Leica Q in 2024: A Photographer's Honest One-Year Review

in this video, I'm sharing my thoughts about the Leica Q:, which I bought in 2023, one year later. Twelve months ago, the Leica Q blew my mind with its performance and range. Today, I take it for a spin in some of the most challenging conditions I could think of.
The Good: The Leica Q, released in 2015, still provides an amazing imaging experience, even in difficult conditions.
The Bad: The Leica Q struggles a bit with low-light performance.
The Reality: Despite its struggles, the Leica Q remains one of the best cameras on the market. If you're looking for a camera that can take on any challenge, the Leica Q is worth considering!
‪@LeicaCameraGlobal‬ ‪@paulreidphotography‬ ‪@ogonzilla‬
#streetphotography #camera #travelphotography
Visit My Website: www.paultakesphotos.com
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY GEAR I USE
📸Every day camera:
Ricoh GRIII-X: RICOH GR III-X geni.us/nelxs
Google Pixel 6a geni.us/kasLRRo
📸 Steet & Travel Cameras
Fujifilm X-T2 geni.us/C52oS
Fujifilm X-T4 geni.us/frvgcc
Fujifilm X-100 geni.us/VEz0uaU
🅿️Street Photography Fujifilm Lenses
Fujifilm 16mm f/2.0 geni.us/vPvv2qU
Fujifilm 23mm f/2.0 geni.us/80Z3zB
Fujifilm 27mm f/2.0 geni.us/JNaA
Fujifilm 18-55 f/2.8-f/4.0: geni.us/IJw4ZOB
Sigma 56mm f/1.4 geni.us/91ctz
🎸Concert Photography
Sony A7III: geni.us/7D1o
Lenses
Sony 16-35mm f/4.0 ZEISS
Sony 24-70mm f/4.0 ZEISS
Sony 85mm f/1.8: geni.us/sJiv
Sony70-200mm f/4.0 geni.us/vGsVOZ
The gear I use to produce my episodes:
Sony ZV-1📸: geni.us/jkzwk
- Ulanzi Wide Angle Lens: geni.us/0lt0l6
- Bluetooth Grips
* Sony Grip: geni.us/ELnhJ
* Moman Grip : geni.us/lvtr
- 52mm Magfilter Magnetic filter: geni.us/DP3a
- Batteries
* 3rd Party Batteries & Charger geni.us/XWxaQZ
* Sony Batteries geni.us/qgEspVt
Sony A7III📸
Sony Lenses:
- Sony 16-35mm F/4 Zeiss
- Samyang 18mm f/2.0 geni.us/jaP5s
Audio🎙:
Rode VideoMic NTG geni.us/IAsk
Rode Wireless Go geni.us/o1IfFG
Rode Lav InvisiLave: geni.us/49VXq
Studio Lights💡
Falcon Eyes RX-818 RBG: geni.us/hudqJ6
Godox SL60W: geni.us/jBme32
Godox TL30 RGB: geni.us/br9U

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

Share your experiences on the Leica Q series, what you like, what you would like to see improved

[@MichaelKussmaul]

I bought my used Leica Q in October and had zero issues getting used to it coming from the Fuji system. I tend to underexpose 2/3 too. The pictures the camera renders are beautiful. Didn't regret buying the original Q. I use the BP-51 batteries from Sigma.

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

True same experience here I used the Lumix batteries

[@stevencottam7570]

The joy of ownership cannot be underestimated

[@ronirwin6421]

I bought a Q-P in early 2019...has been my constant companion since. Haven't felt the need to upgrade. I love it. Excellent video, thank you for making it.

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

Thank you for the endorsement. Unless Leica brings out a q with a different focal length or improves the current 28mm (I wouldn't know how to behonest) I don't see a reason to upgrade from my q (especially the batteries are a steal).

[@christianwagner6213]

I sold my Q because I had GAS and wanted a Q2 and then a M10. Later, I sold everything and came back to the original Q. Best camera I've ever used.

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

I am glad to hear I am not the only one suffering from GAS. I have many time had the Q2 in my shopping cart, but always managed to delete it as the Qvis perfect in many ways. Only thing is lack of weather sealing bit that doesnt stop me :)

[@Blah-blah-sure]

What makes the Leica Q better than say, a canon, Nikon, Fugi, Lumix, Olympus? I'm asking seriously. Do the photos stand out better?

[@DS-cf1zc]

@@Blah-blah-sure I have a Leica X (from 2014), and a Nikon Df - oddly I prefer to shoot with the Leica, the images just have a unique look and feel to them - and the Df is well known for giving unique results, but I tend to use that when the light is challenging, and the Leica is struggling. After around 8 years of use, I would buy another Leica if my bank balance can cope with it.

[@Blah-blah-sure]

@@DS-cf1zc hmm! Thanks for your insight

[@Sojourner88]

@@Blah-blah-sureBetter lens. It also makes you a coffee in the morning.

[@TheGroovyGuitarDude]

I picked up a Q towards the end of 2022, after it having been my dream camera since its release. Finally sold off some other gear and got it for right at $2k with some minor dings and scuffs, but everything in perfect working order. I have been SO happy with it, it rarely leaves my side; the Q is everything I had hoped and dreamed it would be!

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

Same here :)

[@HermanvanHunnik]

Happy New Year! I bought one a month ago and totally agree with your assessment of the camera. The highlights I notice as well, but no problem if you know it. One other thing that I find striking is that the red is renderend weirdly in Camera Raw when you use the Leica profile. I had an X2 earlier and there the reds were georgeous, but the Q profile tends to make them more like pink. Fortunately, if you know what you are doing, that’s no problem. All worth it for the image quality, already it has made some of my all time favorite pictures. You didn’t harp enough how beautiful this lens and sensor render images!

[@BarryBernau]

Paul Nailed it! I bought mine 2 months ago and absolutely love the simplicity of it. I bought 4 batteries for cheap. Resale is awesome if it's not for you! I also under expose by 2/3'rds of a stop.

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

Glad to hear I am not the only one finding the batteries a big plus :)

[@TheTuscaloosa]

The Leica Q is my only camera I will never sale. Even in 10 years from now it will be great

[@SourPlanet]

I picked one up a few months back. You're right, it takes a minute to get used to. There are some genius subtleties hidden in the control scheme they've devised. Now that I have a couple different methodologies in place- bound to user profiles function key accessable- it's the *perfect* companion for street around my city (Manhattan) or travel. It retired all my other gear.

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

I am retiring my Sony A7III soon as the Leica is far more suitable for street and travel photography 😔

[@paper_shmaper]

100% agree, still can't find a reason for upgrade because happy with my Q... Happy New Year!

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

Same hear, obviously the gear head in me would love to, but practically speaking I see no reason too

[@hhz5469]

I mainly use the Q for photos, love everything about it. I believe both Q2 and Q3 are great, so is the Q. Bring a spare battery is recommended when go out for a whole day.

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

@@hhz5469 and the batteries on the Q are cheap (simple Panasonic batteries)

[@mikelecss]

I agree, great camera! I have mine from one year and it took my eyes to a new level. Because of the lens, that is so magnificient, really I don't think I want to get back from that standard of quality anymore; and because of the experience of shooting: I took A LOT more photos, A LOT! And this makes you improve, constantly. What I can say, everytime, despite of the pictures, is that... is kind of that picture will be important for me in the future: imagine you want to take a picture with your old father (like a I did), or family, I mean, the camera will give this picture a "touch of ethernity", since it resemble so much the high quality lens of the "ancient" camera, when people take picture to remain. A the moment, I bought used at 2400 euros, is not a "bargain", but it is kind of if you dreaming to touch a lens that gives you that timeless results. :)

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

It is a very special camera indeed. The IQ is unbelievable and yes the price is still not for everybody... But the results are worth it. Shutter keeps on going too. So well build and it will last for a couple of decades :)

[@Veritas1670]

Hi, Really enjoyed your video, and agree it is a really great camera. I bought mine pre-owned from a well known Camera Store in the UK and luckily for me they provided a Warrantee that they honoured - Sensor had to be cleaned by Leica - luckily done in London so not a long delay. Ironically, my M9 was already at Leica Germany for a new sensor, hence the reason I bought the Q. I’ve taped over the exposed ‘holes’ on the Q, (I only take photos), hoping it will help alleviate dust particles - I know they can get in elsewhere!

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I'll never part with the Q, such a good camera. Thank god I haven't faced any issues with dust, but I keep my cameras in a dry cabinet. On a different note I just bought a use m240 and the SD card doesn't click (my luck sent it over for repairs as well as the seller is a *ss. Will post in August a video on the m240 debacle

[@mrwebname]

I love the way my Q feels, the image quality, colour and monochrome rendering. I don't like the On/Off button so easily selecting continuous, or the video button being so close to the shutter button (I frequently take a small video clip rather than a still!). I'm cautious but not paranoid about no weather-sealing, though for the cost of the Q it should be there - that said I see no reason to choose a Q2 or Q3 as I don't believe either would improve my photography in any way. Leica Q & Ricoh GR iii are my perfect street partners. :)

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

It is like you have cloned my thoughts

[@OpenDGuitar]

I currently use the Q2 at work, and plan to buy a Leica of my own in retirement. Each new version is enticing. But whatever I buy, I really want it to be a great deal for at least a decade after purchase.

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

I think you nailed it by pointing out that Leica is build for long time use. Took me some time to realise

[@goorackerelite]

best camera ever!!! seriously, made me sell my M and SL systems

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

In a nutshell you can pretty much everything you can do on an M. That said M remains a good choice :)

[@TheVallenAlexander]

I paid that for my Q-P! Great video!

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

Thanks! And I wanted to buy a q-p but they weren't available at the time :)

[@wattsrc1]

Most Leica sensors blow highlights, same on my M, just dial in 0.76 ev comp and raise shadows in post sorted 😀

[@hankdinardo4308]

Any chance you can tell us which grip that is?

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

yes it is the leica q hadgrip amzn.to/3wACe6U and the thumbhold (size m)

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

The Q has a Fujifilm WP 26 battery?

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

No it has the Panasonic Lumix model DMW-BLC12P battery

[@pabloandreslopezsilva4270]

is it the type 116?

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

Yes it is

[@alexandervideo3804]

Please, send me this one for Happy New Year)))

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

Hahaha sorry but that camera will not leave the collection any time soon 😂 Happy New Year

[@alexandervideo3804]

@@PaulTakesPhotos No problem, next Happy New Year 😉😂

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

Abundant? Redundant!

[@mwales2112]

Paired one with my M10 kit and they live well together...

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

Well I am considering venturing in the M series, but haven't really made up my mind yet. Loads of pros and cons (price mainly to be honest)

[@mwales2112]

@@PaulTakesPhotos Understand completely. I'm very happy with the M10 with small voigtlander glass.

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

@@mwales2112 I am about to buy a type 240 with loads of accessories but will be selling some of my other cameras :)