What I Learned Using The Leica Q2 For A Week

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  • Опубликовано: 20 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 62

  • @RandumbTech
    @RandumbTech 7 месяцев назад +9

    Thumb grip and hand grip would completely transform the ergonomics for you. The Q2 is my most used camera and I own several. It speaks to me. But if it’s not your jam, that’s cool.

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  7 месяцев назад +1

      I was wondering about the thumb grip, but didn't have one to try. And yes, totally agree that it's totally cool to not connect with certain products. It doesn't mean it's bad, it's just not for me. Enjoy your Q2!

  • @markytyz6753
    @markytyz6753 7 месяцев назад +16

    I sold my Leica Q2 for the SONYA7r4 and a bundle of lenses. I was happy. It didn't have the design of the Leica but I dismissed this as having bought into the Leica hype. However, I recently went through my albums and the difference in colour etc between my old Leica photos and the Sony were noticeable. So I have re-purchased it and am so pleased.

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  7 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks for sharing! Did you get rid of your Sony gear to go back to Leica?

    • @markytyz6753
      @markytyz6753 7 месяцев назад

      Hi,
      I sold my 100-400 lens initially. I haven't quite taken the plunge yet with the camera, but I will.
      I also bought the Sony rx100 v11 and I have had the rx10 for a while. I have been so impressed with the quality of the images from all three, even shooting a concert in low light.
      I am hoping I won't need a larger camera any more.

    • @tonypulido8127
      @tonypulido8127 Месяц назад

      I did the exact same thing, Leica Q2 to A7CR and lenses and switched back. The micro contrast on the Q2’s lens makes for a beautiful 3Dish effect on images.

  • @paulmakesvideos
    @paulmakesvideos 6 месяцев назад +5

    Thank for making such a thoughtful video. What I took away from your presentation is less about the Leica and more about how to think about what kind of camera one chooses and how personal a decision that is.
    Like you, I'm not a professional. I'm just an enthusiast who has also owned Sony. I now shoot with a Q2. Watching your video, I was thinking about my own experience with a Sony a7rII (I think that's what it was) and how that journey led me ultimately to Leica. Ironically, my considerations were the same as yours. I just drew different conclusions.
    I thought the image quality of my Sony was sublime. I produced many of my best digital images with it until recently. But, the full frame a7 and its lenses were big and heavy. And, the user interface was the most user unfriendly I ever encountered. I understand many of these issues, including size, weight, and UI are now much improved. And, Sony is a professional standard for good reasons. But, being an enthusiast for over 50 years, starting with film and wet chemistry darkrooms, I long for a camera that seemingly places less technology between me and my subject. But, I was looking for a camera that has image quality on par with my old Sony. That's what led me to the Q2.
    The stuff you didn't favor about the Q2's ergonomics are the same things I appreciate. I attribute this to my origins in film photography using old SLRs from the '70s that were shaped and built like bricks. That said, the limiting simplicity of those old film cameras was liberating. Leica understands the importance of that legacy.
    As I reach the point in my life where, to my dismay, I'm starting to qualify for senior discounts, I want a camera that forces me into the fewest compromises to meet my needs as a photographer. As you said, this is a very personal thing.

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  4 месяца назад +1

      Thanks so much for sharing your story and perspective. I share your value of simplicity and the camera "getting out of the way". This is probably why I love the Ricoh GRs so much. I find they let me simply be present and capture moments.
      After reading comments like yours I wonder if I simply didn't have enough time with the Q2. Maybe if I used it for a longer period of time I would connect with it more.

  • @Rtist1929
    @Rtist1929 7 месяцев назад +6

    The thumb grip really helps for the ergonomics!

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  7 месяцев назад

      Does it help with one-handed use or do you still use two hands all the time?

    • @Rtist1929
      @Rtist1929 7 месяцев назад +3

      Yes, it helps with one handed use but I tend to use both hands any way. I have the Sony a7iii and I use both hands too. But using a thumb grip for the q2 helps to carry the camera with one hand. It took some time to get used to the shape of the camera because it did feel like it was going to slip out of my hand without the thumb grip.

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  7 месяцев назад +1

      Very helpful to hear that. Thanks for sharing!

  • @adventure_photo
    @adventure_photo 2 месяца назад +2

    I appreciated hearing your insightful thoughts on the camera. I think my Sony A7CR is my Leica! Along with some Zeiss and Voigtlander lenses. Very happy with that setup but the Leica hype is real!

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  2 месяца назад +2

      The A7Cr and some primes is an amazing combo. Enjoy and thanks for watching!

  • @paultaylorphotography9499
    @paultaylorphotography9499 7 месяцев назад +2

    Appreciate your honest considered thoughts on the Q2. I shoot many brands and formats for work and pleasure I love most if not all of them, and having used a Q2 for almost 2 years now I can honestly say it is the camera I would choose if only one camera and lens were available to me. I love the ergonomics, I use no thumbs up or grip, not even a half case, although one would be nice, I find it fits my hands like a glove, I'm sure the more you use it like anything else the more you would get used to it. Initially I wasn't keen on the high iso files, I thought they were very noisy but they clean up so well in LR noise reduction. I have loads of vids on my channel featuring the Q2 and the Q, I would recommend either camera they are imho fabulous cameras with a lens to die for. 28mm I love it, the AF is fast enough for me I find switching to manual focus easy and the macro lens is a massive bonus. The images, to be honest I'm no pixel peeper at all, but there's something I can't explain it there is just something some extra quality I get out of the Q2. I'm no Leica fan boy it's my first Leica so I'm no brand snob, I just really can't speak highly enough about the Q2. Liked and subbed cheers

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  7 месяцев назад +1

      It's interesting how ergonomics and comfort are so personal. What's comfortable to one, is uncomfortable to another. Nothing wrong with that!
      I do wonder if my opinions would change if I was able to use the Q2 for longer than a week. Possibly, because I know a lot of people, like yourself, love it.
      Thanks for sharing your perspective. I'll def check out your Q videos 👍

    • @paultaylorphotography9499
      @paultaylorphotography9499 7 месяцев назад

      @@shawn.hickman true mate I have a few cameras the one I have issues with is the RB67 lovely results but man if it had wheels I could drive it. Yeah the Q series is amazing like I say my first shot with it I was gutted such an expense and waiting decades to justify the price then to see an image soooo noisey it was a let down but I soon learned how to get the best out of it actually still learning but loving it every day

  • @stephenspiteri_zunkus
    @stephenspiteri_zunkus 27 дней назад

    Thanks for being honest and helping us keep our feet on the ground. I have also been secretly lusting on a Q3 but locally we don’t have an option to rent cameras. I work with Nikon Z9’s and then use an old Nikon D810 for street and travel photography with an old manual focus 35mm Ai f/2.8 lens. It’s light enough, not too bulky but is so ergonomically perfect in my hands. I debated with myself on getting this new Zf but when you try using it with light lenses there is nothing yet that feels good enough for it. Adapting old lenses with an adapter isn’t my thing as again, things become un-ergonomic with the lens extending out because of the adapter. The Zf has the same issues as the Leicas imo, it looks great but doesn’t feel great in my hands. It’s hard to hold and handle. To me at least. So we’re in the same boat.

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  12 дней назад

      Thanks for sharing! I haven't held a Zf yet, but I've seen a lot of people add grips which seems like it helps.

  • @bsmayerr
    @bsmayerr 7 месяцев назад +2

    I think in regards to ergonomics, the Leica Q and M cameras aren’t made for one-hand usage. In fact, your left hand is the one that will balance the weight and make it comfortable, much like vintage SLR/Rangefinder cameras.
    And it kind of makes sense if you think that the aperture ring is in the lens and a lot of people use Leica cameras with manual focus.
    It’s a matter of getting used to it I’d say.

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  7 месяцев назад +1

      That's a very interesting point and one I hadn't thought about. The way I use my Sony A7IV and Ricoh GR III has influenced my perspective on this quite a bit.
      I use the Ricoh one-hand quite a bit. I actually use the Sony with two hands, but often *carry* it with one hand. While holding the Leica Q2, I kept thinking how uncomfortable it would be to *carry* it in my hand for long stretches. Your comment has made me wonder that isn't the way it was designed.
      The day I took the Q2 on a walk, I had it around my neck and only picked it up (with two hands) to take photos. Thinking back, this was actually a nice experience. Maybe that is the ideal way to carry this thing around.

  • @stringerdj
    @stringerdj 4 месяца назад +2

    For a point and shoot camera I find the camera a great buy. I wear glasses but you can change diopter for your eyes. This is not a one handed camera and needs the left hand to balance.
    I don’t know how long you had a camera but it takes more than a week to get to terms with any camera in my opinion

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  4 месяца назад +1

      Totally fair point that a week isn't long enough. Would love to have more time with it.

  • @patrickhanly7458
    @patrickhanly7458 2 месяца назад

    This is a great review, thanks. I am a Sony A7rII shooter, all manual with Voigtlander lenses, and I am having great fun. Earlier this year, I picked up the Fugi x100v (bought used after the crazy prices dropped when they released the x100vi). I think you should rent that one and do the same kind of review! I would watch for sure.

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  2 месяца назад

      I've never used a Fuji before, but sounds like it'd be fun.

  • @Tekrel
    @Tekrel 7 месяцев назад +4

    You have delicate hands. You literally questioned that right as I was thinking it. No shame in that but I've handled the q2 a thousand times never thought any part was sharp.
    That aside on the image quality front I can only say pics around the house and walks in the park don't really show much difference . A point and shoot from 2010 would do that just as well and if anyone says they can tell which brand shot a flower in a field, they're lying . Traveling , photoshoots , super varied lighting is where the difference comes up.

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  7 месяцев назад +1

      Totally fair and thanks for sharing your thoughts. I probably should have aligned my rental with some travel to push my experience more. I totally see why people love this camera, even if it's not for me.

  • @hedydd2
    @hedydd2 7 месяцев назад +1

    You need the optional hand grip and thumb rest for comfortable long hand holds. I have one and for me the lens is just too wide at just over 24mm focal length. Yes, they claim 28 but I have tested it against several other cameras and lenses, both 24 and 28mm. I also have a Sony A7III and that is a far more versatile camera but not as satisfying to use. I really do prefer the menu system of the Q2 to any other although it could do with just one or two extra fn buttons. Like you I find the manual focus button awkward but maybe I don’t use the camera often enough. It is, for me, not my every day camera but almost a speciality/collectors camera. My workaday cameras are micro four thirds and even the Sony is underused.

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  7 месяцев назад

      Yea I bet the hand grip and thumb rest would really help. I agree that the menu system of the Q2 is better...than the Sony's, but I find most camera menu systems to be sub-par.

  • @vtcampbell
    @vtcampbell 6 месяцев назад

    Solid take. Nice.
    How do you normally use auto-focus? Single-point? Continuous?

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  6 месяцев назад

      It depends on the camera. On my Sony I use continuous, but on my Ricoh GR III I use single.

    • @vtcampbell
      @vtcampbell 6 месяцев назад

      @@shawn.hickman and on the Leica?

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  6 месяцев назад

      @@vtcampbell Single point

  • @AI3Dorinte
    @AI3Dorinte 8 месяцев назад

    thanks, my thoughts exactly!

  • @ArifKhan.
    @ArifKhan. 6 месяцев назад

    I wish they made a Q series wtih 35mm or 40mm F1.7...I tend to 'see the world' in that focal range. (and no, the artifical zoom in is not the same). Which is probably way I still gravitate to the x100 series or GRIII. Thanks for the honest review - was glad to see others shared some of the thoughts I've had about the Q. Sometimes we get blinded by a product, that while is no doubt fantastic, might not be the best option for our personal usecase.

  • @ambientjapan4k
    @ambientjapan4k 7 месяцев назад +1

    That's interesting - I tried the Q3 in the store and felt exactly the same about holding it... Just not comfortable.

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  7 месяцев назад +2

      Glad to hear it's not just me!

  • @sierragold
    @sierragold 6 месяцев назад

    Interesting, thoughtful video. I have several higher-end cameras: Fujifilm GFX 50r (medium format), OM Systems OM-1, and a Nikon Z7. I have many nice native lenses for each system and also a lot of vintage manual focus lenses that I use with adapters on all these cameras from back in the day when I shot film. Lately, however, I've had an OCD-like compulsion to purchase the Leica Q2.... all the hype has really gotten to me LOL-- but, I keep holding back because I'm not really sure if I would see any different image quality than the cameras and lenses I have now. Also, not so sure about the 28mm-- especially since it's more like a 26mm. I mainly shoot landscapes and historic towns in the area that I live, and the focal length doesn't suit landscape photography all that well except in specific compositions-- and I have several nice wide angles already that I use with my other cameras. I mean is the Leica Q2 lens all that magical? Maybe it is, but I've seen a bunch of images online and they just seem like normal photos-- not bad, but not outstanding. I've also seen some phenomenal images coming from the Q2... so this keeps me intrigued. Another issue is the only way I'd be able to afford the Q2 is to buy second hand, and then what if something goes wrong with it and it's out of warranty? From what I've read, repairs are costly. I'm on the fence and it's driving me nuts lol. I have also been looking at the Sony RX1R mark 2. I had the Sony RX1R a number of years ago and the images were stunning, but the handling was awful. I sold that camera to get into the Fujifilm medium format. Now that the Sony RX1R mark 2 has an EVF and twice the MP's I am seriously considering it as well. To be clear, I don't NEED another camera, but it's hard not to resist the hype.

    • @adrianobanak2824
      @adrianobanak2824 6 месяцев назад

      Colors and micro contrast on Q2 are on another level compared to any Sony camera.

    • @sierragold
      @sierragold 6 месяцев назад

      @@adrianobanak2824 Sony RX1R has a 35mm f2 Zeiss Sonnar T lens. Lots of micro contrast.

    • @adrianobanak2824
      @adrianobanak2824 6 месяцев назад

      @@sierragold i had Sony a7iii with Zeiss Loxia 35mm f2 and Voigtlander APO Lanthar 65mm f2 and pictures were always bleak, washed out and flat. There's no help for Sony images...they are amongst the worst out there, no matter what lens you put on it.

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  4 месяца назад

      One thing that I don't think I communicate well in my video is how much fun it was to *take* photos with the Q2. The shooting experience was very nice.

  • @KRHarden
    @KRHarden 3 месяца назад

    Do you put tape over the logo on your Sony a7IV?

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  3 месяца назад +1

      Yea, I liked the blacked-out look

  • @walkingmeditation61
    @walkingmeditation61 3 месяца назад

    I have the Q2 it needs the grip & thumb rest to complete the ergonomic connection, after which it feels like an extension of your hand. The Ricoh GR has no ergonomic connection yet you love it? Sony cameras have incredible AF with a convoluted menu system which makes for a horrible experience..So true the images a person gets is directly proportional to an individuals talent and skill set. The camera doesn't take better photos the photographer does. What's the process of your Sony taking it from AF to manual? you have to take the camera away from your eye correct? go into the menu etc.. you like that better? You have to hold the Ricoh GR with one hand there is no viewfinder it's the only way to use the camera. Your not an idiot, it was smart to rent one in the first place

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  2 месяца назад

      > I have the Q2 it needs the grip & thumb rest to complete the ergonomic connection, after which it feels like an extension of your hand.
      I've heard this from multiple people, but I personally didn't get to experience it. It is a bummer you have to buy extra things to make the ergos better though.
      > The Ricoh GR has no ergonomic connection yet you love it?
      I've found the GR to be really great in the hand. It is surprising based on how it looks, but the size/weight combined with the small grip and button layout make it very enjoyable to use for me.
      > What's the process of your Sony taking it from AF to manual? you have to take the camera away from your eye correct? go into the menu etc.. you like that better?
      I have a custom button set up to allow me to jump into manual focus without taking my eye off the VF. Works pretty well!
      > You have to hold the Ricoh GR with one hand there is no viewfinder it's the only way to use the camera.
      There are pros and cons to this, but I knew what I was getting into with the GR so no VF is ok most of the time.
      Thanks for watching!

    • @walkingmeditation61
      @walkingmeditation61 2 месяца назад

      @@shawn.hickman Leica does require accessories to make the camera ergonomic but if possible try the Q2 with the grip and thumb rest you'll love it
      I have gotten use to using the Q2 from AF to Manuel once you do it a while its second nature
      I think I feel the same way about Sony as you do with Leica the menu system is written by engineers very convoluted way more than what's needed for artistic photography I just to care for it.
      Ricoh GR is a nice pocket camera so different from the Q2
      Nice thing about Leica is they hold their value my Q2 is worth about 4 K after five years of use.

  • @f__e__e__l__e__e__p
    @f__e__e__l__e__e__p 5 месяцев назад

    GR is really cool, curious what the next one will be? :-) With Leica price, I like to think that you pay also for their employees being decently paid in Europe for their work, and we people, we are expensive, so here is the price ;-) Leica stores are also on another level, they do spend money on photography promotion a lot. What do you think about that ? 🙂

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  5 месяцев назад

      I have no issues with the price of the Leica at all. The reason I rented is to see if it would be worth it for me before making the large purchase.

  • @Johnny5tele
    @Johnny5tele 3 месяца назад

    A lot of complaints about one of the best cameras money can buy. If you owned the camera, you could buy a couple of accessories which would change the whole ergonomics experience in a second.

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  3 месяца назад +1

      I'd rather not have to spend an additional couple hundred dollars to improve the ergonomics of a $5-6k camera

  • @SergejHabsburg
    @SergejHabsburg 6 месяцев назад

    давай leica q3 обзор

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  4 месяца назад

      lol it wasn't available to rent at the time I got this

  • @unmecvrai
    @unmecvrai 6 месяцев назад

    For me nothing beats the colors of Leica m9

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  4 месяца назад +1

      I never used an M9 but I'll take your word for it!

  • @brianhart7581
    @brianhart7581 Месяц назад

    Curious to know if you think Sony has good ergonomics…because they don’t.

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  Месяц назад +1

      Ergonomics are so personal and subjective. For me, I really enjoy the ergonomics of the Sony A7IV & A7RV. They fit my hand very well.
      On the flip side, I've tried the A7C II and really didn't enjoy the ergos. Doesn't make it a bad camera, just not for me.

  • @christhomson2208
    @christhomson2208 5 месяцев назад

    Why didn’t you use a thumb grip or camera grip if it didn’t feel comfortable? Sounds like you’re in a minority.

    • @shawn.hickman
      @shawn.hickman  5 месяцев назад +1

      Those didn’t come with the rental I had, but I’m sure they would have helped.