Leica Q3 43 - First impressions + Photos

[@jpsnail]

This was an awesome explainer that had the right blend of technical and casual user feedback on the camera. For someone who has just sold a bunch of sony stuff thinking about moving to the Leica, this is extremely helpful. And also not, cause I don't have the money and I now really want it.

[@jmann316]

The crop boxes are supposed to mimic a rangefinder, the way you see outside the frame & you get to put whatever you want in that frame.

[@sincosy]

Chris I love your first impressions video, because it felt real in a special way, cause this Q3 43 is your first Leica, and in some way I could understand and feel your emotions with it. Looking forward to your next Q3 videos! Greetings from Germany!

[@chrisbrockhurst]

ahhh thats kind, thankyou!!

[@TheToyFrontier]

I have the 28mm version, and I love it. Leica is another level of camera fun for people who love photography.

[@Bikerbeest]

I love photography with my Nikon Z9 and I have lots of fun with it

[@PeterVlutters]

Understand both thetoyfrontier and biker beest... But all in a City i'd rather carryy the Q3... The Z9 isxway too big and too heavy for that .. Wirhe the Z9 people probaly cone smack on the Heafmd with your own camera😅 The Q is excellent for Street Work

[@RhynesClaybourn]

My mom bought one kislux and she loves it. It had been there for over 10 years when she went out with it.

[@jorisvoorndj]

I already have the 43 but looking out for people using it in real life, and this is great!

[@cammackey]

Dare I say, the price almost feels justified for this camera once you actually get hands on with it and see the images.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

agree. But to an outsider who hasnt spent time with it that's a hard pill to swallow

[@1Soul1337]

sorry to interrupt. I have seen better images with a phone than a leica? Not sure why this camera has a high price and I get it no camera will give you instant good photos. i believe in editing and i have seen tons of videos about this leica it's just nothing special unless someone convinces me otherwise

[@kualilo]

@@1Soul1337I’m afraid there is no convincing you. And there is no point. If you feel you get better pictures out of an iPhone, just stick to that.

[@miguelosterroht]

@@1Soul1337there is no convincing. I have a Sony A7 iv and a few Sigma Art lenses, it makes some beautiful shots, I rented a Leica Q2 one weekend, and was blown away by the color science. My iPhone 15 Pro has no chance, not even close. But with leica you are paying 1/3 for the name, 1/3 for the experience (it so high quality, every button and switch is satisfying to use) and 1/3 for picture quality. 100% I could get same shots (if not better) with the Sony, but it requires a lot more work to do so and it’s not satisfying at all. I’m keeping the Sony as it’s way more versatile having all the lenses, but would love to have a combo of Sony (or maybe even SL) + Q3

[@cgonzalez82]

@@1Soul1337there is no phone in the world that produces better pictures than even an apsc camera… you cannot replicate a large sensor and high quality glass, that’s a fact.

[@MKWHD]

It is a fantastic camera. I have had mine for a couple of weeks now. If you have the money, buy it. You will not be disappointed.

[@alertbri]

This reminds me of the time I shot with an Olypus-EP1 with a panaleica 20mm F1.7 for a few months. I got some great shots with that beautifully compact little camera. I should search out an Olympus Pen f and combine it with the latest panaleica 20mm F1.7... Love the Leica bit it's just too big, heavy and obvious when there's something so close functionally I can find. Thanks for the fun episode.

[@dhaug]

Dealing with Camtec Photo is always a pleasure. Waiting for my Q3/43 to arrive!

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Super nice people

[@ellisson10]

You don't need a second battery. One important feature of the Q3, both 28 and 43 versions, is in-camera battery charging via the USB C port on the side of the camera. All you need is a power bank (or "brick"), best if at least 10,000 mA with a 9V output, and a USB C to USB C cable. I use a really slim power bank by Nitecore that I slip in a pocket or in my camera bag. You can charge that battery faster than in a battery charger. Battery running low? When moving to a different area to shoot, plug in the power bank and you'll be charging while you move, never running low. BTW, that power bank costs about 1/4 of a new OEM battery, and you can charge your cell phone with it too.

[@natecrossland3874]

Also, make sure you’re turning off the wireless when you don’t need it. It will drain your battery if you leave it on.

[@peterwallace5680]

Thanks Chris and was interested in your thoughts. Picked mine up yesterday, coming from the Q2 and find the 43mm much more natural to frame with. Concerning the crops, think it might be a pseudo rangefinder throwback, so you can see what's entering the frame. Also agree, the new Chrome style is outstanding.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Yeh I get the rangefinder throwback, maybe having both options would be good haha.

[@Bonobo3D]

Really enjoyed your discussion of this camera, and the photos are beautiful!

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Thanks so much!

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

Such a great review ✨👌

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Thanks for watching

[@stevenpezim7863]

Great video Chris. Thanks. I have the Leica Q3 28 and am enjoying it. What advantage is there with the Q3 43 if I can crop pretty close this.

[@001cbay6]

Your 28 has lost pixels and my 43 has not.

[@DaneAmar]

Are you shooting RAW and editing the images how you like post or is it more like an x100v where you use the pictures straight out of camera? Always been confused about this with Leica

[@chrisbrockhurst]

These are all jpgs. You can shoot raw too though

[@b.r.c.v]

Nice video Chris 👍🏻 could you please make a follow up video where you go more into detail with the settings you dialed in the camera to get these stunning photos? That would be much appreciated greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@chrisbrockhurst]

I’ll make a note for the next one. Thanks for watching

[@xmarcika]

Really good first impressions! I recently bought Q2, after 6 years of using Fuji cameras and I'm experiencing mostly similar story as you. Beautiful camera, , awesome build quality, sharp lens, great app, but missing Fuji jpegs😀 Only thing what I found out just a few days ago, that RAW files looks much nicer than JPEGs. I was still shooting jpegs as on Fuji, not only to save my battery (which worked) however, somehow when I compare developed RAWs with JPEGS, raw files have something special. Can't explain it yet. But I noticed it literally just side by side when I wanted to know how much I can push jpegs without damaging their quality. Those raw files have some punch, glare, special effect! Only major thing what I can get used to is 28mm (which is more of 24mm in real). That's why Q3 43 might be the right one as I don't like 35mm. Enjoy the camera and keep us updated 😎

[@paulboskerphotography]

Hi Chris, great review, so where did you get yours? Can't find one ANYWHERE.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Camtec photo in Montreal

[@CM_7]

Very nice review, and helpful, thanx.

[@dezfoto7534]

Leica Store LA had a smash and grab a while back, which is they open the door for you, they keep it locked.

[@MurrayMcMillan73]

Nice stuff Chris. I’ve had a Q, which was first a Q2 and now a Q3, and I’ve used them both at weddings alongside my Sonys (faultless but also soulless) Really love my Q3, it’s ’my camera’ and I use it all the time- with the advent of this new variant I keep wondering how it would be to shoot a wedding with just the two Q3’s. Ps- straighten that lens hood 😊

[@ramarren]

The Q3 looks great and now with the 43 lens, it is very tempting. But ... I have an M (or two) and i have a Pentax-L 43mm f/1.9 lens ... I think, for the moment, I'll just stick the 43mm lens on my M and go enjoy it. :)

[@dirk.4711]

The link to the thumb grip is wrong. Can you post the brand or seller of that grip and how much it did cost?

[@dre9008]

Do you experience a lot of grain when shooting those images in the AM ?

[@lancairdriver]

I found that by disabling Leica Fotos Connectivity (bluetooth and wifi to your phone or ipad) the battery life increases dramatically (2x?) You don’t have geotagging, but to me that’s an easy trade. Also, your phone won’t drain as quickly either.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

ill just have to deal with it. I love the app connection, especially when the camera is turned off.

[@mhpt74]

Nice review! Any software freezes during use?

[@chrisbrockhurst]

none yet

[@writershootsfilm]

Tough call - 6 months of shooting film everyday including scan and development, or one camera (Q3 43) that will be the new kid on the block for 2 years and good for 8 years, or just keep the gear I have and live a year in Southeast Asia, or India.

[@MrHobbs-rf3qv]

@chrisbrockhurst you mentioned it, I think, but just to double check, you did indeed shoot the color pics exckusively with Chrome Leica look? If so that Look is the first of the Leica Looks I actually find very good. Didn’t have time yet to shoot with that look. Thanks in advance for confirming and great video.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Yeh Chrome at 7200K

[@MrHobbs-rf3qv]

@@chrisbrockhurst thanks. The pics look really really nice. It is an awesome cam, but I’m also happy that finally Leica pulled off a Look that I like and that is at least on par with the Fuji film simulations. Sometimes one just wants snap a good looking JPEG :-)

[@TheKimNeeper]

Love the images from this camera, the bokeh is super nice (which is rarely the case with APO lenses), way more than the "28"mm version. Any chance you would upload your shots to Flickr or something, there aren't many great shots in full res out in public yet :) You got a new sub ;)

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Thanks for the sub. I didn’t even know Flickr was a thing any more!

[@KemApak]

Awesome review, subscribed. If I may say, you should be sales/spokes person for Leica, you know how influence and convince your audience. I had some doubts but now buying the camera (If I can find one). One question I have; how do you charge the batteries? No charger is included, do you use your camera to charge both your batteries or did you get the external battery charger?

[@chrisbrockhurst]

You’re very kind. I actually charge just inside the camera with USB-C, it’s pretty fast

[@LittleOTheGamer]

Love this camera, not quite as versatile as the 28 but beautiful. Particularly for people shots. I dont know whether to sell my 28 and buy this. They will complement each other but wife would kill me. Fear i may miss the wide... Have you found it wide enough indoors etc with kids?

[@touchtennis]

A long time Leica shooter here. I compare the Q3 (28) to a Bentley. The Fuji X is an Audi. Had one too so I tested it. Sure they both get you from A to B. But you simply can’t compare them in any other fair way. Great photos mate. Especially the misty sun shot.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

This is a great analogy

[@alessandro911]

​@@chrisbrockhurstbut a Q3 (car) is an Audi, to make it confusing 😂. But, I agree. Leica is special.

[@orcapodmedia]

What is the Toyota Tercel of cameras?

[@alessandro911]

​@@orcapodmedia leica X1 ? 😄

[@touchtennis]

@@alessandro911 😂😂😂

[@kenn6592]

Is it possible to add a Leica Look to a RAW image (from this camera) in Lightroom?

[@chrisbrockhurst]

I’m assuming you mean in the same way you can with Fuji film sims. Unfortunately not.

[@EricWatson5570]

I'm gonna sell my A1 and take out a loan to get this one😂 Looks nice tho. Those photos really pop. Yummy strawberries!

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Not sure I’d sell the A1 haha but yeh very nice camera so far

[@ChrisBrogan]

I've resisted REALLY wanting a Leica, beyond that way that we all pretty much want one. But this, with the 43 just... they're evil, I tell you, other Chris. Great photos, by the way. They sold it even more. Now, to rob a bank. Or take up dentistry.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Dentistry definitely pays!! Thanks for watching. Maybe see if you can go get one out at a Leica store

[@ThoughtFission]

How much post did you use on these. I'm struggling to justify the cost. Want one desperately.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

None. They are JPGs

[@ThoughtFission]

@@chrisbrockhurst Wow. Just wow.

[@JonnyRoams]

welcome to the cool club sir

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Honoured to be a member

[@thejerrycliff]

And you haven’t even got to the macro mode yet. Which you definitely can’t use with a filter and the hood on. Unless you buy the round hood. I am loving this camera though.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Oh I’ve been playing, wel save that for another one

[@tn_]

How’s the continuous autofocus compared to the Fuji or Sony?

[@chrisbrockhurst]

it's not sony level but its extremely useable

[@Wildridefilms]

Probably on par with Fuji but behind every other brand.

[@alertbri]

6:54 this is interesting - all of the mythos around Leica being the pinnacle of quality and then there are silly little limitations and niggles. It really should be perfect if the engineering is so legendary.

[@Yusaku_VCP]

11:21 I spot a cracked voice. hahaha hahaha cryin' laughing. hahaha

[@madefromfilm]

My battery on both the Q328 & Q343 are very good; perhaps you have a faulty battery? Just a thought. C.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

It’s possible. I bought a second so wel see

[@andreasbehr6664]

Can you share some of those raw images, so we can play around with it?

[@chrisbrockhurst]

maybe!

[@TheKimNeeper]

The "Leica look" isn't just the sharpness, it has a lot to do with how it renders bokeh - their f/2.0 APO's looks more like a f/1.4 because of how smooth it is, and lower contrast in the out of focus areas. I have Sigma Art lenses, 20mm and 50mm, the 20mm actually has the nicer bokeh, if you get close enough too the subject. This 43mm looks closer to the 20mm Sigma Art in it's rendering, but at longer distances - very tempting product, but damn so expensive...

[@001cbay6]

Wake up, sweep the streets 43, don’t be ridiculous, it’s still my 28

[@שמואלבסר-ו4צ]

what happened to the charger ?

[@chrisbrockhurst]

What about it?

[@constantinephotography5287]

Welcome to the dark side …happy for you! Enjoy it!

[@smooth111012]

Black marker pen will cover the grey

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Savage

[@lelandfitz1762]

I don't think that "unofficial" thumb rest is legal with having Leica trademark embossed on it 😂

[@chrisbrockhurst]

i have zero doubt about that haha.. amazon somehow sells it

[@ellisson10]

It's actually from the manufacturer of the Leica OEM thumb grip, I believe in China. Leica subcontracts out to other countries for accessories, and like most companies of manufactured goods, they rely on international sources for many components of their branded products such as Leica cameras.

[@lelandfitz1762]

@@ellisson10 Yes, I get that. But if you let a company produce your product, they cannot just go and sell it on their own. Like Apple's iPhone. Imagine the Chinese just sell the same iPhone on the side LOL

[@ka_sh_iif]

Didn’t link the thumb support, can’t find it

[@chrisbrockhurst]

added the link, thanks for the reminder

[@ka_sh_iif]

@@chrisbrockhurst thank you

[@toddm6999]

I need a fat sick gross dripping big salary first than I will get a Hasselblad and the Q3 as a door stop to the entrance to my garage full of vintage Ferraris

[@chrisbrockhurst]

It’s good to have goals

[@gotto510]

ライカQ3 私は28mmを使っている　　43mmは欲しいけれどお金が無いです。　日本より

[@chrisbrockhurst]

👋🏻

[@RobertFalconer1967]

Q3 has definitely gone backwards on the packaging compared to the original Q and Q2.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

so i hear from everyone!

[@Liamoz01]

lol

[@blitzkopf7267]

leica makes cameras which are ... freezes ... and they say it is normal ... our inspection found no problems ... we are sorry that you don't like our product

[@chrisbrockhurst]

No freezing here

[@trisinogy]

Totally unjustified price point.

[@MarkKidsley1989]

Unpopular opinion, I actually think it looks ugly

[@olasek7972]

You are entitled to your own opinion but ugly? Very clean design. But the price makes zero sense to me.

[@rotvonrat]

me too, zero ergonomics

[@MarkKidsley1989]

@@rotvonrat looks like they told AI to invent a camera

[@davidtullar7774]

It is a little annoying watching a video while you constantly looking at you phone. Put the phone down.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Referring to my notes

[@gregorybeale]

I was just going to say that! ​@@chrisbrockhurst