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Was shooting with the Q an enjoyable experience? Did you find any of the unique features such as the manual / auto switch over or touchscreen offered you anything?I briefly considered Leica Q as I was about to upgrade to RX1Rii that's being released tomorrow and wanted to what else is out there at this level before committing to another fixed lens camera.
Rented the Q shortly ago. Not for me. 28mm is gorgeous, AF is decent, EVF is good, but it just didn't feel right and the files were not any better than my RX1, definitely not up to the same level as the A7Rii. It's easier to hold than the naked RX1, but I had the RRS grip on my RX1 and it was perfect. By itself, the Q was still awkward to hold, and by the time you add the optional handle, it looses the compact appeal. Many Leica aficionados swear by it and while it's a really nice camera there's nothing magical or incredible about it, obviously. It's not without QA problems either, btw, surprising at this price - do some googling, you'll see what I mean.
This is why the A7Rii is on my short list... those loxia's.... The 50 appeals to me with the 35 2.8 sony for something easier to handle... Are you finding the loxia easy to focus and a joy to use?So, I was ready to get the RX1Rii tomorrow, but after getting the Loxia 35 recently, I've reconsidered and will be holding off on that purchase: A7Rii or A7Sii +Loxia 35 is really something. IBIS is good enough for at least 2 stops, so at this FL I can get perfect shots at 1/15, which is dimly lit restaurant or something like that. With the Zeiss 1.4 it's even better in low light.
Thanks Alex for your advice, i'm in no rush and happy to chew the decision over, could end up with none, but suspect it'll be one of them.The only reason I see getting RX1Rii now is for it's compactness. My advice is to fight the urge to let go of your $$ and rent before buying.
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Alex
I'm after an emotional purchase.... something to bring joy. hence the haphazard shortlist.Two of these cameras are not system cameras, they have fixed lenses. Is that what you want?
Yes, the Leica body is expensive too, for something 3 years old at this point... the price of the leica lenses do scare me, but I have a couple of voigtlanders that I use on my fuji that would solve that problem... Hoping they upgrade the M soon and turn the current M into a start kit like they have done with the M-E, that would be appealing...Two of the cameras are system ones, both are very good, but the lenses for the Leica M cost substantially more (unless you go the route of ZM or VM lenses).
Good question... not sure what I mean by this either... I had a D600 a couple of years back, when I had the Sigma 35 art attached it was probably the best image quality combo i've had (long since sold). I sold it as it was too damn heavy, so I think i'm looking at the FF for an aesthetic. It is difficult to tell on blind viewing a FF over an APS-C, especially when stopped down but there is something.What are you looking for in terms of "jump in quality"?
Thanks for both comments Aasmund,I am mostly tempted by the RX1, it is much smaller than the other options. And cheaper 2nd hand. If size is not critical then the RII + 35 1.4 is probably best. If you are ok with mf, as in m240, then A7rii + loxia may be a good choice. The q is midway between the RII and the RX1. A more reasonable option is to get the FE 28 F2 + A7II or RII
If only... photography is a hobby I take great joy from, i choose to prioritise what I save to fund this habit. Not adverse to trading in either to bridge a chunk of the cost... you have money burning a hole in your pocket.
Correct... seeking joy not technical perfection which is why I'm asking for a debate and opinion to help frame why I might find it.The companies and cameras are so different that if you really needed any of them you would have a laser-sharp desire for one or the other.
Fair point... I prefer 35, the 28 being on the wide limit of multi use with risk of distortion. I'm not crystal clear as it's the joy I seek, would I compromise to achieve that, yep. The seamless movement between manual and autofocus is what really appeals about the Q over the Sony.By way of example the Q is a 28mm lens and the RX1 II is a 35. Most people ready to drop that kind of coin already have a crystal clear understanding of what focal length works best for them. The opinion of strangers would be superfluous.
I need Joy. ;-)I think you should come to terms with your real needs (or perceived needs) and then look again.
I agree, I would.If money is no object buy them all.
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¡Viva la Resolución!
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Hi Chris... why in previous reply's in the thread when I say i'm looking for Joy.. i meant happiness not Chris Joy... ;-) I hope you understand.If you want small/light I'd go Rx1rII (awkward name) with the Fe 21mm WA adapter as shown here: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1369103
AF, resolution and DR will all be better on the Sony. If you want to shoot video it'll be better too.
If you want more lens options and higher IQ, A7rII is the way to go.
I really can't see a reason to own a Leica outside of wanting to own a Leica, since you're paying much more for an inferior image. Leica lenses can be used on the A7rII and you don't have to calibrate the rangefinder.
If you want the rangefinder experience there's only one option.
Very true... also worried about this road... but the sony would be a much less pricier road than the leica one..Agree with the rx1rii being a better compliment to Fuji. It's a dangerous road though - you will be hesitant on crop sensors after that camera.Ok, three of these cameras are at a similar price point (the M is 50% more). So to me they are competition for my investment. I already have a complete Fuji system and the X100T but I'd like to jump up in quality which is why i'm looking at these 4.
I tend to shoot between 21mm and 50mm (fav being the 35). So all suit my style I think. I love the technical excellence appeal of the Sony's and the purity and feel of the Leica's. I'm on a slow burn weighing up the options.
Any advice / thoughts / debate from the community?
OK, considering your priorities, I would immediately cross the A7Rii off your list. There is no native FE/Zeiss 35mm lens that can match the IQ of the RX1. It is bigger/heavier than the RX1 and you already have the versatility of changes lenses with your Fuji system. You don't shoot much video (and worried about file size) so 4K is kind of a waste too.Ooh... I like this game.. thanks for the questions! Will help me, even if you don't respond again!
Not much, would like to do more...This question is impossible to answer without knowing......
1. Do you shoot video?
No... but I do want to use different focal lengths as an option.... but that's not necessarily a consideration for this purchase as I have that flexibility with my current kit already... this is a heart purchase... should I brave doing it.2. Do you want to change lenses?
Yes or No... I can shoot either way, the option to do both is even better (obviously best excited on the Q in my opinion)3. Do you want autofocus?
See above4. How important is manual focusing?
It's a nice to have, not a must have5. Do you want image stabilization?
YES. the smaller the better.6. Does size matter to you?
No... i'm overly fussy about this so much I annoy myself with it... I shoot as low as I can... to the detriment of not getting all the shots I should.7. Do you shoot often in environments that require high ISO?
It's better than not having it by far.8. Do you want a tilting LCD?
File size... 24mp... Being able to blow up my landscapes 42mp9. Do you prefer 24MP or 42MP?
Yes I do, though i'm using filters (Lee Seven5) a lot more.10,. Do you push your shadows/highlights a lot when post-processing?
No, but always fancied giving it a go... but I'd by a 1:1 lens for that, so not necessarily relevant to this purchase.11. Do you shoot macro?
Ooh... tough one... er... i'll pick the top three in no order rather than rank them.... 6, 10 and the feeling I get when using it (I know that's not on the list, but it's the intangible effect)First answer the questions above and list them in order of priority. Then we can give you some solid advice.
Thanks for this, I enjoyed that.
Interesting comment on the banding, how prevalent is that? is it just in the extreme or more common?OK, considering your priorities, I would immediately cross the A7Rii off your list. There is no native FE/Zeiss 35mm lens that can match the IQ of the RX1. It is bigger/heavier than the RX1 and you already have the versatility of changes lenses with your Fuji system. You don't shoot much video (and worried about file size) so 4K is kind of a waste too.Ooh... I like this game.. thanks for the questions! Will help me, even if you don't respond again!
Not much, would like to do more...This question is impossible to answer without knowing......
1. Do you shoot video?
No... but I do want to use different focal lengths as an option.... but that's not necessarily a consideration for this purchase as I have that flexibility with my current kit already... this is a heart purchase... should I brave doing it.2. Do you want to change lenses?
Yes or No... I can shoot either way, the option to do both is even better (obviously best excited on the Q in my opinion)3. Do you want autofocus?
See above4. How important is manual focusing?
It's a nice to have, not a must have5. Do you want image stabilization?
YES. the smaller the better.6. Does size matter to you?
No... i'm overly fussy about this so much I annoy myself with it... I shoot as low as I can... to the detriment of not getting all the shots I should.7. Do you shoot often in environments that require high ISO?
It's better than not having it by far.8. Do you want a tilting LCD?
File size... 24mp... Being able to blow up my landscapes 42mp9. Do you prefer 24MP or 42MP?
Yes I do, though i'm using filters (Lee Seven5) a lot more.10,. Do you push your shadows/highlights a lot when post-processing?
No, but always fancied giving it a go... but I'd by a 1:1 lens for that, so not necessarily relevant to this purchase.11. Do you shoot macro?
Ooh... tough one... er... i'll pick the top three in no order rather than rank them.... 6, 10 and the feeling I get when using it (I know that's not on the list, but it's the intangible effect)First answer the questions above and list them in order of priority. Then we can give you some solid advice.
Thanks for this, I enjoyed that.
The Leica Q's focal length is actually closer to 24mm than 28mm. It is probably about 25.5mm from my experience. You said you prefer 35mm so that is something to consider. Also you will experience severe banding when pushing your shadows in post. The A7R/RX1 sensor is vastly superior to the Leica sensor.
Or could be close to the right time to buy if the new one is announced soon and prices drop... but then it'll be old vs new model.. This is a leap i'm sure i'll take at some point.Next, the Leica M240... well I must say most M shooters I know are switching to mirrorless. If you really value the experience of shooting with rangefinders, there obviously is no replacement. Otherwise, it's starting to show it's age and there are rumors that a new M is right around the corner, so this isn't the right time to buy a new M240.
Practically, it's hard not to see this as the option of choice. once it is releases, i'll probably go and have a play with it, just to compare it. I like the way the RX100 handles, so maybe this won't be so bad for me. (thinking no grip and shine surfaces)Lastly, the RX1R II. This camera is the smallest FF camera available with one of, if not the best 35mm lens ever made. It features the best sensor in the industry so it will give you the best images, but you may find it a bit lacking in the handling department (compared to the Q) You will be blown away by the latitude the files give you in post.... especially the insane amount of dynamic range....it's almost like cheating because you could make a HDR image from a single file.
It does, thank you!Hope this helps.
The banding occurs in 2 instances. It is well-documented.Interesting comment on the banding, how prevalent is that? is it just in the extreme or more common?
I see you have the original RX1R and Q... which do you feel more for and why? (remember my intangible comment)
Thanks again for the help, i've saved that link to my phone and will read on the train on the way to work in the morning.The banding occurs in 2 instances. It is well-documented.Interesting comment on the banding, how prevalent is that? is it just in the extreme or more common?
I see you have the original RX1R and Q... which do you feel more for and why? (remember my intangible comment)
1) When you try to compensate for an underexposed scene using ISO 6400 and above.
2) In post, when you try to pull out details from the shadows.
The DP review test (link below) may help you better illustrate the issue, but the banding shows up unexpectedly sometimes, so it's hard to put a finger on the problem.
Leica Q First Impressions Review: Digital Photography Review
As for your 2nd question, I'm selling both the Leica Q and RX1R for the new RX1RII.
The Leica Q is definitely more enjoyable and intuitive to use. The distance scale on the lens barrel is awesome for zone-focusing, and there is a certain level of satisfaction in owning a Leica. So all was good..... for the first couple of months. In the end, I'm not much of a street shooter and I realized I was auto-focusing 95% of the time. And if you don't manual focus, the handling is pretty much equal to the RX1R. In fact, there are some minor glitches on the Q (random freezes, fiddly lens cap, clicking screen, etc etc) that makes the RX1R feel like a more reliable camera. But the deciding factor was the focal length. I really tried, but I couldn't get used to the 25.5mm FOV. It is just too wide for me and I found myself cropping the images a lot in post. I'm also quite tall (6'5) and I find the tilt-screen a must-have feature to comfortably shoot level with my subjects (for family portraits and sorts) Then there's the banding issue.....I honestly think I'll be happier purchasing a 35 FLE and sticking it on my A7ii.
