Leica Q3 43 First Look: Street Photography POV in London

Join me as I take the brand new Leica Q3 43 for a spin through the streets of London, hitting areas like Barbican, Bank, and Monument. In this POV-style video, I explore how the camera handles street photography, offering my first impressions and thoughts on who this camera is really for. Special thanks to Red Dot Cameras for giving me this early opportunity to try it out!
RED DOT CAMERAS - THE LEICA Q LINE UP
www.reddotcame...
Links:
Instagram - @Jamie.dop
Website - www.jamiekeith...
Homeless Portraiture Book - www.jamiekeith...
Kit used:
Camera - Leica Q3 43
Fixed Leica Summicron APO 43mm f2
Video - Iphone 14 Pro Max & GoPro Hero 12
Music - Artlist
In Association with: www.reddotcame...

[@TheSmjc99]

Awesome pictures, daily street scenes look so beautifully rendered on the Q3 43 and very sharp . You are on of the few reviewers who actually thought 43 mm was not your preference( thx for being candid ) while everyone seems to be thinking it is better than sliced bread , lol . Quick question on the images : what you presented were edited to look darker than what the actual scene were or SOOC ? Asking because lot of scenes looked brighter in the video compared to the captured shots you presented - Thank you for the video

[@jamie.dop_]

@@TheSmjc99 thank you for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated. Yes the photos were underexposed as I was protecting the highlights. There is so much data in the shadows that you can push that image far brighter and contain all the information needed to create almost whatever you want. I made the video in a day both using the camera and editing the video to post all within 10 hours so I didn’t have time to edit the images as wanted to get a first impression out asap. I hope it was informative to an extent but I know there is a lot to understand with this camera and to actually play with the raw files properly. J

[@ChristianLawrence]

Would love to own a Leica, but A7CR is the closest i can get. I have the 24mm and it lives on the camera, the 40mm gets used occasionally. Much prefer the wider view. One day I will join the red dot club 😍

[@jamie.dop_]

@@ChristianLawrence good to hear. Great camera that. Used a friends of mine one. And 100% with you on preferring the wider field of view. Thanks for commenting fella. J

[@ChristianLawrence]

@@jamie.dop_ your welcome, cheers Jamie have a good weekend 👍

[@leafsfan71]

@christanLawrence I think you should stick with the Sony. I have a Leica Q2 and while it is nice to use, it blows out highlights so quickly and has absolutely garbage autofocus. How it cannot have AF at least as good as my 2017 Sony A7R3 is just unacceptable. If i had to do it again, I would probably go with the Sony over the Leica

[@ChristianLawrence]

@@leafsfan71 I love the a7cr, it’s the most versatile camera I have owned. It has a few quirks but overall I love it. Been trying to replicate the Leica monochrome look on it. I initially bought it as a cheaper version of the Q3, but I have ended up selling all my canon gear. Now have pretty much perfect setup, and it’s so compact, and have a few more ££ in my pocket 🙂

[@gletschertroll]

Great images, thank you for sharing. I got my Q3 43 last Thursday, also having a lot of fun - using it for street too (Vienna, Austria ... lots of rain recently too, but not so much since Thursday, which is a pity, as the reflections in your clip really look amazing).

[@jamie.dop_]

@@gletschertroll good on you. Gunna be a lot of fun to have with that camera. I was only messing around with it for a few hours whilst I had it but I am sure over the coming months in Vienna you will snaps up quite the collection! Have fun and enjoy! J

[@Oxbowphoto]

What strap are you using?

[@jamie.dop_]

@@Oxbowphoto it’s the artisan and artist strap in khaki green. I trust it a lot! So when I am using a camera that isn’t mine it’s my go too and its comfort is better than most leather ones. Hope that helps. J

[@Oxbowphoto]

@@jamie.dop_ thanks very much!! Looks like a really nice strap for a mirrorless/ SL2 set up.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@Oxbowphoto use it on my SL2 often actually especially when my M cameras take over the black leather straps it leave me with only this one for the SL. Handles like a dream!

[@strategiemachen3816]

yes, what strap is this?

[@andrewsnape1705]

Fantastic video, thanks Jamie. I think the photos are great, OK you lose a bit of context and street scene, but the 43 does justice to the people you're photographing and that works better for me as a travel camera. All the best.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@andrewsnape1705 thanks Andrew. Appreciate you messaging. Yeah I think you are right. In all honesty, if I was able to have two Qs then I would want the Q2 Monochrom and a Q3 with a 60mm lens. I felt the 43 seems a little lost between focal lengths. However, the quality I saw from those few hours I was pretty shocked, if you put an apo lens on the M11 then you wouldn’t know the difference in which camera tool what. That’s seriously something! J

[@andrewsnape1705]

@@jamie.dop_ thanks for replying. I’m prob the Q3 target audience, bit older, can’t be doing with rangefinders or changing lenses and just want the complete Leica package. Of course, there’s no such thing but we’re happy looking…🤷‍♀️

[@mjcatto]

Jamie. Great video. I picked up my Q3 43 in Marseille at 3 pm yesterday. I love it. With the 28 Q3 in a small billingham it is a formidable pair. I’m not sure I’m gonna have to get the SL3 out of the bag much anymore with this combo. What a lens the 43 is. Smoke show! Keep up the great work. Mark at walkacrossitall

[@jamie.dop_]

@@mjcatto some serious cameras there. Maybe 75mm for the SL and you have almost all areas covered between the three cameras! I look forward to hearing people’s thoughts on the 43 after a few months but know we will see some class work produced on them. Plus…. It’s gunna piss off the non Leica shooters like crazy…. And im ok with that! Haha

[@iangillett1817]

Great review with some wonderful photos, especially considering you favour the 28mm viewpoint.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@iangillett1817 thank you for watching and commenting. Appreciate the support. J

[@madefromfilm]

Can you fit a filter (e-49) ‘under’ the factory suppled lens hood? Or if I want a filter, do I have to go without the hood. Thanks! C.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@madefromfilm good question and one I have heard that it is quite difficult to attach filters but I could say for sure.

[@madefromfilm]

@@jamie.dop_ I adore my Q3 (28mm), and would like the 43mm too - but not without being able to fix a filter and hood. Especially on a fixed lens camera! C.

[@ruu_dainsta7873]

Picked up mine today can’t wait to use it. Great photos 👍🏻

[@jamie.dop_]

@@ruu_dainsta7873 class! Luck you. Have fun with it. I’m sure it won’t disappoint! J

[@R0CUK]

honest question - Why does everyone keeps saying that it's compact? an M body is pretty much the same size and can interchange the lenses, granted an M may be heavier? but certainly not bulkier now with this 43mm lens attached on the Q3

[@jamie.dop_]

@@R0CUK well I can only really give my opinion and that is that it is a compact camera in two main senses. 1 it is all one piece, fixed lens obviously which people call a compact camera just by design and not by size. Secondly, I believe this is a compact camera in size too. You know many smaller full frame cameras? I’m not talking Fuji as they aren’t full frame and I’d say they aren’t a professional tool like the Q system is. Plus, compare this camera to Sony, canon and Nikons high end digital cameras and that Q starts to look pretty compact. Those are my thoughts. J

[@R0CUK]

@@jamie.dop_ The Sony RX1 series are smaller and full frame

[@alexveloz1421]

Nice review. Thank you for the information.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@alexveloz1421 sorry I couldn’t give more info only had it for a few hours. Appreciate the comment and for watching. J

[@richarddenise3886]

Great video! Photos better than you suggested!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@richarddenise3886 thanks for leaving a comment and a nice one at that! Kind of you :)

[@drsharabi]

Great video, likes the snapshots very much. Loved to hear your thoughts about the Q3 43, it was nice to hear a photographic-wise review and not spec-wise one for a change. It will be interesting to see its output in monochrome profile comparing to the Q2 monochrome...

[@jamie.dop_]

@@drsharabi if they release a monochrom version of this I think it will fly off the shelves! The Q series has always surpassed the number of sales they expect with each and every iteration of the camera. No doubt this will be the same too. Appreciate the comments. J

[@roywallace9546]

love the musi

[@jamie.dop_]

@@roywallace9546 thanks fella. Just Artlist, finding music takes so long as there is a lot of average tracks but with patience you can find a couple of goodens. Cheers for the message. J

[@gotto510]

ライカq3 28mm持っている　でも　43mmは魅力的です。　素晴らしいスナップ写真ありがとうございます。　日本より

[@hodgesathome4444]

Awesome man 👌

[@jamie.dop_]

@@hodgesathome4444 cheers legend!

[@AshBash_Shot_That]

Excellent video.. I only saw the rumour about this release a few days ago then BOOM there it is in the flesh.. the idea of owning a Leica is extremely appealing.. I got the x100vi this year and have gotten used to a wider field of view.. normally I like a longer lens.. this is pretty much what I’d like. Just dunno if I can bring myself to drop the £5900.. peta pixel review as a bit harsh on the camera in general.. same faults as the og q3.. subject tracking poor video etc but everyone seems to use it fine

[@jamie.dop_]

@@AshBash_Shot_That the Fuji is a great camera. Does everything you need! Love those colours too! I shot this video this morning between 10 and 1 then had to flip it quick as it dropped at 2 uk time. So only had a brief stint with it but I really enjoyed it. Beautiful camera. For me though it doesn’t feed me like the M6 or M11M plus I think the Q3 43 lens lacks character. One of the main points I forgot to mention. I do love its ease of use though! Few cons but loads of pros :)

[@janromo9753]

Cool shots! Lucky to have played with it. Really wonder how long novelty would last with this camera, especially if you have an m body with interchangeable lenses…

[@jamie.dop_]

@@janromo9753 yeah I think you are right. This camera wasn’t for me however the images had incredible detail and precision when scrubbing through them. You make incredible work using it. But I do just love shooting Ms. They give me so much joy and I would get bored of the Q3 as it feels it does everything for you and lacks the character I like through the Noctilux and Summilux. Thanks for leaving a comment :)

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Awesome video as always and it's very nice to hear someone who does NOT like the 43mm focal length on the new version. But that's the beauty, we have so many options nowadays and if something doesn't fit our needs, turn left or right and pick what's fits your needs - no reason to be negative and complain. In terms of the Q3 we literally have both options :D Now I'm quite curious, if Leica will bring both Q3 versions in Mono or only one? Time will tell. For me I was lucky enough to get my Q3 43 yesterday at my local camera store and did a short unboxing video. Only thing I'm disappointed is the cost cutting on Leica end, since after the SL3 now the Q3 43 also doesn't have a charger included. It's the same move like other brands, but at this price? Nevertheless my initial impression is: loving the focal length! I shot a lot on 40mm on my Zf the past year and now having the Q I always wanted (the q 28mm was too wide for my personal taste) feels great. Keep rocking Jamie! Always love your shots and try my best to learn from them.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@IntrovertAmateur always coming in hot with a great comment aren’t ya! Haha Thanks for all this. I mean this camera sounds like it was made for you fella. 40mm shooters dream! I personally just love 28. And thank god we all like different focal lengths or all the images we see would be the same! I have heard great things about the crop modes that go up to 150mm (yes without the compression) but that’s pretty cool. You will have to let me know how you get on as I don’t think many places will have stock anymore. All gone with about 20 hours on the shelves! Enjoy it matey, J

[@IntrovertAmateur]

@@jamie.dop_ haha thanks mate, glad you like my comments :) I will shoot a lot with this beauty the up coming days from what I can see and experience, it’s the Q I waited for with slightly improved AF compared to the Q3 28mm. Will test more on this weekend with my kids :) Also just saw Leica dropped a new Look on the Fotos app for the Q3 and SL3 - Chrome. Will also play with that a bit ✌️

[@MKWHD]

Looking fantastic! Picking mine up in a couple of days.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@MKWHD great news! Would you mind letting me know how you get on with it? Only 3 hours with the camera and I felt I wanted more knowledge of it and to test low light, slow shutter, monochrom JPEG setting and mainly close portraits. I am sure you at the Q3 43 will become best mates! J

[@ApertureWalk]

my only thing is the size of the beast for a fixed lens. I think the fuji x100 series is optimum for fixed lens

[@jamie.dop_]

@@ApertureWalk I agree with you on the size compared to Fuji x series though it’s still pretty tiny for a camera that shoots that quality. Plus its quality is leaps and bounds ahead of Fuji still but it may be overkill for most compact camera shooters. Good insight though and first person to mention it. Thanks for that. J

[@ApertureWalk]

@@jamie.dop_ I have an appointment with Leica Hong Kong on Saturday to check it out. Lets see if they poison me to add this ti my M11M, M11P and MP :)

[@Canoncurt]

i have a Q2 and im trying to convince myself i dont need this

[@jamie.dop_]

@@Canoncurt haha I spend my life doing that. But that itch always gets scratched in the end! I would 100% play around with one if you can before considering it, or if you have used the Q2 and often thought I would like a longer focal length then you will obviously love this!

[@DelusionalNYC]

3:17 not the photo I was expecting after that lead-in 😂

[@jamie.dop_]

@@DelusionalNYC when I first looked that way I was thrown off by the man lying on the floor! Haha

[@matthewwatt3650]

All photos look pretty good to me mate

[@jamie.dop_]

@@matthewwatt3650 thanks Matthew, kind of you to say. Not sold on them yet but that’s on me not the camera. Camera is serious!! That sensor and lens combo produce incredibly high quality work! Appreciate you watching and commenting. J

[@michaelherskovitz4203]

Nice video - it was really interesting to see what was catching your eye and how your approached the shot !

[@nick_a_pagan]

The shots looked great.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@nick_a_pagan thanks fella. Appreciate you taking the time to watch it. J

[@snappyft]

Great video!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@snappyft appreciate that. Cheers for watching. J

[@snappyft]

@@jamie.dop_always enjoy your videos. Trading in my SL2-S & APO lenses, and picking up my Q3 43 on Tuesday. Time to go lighter!

[@Vizihon]

Maybe its just me but 90% of the pictures looks under exposed...🥸 anyway.... must be nice to have such a jewel

[@jamie.dop_]

@@Vizihon I protected the highlights and didn’t edit the images as shot the camera in the morning and exported the video for the same day. Can easily manipulate these files to whatever state you want as I have now experienced from playing with them more today. I don’t own this camera either but do think it’s lovely and it was good fun for the short time I had it in my hands. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Appreciated. J

[@sc1]

Did you use the crop feature often? How do you like the color of the leather wrap?

[@art_means_artificial]

result sucks! I got better results with my fujifilm xt3 from the same place. £5800? nope, thanks p.s. PHASE ONE owner, so price for me doesn't matter

[@jamie.dop_]

@@art_means_artificial I have never met anyone with a Phase One. That’s class. Which version? Also what do you mainly shoot with it? I know it’s nuts when it comes to product photography, how about portraits? And I know it’s a big camera that encourages you to slow down but could you walk it around on the streets? Sorry for all the questions and to be clear…. I am not buying the Q3 43 and love the fujis. Their colours are unmatched! Thanks, J