Why you maybe shouldn't buy a Leica Q3.

[@artphototech]

I have no business watching this video with my peasant-like budget 😅

[@therealsirrobin]

I think we all watch videos about things we can't afford. :D

[@artphototech]

@@therealsirrobin I know, I have too many cameras. I am trying to stop since I just bought a GFX50S MKii and that of course drained me 😭

[@KOL630]

Leicas prices are beyond a joke these days. I had an M8 a few years ago and they are beautiful pieces of equipment but their performance is not commensurate to the cost, same goes for these Q range of cameras. Fuji is a much better proposition. Most people with Leicas with have more money than sense and almost exclusively fit a category of bozos that you can spot a mile away lol.

[@Old-School-Liberal]

Buy used like I did

[@artphototech]

@@Old-School-Liberal lmk when you find a link to a used Q3. 😭

[@Muchtoobizy]

I will upgrade my Q2 for a Q3 when I can get one, mainly for the improved AF and low-light performance. However that chunky, protruding flip screen looks terrible. Fuji nailed flip screen design with the beautiful flush one on the X100v and Leica should have followed suit,

[@SunshineHB]

I’m still in love with my Q2. I waited until it was fully developed firmware wise and also available used, before upgrading from the original Q. I’m sure I’ll upgrade to the 3, in about 3 years from now. Btw, I have shot about 100000 photos between both cameras and they both still work. I have owned several M bodies as well and lenses from the 70s and have never had anything Leica branded break. You get what you pay for.

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Completely agree. I've owned 5 Leica Cameras (Leica 6, M8, M240, Leica Q and the Q2). I've owned 6 lenses (NoctiLux, 28/2.0, 35/2.0 Bokeh King, 50/1.4, 75/1.4 and the Karbe 50/2.0) All of them worked flawlessly and as expected with routine care and maintenance I currently only shoot the Q2, and love it.

[@A1000Truths]

Love the Q2 Reporter. Won’t be upgrading any time soon.

[@GastonShutters]

Thanks for the great video. This is my personal feedback I own the Q2 and sold it and got the Q3. The upgrades on the Q3 are not light in my opinion. The screen is one of the things that won’t me over. Throwing myself on the floor to get a shot is no longer needed. The faster AF is much better and I get to mail almost every shot. Being able to charge the camera is something that makes packing when traveling a lot better. I have forgot the charger in my Q2 during a trip which render my camera unusable. Better DR is always welcome. I just wish they didn’t bump the resolution that much more. But again storage is not much of a problem these days. I say that if you have the budget and you own non of them go with the Q3 but like you said the Q2 use is a great deal and I might pick a monochrome Q2. Thank you again.

[@therealsirrobin]

It all comes down to personal preference. I am not complaining about the screen, it might come handy in certain situations.

[@stanb.5261]

I picked up a Ex Cond Q for half price (only way i could afford) and absolutely love using it... Although truth be told, if I had to pick between it and my GR, the latter would win out. The Q is a joy to use and has (slightly) better image quality, but the GR is just indispensable in everyday situations, and then some!

[@RonScibilia]

Interesting comment for those of us who own GRs but have been heard the siren song of the Q line. I find the GRs superb, both the II and the III, and for me they have a "GR look" that is special and brilliant. Have considered buying a used original Q but they are $3K, 3x what I'd pay for, e.g., a IIIx or, hopefully coming soon, a GR IV.

[@iLLWiLL173]

I absolutely love my Q2 monochrome and the only reason I thought about switching was because of the autofocus...but when I thought about it more I realized I never had an issue with the AF on my Q2M...I've never had any issues with it period.(Knock on wood👊....I sincerely hope to keep my Q2M until I die and pass it down to my kids lol

[@MilmidStudios]

💯💯💯

[@therealsirrobin]

Understandable, the Q2M is a superb camera and that won't change any time soon.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Hi Robin, good video though ... I shoot a Q too (P), bought mine when the Q2 was already available but I see no need for the extra MP's and I shoot in the dark and I rather have better low light performance. 24 MP is more than enough, claims that it would be easier for editing is all BS, what's there to edit, just take better pictures. So up-till now I agree with you. However, the sensor of the Q3 is so much better, but I stick to the fact that 60 MP is far beyond what you need. Now with that new sensor you can switch to 36 MP and 18 MP, and that is NOT a crop, the pixel are rearranged and setting it to 36 MP gives the best results and gives you another stop of dynamic range. Mathphotographer from Zurich has some great videos explaining the power of the sensor with examples and calculations for the die hards and how to set up your Q3 for the best experience. Sorry to say but I am going to swap my Q-P for a Q3 soon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@therealsirrobin]

Yes, the sensor is way superior but most people will never take advantage of it. By the way, the files are just slightly bigger compared to the Q2 and I shoot at 60MP even though I don't that kind of resolution. That being said, I would have preferred a 24MP sensor with better low light abilities and superior dynamic range but I am happy with the results the Q3 is giving me.

[@mauricerijnders3507]

Love the image quality on the Q3. Absolutely stunning. Cropping no issue ✨👌🏼 Mine had bugs as well, freezing and weird behavior 🫣

[@teseglet]

Thanks for this review... I'm making the move from my 12 year old RX1 to Q3 43. I think I'll notice a difference, although the RX1 still works great, despite some dust spots visible at f22.

[@therealsirrobin]

That'll be a nice and very noticeable upgrade. The Q3 is bigger but that makes handling the camera a lot easier.

[@quite1enough]

1:34 instantly recognized Saint Petersburg and Vosstaniya sqaure bus stop on Nevsky prospekt :)

[@victorcarmelo8606]

Understandable personal view from a Pro photographer like yourself. As a hobby still photography I would be paying a huge amount of money for the video upgrade of the Q3 for little or no use ever. So my Q2 and I will enjoy a long future together, I hope! Thanks for the video, enjoyable as always.

[@dbabendreyer]

Great video, thx I decided to stick with my q2, I bought a Leica m240 and 4 months ago a q2 because of one reason! Simplicity and quality , the q3 tries to be more like every other camera now , flipscreen crazy af , which I tried for one day and found it not that good as expected... less is more !

[@therealsirrobin]

Sure, just wait for the Q4 and enjoy your Q2 in the meantime!

[@JS-shim]

I upgraded from the Q2. I am finding the AF only a minor upgrade. My major issue is the way the picture in the live view changes when the shutter is half depressed. The exposure suddenly becomes completely different. This is noticeable in dark environments. I will reserve my judgement until the firmware upgrades come through. For Q2 owners I would suggest wait until a Q4.

[@therealsirrobin]

This is only the case when using af and it seems that the exposure preview is changing to whatever when half pressing the shutter. I guess that isn't a bug and is there for a reason.

[@junichinomura4810]

Thanks Robin for the update video of yours and honest opinion and great experience on your leica Q3, I'm also wanted to have that camera but, longer to get, you don't know when it will deliver to you. And also about the issue of bug on the camera.

[@therealsirrobin]

It might take a couple of months or even until early next year to get one because the demand is that crazy.

[@stephensears7483]

Thanks for your insights! I sold my full-frame Sony gear and ordered a Q3 on launch day. After a month of no news I cancelled the order and bought a used Q2 from Leica Miami. The Q2 suits me perfectly. I absolutely love it, and have not spent one minute thinking about 60 mp or tilt screens, though I did have to abandon my plan of digitizing 35 mm slides- 45mp is not quite enough for that.

[@jal2550]

I waited, got the Q3 and it's WAY better than my old Q2.

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

I have a M11 and honestly I would not buy a Leica anymore because of all the unreliability. the M11 does not run without freezes until now and when I hear that the Q3 also has such freezes I would slowly really take distance from leica.

[@nicolestruppert909]

Hi Robin - I totally agree with your review. I own the new Q3 for about 2 weeks now - its a fantastic camera - but there Is no need to upgrade from the Q2... One think I actually love is the battery loading via USB-C. I am still working on my postprocessing of the Q3 files in Lightroom. At the moment I am not as satisfied, like the files from the Q1 and Q2. But I am sure with some upgrades from Leica, the Q3 gets better and better! Looking forward to see more content of your Q3 :)

[@therealsirrobin]

Congrats on your Q3! Yes, charging via USB is a nice addition.

[@michaelf7742]

Why does the Q3 has a worse post processing in Lightroom compared to the Q2?

[@danny_r27]

If I didn’t already have an SL 601 I would have gotten a Q2 to compliment my M10 and M10 Monochrom. I rented a Q2 Monochrom and I’m sure the regular Q2 would be just as awesome minus the Monochrome only sensor and the benefits that come with a monochrome only sensor. The Q2 is definitely still amazing I think.

[@therealsirrobin]

Yes, it absolutely is!

[@koobs4549]

I’ve been wanting an X100V but can’t bring myself to pay over MSRP for a used one. I decided not to wait anymore, I have a bunch of Canon gear that I’m not shooting. It’s time to trade it in & pick up a Q2 now that the prices are coming down.

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Glad to see I'm not the only one with the freezes. I have my Q3 now for a few weeks and it froze several times on me too. Gladly Leica's firmware policy is quite reliable. Great video Robin and you hit every point.

[@therealsirrobin]

Thank you! Yes, I hope they'll fix that issue sooner rather than later.

[@drbubble33]

My M11 still freezes even though Leica claims the firmware fixed the issue. 😢 Great sensor regardless 😅

[@atthelord]

I upgraded from a Nikon D800 and I have no regrets. Very good camera. Few software issues- though I’m sure they will get ironed out in a few months.

[@therealsirrobin]

That's a what I would call an update! I had a D800 ten years ago.

[@m.s.g1890]

Wow, a reviewer that actually takes good photos! Subbed!

[@skiiizo]

Thanks for the video. I have the Q2M that I simply adore, and I bought the Q3 for the color, the LCD screen and the resolution. I would like to get the brass lens shade, but I'm hesitant, it's not discreet at all, and on the other hand I kinda like it. I bought the soft release button in brass and I like it. Next step would be the shade, because whenever I see it on a Q3 I want one ;) I'm waiting for the Q3M now 😀

[@therealsirrobin]

Get it, it makes the images you capture even better. :D

[@skiiizo]

@@therealsirrobin hahaha ! Thank you for the tip Robin 😀

[@JeffJacquesmd]

I have the Q2 and deeply enjoy using it, i'll consider upgrading to the Q3 Reporter or Q3-P Very good overview and comparison Cheers

[@bushbeatnik4480]

I am going to go out asap and buy another Q2 while they are still around and just park the box in a closet so when my daily driver Q2 dies, I will have another one new and ready to go. Prolly should by an M11 though. I am sure the 12 will have a flippy screen as well and video LOL. Maybe you get a free watch with purchase? RIP Leica. Thankfully my M6 from 91 still works after all these years of abuse.. actually the rangefinder need re-calibrating....again. Thanks for the vid

[@Joe32942]

Q 116 User here. I bought a used, completely refurbished this year Q instead of the Q2 or Q3 and I feel good about it. I tried the 3 out but it seemed not only for the screen, but in general the quality and the haptic of the materials didn't match what I was used from the original Q. It seems that Leica had to downgrade in this terms. The buttons felt plastic-ish "cheap". I think the original Q will actually - over time - will go up in value like a air cooled Porsche. Great video, very honest and authentic. - btw I am actually looking into getting a Q2 Mono as a companion for street photography alongside the Q.

[@MattButler-h3r]

Great review. Getting the Q3. Would have gone for a Fujifilm xs20 honestly were it not for the lack of weatherization. In Florida, it rains. And rains. And then there is sand, sea spray, and there are now a decent number of used q3's to be had at some of the online used camera dealers. . As to the q2 monochrome which i originally wanted, light room editing obviates the utility of a monochrom sensor. Love the new flip screen on the Q3. Will you be coming out with your own color to monochrom recipies?

[@therealsirrobin]

Thank you! I pretty much never convert my Q3 files into b&w.

[@savrah]

I just purchased q3 and been using it for few days. The user experience and quality is topnotch. And makes my fuji x100f looking like a toy…overall this is a super premium piece of tech, get it if you can afford, you wont regret.

[@therealsirrobin]

Congrats on your new toy! :)

[@macjim]

Heard it all before but with the Fujifilm X100V. Try getting your hands on one of them right now… I rarely use the flip screen but that doesn’t mean I haven’t used it on the odd occasion. It’s handy to have.

[@therealsirrobin]

The X100V is alright but it's no comparison to a Q. Had one for one day but didn't like it at all.

[@ALWH1314]

I love my Q2, the primary attraction of Q3 is the tilt screen to shoot lower position which I shoot a lot. The other new features are fine but not must have.

[@ezekielkok1848]

Still love my GRD, my edc till today. Love it

[@imoafaq]

How could u attach the peak design quick release without metal ring? I tried but it can’t go in, very tight opening

[@afrikabb]

Honestly, that's a great review; one of the best gear reviews I've seen on KZbin. Completely different and completely honest.

[@therealsirrobin]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@lucapelucchini5378]

hi I have a Leica Q2 Mono, I would like to know from you if you would change the Q2M to buy a new Q3. congratulations for the videos.

[@therealsirrobin]

If you also want to shoot color consider to switch. However, if low noise is important to you then the Q2 Mono is still superior.

[@cklive4182]

Thank you for your review. I am considering buy a brass hood and I wish it will be less vivid. My question is has the brass get patina or is it get a bit darker or less shiny? Thank you in advance.

[@HK-NYC]

I ordered the Q3 specifically for the 4K HLG video capability. Did you try making HDR videos with Q3?

[@killahbong]

I have à Q116 I don't think of upgrading and i rather buy a used M11 plus lens for that Q3 price. Sounds strange but I often seen M cameras for 2.5k euros without lens in camera shops in Rennes, France.

[@pacoedw]

I'm looking forward to upgrading to a Q3, I have the OG Q, so I think it makes more sense that droping a Q2 for a Q3. My Q has been freezing lately, does it happens to you? I don't know if it might be a SDCard compatibility issue.

[@therealsirrobin]

Yes, it might be an SD card related issue.

[@flipflopsleica]

What do you think about a Q3 top ten critical settings to use video?

[@mrillyfresh]

Hi, thanks for the video. Does the thumb grip from the Q2 also work on the Q3?

[@GrainOnTheGo]

Considering the Q2 and even Q1 are still extremely high quality, yea a few more megapixels and some quality of life changes? I find high megapixel counts to be a bit too sharp for my taste anyways. 24-30 MP is my sweet spot on APSC and FF. Only with medium format so I think it’s worthwhile to go up to higher counts since those usually are used on massive print blow ups. But hey it’s my opinion I’m sure others have their own reasons.

[@therealsirrobin]

It's not just megapixels, the sensor technology is way superior but that doesn't mean that Q1/Q2 can't take great photos anymore. :)

[@rogerhuston8287]

I'm looking at a Q3 or Sony A700 or Fuji s20. I need a smaller, lighter kit. Just not sure I can get rid of interchangeable lenses.

[@spektrograf]

It's definitely a great camera. I ordered a Q3 as an "upgrade" from my Sony RX1. While waiting for mine (ETA is prolly next year at their current shipping rate), I picked up an A7rV and a 24mm GM lens. Two very different cameras for sure, but I'm finding appreciation for the A7rV that broadens and provides me latitude in capability, while I've also decided to keep the RX1 because I love the feel of using that camera. Cancelled my Q3 order, so everyone in line where I bought it just moved up in line! 😆🙌 …and GREAT video, as always!

[@ListenHereOldMan]

i'm a Sony shooter who's been getting into M-mount glass, you can get the best of both worlds by getting an adapter and using Leica glass, if money's no object, or Voigtlander and Zeiss for better value (and arguably IQ). i love the 24gm, and the 35, but once I picked up a used Voigtlander 65mm apo lanthar I've been obsessed w adapting manual glass, i can even use the LiDAR attachment on my RS3 Pro to autofocus manual lenses when i need. there's something special about Leica glass, the new Sony GMs are sharper, or as sharp as anything on the mkt at most focal lengths... and i don't think quite as clinical as Sigma. but the color rendering on Leica's (and VMs and ZMs) can be so unique...

[@0action847]

@@ListenHereOldMan Sony a7c with a Summicron-C 40mm f2 is my budget Leica setup and i love it.

[@geogu3images]

Great comments here, I did exactly the same thing and after a short time with a borrowed Q2 (just okay) and lusting for a Q3, bought a Sony A7r5 instead to compliment my A7r3 and A7r (both very well made and still functional). With existing Sony GM and Voigtlander glass, the images are spectacular. For straight street photography, my GR3x can’t be beat. And with all that, saved some money.

[@meat_loves_wasabi]

i have RX1 since launch and still works fine but mostly using my A7R5 which can feel a bit bulky at times during travels... Pre ordered a Q3 which will be my first Leica

[@geogu3images]

@@meat_loves_wasabi you’ll love it I’m sure. If I were to have only one camera, it would be the Q3. I had the RX1 and loved it also, so the Q3 may be a better camera for you coming from that Sony. Have fun, make memories!

[@tallaganda83]

I wouldn’t because I couldn’t afford/justify it. Would be fun though.

[@joyjeetpaul2218]

Im a poor man.... using FUJIFILM XT30 Mark II with XC15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ kit lens.

[@gbwalther3198]

If I had the DM, Euros now, or US$$ to pick up a Q3, I'd forgo that and get a real 35mm film fed Leica. I'm certain u have tons of those in your backpack & have already found them boring. When I went to CalArts in the seventies, we could check out Leicas from the film cage to use for class projects. Even has Hasselblad 500c there too. Oh, for the good ole days, when photography was photography! 😎😎

[@Gingerbeardedc]

What about the AF though? It’s the Q3 AF that’s making me want to upgrade my Q2.

[@therealsirrobin]

It's better but that by itself is not worth the upgrade!

[@nelsonsousa3150]

Something I didn't yet understood clearly - do this Q cameras have a real image stabilization system or not?

[@MegaRider2012]

With this price tag I would expect 200% perfection, not "issues", just not acceptable...

[@crissignori7482]

Nice video and exemplary photos. Now, a couple of questions .... 1.) Where do you feel the SL2s might fit into street photography ( that or the SL3s ) will for sure be my next camera. and ..... 2.) Where would you advise someone to jump into the Q system who does not already have one of these models (assuming for street photography of course)? Thanks again

[@therealsirrobin]

The SL2s is way too big and heavy for street photography to be honest, at least to me. If you primarily want to shoot 28/35 then the Q3 is the way better choice.

[@crissignori7482]

@@therealsirrobin I can see your point .... just have to get one of each.

[@brettccrmstrategy]

Bought it love it.

[@PeterKNoone]

Nice Songkrun shots...Chiang Mai?

[@andrewmahon4290]

Are you experiencing the white balance issue? When importing DNGs into Lightroom, the white balance changes quite dramatically. For example: In camera manual white balance: 3900k Lightroom: 4850k (difference: 950k) In camera: 4600k Lightroom: 5750k (difference: 1150k) In camera: 5500k Lightroom: 6850k (difference: 1350k) In camera: 6500k Lightroom: 8000k (difference: 1500k) In camera: 8000k Lightroom: 9600k (difference: 1600k)

[@therealsirrobin]

I haven't had any white balance problems. What you describe might be more of a Lightroom issue.

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

Does it have high speed WiFi?

[@andrewb5345]

Is it possible to use BBF on the Q3? I really miss not having the facility on the Q2.

[@therealsirrobin]

Not that I am aware of.

[@paulgrosse7631]

Why have you got a lens hood that is designed specifically for rangefinder cameras? For those who don't know, with a regular (normally cylindrical) rangefinder, the lens hood obscures the bottom-right of your image but a rangefinder lens hood runs along the line of sight of the rangefinder so that you can, in effect, see through it when you look through the rangefinder. In order to do this, the lens hood forms an inverted cone and has holes along the base of it, giving it that distinctive appearance. However, a consequence of that is that the base, where it joins the end of the lens, has to be a lot wider so for non-rangefinder cameras, it is a bad design and looks like you have just picked up any old lens hood that might do, rather than the correct one for the job.

[@apocryphal_man]

I'm waiting for a limited edition that fits my Porsche's colour 😜

[@petercharles6652]

Forgot to mention weathersealing. Who wants to pay several thousands for a non-sealed camera, either Leica or any other? Also, who wants to leave the camera in the bag or at home when the weather might damage it? Therefore, for some or many, weathersealing is a major upgrade reason...

[@stuartconnelly5397]

Much like the upgrade between Sony A7R3 to the A7R4, no real upgrade. However the next version there are a lot more of an upgrade. I guess like most manufacturers once something becomes popular they thin down the upgrade path, unless they have to - ie competition.

[@therealsirrobin]

If it's already a great camera then it becomes much harder to make it even better.

[@Just_Manny305]

what flash did you use @ 0:49

[@blackshadow604]

Hi Robin, great Video as always! I sold all my Sony stuff and bought a Q3. And most of the time I‘m pleased. Sometimes I think, now it were great to have a special lense… I have taken ph otos since about 40 years with cameras and interchangeable lenses. But now I have sold it for two reasons: no more run for the newest ( better) lenses and learn to shoot better photos with one lense! Regards, Wolf PS: has Your the very nice lens hood any advantage to the lens hood that came with the Q3

[@quite1enough]

And remember that you can find original Q used for pretty affordable price

[@imoafaq]

I’ve updated the firmware to 1.3 and all my settings gone 😡 that’s another reason to add

[@jeffreyb.1657]

For these sorts of dollars, I'd prefer an X2D. That to me is the best camera in the world at present.

[@therealsirrobin]

An X2D including the 35/2.5 lens is basically double the price. For that kind of money I'd take two Q3s. 😊

[@jeffreyb.1657]

I'd still take my x2d...tried the q3..I like the x2d more. @@therealsirrobin

[@franciscranfield2051]

Wow, with respect to me at least -that brass lenshood and release look awful. Good job that we are al different!

[@therealsirrobin]

I was thinking the same before seeing it in person but that changed my mind. :D

[@depotmsa2362]

i'm watching this video so i wont have to upgrade lol

[@TheChivasRegal]

nice rip curl hat

[@IliasKoureas]

I wish i could afford to have this dilemma haha

[@noenken]

If I had to choose between a used Q2 and a brandnew Q3 for the same price ... I would go with the Q2. I really think they messed up a perfectly good camera. Having all the buttons right where you want to hold it is ... suboptimal. Making the SD-card door basically wrap around the mounting hole for tripod plates is ... the opposite of smart design. And that display ... looks awful.

[@therealsirrobin]

Maybe, if you would use both cameras for one or two weeks, you might think differently. For the same price, the Q3 is the better camera without a doubt. I prefer the button placement they are not getting in the way at all. Either way, both are great and having choices has never been a bad thing.

[@igorputina7909]

The title was a misleading.

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

The freezing is extremely amateur.

[@nelsonclub7722]

You can't buy one 3month waiting list

[@wongneverwrong]

Sell yours to me 😅

[@christiankeil7845]

The golden lenshood screams "rich hipster" like a yellow Ferrari

[@mikeabcable]

You shouldn’t buy ? Wrong. “most of us can’t buy”

[@georgescanvas]

Leica is the elitist camera brand for elitist fashion victims.

[@wellsyboy]

What on earth is the point of this video?????

[@tom_nuyts]

the first and main reason for NOT BUYING this overpriced and oversized and overestimated gimmick is the really bad lens: still that from the 1. generation with its huge and monstrous distortion of appr. 13 % in RAW - if I want a jpg-point-and-shoot cam - there are better and cheaper alternatives