What an absolute joy it is to happily go out every day with just one camera, and just one lens! The A7RV is gathering dust! Cheers, Steve.

[@absonus]

I`m an older M user :) Mid `70`s been using them (along with Canon and Sony at times) for 40 years. Still no problem with RF focussing but this 43 is on my list as an alternative. The pictures on this vid are some of the best I`ve seen for colour and I`ve watched every episode.

[@VietAnhNguyenCong]

oh wow, super weird that I started watching you couple months ago and suddenly you showed up in my country today!

[@erichstocker8358]

How many years have working photographers used cameras that had only a SINGLE card. This two card push is just another example of adding requirements without it really being all that necessary. Something else the manufacturers can charge you for. What I will give you is that a $6K camera ought to provide a second card slot. I shifted from a 2 card Sony a7RIII to a single card Sony a7CR. I don't shoot video. My 128 or 256 GB card is big enough. I rotate around 6 cards of that size so the cards haven't given an issue. I found the slightly smaller size (especially height) and the 61 Mpx sensor overrrode any need for 2 cards. My Leica M240 also has only a single card and I haven't had a card problem and again I don't do video. Love your channel and your style

[@cristibaluta]

It's for redundancy, some don't want to be in the unfortunate 1% that lose their pictures before backup

[@erichstocker8358]

@@cristibaluta I know what they say. What did they do before the original marketing statement that no camera is complete without two card slots. Professional photographers spent YEARS, DECADES without two cards and got along just fine in their profession. I remember as a parttime journalist with only a single camera. I lost a whole roll to camera misfunction (no two cards then) and while it was embarrassing and I lost that story, I did get additional work. Still didn't carry a second camera unless I wanted immediate access to two different lenses. So, two cards is a nice to have but it isn't a necessity and does make a camera professional.

[@adamaufdencamp5080]

@@erichstocker8358You make a great point about film. I’ve never heard criticism of a pro film camera because it didn’t simultaneously expose 2 pieces of film. Having said that, if it’s fairly trivial to build in a 1tb SSD, it is annoying it’s not included in a $6000 camera.

[@cristibaluta]

@@erichstocker8358 The times have changed, i think it's the same as not having backups of your hard drives. I know some vloggers that lost recently an entire trip, it just disappeared from the card and couldn't recover, so for them it means lost money for the trip and no revenue on the video and some sadness. I also had a situation where someone at a mosque asked me to delete the pics because the model was not properly dressed. Well, i delete them, but later i found that sony does not delete from the second card, so i recovered my pics. Can't think of a professional this days who'll not use dual cards

[@youphototube]

Thank you for your honest review. Also some of the best photography I have seen you take. Location and subject matter is everything. Off to Cambodia in a couple of months. Leaving the Z8 at home and taking my OM-1 and my Ricoh GR3x. I will be doing wildlife and macro as well as street and landscape so the micro 4/3 makes sense. I love the Panasonic 50mm F1 .4 and the Olympus 12-40mm f2.8. my Z glass is too heavy to carry about with snorkeling gear etc.

[@chris5706]

Much warmer place than winter Wales. 😊

[@mhm769]

When are you going to use the hasselblad??

[@timgimbert3073]

Love the 40mm focal length so this looks like a dream....but I think my Nikon is the way I will stay.

[@chrisheath481]

Totally agree about the absence of a second card slot. My Nikon F3 drives me mad too as it's only got one film chamber. Useless!

[@eastbaystreet1242]

That is one of the more clever comments I have seen in a while... and exactly the gripe I have with my vintage Nikon film bodies (F, FM2, F4, EM)! :-)

[@turboplopp]

Young youtubers don't even know about their pics improving if they'd just bother to put their precious sd cards in the fridge...

[@eastbaystreet1242]

@@turboplopp So true - it is like those in my other hobby, music, who endlessly debate what gives a guitar a good tone. Is it the wood, the pickups, the strings, the player. Silly people, it is material from which the pedal board is made. I mean the actual board that holds all of the guitar pedals. How obvious could it be!

[@chrisheath481]

@@eastbaystreet1242 Ha ha!! Tell me about it! 'Tonewoods', brass saddles, mini-pots - the list is endless!! Watch nerds are just as bad too!!

[@marleenvandam6931]

I had a Q2 monochrome and sold it because the ergonomics were very bad and too heavy. Autofocus is also bad for this price level. I heard quite some people complain about reliability issues , freezing and so on.

[@paulboskerphotography]

I have both Q3's and ABSOLUTELY think they are worth it. I'm also selling much of my heavy and large Nikon gear, some on MPB as well. Thanks for the review and I hope you enjoy the Leica and Q3 experience as I have.

[@minus1db]

Cheers James also caught glimpses of you on Ronan last night ❤

[@Ben-cx8de]

Great photos James, especially like the wider volleyball shot which stood out to me. The video footage of the lady in the suit, high heels and helmet looked interesting - did you manage to get a photo of her?

[@RumblestripDotNet]

watching the rush hour traffic in downtown Hanoi in the rain was quite entertaining when I was there.

[@julians9297]

Great video James. You have a unique photography style and it works very well with these photos. Very interesting thoughts on the Q3. When you focus manually does it use a focus peaking approach or some kind of simulated range finder approach?

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Another great photo-jazz video 😀 And nice to hear from somebody who also uses a Sony camera. The Leicas have essentially the same 60MP sensor, but their lenses are special.

[@paulboskerphotography]

Great review and pics! My thumb support cost $99 on Amazon, exactly like the Leica even with engraving. I recommend you try the RRS grip, very comfortable with good ergo and made in the Leica design theme. Also has L-bracket arca-swiss, even if you don't need Portrait mount, it protects the body and gives a little LH grip.

[@tjsinva]

Reliably straightforward and honest assessment. Carry on. 👍🥂

[@SneakyCaleb]

With that many megapixels I’ll take 28mm every single day.

[@TCMx3]

Would love to know how close it gets to the X2D and 55V. Obviously resolution, color science and bit depth favor Hasselblad but to what degree? Would love to know.

[@steveboys5369]

Another interesting video James, thanks for sharing. A testament to the culture of Vietnam, in so many other places you might well have had the camera do a vanishing trick courtesy of one of the moped riders! ... As for the camera, to each their own .. but for me if I were so fortunate to have £6K available for a camera ( which candidly I don't but wish I had ), I'd be buying something rather more functional for probably half the money .. but that's just me... and yes I'm a Yorkshireman, where pockets are deep and arms are short ;-)

[@peetje28021970]

Great photos, lovely colours.

[@charliethebubbles]

This camera has produced some of your best shots.

[@janfrosty3392]

any other camera brand would do the same IMHO

[@tongobongo5306]

@@janfrosty3392 you should make a youtube video to show this... but you won't because you can't find a lens with apochromatic abberation correction in other brands

[@CianMcsweeney]

Love the q cameras, but the quality pf the shots was probably more due to James and Vietnam than the camera

[@mc5869]

​@@CianMcsweeney100% agree.

[@BikeAmsterdam]

@@CianMcsweeneyfor sure. If he brought the Ricoh griiix and said it was the Q. No one would know.

[@Christoph_Schoetschel]

Great preview-review 😁 totally agree with your thoughts, due to the more "playful" character of the 43 I also tend to grab it more often and the lens is great (perfect bigger brother from another mother to the GRIIIx, if pocketabillity isn't paramount). Regarding the/a grip, I got the IDSworks one, if you haven't checked it out, I quite like it. Not too much bulk added or style dimished with the black aluminium one, in my opinion. Cheers!

[@gurratell7326]

Just a tip, if you're going to talk about the lens it would be an idea to also mention what focal length and aperture it's rocking :)

[@LuBiBochum]

Such a good video. Big LIKE, James.🙂

[@sunlitfilms]

Those rice paper photos were amazing

[@conorjakevideo]

Lovely to see some street photography from you! Also nice to see a realistic take on the qualms of this camera, I tried one out breifly and had the exact same gripe with erganomics. The Leica aesthetic is gorgeous however, and I do wish Sony would focus a little more on making their cameras look 'pleasing' and fun to use. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is the photo you take!

[@andy_simmo]

Unreal images James soooooo good

[@turbocompound]

Die Qualität der Kamera, insbesondere die der Objektive, ist unerreicht! Leider sind es zum einen die hohen Lohn-und Lohnnebenkosten hier in Deutschland, die diese Kamera sehr teuer machen und natürlich ist es auch der Name, den Leica sich gut bezahlen lässt. Wie gesagt, die Qualität insgesamt ist erstklassig.

[@TomNorthenscold]

Photographic paradise…fabulous photographs.

[@MrKenny115]

Maybe not worth it........ but those photos are some of the best you've created

[@jonclark8271]

Liked this video a lot. I ‘m glad you shared your honest opinion of this camera. I’d like to see stills compared to Sony you had there. The Lecia shots looked good but may be very frustrating if auto focus fails on $6k camera for me. Always intrigued by Leica Q cameras but wasn’t sure I would be happy after using them after using z 9 or canon d2x mark ii. The size is appealing for travel but negated if you need two cameras. Your insight always welcome. Thanks

[@teseglet]

Here, here on the manual focus... I gravitated to manual immediately with my 343. But then it gave me confidence to buy an M :( (sad face for my bank account)

[@JoeJoe4P]

Let’s see. The only thing different between this camera and the Q3/28 that you borrowed is pretty much just the lens. Since the inception of the original Q, they all have had one card slot. One non removable lens, specific ergonomics, auto focus that has never been industry leading, etc. so all of those complaints shouldn’t even be needed in this so-called first impression or first review. I’ve owned and used Nikon, Fuji, Lumix, and the Leica Q2. I’ve sold all of my gear except the Lumix G9, Olympus 12-40 f2.8 Pro, Olympus 40-150 f2.8 Pro, and my Leica Q2. I am now selling the Lumix/Olympus gear as I only shoot with the Q2. I love the experience, the files, the lens, the robustness of the build, the quality, and have pretty much shot exclusively with the Q2 since I bought it. I’ve noticed a bit of a trend with KZbinr’s and reviewers to acquire a Leica, nit-pick it apart, then part ways with it . Leica Q series cameras aren’t for everyone and it more depends on your needs and style of shooting. The Q series isn’t and never has been a pocket camera. Not designed that way, shouldn’t be a complaint. The lenses are non removable, never have been, shouldn’t be a complaint, same with ergonomics. So this is now your, what, 3rd Leica camera, and will more than likely be the 3rd one you will dislike more than like and then sell. What’s the point? If Sony suits you the best, then shoot with Sony and speak to the strong points of why you love that system the best, and then simply use it to showcase your incredible talent as a photographer and KZbin producer, and give us more of your beautiful images to look at.

[@daemon1143]

Nice to see someone give a realistic opinion of one of these, rather than gushing and blithering. There's a certain sort of person for whom it's worth the blisters, and their usually found airing their opinions at photography clubs.

[@eastbaystreet1242]

His sports car analogy was spot on. I have spent huge money on sports cars over the years, but they have been a lot of fun and I can afford it. So why not? My children are well cared for after I am gone and the very hot place where I am probably going isn't likely to accept my cash bribes.

[@eastbaystreet1242]

a question, since you mention photography clubs: I was thinking of finding one since I am new to town and need to expand my horizons, but I have this concern that the club members won't be the open-minded folks I see on KZbin, but will in fact be judgmental or cliquey. Any thoughts on that? Thanks!

[@daemon1143]

@@eastbaystreet1242 luck of the draw; many will be very cliquey and a few will be open minded, and some will be a mix. Only way to know is to go along to the ones in convenient reach and see if you like them.