X100V(I) also evokes strong love it or hate it opinions. I finally caved and bought a V and will know soon where I fall. I wish I hadn't sold my Q2, absolutely loved that guy.
Let's be honest - it's super expensive and that alone might be responsible for the majority of the following, and that's just totally fine. People enjoy being able to afford sth that most others can't. But let's just be honest and open about it. I'm sure it's a fine piece of machinery and technology, but let's call a spade a spade 😅
I've had my Q2 for over 2 years and it's been perfect for my needs. It works the way I think. No fuss, no absurd menus, no barrage of programmable buttons. I carry it every day and it's a joy to use. The Summilux lens is so special and produces what can only be described as painterly pictures.
This hated, flawed body camera has in the last 6 months that I’ve owned it, been responsible for the highest quality work I’ve ever produced in such a short space of time. I’ve never has so many wows before from non-photographer friends and I’ve found going out with the Q3 a total pleasure, re-igniting my passion for the hobby.
OMG, never take compliments from non-photographers. They would think a picture of a hot dog taken by you is the most incredible thing they've seen. The only person who should like or dislike your photos are you. Other opinions are just like you know what. Everyone has one. Once upon a time I entered a photo in a photo contest from a number of military bases in Asia. Oh, I took a great shot, I framed a person working on some crap for an aircraft or vehicle and was rejected. It was too artsy-fartsy. A camera is a soulless piece of metal, rubber and glass. You are the soul of a camera regardless of manufacturer. Today the Leica sports a SONY SENSOR. Remember the worlds from a wise person, the camera body is nothing more than a box with a shutter. Today we can change shutter to sensor. Same thing. Also, don't let non-photographers blow up your ego. You will begin to be a crappy photographer.
@@phil5743 I just got home from a month in the Mediterranean. Italy, Turkey, and Greece. I bought this camera last fall for this trip. I came home with 8500k discrete images that I am just starting to look at. So far, they are pretty great.
I am a retired bus driver. I’ve had my Leica Q for about 5 years now. It is old fashioned, has no “toys” to speak of. It’s willfull… and I love it. It’s like going back to the eighties. But digital. And the images are amazing ( probably because you have to think about the more). The lens and body match perfectly. I just love what is in effect the 24 yes (in my opinion ) 24mm lens.
@@TheXaelem what are you talking about. You must be a super photographer. I have a Leica m6ttl, it is in the cupboard where it belongs. Next to my Hasselblad 501cm. Photography has moved on, and. I'm going with it.
@@TheXaelem Just because someone shoots manual does not mean they are a BETTER shooter. Who told you that dumb azz MYTH? Yes, you can get more control over parameters, yet manual is not great in every setting, like here in NYC, where scenes, lighting, movement, and conditions change at the same time. That is the kind of mythological BS and fake posturing that helped the decline of ILCs. Now people use a smartphone/tablet..
I opted out of Leica when I forgot to become a plastic surgeon. And when I got married and had kids who someday need college 🤷♂️. The price alone excludes me, but that’s ok - I like my X100 fine 😂
My wife and I got a great deal on a used Q (Type 116; the original one) a couple years ago, after it having been my dream camera for years. We use it as our "everyday" camera, taking it nearly everywhere with us; and we couldn't be happier with it. We'll likely never get rid it, and so far do not have much desire to upgrade to the Q2 or Q3. The images that the Q produces just have something special to that that is hard to put into words. Not for everybody, but the camera certainly has spoken to us!
To any hobbyist watching this thinking you'll get anything more than you do from a camera that's 4 times cheaper - you won't. Take the money and go for a trip. Sorry... 3 trips.
This. If you buy a Leica buy it for the experience of using it. No camera will make you better, but some cameras you will enjoy more, which in the end will - along with a lot of hard work and reflection - mean you improve because your shoot more.
Unless you own or have shot on a Leica the price may seem a hard point, but any other Leica owner may disagree with you on that, plus everyone’s budget is different, main point is don’t buy one if you can’t afford it
I too just recently rented the Q3 for two weeks. Wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Prior to using it, what sounded attractive to me was the notion of shooting landscapes and street views in low light situations without the need to lug a tripod or my heavy backpack everywhere. My experience was similar to yours - with one addition. Loved the lens and the results. Beautiful. With a 60 meg file, I could crop to my heart's content. Was not a fan of the overall ergonomics. (And yes, I too was annoyed by the screen not being flush with the body) BUT I ADORED THE MACRO. Ultimately, it was fun shooting with this camera but not enough to justify the high price tag.
@@cameraprepper7938 You are probably right that the sensor is related to the sensor on the a7RV-IV but since both Sony and Leica say that it is a new sensor specifically for the Q3, I suspect it was modified to Leicas specs. I know I don't get the same low light performance with my a7R7 as I do with the Leica so I know that these sensors are not exactly the same.
@@jeffchastain2977 It is not a new sensor, but you can tune it in software. Leica has less dynamic rang than Sony with the same sensor. Leica have always been bad with electronics, fx Leica R3 and Leica R4 where they co-worked with Minolta (which Sony bought). Leica decided not to use Minoltas electronic, that was a very bad choice ! So for those who get a Leica, it is much too overpriced and you get less !
The most hated camera that I still can’t order due to it being sold out constantly. It also keeps its value remarkably more than any Sony, Canon, Nikon on the second market. I wish it was actually hated so I can buy one!
Canon and Nikon DSLR have actually held their value pretty well... atleast the higher end models... sure it's not like a Leica but a 1Dx or D810 is still not cheap... i think the "other" brands losing so much in value has a lot to do with youtubers telling us that gear matters which it really doesn't (neither lens nor camera)
@@jeffchastain2977it keeps its value because the only thing you can do is change its lens and you'd still get the same result as the most recent camera rn. Tech are not food. If phone camera can do better at photography than any dslr no matter how "handmade" they are they will lose their value.
This camera is so hated that it’s always sold out in stores. I think we should rethink how we see things on the internet, the numbers speaks for themselves, and a vocal minority is almost always wrong, especially in photography.
Logical fallacy: numbers sold don't say much. People who bought it don't have to love it and it certainly doesn't say anything about how many people hate it. Especially with Leica there's also the factor of hipsters, fanboyism and people who buy just because "it's Leica so it must be good". Don't get me wrong: I don't care either way, just pointing out the flaw in this way of reasoning. Absolute numbers versus relative numbers is quite an important difference when comparing things.
It’s likely “sold out” because stores don’t want them sitting around, thus order them as you buy them. And Leica probably don’t make that many of them anyway. FWIW my local store has it in stock, and has used examples for sale too (which are marked as mint, returned stock). I only know because I like and want to buy the camera 😅
@@r423fplip and mine. Really weak review. Honestly if James doesn’t like 28mm and doesn’t get the concept of a fixed lens camera, then why review it at all ?
A small technical detail: the Q3 uses a leaf shutter in contrast to curtain shutter. As such, it cannot become an interchangeable lens camera without major modifications. The Sony RX1 was a sibling in this regard, which also allowed it to be so small. I own Leica D-Lux 4 and it's the only Leica I've permitted myself to afford. 😅
So interesting! James, the subjects of your videos are often of little interest to me, yet I enjoy your commentary very much every time! And I believe that in subtle ways you have made me a better - or at least more thoughtful - photographer. Many thanks!
Looking forward to this James (as ever) but since I'm getting a chance to comment early, I'm damned well going to take the chance to say THANK YOU, for inspiring me to take my photography in a direction that really pushes me & out of my comfort zone. Along with Grainydays, you two have really pushed my urban photography eye along & I can't thank you enough. Right, back to the video. Cheers fella.
The only real CON, besides the price, obviously, and the fact that I would prefer lenses between 35mm and 50mm, is the lack of internal storage. It should have the same 256GB internal storage as the M11P. It's a great solution and every premium camera should have it.
As a dentist myself this comment cracks me up. However I don’t have anything Leica, just Sony. I wonder if getting a Leica would make me a better dentist? 🦷
@@jeffmcquinn3430 I like to imagine the super secret dentist society is structured based on cameras owned; the upper echelons strut about with their Leicas, but they all bow down before the Grand High Dentist - the owner of a PhaseOne.
Recent Q -> Q3 user here. The touch focus issue and the switch to video mode issue i've hit a few times. One thing not mentioned is the easy of use. It's a set and forget deal with this camera allowing you to focus on aperture, shutter, iso and focus. I've found with this camera my composition has improved because i'm not messing about with settings / menus all the time. All the important stuff is at your finger tips and the menu system pretty much stays untouched. Lens is a masterpiece and it produces really impressive images. Mostly sit in 36MP but can boost to 61MP when it matters. It's a great travel camera and I suspect that what a lot of people will use it for. If you have other requirements that you get from a professional camera (Sony/Nikon/Canon et al) I guess it just seems overpriced and pointless. But for the average amateur photographer like me it's perfect.
@@jeffchastain2977 Yeah i did that but it's still possible to switch it by accidentally swiping across the screen left to right. Admittedly happens less often but still occasionally.
The photos coming out of the camera looked "natural" but "better," if that makes sense. They were a joy. Appreciate your musing on the camera body which come from you actually using it, as it should be. Loved the music. Watched the video twice, just for the music. The brilliant "human nature" photos weren't bad, either.
full time wedding photographer shooting 70+ weddings a year and I cant live without my q3, I use it alongside two sony a1's and its an absolute world beater. I wasn't a fan for the first month but christ you learn to absolutely love it.
@@Kids11111 and that would be an average of 3.2 days per wedding, considering you’re spending 1 day taking the photos that’s 2.2 days to cull thousands of photos, edit and deliver to the client whilst prepping for the next wedding… that sir sounds like hell.
You should have your own podcast or TV series, it's just great listening to your honest opinions on stuff with these tangents and example images. You're really nailing this video format better than anyone else on RUclips.
Nice to watch another video! Great as always, really like your style. I have brought all of your presets. It would be wonderful if you can upload a video of how you post proccesing your family photos. Regards from Spain!
Thanks for this review. refreshingly different to what you usually hear about Leica. Even Leica users complain about the 28mm lens, but it is what it is and I love my Q3 which accompanies my extensive Nikon equipment. For me the reason to buy was: Same picture quality as my Nikon gear, but very small and I have it always with me, since it even fits in a decent handbag. What you forgot to mention which is a real treat on this camera: The Macro modus, which is surprisingly great. It was a not a reason to buy the camera but I use it quite often since I love Macro Photography and it does extremely well. Yes the 28 mm has its limitations, I would have preferred a 35 mm lens, but you learn to adjust and you can crop the s*** out of these 60 megapixel images. I take it absolutely everywhere, since there always might lurk a decent picture round the next corner, even when you are not out shooting on purpose. With the thumb grip it's easy to hold, light enough to sit at your side all day and an utter joy to use and the image quality is simply great. Whenever you mention you own a Q3 every other photographer immediately tells you that you could have bought this and that combination that delivers the same results, is as small and costs a fraction. Often they have to bend the truth a bit about the comparability, but that shows that nearly everyone gets into the "Leica is overpriced shit" mode immediately., regardless of its merits. Leica polarizes, I do not care. I tried it, it fits exactly the blank spot in my equipment and I never regretted coughing up the money for it. I am not a Leica fan girl, Nikon will always be my favorite brand, I am not in for any other Leica cameras, but the Q3 is just great.
I finally caved into buying one with the Q2 Monochrome, a decision that I delayed for a long time. Since having it - it has exceeded my expectation in every way, that sensor is special - images are amazing, and so much adjustment possible with the raw files. Yes it's a fixed lens, but that has also helped me - I just grab the camera and use it much more as a result. Expensive - without question. Anyway thanks for having this video James, always wonderful to hear your honest opinions. Will look forward to hearing more when you get the Q3 43mm in your hands which should be your preferred focal length.
Never heard anyone hate on this camera. It’s a Leica which means it’s a nische camera and obviously not for everyone which definitely comes across in many reviews. But I don’t think anyone hates on the camera. That would be like hating on a sports car because you don’t need one.
@@r423fplip Leica moves in the way they wanna move. They aren't concerned with the specs, speed etc... that's not their schtick. And the people that shoot on them shot on them for those non spec reasons. So in the dust or not it doesn't matter.
@@r423fplip Leica has never had the intention to beat Nikon or Sony. Why would they? They make expensive niche products, that differs from the great, but boring cameras out there. Today it really doesn't matter if you buy a Sony, Canon or Nikon. All great cameras that gives you great results. And they all handle the same. They even take the same Sigma and other third party lenses. Leica M and Q are different. What's not to like? Hopefully the world still has room for other things that big companies provides.
Great review. One thing though. So many RUclipsrs, and other reviewers, make one mistake when testing the Q, in my opinion. They shoot it like they would have shot it with their normal 35 or 50mm lens. Next time try to shoot the Q from another angle than you would normally have chosen. Go closer. The magic with the Q lens starts when you get close. And you start using the leading lines from angles that you would not shoot with your trusty 35-50mm lens you know so well. To me the Q lens just is so creative to play with. I get it. You are a landscape photographer. And a good one. But I really don't think that the Q series is for this genre. It can be, but so many camera systems are better for that. For me the Q (I only have the old Q) is my most creative camera. Close to the fantastic Ricoh GRIII, but with an even more fantastic lens and sensor. But in a bigger package than the GR.
I would agree with a lot here. I picked up the Q2 a couple years ago while in Seattle. It is def not the perfect camera. It has quirks for sure and there are things you expect when dropping this much money. You assume for that price you get it all, but you don’t. In many ways it makes no sense to spend this money on one and I don’t recommend many people to get one. I was at a point where mine and my wife’s business was doing very well, we had the income, it was our 10 year anniversary and it was a nice gift and one I still treasure. I knew going into this the Q would not change my life, but I do enjoy the camera, I take it everywhere, I capture lots of family memories, it’s a great conversation piece.
10:15 Hi, Leica Brand Ambassador here. Your hunch is correct, the only way to make the Q as small as it is, is by removing all aspects of an interchangeable mount. It would not have been possible to achieve that size if it was, say, L mount.
I just thought I would mention that I think and just my opinion that the lens is fixed for autofocus purposes. I can't think of another F1.7 autofocus lens camera combo that is this small. Great video and as a Q2 owner I would agree that I almost always grab a 50mm when I am traveling as well.
Absolutely love my Q2 Monochrom! Not as portable as my little GR3 but 100x better to shoot with and feels superb. Perfect - no. Overpriced - yes. Does it put a huge smile on my face and produce brilliant images - yes!
But the GR is so much more portable. I can take my GR almost anywhere anytime. The Q is just to bulky for what it is. If I want to carry a camera that big I take my Fuji X-Pro1 or X-T2-4s. But tastes and use-cases are different.
@r423sdex depends what you mean by versatile? GR3 is smaller but zero weather or environment sealing and mine is full of dust. The rear LCD is totally useless in the sun and no EVF, so composition is literally just a guess, and you can't change the font sizes etc so if you need glasses then using the LCD is a nightmare. None of that with a Q. I still carry my GRs all the time but they are nowhere near as good to use.
I have no problem with dust, I use it in the rain. Image stabilisation and stellar lens equals cracking sharpness, and I can by five for the price of the Leica. And I can shoot black and white and colour.
@@r423fplip image quality is not the same as a q, sorry its not. I have shot both. Loved the gr3 at first. but after awhile it just got old. I am using an a7cr now and the image quality puts the gr3 to shame. It's not even a comparison. In fact idk why the gr3 even comes up so much.
Love hearing your take, James. As a former 35mm lover I’ve recently fallen for 28mm as my fav length for what I shoot so it’s nice to hear your opinions. All the best!
Was ready to pick up the Q2 after years of using Canon and more recently Fuji systems. But at the same shop I also tried the Nikon Zf and immediately fell in love with it. To me it feels more solid then even the Q. And like you James I'm not a fan of the 28mm wield of view. If the Q came with a 35mm or 40mm I'd probably have one already.
not sure if I understood why I didn't love 28mm, but I think you hit the nail on the head. To add to it, you try to fit everything in the frame, but it just doesnt (like 24mm). 40mm is my sweet spot.
Agreed - that thing about the Q3, that it's basically no more portable than an interchangeable lens camera, means that the lack of flexibility doesn't really come with any inherent bonus (that you do get with, say, an X100). I guess it's technically cheaper than buying a Leica M, so maybe it's really targeted towards the customer that would buy an M11 with only one lens.
it really is more portable though... especially compared to Nikon/Canon Fullframe cameras... the only thing that comes close are the Sony A7c and Panasonic S9
@@jsoros8086 not really? Why would you carry more lenses? If i shoot on the streets i have a 40mm on my camera... if i shoot wildlife i have my 600mm on there... i'm not gonna need a 40mm in the wild... i'm not gonna need a 600mm or any tele when i'm on the streets... when i do portraits shoots i have a 85mm on there...
I finally rented a Q2 - not too long ago. OF COURSE, I took some of my favorite family photos and enjoyed working through making wide angle compositions with plenty of room for cropping. It’s almost too big for a daily kit, but then again it’s not! It still leaves me thinking about it months later. The quality build doesn’t go lost on me - I even bought a Fuji Xt-50 to scratch the itch and ended up returning it. Just didn’t feel good in hand, but somehow the Leica did - mostly. Anyway, I don’t know. If this was $3k, I’d probably own it. 🤷♂️
I've had a Q2 Mono, for almost 3 years now. I love it. Its my second favorite digital camera. Also I have recently really had fun throwing an R72 IR filter on it to do IR photography (very long exposures). Great Video!
Wow, from the video title I was not expecting it to be the Q3. I did a huge amount of research on the Q's as I owned a Q2 and now a Q3. I have got rid of all my Sony cameras and lenses and now only shoot at 28mm on the Leica Q3 and Ricoh GRiii and for me it's been a great move, but photography is not my job either. I certainly have never come across the Leica Q series as being labelled as the most hated camera!
Had my Q3 for a few months now and I love it! You can reconfigure any of the dials and buttons to do anything you want so there’s no need to switch to video. And you can crop to 35, 50, 75 and 90mm whilst getting 60 MP (IF you choose to!) so that’s not an issue and wasn’t mentioned that I heard anyway. At least he liked the lens. There’s nothing about my Q3 I don’t like in terms of what it produces. It’s awesome. Just my opinion.
I just received my Leica Q3 two weeks ago. I've been out the last couple of days shooting with it doing city shots. I am shooting documentary style shots, not street photography. So I want more in each shot. I love this camera. I also have a Nikon Z9, and a Canon R5. I use each for different types of photography. The Leica files are beautiful. I shot a gathering for a marathon, 68 people. I walked through the gathering of people prior to the run and was able to get great shots quickly with very little effort. And easily did a group shot. I don't mind cropping when necessary. Starting with 60 MP makes cropping images a breeze without losing quality. Love the camera!!
I had the original and the Q2 and I agree. Ergonomics are bad, it's too heavy for what it is, the 28 isn't a 28 ... And the Q3 added more questionable features like the pins on the bottom for a wireless charger at the cost of wrapping the SD slot door around the tripod mount. (9:00) Or the tiltscreen rucksack that looks worse than some homemade camera mods. Or the purely cosmetic threaded shutter button which will not work with a cable release. This Leica is not "the essentials", it is "the gimmicks".
The one lens one camera idea, is something to embrace if you are thinking about a fixed lens camera. The Q series to me is a perfect idea in tight cityscape, urban scape locations for day or night. Of course you can just put your 24/35/40/50 on your camera body and off you go. I think the Color Science, Leica science in creating the image look is what people really like and the more “handmade” thought unlike a designed by Leica, made in China models. The lens is magnificent. Just look at other brands f1.7 lens. My Sony 20mm f1.8 is brilliant in tight streets of Tokyo. There are a lot of f1.7, 1.8, 2.0 primes to choose from.
I sold mine recently. It looks tiny (and it is) but the lens was always always getting caught on stuff when I used it. As a tiny girl with tiny hands, the buttons were still too small even for me to feel comfortable with it.
A few months back during the cherry blossoms I was out taking photos with my GF using my Sony A77ii, and this guy walks up and hands me his Leica Q2 and asks me to take some photos of him and his wife. It was my first time ever holding a Leica and I have to say it was damn impressive. The build quality of the camera and the quality of the EVF is what I noticed in the brief 15 seconds I held it.
Great video, bizarre title. I have a Q3 and it’s hands down my favourite camera I’ve ever owned. Shoot Sony for weddings and the Q3 for me, but increasingly the Q3 is coming to weddings now too. I’ve never heard anyone hate on it though.
I own a Q3. Shot a lot with it. And I understand exactly what you mean. This should have been a L-mount camera. And Leica should make small compact > f1.8 af lenses. No one would buy a sl or m camera again.
I went for an alternative fixed lens full frame camera, a Sony RX1r. This has a 35mm lens and is a lot smaller than the Q series. It’s also got a stunning Carl Zeiss lens on it too!
I love your honest appraisals. I have a similar problem with my Q3 - I am not a 28mm shooter and am getting used to shooting with the Q3.. This year 30% of my shots are in the 40mm range and 27% are in the 50mm range. Only 5% were in the 28mm range. I bought this for travel where only 13% of my shots this year are in the 28mm range. However, I love the camera's images. Like you, I am not a fan of the big lens and relatively heavy mass. Conclusion is that the Q3 is only a temporary addition to my kit. It will be replaced by the D-Lux 8 or Q3 40mm whichever arrives at my door first. Cheers.
You make some excellent points. One argument I have read for this camera is that the lens compares well to M series lenses and thus, the argument goes, you are getting a free camera body for the price of a high-quality lens. I don't think this really works as an argument as I don't feel that Leica lenses are all that much better than lenses offered by other manufacturers. And before anyone takes umbrage at this statement, I can say that I have used Leica L-mount lenses and compared their output to equivalent Nikon Z-mount lenses and found there to be almost no difference.
You might've mentioned it before, but Essential Elements by Edward Burtynsky is another exceptional collection of work around the Human Nature concept and I'm sure you'd love it, if you haven't seen it already.
I had no idea people hated it so much. I sold my Canon 5D kit & L glass to fund a Q2 Monochrome. I know people hate that version because “it only shoots b&w” but I absolutely love my Q2 mono. The low light capabilities alone, made losing the ability to shoot color, worth every penny. I don’t know of a better low light camera than the Q2 mono
I recently purchased a used Q2M. I agree about the right hand dial being a bit awkward to use, though I'm slowly getting used to it. I soon got used to the 28mm view and don't think anything of it as I quickly got used to it and now automatically know roughly where to stand to get the framing I want. It's a fab camera to carry around once you're used to the feel of it.
I think you’re generally right that the lens (and sensor) are excellent and the body is less interesting, but one thing you didn’t mention is the software. The mobile app for this camera is essentially a triumph. The geotagging works, it always connects first time, takes seconds to download massive raw files etc. Massive game changer for your workflow.
It's a fair personal assessment about the Q3. Obviously no one camera is for everybody and this is no exception. The clicickbait heading though is questionable in my opinion.
A used Panasonic GX85 and 15mm f1.7 does the same job as this camera, same aesthetic, but is lighter, smaller, more discrete, less of a target for thieves, gives you lens options and at 1/10th the price.
The most hated camera in the world as you put it, was sold out after launch and people were on a waiting list to get one. Due to the high resolution, the camera ticks many boxes except sports and wildlife which it wasn’t designed for. The best camera is the one which inspires you to go out and take photos! I personally don’t like think about which lenses to take with me and just grab a camera and go.
I’ve been using Canon cameras since 1974. Got my first Leica this year and totally blown away by the Leica. Still love my Canons but the Leica really is a grab and take with you camera. Opinions from a nonprofessional, retired factory worker.
I don't know why people complain about the price of this camera. My Sony A7R5 and 1 lens, when bought new a year ago was almost the same price as my Q3. Hate it, love it. The Q3 is the only full frame 60MP, fixed body, with high quality glass on the market today. The fact that it is hand built by Leica just makes this camera even more special. And knowing that I will be able to get most of my money back should I decide to sell it down the road is an added bonus. "The most hated camera in the world" is not being truthful to your viewers and highly borders on the category of "click bait" at best. Been watching you for years, but this is quite misleading. Sure, like every other camera out there, some will hate it, some will love it... all based on personal experiences. Stay honest.
@@r423fplip Only better IF you want to change lens. Let's just say that I used to be where you are. Someday, you may become me and don't want to change lenses anymore. 😆
@@kualilo agree with your initial statement and your follow up comment. I used to have the best mirrorless + couple of lenses + tripod etc on a hiking trip. lets just say it gets old really fast
As to the lens being fixed… I haven’t seen a cutaway Q series, but I have for the x100 line, and the lens is built deep into the body, very little space between it and the sensor. This is partly enabled by the leaf shutter instead of needing space for a focal plane shutter. As a result, there’s a huge optical design difference between the x100 lens, and the X-Mount Fuji 23/2. Certainly, there could be a 50mm Q, similar to how there are two GRiii versions. I think it’d be amazing if someone did a legit 45-50mm compact. While the old Canonet QL17 was a 40mm, many other similar fixed lens rangefinder cameras from that era were 45/1.7 lenses, and I think that’d be really sweet as an option. All the other fixed lens cameras are wide angle offerings, or crop sensor with darker apertures. An actual 45mm f/1.7 with leaf shutter and maybe built-in flash would be a shallow DOF beast in the world of compacts. Some of that is a pitch to the Instagram influencer crowd, but if it gets the camera made, I’m fine with that. Another “why don’t they make it” question: why isn’t there an L-Mount mirrorless that’s more “rangefinder-style” with a Q-like slim body, EVF on the side, and physical shutter speed dial. The SL series are mostly “SLR-like” with a central viewfinder and pronounced grip. There’s nothing wrong with that, but both body designs have fans. It’d be a Panasonic S9 done right.
I feel like this was such a refreshing opinion piece on the Leica Q. I’ve shot with one, I’ve held one, I’ve felt that quality density that really makes you say “wow”. Heck, I even love 28mm as a top 3 focal length. But yeah, it’s not for me. I’ve debated renting this camera several times for a few fun photo trips. But it all comes down to it being too big to be compact and too limited to be the only camera I can take. So when I consider that, I just bring my Fuji X-T5 and 18mm or my X-100VI. I certainly acknowledge the quality drop off, but they certainly are fun cameras and great optics. I love the idea of a camera that will last over a decade and wear the bruises well. But it’s just too much money for me to purchase when it’s not something I love completely.
James great review. I am lucky enough to have had a Q2 for over two years and now have an M10R as well - this I think suggests that I too have found the limitations of the Q, which many other Q owners have found and have got them on the road to M-series. Love both systems, not because they are Leica's but love the images and user experience. I do understand they are not for everyone and that there is quite a negative vibe around the "red dot" - probably as they are quite expensive. They do hold their value quite well so this should be a consideration. I've had other competing cameras i.e. X-Pro2 and X100F but the images I have taken with the Leica's are much better (not sure if its the camera, sensor or me). Having said all of that I have a Nikon FM3a which I am planning to use for a few months whilst in the UK (can't face the trauma of taking film through airports) and I'm curious what I'll be able to get out of my PlusTek scanner/PS set-up. I'm hoping I'll be able to improve my technique, exposure and composition. Everyone to his own. This was the first episode of your I have seen and I am now subscribed. Very good indeed.
Videos like this are medicine for my gear acquisition syndrome. And what you said about the pairing vs the M or SL system is what I think might be the deal, also.
have been shooting on Leicas and Hassleblad on location for over 5 decades... haven't had a camera stolen from me... theft is not as common as people make it out to be... and a Leica (especially without a rangefinder that can get misalligned) is very durable to falling... might get some scuffs but who cares
@@jackschrier3717 exactly! What's the use of a camera that's not being used! The Qs are hell of a lot of fun to shoot with... it's a very different feel than all the cameras that look and act like the 5D did 20 years ago
The Q3 has a lens that afaik extends very close to the sensor, as do other fixed lens full frame cameras like the Zeiss ZX1 and Sony RX1(R/RII), so close that making an interchangeable lens version with a focal plane shutter would be extremely difficult. They may also have optimised microlenses on the sensors but that isn't something that is easily verifiable. Even though the lenses on all of the cameras I mention are relatively large for fixed lens cameras, theyre not very big by comparison to high quality AF lenses with comparable focal length and aperture that can cover full frame sensors. These cameras all use leaf shutters (which sit inside the lens, rather than between the sensor and the lens). Inyerchangeable leaf shutter lenses are less durable and more expensive than lenses without shutters integrated, so building a Q camera with interchangeable lenses would mean either (a) expensive and fragile leaf shutter lenses only useable on the Q system (b) lenses designed around a focal plane shutter meaning larger size for comparable optical quality, with louder, less stable shutters or (c) stacked or global electronic shutter sensors with lenses without a leaf shutter (way more expensive to procure the sensor, compromises in terms of dynamic range and low light performance). For a boutique camera company like leica, who offer two other lens mounts (M and L mount), introducing a third lens mount with leaf shutters would probably not be a great idea, and while i think they should eventually make an L mount camera with the styling of a Q or M camera, would still neccessitate compromises in terms of lens size, optical performance and shutter performance, unless they went electronic shutter only. The Q seems like a good compromise to me personally, though I can understand why someone would baulk at the price for a fixed lens camera. I think Sony revisiting the RX1 series would be a good thing as they produce the sensors and no doubt have large engineering teams working on sensor development and procurement advantages that might make option (c) much more feasible without compromise
Still love my Q2 monochrome. Never have bummed into the problems you’ve mentioned. The grip in these types of cameras (Qs, X100s, Ricoh GRs) is always a pain if you want somehow to rest your fingers or have a better grip of the body. I would really like you to test the SONY RX1R II Its a lot closer to your focal length preference (35mm f2) And since I trust your judgement so much, a review from your side will be very very interesting
The Q2 and Q3 are easily my favorite cameras. I’ve started to use them for personal work, but often also use them in the studio. That 28mm Lux is so incredibly good, that it alone justifies the price for me. I own a Q2M and a Q3. If Leica ever decides to make a Q with a fixed 50mm lens I’d probably buy that too and get rid of a lot of other gear. These are also perfect for mixed light situations. With their leaf shutter, they sync up to 1/2000th and give great flexibility mixing flash and natural light.
Cameras have so much digital correction going on, it's difficult to know what's optical excellence and what's electrickery. The advantage of 28mm and 24mm lenses is less about squeezing more stuff in around the edges, and more about keeping the near and far stuff in focus.
Computational photography has nearly obviated the value of high end lenses and sensors. With one click of a preset, I can take an image from my Lumix FZ5 and produce high end results
@@ChadWilson With that said, no one will need to even have a camera a year from now. AI will create all the pictures we will ever need. Just imagine, and it is so. The end of photography is near. Sell all your gears now. 😛
Lots of things are popular and also disliked by different groups - look at politicans… it’s rare for a camera to evoke emotions in the way the Q series does though… Kind of blows my mind that people have read up on this camera and not seen the critisicm.
@@JamesPopsysPhoto I know the "controversies" about this camera, it's a Leica which has its lovers and haters. I can't deny there's criticism about this camera. But saying "The Most Hated Camera in the World" is simply clickbait, which seems so unlike your honest, pleasant & calm video style.
Hello brother. Could you please tell me what strap are you using? I remember you mentioned it somewhere in your videos before but I can't find it now. Thanks!
That's my daily drive you are talking about now ;-) My Z8 for big work but for my pocket for Street and for a backup its simply a dream. Is it too expensive, probably. Is it an amazing little camera - yes
I'm not a Leica user but I think I get it because I once spent $5k+ on a Grand Seiko Spring Drive (priced on the low end for a premium watch) because I appreciate the accuracy, quality and craftsmanship that goes into each hand-made watch. I still own it but it sits in my watch drawer since retiring from business, only taking it out from time to time to admire it. My daily watch is now an Apple watch because I like and need the wide-ranging functionality it offers.
Cannot wait to see the James Popsys collaboration / book project with Cole Thompson (a B&W photographer who creates lovely photos of the Faroe Islands). Seriously, I would loooove to see this. I would be first in line to purchase their book.
Lovely images. Have you ever considered a graduated ND filter James? Surely there are some days in the UK that don't feature a featureless overexposed sky.
Any other suggestions for world’s most hated camera? I don’t know of another which evokes such strong opinions…
Do the Q2 Monochrome next, people hate it because “it only shoots black & white?” 😂
@@koobs4549 🤣
@koobs4549 and you pay extra to be so limited! 😂😂 love mine though 😎
No Leica does it 😂
X100V(I) also evokes strong love it or hate it opinions. I finally caved and bought a V and will know soon where I fall. I wish I hadn't sold my Q2, absolutely loved that guy.
The world would be a boring place if we all liked the same things. Not a camera for me but I totally understand why it has a following.
Let's be honest - it's super expensive and that alone might be responsible for the majority of the following, and that's just totally fine. People enjoy being able to afford sth that most others can't. But let's just be honest and open about it.
I'm sure it's a fine piece of machinery and technology, but let's call a spade a spade 😅
It’s always a good day when we get a new James Popsys video 👌
I've had my Q2 for over 2 years and it's been perfect for my needs. It works the way I think. No fuss, no absurd menus, no barrage of programmable buttons. I carry it every day and it's a joy to use. The Summilux lens is so special and produces what can only be described as painterly pictures.
This hated, flawed body camera has in the last 6 months that I’ve owned it, been responsible for the highest quality work I’ve ever produced in such a short space of time. I’ve never has so many wows before from non-photographer friends and I’ve found going out with the Q3 a total pleasure, re-igniting my passion for the hobby.
OMG, never take compliments from non-photographers. They would think a picture of a hot dog taken by you is the most incredible thing they've seen. The only person who should like or dislike your photos are you. Other opinions are just like you know what. Everyone has one. Once upon a time I entered a photo in a photo contest from a number of military bases in Asia. Oh, I took a great shot, I framed a person working on some crap for an aircraft or vehicle and was rejected. It was too artsy-fartsy. A camera is a soulless piece of metal, rubber and glass. You are the soul of a camera regardless of manufacturer. Today the Leica sports a SONY SENSOR. Remember the worlds from a wise person, the camera body is nothing more than a box with a shutter. Today we can change shutter to sensor. Same thing. Also, don't let non-photographers blow up your ego. You will begin to be a crappy photographer.
@@phil5743 I just got home from a month in the Mediterranean. Italy, Turkey, and Greece. I bought this camera last fall for this trip. I came home with 8500k discrete images that I am just starting to look at. So far, they are pretty great.
Honestly same ‘
Absolutely the same experience - I now barely even pick up my Z8 outside of certain projects
@@bondgabebond4907 I’m taking your advice and treating your opinion like you know what
I am a retired bus driver. I’ve had my Leica Q for about 5 years now. It is old fashioned, has no “toys” to speak of. It’s willfull… and I love it.
It’s like going back to the eighties. But digital. And the images are amazing ( probably because you have to think about the more). The lens and body match perfectly. I just love what is in effect the 24 yes (in my opinion ) 24mm lens.
Enjoy your life and shoot more pictures 🎉
I very much enjoyed the composition of black building with grass roof with lake and mountain in the background.
I never heard this cameras were hated.
Generally only amongst people who call themselves photographers but only use auto and can't use a manual film camera
Oh and most hated means more than any other new camera...which doesn't mean a lot
@@TheXaelem what are you talking about. You must be a super photographer. I have a Leica m6ttl, it is in the cupboard where it belongs. Next to my Hasselblad 501cm. Photography has moved on, and. I'm going with it.
@@TheXaelem Just because someone shoots manual does not mean they are a BETTER shooter. Who told you that dumb azz MYTH? Yes, you can get more control over parameters, yet manual is not great in every setting, like here in NYC, where scenes, lighting, movement, and conditions change at the same time. That is the kind of mythological BS and fake posturing that helped the decline of ILCs. Now people use a smartphone/tablet..
@@r423fplip If you are not using your film cameras, especially such great cameras, please send them to me, I’ll put them in great use!
I opted out of Leica when I forgot to become a plastic surgeon. And when I got married and had kids who someday need college 🤷♂️. The price alone excludes me, but that’s ok - I like my X100 fine 😂
X100 takes better photos than a Leica anyway. No, it does.
My wife and I got a great deal on a used Q (Type 116; the original one) a couple years ago, after it having been my dream camera for years. We use it as our "everyday" camera, taking it nearly everywhere with us; and we couldn't be happier with it. We'll likely never get rid it, and so far do not have much desire to upgrade to the Q2 or Q3. The images that the Q produces just have something special to that that is hard to put into words. Not for everybody, but the camera certainly has spoken to us!
I bought an X typ 113 on a whim, and wont part with it for the same reason, and despite its now very elderly age.
Hear hear, same here. I have an R6, but I simply love taking photos with the Leica more. To each our own!
To any hobbyist watching this thinking you'll get anything more than you do from a camera that's 4 times cheaper - you won't. Take the money and go for a trip. Sorry... 3 trips.
This. If you buy a Leica buy it for the experience of using it. No camera will make you better, but some cameras you will enjoy more, which in the end will - along with a lot of hard work and reflection - mean you improve because your shoot more.
Unless you own or have shot on a Leica the price may seem a hard point, but any other Leica owner may disagree with you on that, plus everyone’s budget is different, main point is don’t buy one if you can’t afford it
@@Si88888 I felt this was implied in my comment - if you have money buy whatever the hell you want.
@@Zrinko_Maloseja exactly 👍🏻
@@Si88888 I’ll be more careful in the future not to offend the rich ;)
I too just recently rented the Q3 for two weeks. Wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Prior to using it, what sounded attractive to me was the notion of shooting landscapes and street views in low light situations without the need to lug a tripod or my heavy backpack everywhere. My experience was similar to yours - with one addition. Loved the lens and the results. Beautiful. With a 60 meg file, I could crop to my heart's content. Was not a fan of the overall ergonomics. (And yes, I too was annoyed by the screen not being flush with the body) BUT I ADORED THE MACRO. Ultimately, it was fun shooting with this camera but not enough to justify the high price tag.
The sensor is from Sony, so you can get a much cheaper Sony Camera with that 60 megapixels sensor and you can change Lenses !
@@cameraprepper7938 already own an a7RV, so… sure. But I don’t own a 1.7/28mm lens.
@@cameraprepper7938 You are probably right that the sensor is related to the sensor on the a7RV-IV but since both Sony and Leica say that it is a new sensor specifically for the Q3, I suspect it was modified to Leicas specs. I know I don't get the same low light performance with my a7R7 as I do with the Leica so I know that these sensors are not exactly the same.
@@jeffchastain2977 It is not a new sensor, but you can tune it in software. Leica has less dynamic rang than Sony with the same sensor. Leica have always been bad with electronics, fx Leica R3 and Leica R4 where they co-worked with Minolta (which Sony bought). Leica decided not to use Minoltas electronic, that was a very bad choice ! So for those who get a Leica, it is much too overpriced and you get less !
The photo of your boy with the camera mashed up against his face was worth a like in itself. Great!
The most hated camera that I still can’t order due to it being sold out constantly. It also keeps its value remarkably more than any Sony, Canon, Nikon on the second market. I wish it was actually hated so I can buy one!
Canon and Nikon DSLR have actually held their value pretty well... atleast the higher end models... sure it's not like a Leica but a 1Dx or D810 is still not cheap... i think the "other" brands losing so much in value has a lot to do with youtubers telling us that gear matters which it really doesn't (neither lens nor camera)
Fuji x100vi !
@@r423fplip Had one, sold it week after getting it.
@@Monochromatic77 It keeps its market value because it’s not mass manufactured but is built by hand to be a solid, immensely durable piece of kit.
@@jeffchastain2977it keeps its value because the only thing you can do is change its lens and you'd still get the same result as the most recent camera rn. Tech are not food. If phone camera can do better at photography than any dslr no matter how "handmade" they are they will lose their value.
This camera is so hated that it’s always sold out in stores.
I think we should rethink how we see things on the internet, the numbers speaks for themselves, and a vocal minority is almost always wrong, especially in photography.
Logical fallacy: numbers sold don't say much. People who bought it don't have to love it and it certainly doesn't say anything about how many people hate it. Especially with Leica there's also the factor of hipsters, fanboyism and people who buy just because "it's Leica so it must be good". Don't get me wrong: I don't care either way, just pointing out the flaw in this way of reasoning. Absolute numbers versus relative numbers is quite an important difference when comparing things.
It’s likely “sold out” because stores don’t want them sitting around, thus order them as you buy them. And Leica probably don’t make that many of them anyway.
FWIW my local store has it in stock, and has used examples for sale too (which are marked as mint, returned stock). I only know because I like and want to buy the camera 😅
@@KofieBluejay it’s just clickbait, bro.
amen
Kind of difficult to justify premium prices if your product is easy to get hold of.
Best camera I’ve ever owned. Insanely awesome ❤
Haha , you must be a dentist!
What's so good about it?
Agree, me too - and at the age of 61 I’ve had a few over the years.
I have four Leica cameras, I use none of them. I’m not 61 !
Having loads of expensive gear that is not used doesn’t reflect on how good or bad the cameras are, rather the needs of the owner.
Very fresh view on Leica Q3, with no BS, Thx!!!
In my opinion, this is not a "fresh" view. It's a rather ignorant view.
@@jeffchastain2977in your opinion.
@@r423fplip and mine. Really weak review. Honestly if James doesn’t like 28mm and doesn’t get the concept of a fixed lens camera, then why review it at all ?
A small technical detail: the Q3 uses a leaf shutter in contrast to curtain shutter. As such, it cannot become an interchangeable lens camera without major modifications. The Sony RX1 was a sibling in this regard, which also allowed it to be so small.
I own Leica D-Lux 4 and it's the only Leica I've permitted myself to afford. 😅
What are those straps that you're using? The ones visible at @9:20? Brand, model, etc.
So interesting! James, the subjects of your videos are often of little interest to me, yet I enjoy your commentary very much every time! And I believe that in subtle ways you have made me a better - or at least more thoughtful - photographer. Many thanks!
Looking forward to this James (as ever) but since I'm getting a chance to comment early, I'm damned well going to take the chance to say THANK YOU, for inspiring me to take my photography in a direction that really pushes me & out of my comfort zone. Along with Grainydays, you two have really pushed my urban photography eye along & I can't thank you enough. Right, back to the video. Cheers fella.
Can only agree with you there, maybe he sould do his interview format with Jason from GrainyDays... Would love to see that!
The only real CON, besides the price, obviously, and the fact that I would prefer lenses between 35mm and 50mm, is the lack of internal storage. It should have the same 256GB internal storage as the M11P. It's a great solution and every premium camera should have it.
If you ever need a dentist urgently, just look for a guy with a camera that has a red dot
As a dentist myself this comment cracks me up.
However I don’t have anything Leica, just Sony. I wonder if getting a Leica would make me a better dentist? 🦷
@@jeffmcquinn3430 I like to imagine the super secret dentist society is structured based on cameras owned; the upper echelons strut about with their Leicas, but they all bow down before the Grand High Dentist - the owner of a PhaseOne.
@@jeffmcquinn3430I wonder if having a Leica would make someone a Dentist.. Seems cheaper than all that schooling.
@@gshocker77 are u sure about that / how much is the noctliux again?
I’m on minimum wage and I own a Leica. You just need to save hard….. no excuse.
Recent Q -> Q3 user here. The touch focus issue and the switch to video mode issue i've hit a few times. One thing not mentioned is the easy of use. It's a set and forget deal with this camera allowing you to focus on aperture, shutter, iso and focus. I've found with this camera my composition has improved because i'm not messing about with settings / menus all the time. All the important stuff is at your finger tips and the menu system pretty much stays untouched. Lens is a masterpiece and it produces really impressive images. Mostly sit in 36MP but can boost to 61MP when it matters.
It's a great travel camera and I suspect that what a lot of people will use it for. If you have other requirements that you get from a professional camera (Sony/Nikon/Canon et al) I guess it just seems overpriced and pointless. But for the average amateur photographer like me it's perfect.
The accidental switch to video can be avoided by reassigning the function buttons. Look it up
@@jeffchastain2977 Yeah i did that but it's still possible to switch it by accidentally swiping across the screen left to right. Admittedly happens less often but still occasionally.
Great work by the camera assistant so far. Even got his own camera now 😊
yup, found you last week and I'm now obsessed with your videos and your photography... how are you this good LOL
The photos coming out of the camera looked "natural" but "better," if that makes sense. They were a joy. Appreciate your musing on the camera body which come from you actually using it, as it should be. Loved the music. Watched the video twice, just for the music. The brilliant "human nature" photos weren't bad, either.
full time wedding photographer shooting 70+ weddings a year and I cant live without my q3, I use it alongside two sony a1's and its an absolute world beater. I wasn't a fan for the first month but christ you learn to absolutely love it.
70+ a year, my dude how do you get time to do anything else?!
@@thejerrycliffYou know most people work something like 230 days a year?
@@Kids11111 and that would be an average of 3.2 days per wedding, considering you’re spending 1 day taking the photos that’s 2.2 days to cull thousands of photos, edit and deliver to the client whilst prepping for the next wedding… that sir sounds like hell.
@@thejerrycliff That sounds like any other job though. I thought guy who go into photography do so because they like this stuff?
@@Kids11111 better ask him, not me, I prefer relaxing 24/7 lol
You should have your own podcast or TV series, it's just great listening to your honest opinions on stuff with these tangents and example images. You're really nailing this video format better than anyone else on RUclips.
Nice to watch another video! Great as always, really like your style. I have brought all of your presets. It would be wonderful if you can upload a video of how you post proccesing your family photos. Regards from Spain!
Thanks for this review. refreshingly different to what you usually hear about Leica. Even Leica users complain about the 28mm lens, but it is what it is and I love my Q3 which accompanies my extensive Nikon equipment. For me the reason to buy was: Same picture quality as my Nikon gear, but very small and I have it always with me, since it even fits in a decent handbag. What you forgot to mention which is a real treat on this camera: The Macro modus, which is surprisingly great. It was a not a reason to buy the camera but I use it quite often since I love Macro Photography and it does extremely well. Yes the 28 mm has its limitations, I would have preferred a 35 mm lens, but you learn to adjust and you can crop the s*** out of these 60 megapixel images. I take it absolutely everywhere, since there always might lurk a decent picture round the next corner, even when you are not out shooting on purpose. With the thumb grip it's easy to hold, light enough to sit at your side all day and an utter joy to use and the image quality is simply great. Whenever you mention you own a Q3 every other photographer immediately tells you that you could have bought this and that combination that delivers the same results, is as small and costs a fraction. Often they have to bend the truth a bit about the comparability, but that shows that nearly everyone gets into the "Leica is overpriced shit" mode immediately., regardless of its merits. Leica polarizes, I do not care. I tried it, it fits exactly the blank spot in my equipment and I never regretted coughing up the money for it. I am not a Leica fan girl, Nikon will always be my favorite brand, I am not in for any other Leica cameras, but the Q3 is just great.
I finally caved into buying one with the Q2 Monochrome, a decision that I delayed for a long time. Since having it - it has exceeded my expectation in every way, that sensor is special - images are amazing, and so much adjustment possible with the raw files. Yes it's a fixed lens, but that has also helped me - I just grab the camera and use it much more as a result. Expensive - without question. Anyway thanks for having this video James, always wonderful to hear your honest opinions. Will look forward to hearing more when you get the Q3 43mm in your hands which should be your preferred focal length.
Never heard anyone hate on this camera. It’s a Leica which means it’s a nische camera and obviously not for everyone which definitely comes across in many reviews. But I don’t think anyone hates on the camera. That would be like hating on a sports car because you don’t need one.
Leica needs to move forward. Nikon and Sony leave them in the dust.
@@r423fplipSony is PC. Leica is Mac.
@@r423fplip Leica moves in the way they wanna move. They aren't concerned with the specs, speed etc... that's not their schtick. And the people that shoot on them shot on them for those non spec reasons. So in the dust or not it doesn't matter.
@@r423fplip Leica has never had the intention to beat Nikon or Sony. Why would they? They make expensive niche products, that differs from the great, but boring cameras out there. Today it really doesn't matter if you buy a Sony, Canon or Nikon. All great cameras that gives you great results. And they all handle the same. They even take the same Sigma and other third party lenses. Leica M and Q are different. What's not to like? Hopefully the world still has room for other things that big companies provides.
Great review. One thing though. So many RUclipsrs, and other reviewers, make one mistake when testing the Q, in my opinion. They shoot it like they would have shot it with their normal 35 or 50mm lens. Next time try to shoot the Q from another angle than you would normally have chosen. Go closer. The magic with the Q lens starts when you get close. And you start using the leading lines from angles that you would not shoot with your trusty 35-50mm lens you know so well. To me the Q lens just is so creative to play with.
I get it. You are a landscape photographer. And a good one. But I really don't think that the Q series is for this genre. It can be, but so many camera systems are better for that. For me the Q (I only have the old Q) is my most creative camera. Close to the fantastic Ricoh GRIII, but with an even more fantastic lens and sensor. But in a bigger package than the GR.
I would agree with a lot here. I picked up the Q2 a couple years ago while in Seattle. It is def not the perfect camera. It has quirks for sure and there are things you expect when dropping this much money. You assume for that price you get it all, but you don’t. In many ways it makes no sense to spend this money on one and I don’t recommend many people to get one. I was at a point where mine and my wife’s business was doing very well, we had the income, it was our 10 year anniversary and it was a nice gift and one I still treasure. I knew going into this the Q would not change my life, but I do enjoy the camera, I take it everywhere, I capture lots of family memories, it’s a great conversation piece.
10:15
Hi, Leica Brand Ambassador here. Your hunch is correct, the only way to make the Q as small as it is, is by removing all aspects of an interchangeable mount. It would not have been possible to achieve that size if it was, say, L mount.
I just thought I would mention that I think and just my opinion that the lens is fixed for autofocus purposes. I can't think of another F1.7 autofocus lens camera combo that is this small. Great video and as a Q2 owner I would agree that I almost always grab a 50mm when I am traveling as well.
Couldn't care less about the camera, but images were great, James, particularly how you adapted to 28mm.
Absolutely love my Q2 Monochrom! Not as portable as my little GR3 but 100x better to shoot with and feels superb. Perfect - no. Overpriced - yes. Does it put a huge smile on my face and produce brilliant images - yes!
But the GR is so much more portable. I can take my GR almost anywhere anytime. The Q is just to bulky for what it is. If I want to carry a camera that big I take my Fuji X-Pro1 or X-T2-4s. But tastes and use-cases are different.
Not as versatile as the GR3.
@r423sdex depends what you mean by versatile? GR3 is smaller but zero weather or environment sealing and mine is full of dust. The rear LCD is totally useless in the sun and no EVF, so composition is literally just a guess, and you can't change the font sizes etc so if you need glasses then using the LCD is a nightmare. None of that with a Q. I still carry my GRs all the time but they are nowhere near as good to use.
I have no problem with dust, I use it in the rain. Image stabilisation and stellar lens equals cracking sharpness, and I can by five for the price of the Leica. And I can shoot black and white and colour.
@@r423fplip image quality is not the same as a q, sorry its not. I have shot both. Loved the gr3 at first. but after awhile it just got old. I am using an a7cr now and the image quality puts the gr3 to shame. It's not even a comparison. In fact idk why the gr3 even comes up so much.
Love hearing your take, James. As a former 35mm lover I’ve recently fallen for 28mm as my fav length for what I shoot so it’s nice to hear your opinions. All the best!
Was ready to pick up the Q2 after years of using Canon and more recently Fuji systems. But at the same shop I also tried the Nikon Zf and immediately fell in love with it. To me it feels more solid then even the Q. And like you James I'm not a fan of the 28mm wield of view. If the Q came with a 35mm or 40mm I'd probably have one already.
The Zf is such a nice design
not sure if I understood why I didn't love 28mm, but I think you hit the nail on the head. To add to it, you try to fit everything in the frame, but it just doesnt (like 24mm). 40mm is my sweet spot.
they've just made Q3 43
Agreed - that thing about the Q3, that it's basically no more portable than an interchangeable lens camera, means that the lack of flexibility doesn't really come with any inherent bonus (that you do get with, say, an X100). I guess it's technically cheaper than buying a Leica M, so maybe it's really targeted towards the customer that would buy an M11 with only one lens.
it really is more portable though... especially compared to Nikon/Canon Fullframe cameras... the only thing that comes close are the Sony A7c and Panasonic S9
Not being tempted to carry more lenses = much more portable. If you are into cameras, I am sure you’ve been through that temptation.
@@jsoros8086 not really? Why would you carry more lenses? If i shoot on the streets i have a 40mm on my camera... if i shoot wildlife i have my 600mm on there... i'm not gonna need a 40mm in the wild... i'm not gonna need a 600mm or any tele when i'm on the streets... when i do portraits shoots i have a 85mm on there...
I finally rented a Q2 - not too long ago. OF COURSE, I took some of my favorite family photos and enjoyed working through making wide angle compositions with plenty of room for cropping. It’s almost too big for a daily kit, but then again it’s not! It still leaves me thinking about it months later. The quality build doesn’t go lost on me - I even bought a Fuji Xt-50 to scratch the itch and ended up returning it. Just didn’t feel good in hand, but somehow the Leica did - mostly. Anyway, I don’t know. If this was $3k, I’d probably own it. 🤷♂️
Great video. Thank you, James! Love my Q2 and Q2M!!
What strap is that?
Excellent video, your photos are simply incredible! I’d love to know what kind of strap this is too? Thanks in advance
I've had a Q2 Mono, for almost 3 years now. I love it. Its my second favorite digital camera. Also I have recently really had fun throwing an R72 IR filter on it to do IR photography (very long exposures). Great Video!
Wow, from the video title I was not expecting it to be the Q3. I did a huge amount of research on the Q's as I owned a Q2 and now a Q3. I have got rid of all my Sony cameras and lenses and now only shoot at 28mm on the Leica Q3 and Ricoh GRiii and for me it's been a great move, but photography is not my job either. I certainly have never come across the Leica Q series as being labelled as the most hated camera!
Had my Q3 for a few months now and I love it! You can reconfigure any of the dials and buttons to do anything you want so there’s no need to switch to video. And you can crop to 35, 50, 75 and 90mm whilst getting 60 MP (IF you choose to!) so that’s not an issue and wasn’t mentioned that I heard anyway. At least he liked the lens. There’s nothing about my Q3 I don’t like in terms of what it produces. It’s awesome. Just my opinion.
A little late to the party this time with my usual comment but had to have been a great day when a new james popsys video came out.
I just received my Leica Q3 two weeks ago. I've been out the last couple of days shooting with it doing city shots. I am shooting documentary style shots, not street photography. So I want more in each shot. I love this camera. I also have a Nikon Z9, and a Canon R5. I use each for different types of photography. The Leica files are beautiful. I shot a gathering for a marathon, 68 people. I walked through the gathering of people prior to the run and was able to get great shots quickly with very little effort. And easily did a group shot. I don't mind cropping when necessary. Starting with 60 MP makes cropping images a breeze without losing quality. Love the camera!!
I had the original and the Q2 and I agree. Ergonomics are bad, it's too heavy for what it is, the 28 isn't a 28 ... And the Q3 added more questionable features like the pins on the bottom for a wireless charger at the cost of wrapping the SD slot door around the tripod mount. (9:00) Or the tiltscreen rucksack that looks worse than some homemade camera mods. Or the purely cosmetic threaded shutter button which will not work with a cable release.
This Leica is not "the essentials", it is "the gimmicks".
The one lens one camera idea, is something to embrace if you are thinking about a fixed lens camera. The Q series to me is a perfect idea in tight cityscape, urban scape locations for day or night. Of course you can just put your 24/35/40/50 on your camera body and off you go.
I think the Color Science, Leica science in creating the image look is what people really like and the more “handmade” thought unlike a designed by Leica, made in China models. The lens is magnificent. Just look at other brands f1.7 lens. My Sony 20mm f1.8 is brilliant in tight streets of Tokyo. There are a lot of f1.7, 1.8, 2.0 primes to choose from.
I love my Q3! I’ve only just got my hands on it, but so far it’s been a joy.
I actually really like your photos at 28mm a LOT.
But I also just really enjoy your work.
Good to see Emily again! I can't believe Noah is so big now! I really enjoyed the images. Safe travels sir!
Your thoughts, observations and overall experience of a camera are far more useful than a load of data and images of brick walls 😊
Great video! Have you tried the Sony Rx1rii ?
I sold mine recently. It looks tiny (and it is) but the lens was always always getting caught on stuff when I used it. As a tiny girl with tiny hands, the buttons were still too small even for me to feel comfortable with it.
A few months back during the cherry blossoms I was out taking photos with my GF using my Sony A77ii, and this guy walks up and hands me his Leica Q2 and asks me to take some photos of him and his wife.
It was my first time ever holding a Leica and I have to say it was damn impressive. The build quality of the camera and the quality of the EVF is what I noticed in the brief 15 seconds I held it.
You must look like Papa Smurf for some stranger to hand you a $4K camera (today's used price) and trust you to not just take off with it.🤪
@@kualilo im 6'6" and look like a happy stoner, he probably wasn't worried about me. Portland has much scarier folks than myself.
You could try an oldie but a goodie the Sony RX1R II for another camera built around a lens. I do enjoy using my copy.
Great video, bizarre title. I have a Q3 and it’s hands down my favourite camera I’ve ever owned. Shoot Sony for weddings and the Q3 for me, but increasingly the Q3 is coming to weddings now too.
I’ve never heard anyone hate on it though.
Thank you for an honest opinion! Why I keep coming back.
I own a Q3. Shot a lot with it. And I understand exactly what you mean. This should have been a L-mount camera. And Leica should make small compact > f1.8 af lenses. No one would buy a sl or m camera again.
I went for an alternative fixed lens full frame camera, a Sony RX1r. This has a 35mm lens and is a lot smaller than the Q series. It’s also got a stunning Carl Zeiss lens on it too!
I love your honest appraisals. I have a similar problem with my Q3 - I am not a 28mm shooter and am getting used to shooting with the Q3.. This year 30% of my shots are in the 40mm range and 27% are in the 50mm range. Only 5% were in the 28mm range. I bought this for travel where only 13% of my shots this year are in the 28mm range. However, I love the camera's images. Like you, I am not a fan of the big lens and relatively heavy mass. Conclusion is that the Q3 is only a temporary addition to my kit. It will be replaced by the D-Lux 8 or Q3 40mm whichever arrives at my door first. Cheers.
You make some excellent points. One argument I have read for this camera is that the lens compares well to M series lenses and thus, the argument goes, you are getting a free camera body for the price of a high-quality lens. I don't think this really works as an argument as I don't feel that Leica lenses are all that much better than lenses offered by other manufacturers. And before anyone takes umbrage at this statement, I can say that I have used Leica L-mount lenses and compared their output to equivalent Nikon Z-mount lenses and found there to be almost no difference.
You might've mentioned it before, but Essential Elements by Edward Burtynsky is another exceptional collection of work around the Human Nature concept and I'm sure you'd love it, if you haven't seen it already.
I had no idea people hated it so much. I sold my Canon 5D kit & L glass to fund a Q2 Monochrome.
I know people hate that version because “it only shoots b&w” but I absolutely love my Q2 mono. The low light capabilities alone, made losing the ability to shoot color, worth every penny. I don’t know of a better low light camera than the Q2 mono
I bought a Q3 last fall, and the Q2 Monochrome is my next and possibly my last camera purchase. Then I will begin selling all my other gear.
I have the Q2 and love it 🙂
Absolutely love my q3! I’m a canon shooter for work but needed something smaller for travel hiking etc and … I’m hooked.
I recently purchased a used Q2M. I agree about the right hand dial being a bit awkward to use, though I'm slowly getting used to it. I soon got used to the 28mm view and don't think anything of it as I quickly got used to it and now automatically know roughly where to stand to get the framing I want. It's a fab camera to carry around once you're used to the feel of it.
I think you’re generally right that the lens (and sensor) are excellent and the body is less interesting, but one thing you didn’t mention is the software. The mobile app for this camera is essentially a triumph. The geotagging works, it always connects first time, takes seconds to download massive raw files etc. Massive game changer for your workflow.
It's a fair personal assessment about the Q3. Obviously no one camera is for everybody and this is no exception. The clicickbait heading though is questionable in my opinion.
A used Panasonic GX85 and 15mm f1.7 does the same job as this camera, same aesthetic, but is lighter, smaller, more discrete, less of a target for thieves, gives you lens options and at 1/10th the price.
The most hated camera in the world as you put it, was sold out after launch and people were on a waiting list to get one. Due to the high resolution, the camera ticks many boxes except sports and wildlife which it wasn’t designed for. The best camera is the one which inspires you to go out and take photos! I personally don’t like think about which lenses to take with me and just grab a camera and go.
I’ve been using Canon cameras since 1974. Got my first Leica this year and totally blown away by the Leica. Still love my Canons but the Leica really is a grab and take with you camera. Opinions from a nonprofessional, retired factory worker.
Hi James, where did you get the jacket you're wearing in the Faroe Islands from? Thanks.
I don't know why people complain about the price of this camera. My Sony A7R5 and 1 lens, when bought new a year ago was almost the same price as my Q3. Hate it, love it. The Q3 is the only full frame 60MP, fixed body, with high quality glass on the market today. The fact that it is hand built by Leica just makes this camera even more special. And knowing that I will be able to get most of my money back should I decide to sell it down the road is an added bonus. "The most hated camera in the world" is not being truthful to your viewers and highly borders on the category of "click bait" at best.
Been watching you for years, but this is quite misleading. Sure, like every other camera out there, some will hate it, some will love it... all based on personal experiences. Stay honest.
And it's better. You can change lenses.
@@r423fplip Only better IF you want to change lens. Let's just say that I used to be where you are. Someday, you may become me and don't want to change lenses anymore. 😆
@@kualilo agree with your initial statement and your follow up comment. I used to have the best mirrorless + couple of lenses + tripod etc on a hiking trip. lets just say it gets old really fast
Killer video. I haven’t been here in a while. Ive been missing the fun!
As to the lens being fixed… I haven’t seen a cutaway Q series, but I have for the x100 line, and the lens is built deep into the body, very little space between it and the sensor. This is partly enabled by the leaf shutter instead of needing space for a focal plane shutter. As a result, there’s a huge optical design difference between the x100 lens, and the X-Mount Fuji 23/2.
Certainly, there could be a 50mm Q, similar to how there are two GRiii versions. I think it’d be amazing if someone did a legit 45-50mm compact. While the old Canonet QL17 was a 40mm, many other similar fixed lens rangefinder cameras from that era were 45/1.7 lenses, and I think that’d be really sweet as an option. All the other fixed lens cameras are wide angle offerings, or crop sensor with darker apertures. An actual 45mm f/1.7 with leaf shutter and maybe built-in flash would be a shallow DOF beast in the world of compacts. Some of that is a pitch to the Instagram influencer crowd, but if it gets the camera made, I’m fine with that.
Another “why don’t they make it” question: why isn’t there an L-Mount mirrorless that’s more “rangefinder-style” with a Q-like slim body, EVF on the side, and physical shutter speed dial. The SL series are mostly “SLR-like” with a central viewfinder and pronounced grip. There’s nothing wrong with that, but both body designs have fans. It’d be a Panasonic S9 done right.
I feel like this was such a refreshing opinion piece on the Leica Q. I’ve shot with one, I’ve held one, I’ve felt that quality density that really makes you say “wow”. Heck, I even love 28mm as a top 3 focal length. But yeah, it’s not for me. I’ve debated renting this camera several times for a few fun photo trips. But it all comes down to it being too big to be compact and too limited to be the only camera I can take. So when I consider that, I just bring my Fuji X-T5 and 18mm or my X-100VI. I certainly acknowledge the quality drop off, but they certainly are fun cameras and great optics. I love the idea of a camera that will last over a decade and wear the bruises well. But it’s just too much money for me to purchase when it’s not something I love completely.
James great review. I am lucky enough to have had a Q2 for over two years and now have an M10R as well - this I think suggests that I too have found the limitations of the Q, which many other Q owners have found and have got them on the road to M-series. Love both systems, not because they are Leica's but love the images and user experience. I do understand they are not for everyone and that there is quite a negative vibe around the "red dot" - probably as they are quite expensive. They do hold their value quite well so this should be a consideration.
I've had other competing cameras i.e. X-Pro2 and X100F but the images I have taken with the Leica's are much better (not sure if its the camera, sensor or me).
Having said all of that I have a Nikon FM3a which I am planning to use for a few months whilst in the UK (can't face the trauma of taking film through airports) and I'm curious what I'll be able to get out of my PlusTek scanner/PS set-up. I'm hoping I'll be able to improve my technique, exposure and composition. Everyone to his own.
This was the first episode of your I have seen and I am now subscribed. Very good indeed.
6:10 I feel like that transition should have been to you in your swimmers 😆
Videos like this are medicine for my gear acquisition syndrome. And what you said about the pairing vs the M or SL system is what I think might be the deal, also.
What is the black sling bag you’re using outside?
Im just scared to take it with me. If it falls or gets stolen, well... 6250 EUR
Put camera insurance on it!
@@frits1463 yeah, i am insured, and i have never had anything fall and break or not stolen but still, Ive other cameras...
have been shooting on Leicas and Hassleblad on location for over 5 decades... haven't had a camera stolen from me... theft is not as common as people make it out to be... and a Leica (especially without a rangefinder that can get misalligned) is very durable to falling... might get some scuffs but who cares
@@LoFiAxolotl yeah, i live in a relatively safe country and am not prone to accidents, it should be used indeed :)
@@jackschrier3717 exactly! What's the use of a camera that's not being used! The Qs are hell of a lot of fun to shoot with... it's a very different feel than all the cameras that look and act like the 5D did 20 years ago
The Q3 has a lens that afaik extends very close to the sensor, as do other fixed lens full frame cameras like the Zeiss ZX1 and Sony RX1(R/RII), so close that making an interchangeable lens version with a focal plane shutter would be extremely difficult. They may also have optimised microlenses on the sensors but that isn't something that is easily verifiable. Even though the lenses on all of the cameras I mention are relatively large for fixed lens cameras, theyre not very big by comparison to high quality AF lenses with comparable focal length and aperture that can cover full frame sensors. These cameras all use leaf shutters (which sit inside the lens, rather than between the sensor and the lens). Inyerchangeable leaf shutter lenses are less durable and more expensive than lenses without shutters integrated, so building a Q camera with interchangeable lenses would mean either (a) expensive and fragile leaf shutter lenses only useable on the Q system (b) lenses designed around a focal plane shutter meaning larger size for comparable optical quality, with louder, less stable shutters or (c) stacked or global electronic shutter sensors with lenses without a leaf shutter (way more expensive to procure the sensor, compromises in terms of dynamic range and low light performance). For a boutique camera company like leica, who offer two other lens mounts (M and L mount), introducing a third lens mount with leaf shutters would probably not be a great idea, and while i think they should eventually make an L mount camera with the styling of a Q or M camera, would still neccessitate compromises in terms of lens size, optical performance and shutter performance, unless they went electronic shutter only. The Q seems like a good compromise to me personally, though I can understand why someone would baulk at the price for a fixed lens camera. I think Sony revisiting the RX1 series would be a good thing as they produce the sensors and no doubt have large engineering teams working on sensor development and procurement advantages that might make option (c) much more feasible without compromise
Still love my Q2 monochrome.
Never have bummed into the problems you’ve mentioned.
The grip in these types of cameras (Qs, X100s, Ricoh GRs) is always a pain if you want somehow to rest your fingers or have a better grip of the body.
I would really like you to test the SONY RX1R II
Its a lot closer to your focal length preference (35mm f2)
And since I trust your judgement so much, a review from your side will be very very interesting
The Q2 and Q3 are easily my favorite cameras. I’ve started to use them for personal work, but often also use them in the studio. That 28mm Lux is so incredibly good, that it alone justifies the price for me. I own a Q2M and a Q3. If Leica ever decides to make a Q with a fixed 50mm lens I’d probably buy that too and get rid of a lot of other gear. These are also perfect for mixed light situations. With their leaf shutter, they sync up to 1/2000th and give great flexibility mixing flash and natural light.
Cameras have so much digital correction going on, it's difficult to know what's optical excellence and what's electrickery. The advantage of 28mm and 24mm lenses is less about squeezing more stuff in around the edges, and more about keeping the near and far stuff in focus.
Computational photography has nearly obviated the value of high end lenses and sensors. With one click of a preset, I can take an image from my Lumix FZ5 and produce high end results
@@ChadWilson Very true. LUTs will do the same thing for output. You will be able to have any camera you want from the camera you already own.
@@ChadWilson With that said, no one will need to even have a camera a year from now. AI will create all the pictures we will ever need. Just imagine, and it is so. The end of photography is near. Sell all your gears now. 😛
@@kualilo, I think there is a camera that does that now
Some amazing photos 👍🏻. I particularly like the reds and greens…
I like your content, but damn is this a clickbait title. Saying this about a camera which is always sold out lol
Lots of things are popular and also disliked by different groups - look at politicans… it’s rare for a camera to evoke emotions in the way the Q series does though…
Kind of blows my mind that people have read up on this camera and not seen the critisicm.
@@JamesPopsysPhoto I know the "controversies" about this camera, it's a Leica which has its lovers and haters. I can't deny there's criticism about this camera. But saying "The Most Hated Camera in the World" is simply clickbait, which seems so unlike your honest, pleasant & calm video style.
Yeah… these titles make me roll my eyes so hard ugh
@@samgerersgot you to click *and* engage.
@@cowslawand you.
Hello brother. Could you please tell me what strap are you using? I remember you mentioned it somewhere in your videos before but I can't find it now. Thanks!
That's my daily drive you are talking about now ;-) My Z8 for big work but for my pocket for Street and for a backup its simply a dream. Is it too expensive, probably. Is it an amazing little camera - yes
Hey James, have you ever used a canon camera?
I'm not a Leica user but I think I get it because I once spent $5k+ on a Grand Seiko Spring Drive (priced on the low end for a premium watch) because I appreciate the accuracy, quality and craftsmanship that goes into each hand-made watch. I still own it but it sits in my watch drawer since retiring from business, only taking it out from time to time to admire it. My daily watch is now an Apple watch because I like and need the wide-ranging functionality it offers.
Owning one I agree on the video-mode thing. It should be possible to disable video completely on this camera. It's not where you buy it for.
chunky lens! have you seen the size of a FF 28mm f1.8 lenses for Sony, Nikon Canon etc?
Cannot wait to see the James Popsys collaboration / book project with Cole Thompson (a B&W photographer who creates lovely photos of the Faroe Islands). Seriously, I would loooove to see this. I would be first in line to purchase their book.
Lovely images. Have you ever considered a graduated ND filter James? Surely there are some days in the UK that don't feature a featureless overexposed sky.
So James, will you be getting the rumored Q3-43?
I’ll be incredibly tempted if it transpires it’s a 43mm APO 😬