After years of watching this channel, I finally broke down and got my dream travel camera - the Q2! Could not be happier, and i plan on having this for years! Thank you!!
Great video! I had the Q, then bought the Q2. Honestly, the Q is more than enough. It's an awesome camera. And as you conclude in your video, yes other cameras have their advantages. But at the end of the day, the build quality, industrial design, feel AND that incredible Summilux lens make a killer combo! Keep up the awesome work my man.
I bought a Q when it was first brought out, sold it to a friend who sold his to another friend of mine (he regretted selling his and pressured me to sell mine to him) fortunately the Q-P came out a few weeks later and I picked that up, I still have it. The one thing is that it introduces you to the Leica ecosystem and I saved to get 2 more, a SL2 and a Q2 monochrom reporter. A Leica enthusiast asked me why I didn’t try the M system, I told him I didn’t want to even try one as it was out of my price range to which he gifted me a M11 with a 50 1.4 lens. I love all of my cameras as they all fit a different purpose, I have a small saving just in case something else pops up. I am surprised to see a review of a 5 year old camera that is still relevant in todays world, but I guess that is one thing about Leica cameras.
While I watch this video, I have to say I don't think Leica envisioned how popular the Q cameras would be. It's really a highly capable camera and while I've only used the Q2, I feel like even when the Q3 is released, people can still pickup the Q2 and have a great experience and capture high quality images and enjoy capturing shots.
Its not only that you think that. It is exactly the case haha :D Leica already said that they were expecting 6.000 copies to be sold. But the demand was 10x higher :)
Jolly Old London! That was my first real trip with my Q back in 2017. I just checked all the photos I took, and... Yes! They still look, I believe the correct English term is, "bloody brilliant." A nearly perfect travel camera, and I took it back to Europe a few times, and on a bunch of trips in the US. Being able to switch nearly instantly from auto-everything to manual-everything (including focus!) instantly, or any combo of auto-this/manual that, without having to go into menus is great. I use that a lot! If I want to focus on something that has something else crossing in front of it, any autofocus system is going to lock on the thing in front. A quick flick of the focus ring and it's all, I believe the correct English term is, "sorted." No menu diving, I don't even have to look away from the viewfinder. Jolly Good Show! I got a Q2 in 2021, and it's even better. A couple of little things they added made a big difference for me, mainly the geotagging with the app on my phone. I love that for travel photos. The extra pixels made the 35mm crop more than the 24MP that my previous camera (X100S) had. With that, it's really the ultimate travel cam for me.
Great info on the Q series, great shots from Claudia (of course) and what a surprise to see you managed to spend some obviously quality shooting time with Alfred George Bailey. The smiles on your faces said it all...
Lovely. I’ve had mine for a week. I was looking at Fuji xf lenses in my local camera shop and saw a Q. With a Leica half case it was only £2275. I went in and looked. It’s 9/10 with all the bits except the strap. I left, thought and returned. Only used once walking around local town. The sharpness and colours are stunning. I never thought I’d own a Leica. So far it’s meeting all my expectations.
Outside of the bat studio where I do controlled, repeatable, near-minimum focus distance testing under protest - and our “out in the real world” super telephoto testing across the East River, all of our real-world testing is first and foremost for us (it is our personal work) - and as Claudia says, “the magic is in the edit.” 😊🖖🏻
@@3BMEP Thank you for the reply. Since in many vids the typical 'Leica colors' are 'hailed' I wonder how much of that is obtained in post. For me it is hard to notice that much difference between brands nowadays.
Bought a used Q 116 two days ago and already love it to take photos with it. Didn’t see the ooc shots in Lightroom yet but the feeling and handling taking photos with this camera is pure enjoy. Looking forward to my trip to Ireland in two weeks :)
Superb shots by Claudia, how about you Hugh? Have you ever had a chance to use a converted X Pro 3 monochrome by Arcadia? It would be interesting to here your thoughts.
From time to time I daydream about a used rangefinder style Leica but can never get over the price. The Leica Q is an interesting option to get into Leica for a "bargain" since it comes with the lens.
I bought a Q when it first came out and used it for years. It’s a spectacular machine. I sold it and got a Sigma fp with an L mount which allows SL glass to function perfectly. I can use M glass, and S glass albeit without aperture control- the exception being the 120 TS. The fp does require a more experienced hand than the Q, but the yield is greater. The fp can outperform an SL2-S in image quality. The fp uses the same battery as the Q- I have three. Things to watch out for with the fp are rolling shutter and indoor lighting. The AF is a little wonky, but the Q suffers as well on occasion. If you want a cool setup, try a Voigtlander 10mm on the fp and see what happens. Try any M glass for a small setup. Try an SL 16-35. Put the S 120 TS on the fp; results are wicked. As for the Q, if I had to give up my collection and only have one camera, the Q would be a very fine choice. OK, I still need a MF film camera….
I always knew that of the two of you, Claudia was the smartest…😂 My Q2 Monochrome has become my most beloved camera of all times. It’s almost always with me. A great combo with the SL2-S, with which it shares the batteries and the menu system.
I have a Q2. I bought it to be my travel camera. One small body, one lens. Auto focus. All, as in your review. I do mostly nature and architecture. I’m used to finding imagery that works with the lens I have, not the lens i wish I had. I also own a Sony R1R2. Nice but not as useful as the 28mm Leica. I will probably upgrade to a Q3 when it shows up, as I would like a ‘portrait lens’ which, for me is a 45 or 50mm and I’m assuming that the Q3 will have something like a 62 megapixel sensor. At that point my full set of Sony a1, plus zooms and primes will likely be history. Between my iPhone and AI, still photography may become fully conceptual and a camera, any camera, incidental.
Always a delight. Always engaging. Watching made me regret selling my X100V, but I quickly remembered it’s sale helped fund my recent Porsche purchase. Swings and roundabouts.
This video pops up on my feed and I recognize the guy from KEH I met just yesterday in Old Montreal, at a photo store. I got a fair price for the gear I sold, and it was a relief to let it go to a reputable store and not sell it online myself.
Lovely, informative video as always Hugh. Claudia’s images are wonderful. Your previous Q-views kept the Q-fam, if not top of mind, at least on the chess board, as did your CL review. I visited the Boston Leica store hoping to lay hands on the CL, Q-something and SL. Sadly, no CL on hand, but the death of Leica APSC efforts and looming disappearance of support had all but knocked it out already. Tried an SL-marvelous camera!-but, Gott in Himmel! I’d need a pack mule to schlep it around. (As was said in Lethal Weapon (repeatedly), “I’m too old for this sh*t!” Then the kindly Leica pusher-err, salesperson-smiled and handed me a Q2 Reporter. Heaven. Simply heaven.
Years ago, you where on the street with a tiny RX100VI or VII. I bought that thing for my private stuff and I’m just in love with it, as no one takes even care of it and you can use it wherever you are.
Hi Hugh - thanks for this insightful video. I'm weighing up the purchase of a camera getting back into street and travel photography - and have a loyalty to the red dot from back before kids and when life was more discretionary. Hoping for your opinion now 1 year on from this video - does the Q Typ 116 or Q-P offer the same value proposition vs. the forthcoming D-Lux 8 (which I'm on the waitlist for but tentative about given a used Q is essentially on par price wise in the current market). Any help massively appreciated.
Subbed. Laughed when you said “they won’t call it an X100vi - it’ll be the X100/6”. Many manufacturers don’t seem to choose nomenclature that assumes a production run of more than 5 years.
I got a great deal on a used Q about 6 months ago, after it having been my dream EDC camera since it’s release. I’ve been completely happy with it, and will likely never part ways with it. Such a dream to use, and the photos it takes have a certain magic to them. ✨
Been wanting to get Q2 for years... but not since I got X-H2 with 18mm 1.4 lens. Perfect travel/everyday set for me. You think it'd be limiting to not have zoom lens or multiple lenses, but in practice, it's liberating and you actually achieve more as you capture moments in creative ways.
I just spent two month traveling with one Q2 and an Insta360 for video. I thought I would miss but didn’t need more than one fixed lens camera. Personally I think Q has better color than Q2, and I wish I could find one. Anyhow, that beautiful Leica color makes my so so photography look better.
Nothing compares to the Q. It's not only in the build quality or the great performance. It's in the handling. IMHO, in this discipline, the Q also out stands the holy Leica M.
I always thought the 28 was too wide for me (I shoot with a 50mm) and that the frameline/crop on the Q was a gimmick but I recently tried one and was really impressed. Now I am waiting for the Q3 to see if the solve the battery problem, improve the autofocus and add weather sealing. Please, please, please....
Love the gorgeous images! I got a used Q in 2017 and have been reluctant to get rid of it for a Q-P or Q2. May consider a used Q2 at a decent price after the Q3 comes out but like Claudia, I've learned to work with what the camera gives me so I'm in no real rush. And FYI - I carry three batteries with it at all times. Usually can get through a day with two but one is a Lumix battery that doesn't have the same battery life as the Leica branded ones so getting another Leica battery became essential to not worry about running out of juice on long days.
QP I think is no advantage over black Q, in fact I prefer Q of the two. On QP buttons are clicky, just not as nice 'feel'. Q2, never has the experience!
It's very nice, Hugh, to see more of your and Claudia's (still) work in the recent videos. Just a quick comment on the alternatives to the Leica. As a historical and current user of many of Fujifilm's cameras, I did own an X-E4 but found it way too compromised compared to the X-T and X-H lines. One would really want to value compactness above all else to choose it.
Hi Hugh, absolutely love your delivery and content. this story was a treat, your dear wife sounds a hoot, (that's a good thing) ; )... about to get me a Leica Q, cannot wait. Cheers Hugh.
Great video, again. Love the images. I do have a Q2 which I love and have no reason to upgrade. Yours/Claudia’s mono images are the best desaturated monos from a colour sensor that I have seen on line, love the contrast and wish mine would come close to. Thanks for sharing.
The Q is my go-to travel camera now. It not only has given me so much joy in creating imgaes but also drawn many admirations and praises from others strangers.
It is five big ones already? Thanks for reminding and my Q is now in the garbage can. Seriously, the Q2 never presses my hot button since the Q adequately serves as my walkabout camera, supplementing my Z9. To avoid a busman's holiday, I'll take a P&S & 360 camera for traveling.
Awesome video and spectacular images. I bought the Q2 and stupidly fried the sensor after just 14 days. While the camera was away to Germany for repair I bought a used but damaged Q (the rear LCD doesn't function). In the three months the Q2 was away I absolutely loved the Q, I found it better at high iso, I found 24mp more than enough for me. I did miss the weather sealing of the Q2. Anyway the Q2 came back good as new I love it to bits, I will send the Q away for LCD repair and keep it as a damn fine back up, might even convert it for IR? Love the Q series.
I'm looking out for the Q-P ... need to buy one this year they're so hard to find. I'll have to check KEH (BTW ... I love these shots by Claudia... are they straight out the box)??
Hello Mr. Elephant. Sometimes when I take pictures I cannot get the sharpness of the things I want to capture at a wide angle in focus. Is this done manually when you’re out on the street? Thank you for the great review. The Leica is a beautiful camera. I have always wanted a Q but it’s out of my price range. I am glad you share pictures of your art. Thanks.
I use both autofocus and manual focus. Manual focus requires far more work, but as in the thumbnail I took of Claudia with an M11, it can be worth it. Too many variables for me to diagnose the particular challenge you’re having, but stick with it - and make sure you understand both field curvature AND depth of field. 😊🖖🏻
Thanks so much for this video. I'm planning a trip to Italy in October (Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Perugia, and the region of Molise), for which my Q2 is top of mind as my main travel camera. Any tips for ensuring that it makes it back home with me?
Other than making sure you DON’T decide you’re never coming home because you love Italy so much? Don’t look like a tourist - and carry an extra battery in your pocket! Enjoy!
@@3BMEP By way of follow-up, I did take my Q2 and my M11 with a 50mm and the 135 M-Tely to Italy (Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Perugia and my father's home town in Molise). I carried the cameras and lenses comfortably -- and safely -- in a small Lowepro Sling. Remembering your advice about the extra battery, I stopped into the Leica Store Firenze to buy one and came out with Q3.
Having gone back and forth between Q, M, Nikon, and both Sony RX1r variants, I can say that all of your statements are accurate, but the IQ from the RX1r2 and its magnificent 35mm f2 Zeiss Sonnar is nigh unbeatable. There is something freeing in simplicity, providing respite from unnecessary distraction. The Q (or an M) is great for that. The Sony as well... So long as you avoid the menus!
Nitpick, maybe the "hdr / clarity" value is a little high? Makes the frames look slightly less natural, perhaps the skies are darkened a little too much also. Nobody asked me, I know.
Bought a Q on a whim when I had my daughter. The most memorable shots I got were with that camera. I ended up selling it, and now I’m lugging around a Canon with all the best lenses. Problem is, it’s really inconvenient for day-to-day stuff. I want I Leica Q2 or 3, Fuji x100v, or the equivalent….. full frame preferred..but can we talk about how there’s no cameras to buy?😂
Claudia’s photos on this trip are lovely. I’ve toyed with the idea of a q, but an 8mp 50mm shot will only print 8x12. That might be fine, but I will be interested to know if she remains happy once the images are transitioned from screen to paper.
Yes, the Q3 may have the M11 sensor and that may mitigate the issue. Of course Claudia could simply slap on a muffin 28 on to her Z7 and have a small kit
Super video with some excellent points in favour of the Q range. Having used the Sony RX1R and been very impressed, I was motivated to purchase the Q2. I just love the ability to use the crop on the large sensor to get 35mm and 50mm combined with the excellent lens. The RX1R, with it mere 24MP performs almost to the same level and has the often unused 'digital 14:02 zoom' to provide 'lossless zoom' up to 75mm with the Sony clearimage zoom. Both great cameras
@3BMEP - I was lusting for a Leica Q for years - but I just got a Nikon Zf + 26mm f2.8. Am absolutely blown away by this camera/lens combo. Just thought you and other viewers might find this useful :)
I bought the Q. I just love it despite the fact I was never ever going to by a Leica as I just could never justify the price tag. I do apologise for our lacklustre and very showery British weather and yes I got the Little Britain, “ I want that one”. Oh and by the way, your good lady has a killer photographic eye. If I got the 47mp Q2 with those larger files I do believe “my computer says no”. I think you’ll get my drift.
Fuji X-T5 plus 18mm 1.4 and 33mm 1.4 and 56 mm 1.2 (bought all three). At least until the Pro4 comes. But I would like to get the Q3 one day. Alternative: Z7 II with 26mm Z Pancake.
Thanks for the excellent as usual video but frankly I need more reasons to help justify buying new Leica gear not more reasons why waiting for and paying for the latest version is stupid. By the way what is the name of the last song on your video. Thanks again
I complete;y concur with the idea that different controls etc can initially be very frustrating BUT if you persevere you get there. It's like that if I go back to my Fuji X100T from the V but when I've adjusted I love the images I get.
While a little larger and heavier than the Leica Q-P, but considerably smaller than the SL2, I would go with the Frankensystem: Nikon Z7II and the Leica Summicron-m 35mm f/2, keeping some of the benefits of each system while losing a few.
A P.S. for the 1st time ever, for me, RUclips had added a box to my Home Screen asking me to rate the video to “help improve RUclips for millions…” Not just a thumbs up but a choice from 1 to 5 stars. I gave it… to be continued next week. 😮😮😮
Wonderful and inspiring video and a nice break from my long bath in Z8 stuff. I'm going to put the 28mm f/2.8 lens on my Z7 and go street shooting in Buffalo, Wyoming. Quite different from England or Switzerland or Germany or Manhattan.
I got the Q last year. The Silver version. Oh what a mistake. My wife does not let me sell it. No way José. (yeah, one of my middle names is José). Its a beauty. Amazingly good looking. And not discrete at all for street. But yeah. I love it and use it. Usually when going out, will take it and one of the Fuji with a 56 1.2 or just a 35 f:2 as a complement. The Summilux 28.. 1.7 is no short of impressive. Razor sharp from 1.7. Extremely difficult to make it flare, other than the nice star effects. Some tips if I may. Cover the microphine on the top and on the back of the camera as there are reports off dust going inside all the way to the sensor. I believe they fixed it on Q2. Also, get a thumb grip. Helps a LOT. I do understand now why people say that the Q may as well make you want to move to Leica. I use the poors man Leica :) Fujifilm X100F, XE3 and X-T4. But if you ask me if I need to go out and take only one camera, I do pick the Leica first. Unless its bad weather. Then Its the X-T4 :=) Cheers
Kudos to Claudia's work! All great points Hugh, so difficult to choose between Q and M11 (both great respectively). I recently picked up 49mm to 82mm step up ring for Kase filters on my Q2 (game changer). As for another option Hugh, how about your SL2 with an M2L adapter using Voigtlander 28mm or 40mm lens? all fantastic gear which makes it hard to choose at times. Great video!
I use autofocus lenses on my SL2, from the APO Summicron SL 35 to a pile of Sigma DG DN I and Art primes - but they ARE much bigger and heavier than my M-glass!
I am heading to Germany and Austria in a few months. Instead of bringing my R6 + 50mm f1 2 + 135mm F1.8, I am thinking of getting used Q or Q2 and just go with that one....tough choice!
I would absolutely love a Q2 Monochrom, but even a Q in mint condition is hard for me to accept. Especially given that I bought my second hand Leica M10 for $3,200. I may pull the trigger on a M10 Monochrom to compliment my M10 and SL typ 601. Those cameras are older and have limitations but I’ve grown to love those limitations because they inspire me far more than a modern camera like a Sony A7IV or Nikon Z full frame camera. I may sound crazy but those limitations have made it possible to get my best shots. I’ve fallen absolutely in love with having limitations the past 6 months. So maybe my love for monochrome photography and limitations has slowly sparked persuasion in my mind to justify the purchase of a second hand Leica M10 Monochrom which the closest Leica store to me has a few in stock. So I’m glad to see how she was inspired by limitations of an older camera like the Q-P. Because I can completely understand and love seeing other people come to the realization that limitations can inspire you ❤ Ps. I absolutely love her black and white pictures, they’re just sublime 👌
I haven't meet a Q owner that doesn't either 1) own another camera, usually a Leica or 2) will own another camera, usually a Leica. It's not a camera for the light of pocket. Beautiful though.
I found a Q for well under $2k recently. At that point, you have to buy. With that lens attached? Come on! Of course, I love it. It's allowed me the thing which Sony never could: SOOC shooting. Leica app actually works. JPEGs are beautiful. Zone focus stopped down plus isolation opened up. As a digital painter by trade, I simply don't want to spend any more time in front of the monitor. The Q has gifted me with the opportunity to spend that time in the streets of NYC instead. I'll get a Q2 once day and finally have a forever body.. but for now, this little killer never leaves my shoulder.
Great video as always Hugh. I’ve had my Q2 for a year and a half or so, and absolutely love it. I’d been getting frustrated at it of late, the AF when I’m using it with my kids- made me wanna sell it. Then- they update to 5.0 and introduce Eye AF, which although is never as good as my Sonys, is really, really good. I’ve no need to update to a Q3, however I’ll be interested in what they do. A flip screen, better AF, and I’d be very interested. As it is, the Q2 is just the best camera I’ve ever used, just in front of the X100v.
KEH sent me an item which, contrary to what was advertised, was not OEM. I thought they were going to give me a hard time or at the very least I was sure they were going to make me go through the hassle of returning the item and maybe even having to pay out of pocket. Well, none of that happened; they issued me a full refund and told me to keep the item. They even apologized for the trouble. Well, from this day forward I will no longer purchase used equipment on EBay, which can be a hit or miss, and I’ll be buying from KEH which is a sure thing.
Having searched for it (to bring it to my kids’ attention) and finding some now deleted clips I suspect, sadly, that Little Britain has been “Cancelled” here in the United Wokedom. Not to mention that Walliams is now a pariah after some rather untoward (!) comments recorded off-air in some music contest show. Worth looking for, though! As is “Inside No. 9” you’d love that. Monochrome humour!
Oh yes, I can agree totally with you, having Hasselblad's, a Leica Q and a ton of other digital cameras Hasselblad has the world best ergonomics followed by Leica. As I appreciate colors and gradations on my Hasselblad images, I appreciate the grain of Q images that is so nice so filmic, and Megapixels are no more a problem with the latest AI software. But the images you show us are so heavily over processed that they have lost their Q soul ! Please, with less contrast, clarity and sharpening it would be much more enjoyable.
yeah yeah yeah... i have a few leica cameras and love them... but im also reaching a point that im over the hipe....to be honest with all do respect, you mean to tell me those images are leica-unique ? someone will really know those come from a leica camera ? i guess life is moving too fast sometimes and the idea of thinking leica is really worth that money today with so many options is obviously in the eye of the beholder and what one can justify.... indeed / im im losing my connection to the 'cult' it's just not what it used to be when it come to buying something new / how does it make sense beyond the illusion of having the latest and greatest according to all the marketing...? i suppose it's hard to create new stuff that's unique and different after having done the best/ hard to surpass no ? like apple maybe.
It’s a scientifically proven fact that a Leica with a “P” designation and the Leica script engraved into the top plate takes noticeably better photos than the non-“P” designated Leicas.
After years of watching this channel, I finally broke down and got my dream travel camera - the Q2! Could not be happier, and i plan on having this for years! Thank you!!
Enjoy!
Great video! I had the Q, then bought the Q2. Honestly, the Q is more than enough. It's an awesome camera. And as you conclude in your video, yes other cameras have their advantages. But at the end of the day, the build quality, industrial design, feel AND that incredible Summilux lens make a killer combo! Keep up the awesome work my man.
I bought a Q when it was first brought out, sold it to a friend who sold his to another friend of mine (he regretted selling his and pressured me to sell mine to him) fortunately the Q-P came out a few weeks later and I picked that up, I still have it. The one thing is that it introduces you to the Leica ecosystem and I saved to get 2 more, a SL2 and a Q2 monochrom reporter. A Leica enthusiast asked me why I didn’t try the M system, I told him I didn’t want to even try one as it was out of my price range to which he gifted me a M11 with a 50 1.4 lens. I love all of my cameras as they all fit a different purpose, I have a small saving just in case something else pops up. I am surprised to see a review of a 5 year old camera that is still relevant in todays world, but I guess that is one thing about Leica cameras.
Wish I had a friend as generous as yours.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
While I watch this video, I have to say I don't think Leica envisioned how popular the Q cameras would be. It's really a highly capable camera and while I've only used the Q2, I feel like even when the Q3 is released, people can still pickup the Q2 and have a great experience and capture high quality images and enjoy capturing shots.
Its not only that you think that. It is exactly the case haha :D Leica already said that they were expecting 6.000 copies to be sold. But the demand was 10x higher :)
“Little Britain, you will love it”………’Yeah, I know.’ 👍😂
Laughing to see you in trouble. You usually get the rest of us in trouble! Thanks for another entertaining, informative and really well done video.
Jolly Old London! That was my first real trip with my Q back in 2017. I just checked all the photos I took, and... Yes! They still look, I believe the correct English term is, "bloody brilliant." A nearly perfect travel camera, and I took it back to Europe a few times, and on a bunch of trips in the US.
Being able to switch nearly instantly from auto-everything to manual-everything (including focus!) instantly, or any combo of auto-this/manual that, without having to go into menus is great. I use that a lot! If I want to focus on something that has something else crossing in front of it, any autofocus system is going to lock on the thing in front. A quick flick of the focus ring and it's all, I believe the correct English term is, "sorted." No menu diving, I don't even have to look away from the viewfinder. Jolly Good Show!
I got a Q2 in 2021, and it's even better. A couple of little things they added made a big difference for me, mainly the geotagging with the app on my phone. I love that for travel photos. The extra pixels made the 35mm crop more than the 24MP that my previous camera (X100S) had.
With that, it's really the ultimate travel cam for me.
Welcome back. Wonderful images by Claudia!
Great workshop - thank you!
Thank YOU, Ed! You helped make it great! 🙏🏻🖖🏻
Great info on the Q series, great shots from Claudia (of course) and what a surprise to see you managed to spend some obviously quality shooting time with Alfred George Bailey. The smiles on your faces said it all...
Yes, they did! 😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
Lovely. I’ve had mine for a week. I was looking at Fuji xf lenses in my local camera shop and saw a Q. With a Leica half case it was only £2275. I went in and looked. It’s 9/10 with all the bits except the strap. I left, thought and returned.
Only used once walking around local town. The sharpness and colours are stunning. I never thought I’d own a Leica. So far it’s meeting all my expectations.
Enjoy, Peter!
Very interesting. What is your opinion of the black and white jpegs ?
We don’t edit JPEGs, so I couldn’t really say, sorry! 🖖🏻
@@3BMEP OK. Thank you, anyway. Greetings from Singapore.
Claudia, you and your work are so inspiring. A beautiful video as always.
Great. Just wonder how much post processing... Or are all these examples SOOC?
Outside of the bat studio where I do controlled, repeatable, near-minimum focus distance testing under protest - and our “out in the real world” super telephoto testing across the East River, all of our real-world testing is first and foremost for us (it is our personal work) - and as Claudia says, “the magic is in the edit.” 😊🖖🏻
@@3BMEP Thank you for the reply. Since in many vids the typical 'Leica colors' are 'hailed' I wonder how much of that is obtained in post. For me it is hard to notice that much difference between brands nowadays.
Bought a used Q 116 two days ago and already love it to take photos with it.
Didn’t see the ooc shots in Lightroom yet but the feeling and handling taking photos with this camera is pure enjoy.
Looking forward to my trip to Ireland in two weeks :)
Enjoy!
Superb shots by Claudia, how about you Hugh? Have you ever had a chance to use a converted X Pro 3 monochrome by Arcadia? It would be interesting to here your thoughts.
I agree, Iain! As for my own Monochrom experience: brief encounters with the M10M, Q2M and M11M, but that’s it.
@@3BMEP Now that is not a bad trio to use.
@@iaincphotography6051 😉
From time to time I daydream about a used rangefinder style Leica but can never get over the price. The Leica Q is an interesting option to get into Leica for a "bargain" since it comes with the lens.
Exactly!
I bought a Q when it first came out and used it for years. It’s a spectacular machine. I sold it and got a Sigma fp with an L mount which allows SL glass to function perfectly. I can use M glass, and S glass albeit without aperture control- the exception being the 120 TS. The fp does require a more experienced hand than the Q, but the yield is greater. The fp can outperform an SL2-S in image quality. The fp uses the same battery as the Q- I have three. Things to watch out for with the fp are rolling shutter and indoor lighting. The AF is a little wonky, but the Q suffers as well on occasion. If you want a cool setup, try a Voigtlander 10mm on the fp and see what happens. Try any M glass for a small setup. Try an SL 16-35. Put the S 120 TS on the fp; results are wicked. As for the Q, if I had to give up my collection and only have one camera, the Q would be a very fine choice. OK, I still need a MF film camera….
I always knew that of the two of you, Claudia was the smartest…😂
My Q2 Monochrome has become my most beloved camera of all times. It’s almost always with me. A great combo with the SL2-S, with which it shares the batteries and the menu system.
I have a Q2. I bought it to be my travel camera. One small body, one lens. Auto focus. All, as in your review. I do mostly nature and architecture. I’m used to finding imagery that works with the lens I have, not the lens i wish I had. I also own a Sony R1R2. Nice but not as useful as the 28mm Leica. I will probably upgrade to a Q3 when it shows up, as I would like a ‘portrait lens’ which, for me is a 45 or 50mm and I’m assuming that the Q3 will have something like a 62 megapixel sensor. At that point my full set of Sony a1, plus zooms and primes will likely be history. Between my iPhone and AI, still photography may become fully conceptual and a camera, any camera, incidental.
Always a delight. Always engaging. Watching made me regret selling my X100V, but I quickly remembered it’s sale helped fund my recent Porsche purchase. Swings and roundabouts.
👊🏻
This video pops up on my feed and I recognize the guy from KEH I met just yesterday in Old Montreal, at a photo store. I got a fair price for the gear I sold, and it was a relief to let it go to a reputable store and not sell it online myself.
Lovely, informative video as always Hugh. Claudia’s images are wonderful. Your previous Q-views kept the Q-fam, if not top of mind, at least on the chess board, as did your CL review. I visited the Boston Leica store hoping to lay hands on the CL, Q-something and SL. Sadly, no CL on hand, but the death of Leica APSC efforts and looming disappearance of support had all but knocked it out already. Tried an SL-marvelous camera!-but, Gott in Himmel! I’d need a pack mule to schlep it around. (As was said in Lethal Weapon (repeatedly), “I’m too old for this sh*t!” Then the kindly Leica pusher-err, salesperson-smiled and handed me a Q2 Reporter. Heaven. Simply heaven.
Enjoy!
Years ago, you where on the street with a tiny RX100VI or VII. I bought that thing for my private stuff and I’m just in love with it, as no one takes even care of it and you can use it wherever you are.
Hi Hugh - thanks for this insightful video. I'm weighing up the purchase of a camera getting back into street and travel photography - and have a loyalty to the red dot from back before kids and when life was more discretionary. Hoping for your opinion now 1 year on from this video - does the Q Typ 116 or Q-P offer the same value proposition vs. the forthcoming D-Lux 8 (which I'm on the waitlist for but tentative about given a used Q is essentially on par price wise in the current market). Any help massively appreciated.
Hold that thought for another week or so, but I’d say don’t give up your place on the waitlist 😎.
Love the tone and spirit for the q. I sold my cl (you recommended) for a q2 and never looked back. It’s a special travel companion
Happy you’re happy, Jim! 😊🖖🏻
Subbed. Laughed when you said “they won’t call it an X100vi - it’ll be the X100/6”. Many manufacturers don’t seem to choose nomenclature that assumes a production run of more than 5 years.
Welcome!
I wish I knew how you get that wonderful BnW toning which I struggle to get from my Q + Photoshop
Trial and error: we let each image we choose to work tell us what it needs.
@@3BMEP Thanks. Useful to know
I got a great deal on a used Q about 6 months ago, after it having been my dream EDC camera since it’s release. I’ve been completely happy with it, and will likely never part ways with it. Such a dream to use, and the photos it takes have a certain magic to them. ✨
Enjoy!😊🖖🏻
Been wanting to get Q2 for years... but not since I got X-H2 with 18mm 1.4 lens. Perfect travel/everyday set for me. You think it'd be limiting to not have zoom lens or multiple lenses, but in practice, it's liberating and you actually achieve more as you capture moments in creative ways.
And have 40mp at your disposal!
@@3BMEP True that!
I just spent two month traveling with one Q2 and an Insta360 for video. I thought I would miss but didn’t need more than one fixed lens camera. Personally I think Q has better color than Q2, and I wish I could find one. Anyhow, that beautiful Leica color makes my so so photography look better.
Nothing compares to the Q. It's not only in the build quality or the great performance. It's in the handling. IMHO, in this discipline, the Q also out stands the holy Leica M.
I always thought the 28 was too wide for me (I shoot with a 50mm) and that the frameline/crop on the Q was a gimmick but I recently tried one and was really impressed. Now I am waiting for the Q3 to see if the solve the battery problem, improve the autofocus and add weather sealing. Please, please, please....
Love the gorgeous images! I got a used Q in 2017 and have been reluctant to get rid of it for a Q-P or Q2. May consider a used Q2 at a decent price after the Q3 comes out but like Claudia, I've learned to work with what the camera gives me so I'm in no real rush. And FYI - I carry three batteries with it at all times. Usually can get through a day with two but one is a Lumix battery that doesn't have the same battery life as the Leica branded ones so getting another Leica battery became essential to not worry about running out of juice on long days.
Thanks for sharing!
QP I think is no advantage over black Q, in fact I prefer Q of the two. On QP buttons are clicky, just not as nice 'feel'. Q2, never has the experience!
My Fuji X-Pro 3 and Fuji 35 f2 lens served me brilliantly throughout Scotland and Italy. Q and Q2 are nice, but I like the JPEG’s in Fuji.
Fair enough! We like FujiFilm too!
It's very nice, Hugh, to see more of your and Claudia's (still) work in the recent videos. Just a quick comment on the alternatives to the Leica. As a historical and current user of many of Fujifilm's cameras, I did own an X-E4 but found it way too compromised compared to the X-T and X-H lines. One would really want to value compactness above all else to choose it.
Fair enough!
Love the Q i had the Q 2 and traded it for this and don't regret it. i even made a whole book of the photos i made with it.
👍🏻
You traded the q2 for a qp?
Hi Hugh, absolutely love your delivery and content. this story was a treat, your dear wife sounds a hoot, (that's a good thing) ; )... about to get me a Leica Q, cannot wait. Cheers Hugh.
Have fun with it!
Joyous video ... as always!🙂
Great video, again. Love the images. I do have a Q2 which I love and have no reason to upgrade. Yours/Claudia’s mono images are the best desaturated monos from a colour sensor that I have seen on line, love the contrast and wish mine would come close to. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Victor. Much of it is in the edit, but of course it begins with the exposure. 😊🖖🏻
The Q is my go-to travel camera now. It not only has given me so much joy in creating imgaes but also drawn many admirations and praises from others strangers.
Love your work! Claudia takes lovely photos too!
It is five big ones already? Thanks for reminding and my Q is now in the garbage can. Seriously, the Q2 never presses my hot button since the Q adequately serves as my walkabout camera, supplementing my Z9. To avoid a busman's holiday, I'll take a P&S & 360 camera for traveling.
Awesome video and spectacular images. I bought the Q2 and stupidly fried the sensor after just 14 days. While the camera was away to Germany for repair I bought a used but damaged Q (the rear LCD doesn't function). In the three months the Q2 was away I absolutely loved the Q, I found it better at high iso, I found 24mp more than enough for me. I did miss the weather sealing of the Q2. Anyway the Q2 came back good as new I love it to bits, I will send the Q away for LCD repair and keep it as a damn fine back up, might even convert it for IR? Love the Q series.
Thank you for sharing!!
@@3BMEP welcome
I'm looking out for the Q-P ... need to buy one this year they're so hard to find. I'll have to check KEH (BTW ... I love these shots by Claudia... are they straight out the box)??
No!! Claudia says the magic happens in the edit!
Hello Mr. Elephant. Sometimes when I take pictures I cannot get the sharpness of the things I want to capture at a wide angle in focus. Is this done manually when you’re out on the street?
Thank you for the great review. The Leica is a beautiful camera. I have always wanted a Q but it’s out of my price range.
I am glad you share pictures of your art. Thanks.
I use both autofocus and manual focus. Manual focus requires far more work, but as in the thumbnail I took of Claudia with an M11, it can be worth it. Too many variables for me to diagnose the particular challenge you’re having, but stick with it - and make sure you understand both field curvature AND depth of field. 😊🖖🏻
@@3BMEP I nearly lost the reply key. Almost downvoted. I will look into this. Thank you a ton.
Thanks so much for this video. I'm planning a trip to Italy in October (Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Perugia, and the region of Molise), for which my Q2 is top of mind as my main travel camera. Any tips for ensuring that it makes it back home with me?
Other than making sure you DON’T decide you’re never coming home because you love Italy so much? Don’t look like a tourist - and carry an extra battery in your pocket! Enjoy!
@@3BMEP Thank you!
@@3BMEP By way of follow-up, I did take my Q2 and my M11 with a 50mm and the 135 M-Tely to Italy (Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Perugia and my father's home town in Molise). I carried the cameras and lenses comfortably -- and safely -- in a small Lowepro Sling. Remembering your advice about the extra battery, I stopped into the Leica Store Firenze to buy one and came out with Q3.
Hang on you in or was in Switzerland? Hugh, why did I not know, I am close to Geneva. The skies in Switzerland is a monochrome delight
Having gone back and forth between Q, M, Nikon, and both Sony RX1r variants, I can say that all of your statements are accurate, but the IQ from the RX1r2 and its magnificent 35mm f2 Zeiss Sonnar is nigh unbeatable.
There is something freeing in simplicity, providing respite from unnecessary distraction. The Q (or an M) is great for that. The Sony as well... So long as you avoid the menus!
Nitpick, maybe the "hdr / clarity" value is a little high? Makes the frames look slightly less natural, perhaps the skies are darkened a little too much also. Nobody asked me, I know.
Bought a Q on a whim when I had my daughter. The most memorable shots I got were with that camera. I ended up selling it, and now I’m lugging around a Canon with all the best lenses. Problem is, it’s really inconvenient for day-to-day stuff. I want I Leica Q2 or 3, Fuji x100v, or the equivalent….. full frame preferred..but can we talk about how there’s no cameras to buy?😂
That second set of images in Germany, I think , are just stunning.
Has Claudia had a chance to play with the 26mm Nikkor on her Z7II? Seems like a related setup for comparison at similar cost and smaller size.
She hasn’t. She loves her zoom on the Z7 II, full stop. I can’t even get her to try the 50/1.8 S, which I think is incredible.
@@3BMEP The Q2 might be a good catalyst to give it a shot. The similarities and advantages are there 🤔
Claudia’s photos on this trip are lovely. I’ve toyed with the idea of a q, but an 8mp 50mm shot will only print 8x12. That might be fine, but I will be interested to know if she remains happy once the images are transitioned from screen to paper.
Hold those thoughts, Peter! 😉
Yes, the Q3 may have the M11 sensor and that may mitigate the issue. Of course Claudia could simply slap on a muffin 28 on to her Z7 and have a small kit
where are the out of car hand helds?
Super video with some excellent points in favour of the Q range. Having used the Sony RX1R and been very impressed, I was motivated to purchase the Q2. I just love the ability to use the crop on the large sensor to get 35mm and 50mm combined with the excellent lens.
The RX1R, with it mere 24MP performs almost to the same level and has the often unused 'digital 14:02 zoom' to provide 'lossless zoom' up to 75mm with the Sony clearimage zoom. Both great cameras
Love your channel. A hello from Aberdeen, Scotland📷👍🏼
Cheers, Aberdeen!
Yeah when the q3 is launched I'm probably going to pick up a Q or Q2 depending on how much prices drop
@3BMEP - I was lusting for a Leica Q for years - but I just got a Nikon Zf + 26mm f2.8. Am absolutely blown away by this camera/lens combo. Just thought you and other viewers might find this useful :)
Excellent pics Claudia!
Claudia doesn’t have a RUclips account, so she asked me to thank you. Thank you, Ed! 😊🖖🏻
@@3BMEP Ha, she is even smarter than what I thought. :-)
Completely loved the insight of this video.
😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
I bought the Q. I just love it despite the fact I was never ever going to by a Leica as I just could never justify the price tag. I do apologise for our lacklustre and very showery British weather and yes I got the Little Britain, “ I want that one”. Oh and by the way, your good lady has a killer photographic eye. If I got the 47mp Q2 with those larger files I do believe “my computer says no”. I think you’ll get my drift.
I do get your drift: time to upgrade! 😎🖖🏻 And yes, I agree: Claudia DOES have one heck of an eye. 😊👊🏻
Thanks for this video. Personally my go-to for travel and "days off" shooting without my Sony gear is still my Fujifilm X-Pro1.
Sounds good to me!
Another camera I would never sell.
Fuji X-T5 plus 18mm 1.4 and 33mm 1.4 and 56 mm 1.2 (bought all three). At least until the Pro4 comes. But I would like to get the Q3 one day.
Alternative: Z7 II with 26mm Z Pancake.
Thanks for the excellent as usual video but frankly I need more reasons to help justify buying new Leica gear not more reasons why waiting for and paying for the latest version is stupid. By the way what is the name of the last song on your video. Thanks again
Lost in Translation by Wendy Marcini & Elvin Vanguard
I complete;y concur with the idea that different controls etc can initially be very frustrating BUT if you persevere you get there. It's like that if I go back to my Fuji X100T from the V but when I've adjusted I love the images I get.
Would love to see a Leica Q vs. Leica CL type of review since you own both.
Some really nice images.
Love you guys..!! keep up the great work..! Your brother from another...!
😍😍
While a little larger and heavier than the Leica Q-P, but considerably smaller than the SL2, I would go with the Frankensystem: Nikon Z7II and the Leica Summicron-m 35mm f/2, keeping some of the benefits of each system while losing a few.
A P.S. for the 1st time ever, for me, RUclips had added a box to my Home Screen asking me to rate the video to “help improve RUclips for millions…” Not just a thumbs up but a choice from 1 to 5 stars.
I gave it… to be continued next week. 😮😮😮
Just kidding, 5 of course!
A “hold that thought” moment! 😎 And: thank you! 🙏🏻😊🖖🏻
@@3BMEP Others mileage may vary, though! HTH 😃😃😃
Wonderful and inspiring video and a nice break from my long bath in Z8 stuff. I'm going to put the 28mm f/2.8 lens on my Z7 and go street shooting in Buffalo, Wyoming. Quite different from England or Switzerland or Germany or Manhattan.
👊🏻😊🖖🏻
I will never part with my Q-P. In love with her from day one.
Me too!
I got the Q last year. The Silver version. Oh what a mistake. My wife does not let me sell it. No way José. (yeah, one of my middle names is José). Its a beauty. Amazingly good looking. And not discrete at all for street. But yeah. I love it and use it. Usually when going out, will take it and one of the Fuji with a 56 1.2 or just a 35 f:2 as a complement. The Summilux 28.. 1.7 is no short of impressive. Razor sharp from 1.7. Extremely difficult to make it flare, other than the nice star effects. Some tips if I may. Cover the microphine on the top and on the back of the camera as there are reports off dust going inside all the way to the sensor. I believe they fixed it on Q2. Also, get a thumb grip. Helps a LOT. I do understand now why people say that the Q may as well make you want to move to Leica. I use the poors man Leica :) Fujifilm X100F, XE3 and X-T4. But if you ask me if I need to go out and take only one camera, I do pick the Leica first. Unless its bad weather. Then Its the X-T4 :=) Cheers
😉🖖🏻
If you had to choose between xt1+23 f1.4 R for 800e and Leica Q for 2000,what would you pick?
With the Leica prices, it would be a while till I can but one new.
I understand.
Kudos to Claudia's work! All great points Hugh, so difficult to choose between Q and M11 (both great respectively). I recently picked up 49mm to 82mm step up ring for Kase filters on my Q2 (game changer). As for another option Hugh, how about your SL2 with an M2L adapter using Voigtlander 28mm or 40mm lens? all fantastic gear which makes it hard to choose at times. Great video!
I use autofocus lenses on my SL2, from the APO Summicron SL 35 to a pile of Sigma DG DN I and Art primes - but they ARE much bigger and heavier than my M-glass!
I am heading to Germany and Austria in a few months. Instead of bringing my R6 + 50mm f1 2 + 135mm F1.8, I am thinking of getting used Q or Q2 and just go with that one....tough choice!
But a nice problem to have! 😉🖖🏻
I love my Q 💞
Best regards from Germany
Q3 coming out this month
Great video, sir
Wow what strap is that - I love it
Rock ‘n Roll. 😊🖖🏻
@@3BMEP thank you!!
I would absolutely love a Q2 Monochrom, but even a Q in mint condition is hard for me to accept. Especially given that I bought my second hand Leica M10 for $3,200.
I may pull the trigger on a M10 Monochrom to compliment my M10 and SL typ 601. Those cameras are older and have limitations but I’ve grown to love those limitations because they inspire me far more than a modern camera like a Sony A7IV or Nikon Z full frame camera.
I may sound crazy but those limitations have made it possible to get my best shots. I’ve fallen absolutely in love with having limitations the past 6 months. So maybe my love for monochrome photography and limitations has slowly sparked persuasion in my mind to justify the purchase of a second hand Leica M10 Monochrom which the closest Leica store to me has a few in stock.
So I’m glad to see how she was inspired by limitations of an older camera like the Q-P. Because I can completely understand and love seeing other people come to the realization that limitations can inspire you ❤
Ps. I absolutely love her black and white pictures, they’re just sublime 👌
PPS: I agree! 😊🖖🏻
I like your wife's photos 😍 especially the B&W ones.
Me too!
I haven't meet a Q owner that doesn't either 1) own another camera, usually a Leica or 2) will own another camera, usually a Leica. It's not a camera for the light of pocket. Beautiful though.
Great video…
😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
Just traded some gear to get a Q2. It's a work of art for working to create art.
Well put!
She's a really good photographer
I agree. 😊🖖🏻
Little Britain? When you get to London, Would you be the only photographer in the village?
😜
I found a Q for well under $2k recently. At that point, you have to buy. With that lens attached? Come on!
Of course, I love it. It's allowed me the thing which Sony never could: SOOC shooting. Leica app actually works. JPEGs are beautiful. Zone focus stopped down plus isolation opened up. As a digital painter by trade, I simply don't want to spend any more time in front of the monitor. The Q has gifted me with the opportunity to spend that time in the streets of NYC instead. I'll get a Q2 once day and finally have a forever body.. but for now, this little killer never leaves my shoulder.
I found second hands X100V for $2800-$3100 CAD in my area, and a Leica Q for $3000 CAD 🤔
Great video as always Hugh. I’ve had my Q2 for a year and a half or so, and absolutely love it. I’d been getting frustrated at it of late, the AF when I’m using it with my kids- made me wanna sell it.
Then- they update to 5.0 and introduce Eye AF, which although is never as good as my Sonys, is really, really good.
I’ve no need to update to a Q3, however I’ll be interested in what they do. A flip screen, better AF, and I’d be very interested.
As it is, the Q2 is just the best camera I’ve ever used, just in front of the X100v.
KEH sent me an item which, contrary to what was advertised, was not OEM. I thought they were going to give me a hard time or at the very least I was sure they were going to make me go through the hassle of returning the item and maybe even having to pay out of pocket. Well, none of that happened; they issued me a full refund and told me to keep the item. They even apologized for the trouble. Well, from this day forward I will no longer purchase used equipment on EBay, which can be a hit or miss, and I’ll be buying from KEH which is a sure thing.
👍🏻😊
" Computer says no"..... Thanks Hugh :-)
😉
@@3BMEP Stunning images of The Tube, and, that last of of the waitress.... oh my various gods ! Beautiful
@@roderickwho1983 I think so too! I married well.
Having searched for it (to bring it to my kids’ attention) and finding some now deleted clips I suspect, sadly, that Little Britain has been “Cancelled” here in the United Wokedom. Not to mention that Walliams is now a pariah after some rather untoward (!) comments recorded off-air in some music contest show.
Worth looking for, though! As is “Inside No. 9” you’d love that. Monochrome humour!
Her reaction is quite common for the Q.
Oh yes, I can agree totally with you, having Hasselblad's, a Leica Q and a ton of other digital cameras Hasselblad has the world best ergonomics followed by Leica.
As I appreciate colors and gradations on my Hasselblad images, I appreciate the grain of Q images that is so nice so filmic, and Megapixels are no more a problem with the latest AI software.
But the images you show us are so heavily over processed that they have lost their Q soul !
Please, with less contrast, clarity and sharpening it would be much more enjoyable.
But you get two batteries with a QP:)
yeah yeah yeah... i have a few leica cameras and love them... but im also reaching a point that im over the hipe....to be honest with all do respect, you mean to tell me those images are leica-unique ? someone will really know those come from a leica camera ? i guess life is moving too fast sometimes and the idea of thinking leica is really worth that money today with so many options is obviously in the eye of the beholder and what one can justify.... indeed / im im losing my connection to the 'cult' it's just not what it used to be when it come to buying something new / how does it make sense beyond the illusion of having the latest and greatest according to all the marketing...? i suppose it's hard to create new stuff that's unique and different after having done the best/ hard to surpass no ? like apple maybe.
Depends on what someone is looking for. It sounds like you'll be better off with I phone with which you'll get good pictures with very little fuss.
I just bought a Q 15 mins. ago.😅😅😅
Enjoy!
It’s a scientifically proven fact that a Leica with a “P” designation and the Leica script engraved into the top plate takes noticeably better photos than the non-“P” designated Leicas.