LEICA Q3: Why is the KING of STREET Photography vs All Others.

[@GastonShutters]

Curious to know which camera you all carry daily?

[@geoffreyconnor4589]

Depends, for street photography I have my M11 and an SL2S. Also have several Canons and a Fuji GFX100S.

[@absonus]

Hi from the UK . For street its a 246 and / or a CL . For everything else its an SL2s .I`m thinking that the Q3 may be a more versatile street camera (for colour) than the CL

[@GastonShutters]

Awesome. I picked up my first SL3 and really digging it.

[@GastonShutters]

Great kit man. I was so hoping for a CL2 with FF sensor 🫶

[@jochucks]

Q3... Before that it was my Leica Q.

[@MarkMclennon]

bought one this week and so far i love it

[@GastonShutters]

Good to hear

[@0806cheryl]

I have a Z8 for birding and I love it. My Q3 arrives tomorrow and it will be my travel/walk around camera. I can’t wait to start using it.

[@GastonShutters]

You’ll love it. It’s a different camera than anything else I’ve tried.

[@strtpks]

Although I think it's very personal, I fully agree. I own a Q3 since a few months, and it's an incredible weapon to go in the streets with ! Incredible camera.

[@GastonShutters]

I like it a lot. It took me a bit to get to understand the approach of street with the Q2 but now with the Q3 I’m in autopilot.

[@SourPlanet]

Finally someone specifically calls out the magic trick of this lens: zone focus and Autofocus in one solution. For street shooters, zone focus can be an absolute must. But AF introduces so many shots which are exceedingly difficult at fast pace in the street via manual/zone (F1.4 moving portrait, for example). So the Q is literally the only effective solution on the market which is a single lens compact daily carry. Ultimate solution for many shooters/situations.

[@GastonShutters]

Agreed!

[@jamescall9674]

Actually any camera that has a manual focus feature can be used to zone focus.

[@SourPlanet]

@@jamescall9674 Not as I described. You must use a manual focus lens and an autofocus lens separately. Unless you work around by prefocusing and then disabling autofocus - which is a paltry imitation that is not feasible for street at all. This is the limitation of focus by wire.

[@GastonShutters]

Technically. If you have focus scale on the screen

[@SourPlanet]

@@GastonShutters kinda famously inaccurate. Also, it's on a screen. Alerts everyone to what you're doing, and the whole purpose of zone focus is to set it on the lens, ready for every shot. Messing with a screen, might as well just stick to autofocus. Etc etc. I mean, just get a manual lens and do zone focus. Works perfect, as it has for some 75 years 🤷

[@ckumps]

@GastonShutters Thanks for the video! Do you use jpegs sooc or post process them? If sooc, would love to know your jpeg settings! Thanks

[@GastonShutters]

I process DNGs. But I preview on the rear screen using BW high contrast Jpg simulation. I have some free presents I created for my BW photography. You can download them on my Instagram @gastonshutters link in bio.

[@GastonShutters]

I have an Oberwerth M11 bag that allows me to carry both cameras but the one I use the most is the Nomatic Peter McKinnon which allows me to carry more stuff especially for travel

[@Ariadni-j2o]

Dear Sir, I love your video...Is absolutely perfect the photos out of the Q3, but I need your help in order to decide whether to get the Q3 or the Q3 43. I love Street photography especially at night, I also would like to use the camera in concerts. The Q3 43 seems that has better portrait and better resolution when crop down BUT is it WIDE enough for the Street photography that I so much like. Please advise me. If I could I would have bought both, but......I cant not . If you had the choice would you have got the Q3 43 instead for perfect street photography?. Thank you very much for your time. I also have the Fuji XH2s and the Z9 but the colours of Leica is unmatched. I wait eagerly your reply

[@GastonShutters]

I think you just answered your own question. If you don’t need to be as wide the 43 is the one. For street I prefer the 28mm. I own both now and enjoy them both.

[@Ariadni-j2o]

@@GastonShutters Thank you very much for your reply

[@GastonShutters]

Anytime

[@boakium3089]

You talked about the manual focus capability of the lens. I just had one question. Is the focusing "by wire" or it's a true manual focus lens ? In other words, when you disengage the autofocus, does it become a real manual focus lens? Another way to know is if you turn off the camera, when you operate the lens focus tab, does lens elements move?

[@dimesdede]

It is by wire but very close to manual lenses. Some people report that they had to send the camera to Leica service to adjust the scale to match the correct fokus distance.

[@boakium3089]

@@dimesdede That answer was going to make or break my decision to buy the Q3. It is broken now. Thank you for saving me thousands of dollars. 🙃

[@GastonShutters]

By wire.

[@Lehmannbeat]

Totally agree (apart from the weight), as I have tried all these cameras as well. However, I still have the Q2 and not upgraded. So I'm really curious what the difference is in terms of colour output between the 2 and 3, as I can't find much information about that. Compared to the CL, for example, the Q2 has got quite a strong blue bias in RAW files (which can be easily controlled in post of course), is that the same with the Q3, maybe compared with the M11 as well, thanks!:)

[@GastonShutters]

I shot with the Q2 for a while until I sold it for the Q3. I do not notice any benefit on the Q3 in terms of image quality or resolution. I always grade my pictures to achieve my style but both cameras are pretty much as amazing. What attracts me a lot about the Q3 is mainly the tilt screen which I use a lot because I shoot from the hip or lower often for street. Even the AF is not leap better on the Q3 as I think the Q2 had a great AF. Hope this helps

[@Lehmannbeat]

@@GastonShutters Yes, as you suggested I might wait for the Q4 and hang on to the Q2, especially as I don't need the tilt screen a lot, thanks!!!

[@GastonShutters]

anytime

[@thelastgoodbrother]

I have to keep an eye out for you on the streets of NYC! I work at FIT and walk to GCT every day. I am a Sony shooter but my current EDC is the X100v, GRiiix, and a Canon Powershot Pro1.

[@GastonShutters]

Hahaha. Why keep an eye one me? Btw awesome kit you have going on. I also shoot Sony. But less less and less

[@robinbhairam7508]

How do you get that ‘pastel’ look on your colour images do you use presets if not what do you set your ‘film’ to in the menu please? I.e. Std/vivid/natural etc … Thanks …

[@GastonShutters]

I built my own preset

[@Mr-Royn]

@Gaston Shutters No budget. How does it compare against M11/P in terms of photography with similar lens?

[@GastonShutters]

Q3 28mm is more in line with SL lenses so sharper than M IMO but sharpness is not what I look in a lens usually. Also the Q3 has IS that would allow you to shoot at lower SS thus making the camera more suitable for low light. I tend to shoot at a minimum of 250 SS on my M11

[@Mr-Royn]

@@GastonShutters Thanks

[@GastonShutters]

You are welcome

[@visuals.by.pereira]

Great video. I’m debating on the Q3 and SL3 right now.

[@GastonShutters]

Simple: if you can do everything with a 28mm then the Q3 is about $6K now if you want to have the capability of trying different focal length and apertures from a variety of manufacturers. You’ll need to spend more for just the body to have that capability. Small compact. Q3, versatile, larger body and expandable SL3 (and more expensive without a lens )

[@visuals.by.pereira]

@@GastonShutters - I’m leaning towards the Q3 for sure. I currently have an M11 and SL2s already with a complement of lenses. I shoot Sony (A1, FX3, A7CR) for any hired photo or video work. I had a Q2, but gave it to my daughter as she started to show interest in photography. I’ve kind of missed it since then. I want to get some hands on the SL3 though before making the decision. Curious if the weight reduction and smaller build could make it more attractive/versatile for daily use and hired work stuff.

[@GastonShutters]

@@visuals.by.pereira You'll love the Q3 if you love the Q2, while the upgrades are incremental to me the tilt screen is a must for low angle shooting specifically for street. The SL3 also have some incremental features while May not be enough for some to upgrade it was enough for me to get my firsts SL camera as I prefer smaller bodies and the tilt screen is a must for me. By the way you are a great dad!

[@geoffreyconnor4589]

Anyone updated their M11 with the latest firmware released today?

[@bsmayerr]

As far as I know, Leica has been using the same lens in all Q models and it keeps delivering no matter the sensor. That’s how you realise how good that lens is. I just wish the Q3 had something similar do Fuji’s film recipes, that makes a lot of sense for family photography.

[@GastonShutters]

Agreed. Leica does have their film simulations. Called Leica Looks. It they are limited for now and you cannot customize them. I’m sure that’s coming up.

[@SamAbram-dl1mg]

I love the Leica q3 but I have sold it. The reason is Laika is marketing this lens as a 28 actually this lens is a 25 mm. I don’t mind cropping from a 28 mm perspective but when you go to 24 mm and cropping to 50, you’re losing a lot more. It’s a great camera to use amazing image quality, but I wish it was a true 28mm :(

[@GastonShutters]

Yes it is a bit wider. I have to admit that when I got my first Q2 I hated that until I decided to work with it and discovered that I really enjoyed it. And I actually like that my favorite wide focal length is 24. I can always pinch in to 28-35mm easily and the depth of field from 25-28 is almost the same.

[@ruialex314]

So my question is how would you rank the other cameras? Love the videos you make about the leica cameras , I’m eyeing the D-lux 8, always wanted a Leica but I have the Sony A7Cii…with good lens including the 50mm 1.4GM, so I think I’ll be disappointed …Q3 is out of budget for me

[@GastonShutters]

Thanks for the support. Regarding your questions, I don’t think is a matter of ranking cameras but more of a personal choice. The A7CII is in many ways a much superior camera when it comes to technology. And while I own the A7CR I chose the Leica more often than the A7C. Both cameras have same sensor and the Sony better AF but for street I use a lot manual focus of the Q3 so at that point of that te h is secondary. All cameras released in the past 7 years or so are amazing. Hard to pick a bad camera this days.

[@ruialex314]

@@GastonShutters thank you for taking your time to reply

[@GastonShutters]

Anytime man. Hit me up on a Ig if you hqv any further questions too @gastonshutters

[@ruialex314]

@@GastonShutters thank you will follow you there 👍🏻

[@GastonShutters]

👌

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

Is the Typ ‘Freezer’? It freezes a lot, I heard?

[@GastonShutters]

Have not had that issue with my copy

[@andersphansson]

Great video & comparison, soon I have one Q3. Q; your choice of bag for Q3?

[@GastonShutters]

Nomatic PM bag for travel and carrying more junk and Oberwerth M11 Bag as it fits both cameras in a tiny bag.

[@and1baumann]

I love the camera (quality, built etc.) but I find 28mm quite challenging :)

[@GastonShutters]

Well the 28mm is great for certain styles I like it a lot for street as it allows me to get in the mix of the happening and get part of the context. It is not a focal length that I would prefer for portrait for example. It’s great for specific tasks. It all depends the types of photography you are in. Best way to love it is to stick to it and try it in many different ways. Just like any lens.

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Not gonna lie, I miss the Q3 since it's gone ... might end up again with one, in case I see a great deal 😅 Breathtaking shots man! I really like your street shots! Quick question regarding the Q 28mm, since you also shoot on M: does it annoy you the Q 28mm is not a true 28mm (it's a bit wider ca. 25mm), since you also shoot the M system with real 28mm? Or do you not notice it during EDC and shooting action?

[@GastonShutters]

Thanks man. I think I actually like the fact that is closer to a 24mm. A lot of the times with my M11 when I shoot with a 28mm I wished I had a 21 or 24mm. Again I crop the heck out of photos. I don’t care what people think. I follow no rule. In fact love breaking them all. Hahaha

[@IntrovertAmateur]

@@GastonShutters Haha nice 😀 And thanks for sharing your experience. Yes the cropping on the Q3 I also used a lot when I had it. Sure the X100VI I also have has 40MP and is also more then enough to crop, but somehow doesn’t feel the same (sounds stupid, I know 😅).

[@GastonShutters]

The X100VI shows artifacts quick. That lens needed to be redesigned to resolve twice the detail IMO. But it’s a great camera for the money and for everyday shooting. You get what you pay for and more with the Fuji.

[@pitiwong1]

excellent reviews, precise and to the point. 👍 I think the only camera come close to be a rivals to Q2 or Q3 is Sony RX1RIII I like the 35mm focal length more. but really want to compare it with Leica's 28mm. and Boom! you also made a comparison vdo on that! also a big thumb up on that vdo.👍

[@GastonShutters]

Glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully we get you subbed to the channel as there is more content coming up!

[@Anónimodesinteresado]

Why not the Sony a7R4 or a7R5?

[@GastonShutters]

Of course you can use those too. A matter of preference.

[@RikMaxSpeed]

I’m using a Sony A7CR and I’m simply jealous of that small excellent lens - there’s nothing that size and quality for the Sony that I’m aware of, though I do like my Voigtländers 😊

[@GastonShutters]

You can always adapt any manual Leica or any other lens to a Sony. And VL makes native Sony e mounts too

[@lelandfitz1762]

I get the design choice to keep the body oval. But everyone who uses it says they need a grip. Its pretty weak design if you know when making a camera that most people will need something built around the camera to hold it.

[@GastonShutters]

Imo the thumb grip is all I need and it feels right in my hand. Pinky under the camera. And thumb on the rest

[@lelandfitz1762]

@@GastonShutters Ok cool. I just wished they had built in a little grip. Built in would mean there is no need for that bulky plate under the camera. But I haven't held one just going by experience until now.

[@GastonShutters]

There is a slim grip they sell and small rig has one out too that batches the camera perfectly.

[@lelandfitz1762]

@@GastonShutters Okay, maybe that looks less bulky in reality. I've seen the Leica and Small Rig grips and after attachment the Q3 looked bulky to me. But I don't want to come off as a hater LOL I think the Q-Line is Leica's biggest achievement in this century. And altough the price is high, compared to other Leicas this could be seen as the everyman's Leica ;) If I could afford a Leica I would definitely go for a Q

[@GastonShutters]

Don’t feel bad at expressing yourself in here! All good. There are some leather cases that have a minimal grip. Maybe look into those

[@arc11honist]

$6000 is stopping me from gravitating to the Q3

[@GastonShutters]

Fair enough

[@meditationdaily1129]

Fresh new video! Do you recommend AF for street with the leica or manual?

[@GastonShutters]

During the day mostly zone focus. Depending on situation. I may use AF. If it’s a close up or portrait. But I usually carry the M11 so staying MF makes my workflow the same. At night I use Af a lot more.

[@meditationdaily1129]

@@GastonShutters thanks for the response! I come from a7rv sony so pretty reliant on AF :D but will see how i feel with the q3 (once it arrives) :)

[@GastonShutters]

Nowhere near as Sony AF but good enough for most situation.

[@MuzikaBox]

Just one question. I notice the focus distance scale on the lens, it's 2 meters and then bum.... till infinity. There is no 5 meters marking on the lens, which is a big No No for me, because I focus at 5 meters a lot. Is there any solution to this on Q3? For example, any focus distance display on EVF or LCD? Thanks.

[@GastonShutters]

Yes you are right but most after 2 meters and f11 everything should be in focus. I don’t have the camera with me now as I’m traveling but I don’t remember if there is a display of the distance on the screen or evf. Maybe someone else can chime in. I don’t look much at the screen and usually have it off.

[@SourPlanet]

This is an issue, yes. The only solution I found was to just train for it. Subdivide the remaining space in half, get that rotation to muscle memory. Then subdivide the two halves to introduce three "stops" of distance between the 2m meter and infinity. This is easier than expected because hyperfocal infinity is actually done by placing the marker center-- where-as effective infinity is done by placing it over the appropriate Aperture marker. A concession for the focus by wire implementation of physical zone depth. It's not perfect, but manageable with practice.

[@GastonShutters]

Yeah I always put my infinity mark on my aperture. I got used to that way and I feel I succeed more efficiently.

[@TheKimNeeper]

A crop gives exactly the same compression as a lens of the equivalent focal length, only the depth of field and resolution changes...

[@GastonShutters]

A crop will not bring background forward as result of optical compression.

[@TheKimNeeper]

@@GastonShutters Lens Compression Doesn't Exist - Here's Why kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYW3iYxniMpjm8ksi=j8ELU8Tc8h38QrK7

[@GastonShutters]

This video just proves what I said. Because by cropping does not magically positions the camera further or away from the subject. Which is actually what we call compression.

[@KeAiFu]

Why a camera with a relativly poor AF should be the KING? I am using Sony a7CR with 1.4 lenses und the AF sits precisely on the pupille, even people are moving. Q3 achieves this only sometimes.

[@GastonShutters]

I do not use af for street. Mainly manual mode, f11 and zone focus. That’s the beauty of this camera is the only modern camera I know with a true distance scale and operation like a mechanical manual lens.

[@lefujiste1525]

Well as a long time street photographer I couldn't say that a camera that takes 3 seconds to start and often freezes is the king of street photography. I owned the original Q which is by far a better camera. The Q3 is really too slow and unreliable. Try a Ricoh GRIII and you'll find out who is the true king of street :-)

[@GastonShutters]

Own the Ricoh GIII and GRIIIx. The Q3 starts up quick and have not had any issues. I use it mainly in manual mode.

[@thenowornerverkid1]

The best camera for street photography is the one that that you can take to any country in any neighborhood at night and not worry whether it will get lost, stolen or broken. Used, smaller APC cameras work best in this application.

[@GastonShutters]

The best street camera is that one you have and love. To me it’s just a tool. I’ve taken a lot of my favorite photos with the iPhone.

[@machines117]

You can use a Q3 and M11 for that too. I have taken mine to many countries and have not worried for a single moment

[@thenowornerverkid1]

@@machines117 Depends where you shoot at night. I like to shoot at night, sometimes off of the main streets. I live in Mexico. I use my main camera for daytime use and a beater but with a decent lens for nightime use.

[@GastonShutters]

Yeah, I was born in argentina. There are areas where bringing a camera, cellphone is asking for trouble. in some cities they'll kill you for a pair of old Nikes.

[@markkrell7845]

Are you able get good quality filed by using APSC camera at low night condition? I tried a few Fujfilm range from X-H1, X-T3 to X-H2. Noise is always a problem at low night condition. Simply can‘t compare with FF. I use Nikon D850 with AF 28mm f1.4e now for street photography. Even for night time. The files quality is way better than I use Fuji X series at the same location.

[@Michele_aka_Latente]

the best 28? a 26mm that need to be cropped to 28mm with huge sw correction for strong barrel distortion and lateral chromatic aberration it's the best selling point for a 6000€ camera? ewww

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

I own a Q3 and mentioning it as range finder style is far from the truth.

[@GastonShutters]

Meaning evf to the side. Thats why I mentioned “style” and not true “optical range finder”

[@Photogeek611]

I wouldn’t call a camera most people can’t afford the king. I consider whatever most people are using king and that ain’t Leica.

[@GastonShutters]

That’s another way to approach it

[@GastonShutters]

My statement is as regarding my personal preference not a generic statement.

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

The Fujifilm XF 18mm 1.4 is sharper…. By a mile.

[@GastonShutters]

Would love to do a side by side comparison. But I sold me XT4 :(

[@geoffreyconnor4589]

In my opinion the Q3 is way over the top in terms of price for a fixed lens camera.

[@GastonShutters]

Not cheap but I can’t think of any camera that comes even close to it. That lens alone is what I went for. Is that good.

[@geoffreyconnor4589]

@@GastonShutters Good but I prefer a 28mm on my M11. The Q3 is good but so are quite a few Fuji's. Sorry but it's overpriced and very underwhelming at that price point.

[@GastonShutters]

Yeah man. M11 is where is at for me as the ultimate EDC. Bringing mine with a Voigtlander Color Skopar 28mm f2.8 to Colombia! 🇨🇴

[@geoffreyconnor4589]

@@GastonShuttersNice! We're off to Spain in July then Croatia in September. Just Back from NYC last week. Great channel btw.

[@GastonShutters]

Enjoy the trip and hopefully we get you you subbed to the channel to share more content with you.

[@Kraken54321]

A camera for hipsters, with too much money! 😂

[@GastonShutters]

Or a camera for people that appreciate what it has to offer.

[@Durka-Durka01]

​@@GastonShuttersit offers less than a lot of cameras out there, for a bigger price tag! 😂🤦

[@Unknownresident621]

@@Durka-Durka01 an applie watch or a casio 'offers' a lot more than a Rolex. I know which one I'd prefer. It's not about a 100 functions or high frame rates. A Leica provides me with a shooting experience that is unparalleled. My son tried my original Leica Q on holiday - he loved it. So when we got home, I got him a Fuji XT30 - and he hated it - with all the hundreds of options, buttons etc and we returned it. Leica feels like a camera. The Fuji felt like a computer.

[@GastonShutters]

Yeah. But you get the camera you want at the end of the day. It’s your money your journey.

[@GastonShutters]

Well said