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

Рет қаралды 31,691

Paul Takes Photos

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 78

@PaulTakesPhotos Жыл бұрын

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

@celilbezeng993 Ай бұрын

I really liked your review of the new Q owner. Being a bit picky, I have tapes that I want to use for water and dust protection. But I am worried about damaging the machine. I need some tapes and model names that you or someone else can recommend.

@PaulTakesPhotos Ай бұрын

@celilbezeng993 don't worry about the damaging. If you want to protect your Q make sure you clean the outside of the lens and aperture ring regularly, that is where the weak point is. If you want weather sealed Q, the Q2 is a good alternative, if you don't mind the big sensor.

@celilbezeng993 Ай бұрын

@@PaulTakesPhotos Thanks for the quick response. As far as I understand, wouldn't the dust or particles from the microphone input and output points reach the sensor and the machine? Q2-3 are not really necessary for me, I am very happy with Q1 right now.

@ronirwin6421 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

@@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 10 ай бұрын

@@DS-cf1zc hmm! Thanks for your insight

@Sojourner88 5 ай бұрын

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

@MichaelKussmaul 11 ай бұрын

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 11 ай бұрын

True same experience here I used the Lumix batteries

@TheGroovyGuitarDude 11 ай бұрын

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 11 ай бұрын

Same here :)

@BarryBernau 11 ай бұрын

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 11 ай бұрын

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

@Veritas1670 5 ай бұрын

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 5 ай бұрын

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

@HermanvanHunnik Жыл бұрын

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!

@hhz5469 5 ай бұрын

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 5 ай бұрын

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

@mrwebname 11 ай бұрын

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 11 ай бұрын

It is like you have cloned my thoughts

@paper_shmaper Жыл бұрын

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

@PaulTakesPhotos Жыл бұрын

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

@TheTuscaloosa 10 ай бұрын

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

@SourPlanet 11 ай бұрын

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 11 ай бұрын

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

@stevencottam7570 5 ай бұрын

The joy of ownership cannot be underestimated

@MARKLINMAN1 2 күн бұрын

The Leica Q series is ABSOLUTELY one of the BEST CAMERAS EVER! I agree the Video feature is NOT necessary at all, i have NEVER EVEN used It on my Q3! I wish LEICA would do away with that feature and drop the price say 500-1,000 USD. Thank You for this video.

@PaulTakesPhotos Күн бұрын

Fully agree, stay tuned, new episode on the Q coming up

@jonlieberman997 11 күн бұрын

Good discussion. I purchased a Q in 2015 and it made me a Leica junkie. I still use it and like it. Just because new, feature laden versions came out doesn’t take away from what the Q does and its Leica quality. It makes absolutely no sense for me to upgrade my old Q to the tune of 4,000 dollars. The newer Q probably has better low light function and more features. I would rather save the 4,000 upgrade cost and buy new lens for my M10 or SL2S. When I am in the mood to waste my time and pixel peek, the images I get out of my 28mm Summilux mounted to my M10-R or SL2S are no better. I consider the Q to sit between the SL2S and the M10 when it comes to resilience in bad weather conditions. HUGE BONUS: The Q allows you to get as close as you wish to your subject. Minimum focus distance becomes totally irrelevant and a nonissue (Thank you Leica). The EVF is not the greatest and in no way represents seeing what you get. However with a rangefinder, what you see is not what you get. The EVF on the SL2S is great. The insanity of gear acquisition syndrome is to stay in the same line or model and upgrade to the latest and greatest because one lusts for the newest. A great feature that most people don’t use is to push a button allowing you to frame 27mm, 35mm, and 50mm angles of view see the image as framed if jpg is enabled. No kidding. How many 24-70 zooms have we all owned and lugged around. The 27,35, and 50 framed images seem like the real deal and are totally usable. Of course you can do the same thing in Lightroom by cropping. I would rather create my image with an intentional angle of view as I deploy the shutter. Another huge plus is that if one keeps a tired, old but premium quality piece of photographic equipment we know it inside and out but are not as nervous about inflicting damage or other risk to the tool as a high dollar new piece of gear. Most likely, I will use my Leica Q for the rest of my life. Regarding the Leica Q2 MONOCHROME, this is absolutely the beyond imagination when it comes to detail rendered, and almost sees in the dark. Another life long tool.

@PaulTakesPhotos 10 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience based feedback and I do agree that the crop function button is an asset. The evf is a bit dated, if you look at your pictures through the evf, it looks poor, however in Lightroom the files look awesome. As for the monochrome i have been considering it and will continue to do so for a while. Let's see if Ricoh releases a GR Monochrom this year, as it rumours have it, that will be the case

@NepaliNed 24 күн бұрын

Hi Paul, what a great video. I've just recently purchased a Leica Q from an estate sale and wondering if I had made the right decision given there is a Q2 and Q3 out now, but I was reassured by your experience that I had made the right decision. What is the name of the device you attached to the camera as it looks very handy. Have you any other details to share about the camera as I note that its been 11months since this video? Tx Ken

@PaulTakesPhotos 23 күн бұрын

The grip I use is 100% Leica and I have purchased additional a Leica finger loop size M. Makes a lot of difference and provides a perfect walk around tool. Stay tuned for an update the Q somewhere in Q1 2025

@NepaliNed 22 күн бұрын

@@PaulTakesPhotos Thanks Paul for letting me know about the grip and finger loop you use. I'll hunt around for them. Looking forward to your update about your Q sometime in the first quarter of 2025. Take care, Ken

@OpenDGuitar 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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

@brightknight0623 22 күн бұрын

Thinking of this or an x100vi since they’re similar in price. Do you have any input?

@PaulTakesPhotos 21 күн бұрын

Well yes. Will try to bullet point them below - x100vi modern hybrid camera - Leica Q photography centric - technology is 2015 vs. 2024 take your pick - Leica Q 28mm lens superior to any lens on a fixed lens camera - size is very different x100 serie you can pocket with a bit of force, Leica Q is way bigger but is light to carry - Image quality is subjective

@PaulTakesPhotos 21 күн бұрын

Forgot: Leica is full frame with a 28mm on 24mp sensor. Fuji is aps-c on 40mp sensor Prive point X100VI 1600$ use Leica Q 1800-2200s

@brightknight0623 21 күн бұрын

@@PaulTakesPhotos which would you recommend for landscapes, portraits and occasional street? The film simulations are mainly what drives me towards Fuji, but the full frame look and depth of field seems amazing on the leica. Also the build quality is much more premium which I like. Autofocus isn’t too important for me.

@TheVallenAlexander 10 ай бұрын

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

@PaulTakesPhotos 10 ай бұрын

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

@koobs4549 3 ай бұрын

I picked up a Q2 Monochrom last year & I haven’t been disappointed yet. It’s my favorite camera & has produced some of my favorite images. As many others have commented, I will likely never sell it

@PaulTakesPhotos 3 ай бұрын

The monochrome is on my radar too, but have to sell cameras first before even going to pick it up. So it might take some time

@mwales2112 5 ай бұрын

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

@PaulTakesPhotos 5 ай бұрын

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 5 ай бұрын

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

@PaulTakesPhotos 5 ай бұрын

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

@hankdinardo4308 10 ай бұрын

Any chance you can tell us which grip that is?

@PaulTakesPhotos 10 ай бұрын

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

@williamgoss4691 Ай бұрын

Nice Review, thks.

@PaulTakesPhotos Ай бұрын

Thank you! You own a Q or considering venturing into Leica Q system?

@mikelecss 7 ай бұрын

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 7 ай бұрын

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 :)

@p6x2 3 ай бұрын

I looked at your review for many of the same reasons invoked by you and the comments to this video. I currently own a Fujifilm X100S which I purchased new in 2014. I want to have a full frame camera, but I want to keep the same concept of having a fixed lens. The X100S is always in my bag with me. I never take a photo with my phone. Ever. I wish I could afford a Q3, but I do not have the budget. I am scrubbing the usual places to find a used one for about 2k USD; that's all I can afford...

@PaulTakesPhotos 3 ай бұрын

Q is just one of a kind, hits the sweetspot in many ways, in my opinion. Little tip or piece of advice. If you see a well priced Q, ask the owner when it was cleaned/serviced by Leica? Also ask for the proof of it :)

@p6x2 3 ай бұрын

@@PaulTakesPhotos Thank you for replying to me! one of the issues with purchasing from the usual marketplaces, is that the seller is often not the owner. They usually buy lots, and they resell. It is always a lottery. Because of the current shortage of basically all Q3s and X100VI, used equipment is listed at outrageous prices. I have been looking since 2023, and have not so far found anything priced fairly.

@PaulTakesPhotos 3 ай бұрын

@@p6x2 that is in part true. Used prices in general for most brands have gone up at least 50% over the last year. But as they say, patience is a virtue... I normally get good deals as I monitor prices for long periods of time. Don't give up, you'll get that deal :)

@p6x2 3 ай бұрын

@@PaulTakesPhotos I am not giving up, and I am very patient. I am an old guy. However, there is a factor that works against me. The shortage of supplies has created many opportunists trying to resell goods that are in high demand. You can find used Q3s selling at prices above new!