Are Leica Q's still relevant and worthwhile?

JanisPaw said:

Aberaeron said:

Nepali Ned said:

Aberaeron said:

I’ve mentioned this issue in another post but will add that I find the Q lens and picture quality to be excellent as do the vast majority of other discerning users of it, both hobbyists and professional photographers.

There are drawbacks of course, as there are with all camera models in one way or another.

1. The purchase price, although offset by a better than average resale value.

2. The aforementioned dust sealing on the older Q, which I’ve given a remedy for when used in particularly dusty environments or stored in dusty or linty bags.

3. The fixed focal length of nominally 28mm, which in the Q and Q2 seems to give a field of view nearer 25mm compared to other full frame cameras and lenses. You may or may not like this fixed focal length.

4. Rear screen has good touch functions but lacks any kind of articulation.

For me the advantages and joy of using this camera overcomes the drawbacks but I would not have it as my only camera, although perhaps it would improve my skills if it was.

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Hi Aberaeron,

Thanks for your very helpful additional comments about the Q.

I'm very impressed with the clarity and picture quality from what I've seen.

I had fixed length lenses for a medium format camera years ago. It took a bit of getting used to, but eventually I did.

I do have another 35mm SLR with other various lenses, so that should cover off my other activities nicely.

Could you please advise what your remedy was for dust sealing for a Q?

It appears there are some limitations to the Q, but it also has many advantages over my current camera. The opportunity to purchase a new Leica Q from an estate sale seems like just too good a chance to pass up for me and I'm going to go for it.

Will let you know how things go.

Take care,

Ned

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Here is a video posted today that covers many of your questions about the Q. Of particular note, but not specifically mentioned, is the visible top cover of his Q which does indeed have a tape over the microphone holes to prevent dust and water entry.

Also please be aware that the Q, as shown, has a very different battery to the Q2. This is a bad thing in that the Q battery does not last as long per shoot as the Q2’s but a very good thing because cheap generic batteries are available for the Q while I believe only very expensive Leica brand batteries are available for the Q2.

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He is a very strange and disturbing man.

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Nepali Ned said:

Robgo2 said:

It so happens that I recently reviewed a series of photos that I took several years ago with a Q. My impression was that the Q is a really fine camera that I would be happy to use even today. No, it is not as fine as the Q2, but that is not what the OP asked. The Q is a totally different beast than the M-240, as the former is autofocus and the latter, manual focus by rangefinder. Also, I found manual focus on the Q to be excellent. It is so buttery smooth that it feels like a high quality M lens.

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Hi Robgo2,

Thank you very much, I really appreciate your thoughtful and helpful opinions on the Q as compared to the Q2 and the M240. I'm really quite excited about the prospect of getting the Q, putting it through its paces and looking at the results, which I'm sure will be terrific based on one of the other members provided in the forum.

I had a quick look at your photos on your website and was taken aback at the various sets of black and whites, landscapes. Definitely something for me to aspire to. Hope to go to Patagonia one day for sure.

Thanks again,

Take care,

Ned

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Nepali Ned said:

Hi All,

I'd like to ask the forum if Leica Q's are still relevant and worthwhile to purchase? Just wondering if purchasing one would be a good idea or if perhaps getting a more up to date model would be best? Can you still purchase accessories etc. for a Leica Q?

Thanks,

Ned

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MCMLXXIII AD said:

I see you also have an RX1R ii. How does that feel? I am thinking between that and a Q/Q2.

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AlliHjelm said:

Nepali Ned said:

Hi All,

I'd like to ask the forum if Leica Q's are still relevant and worthwhile to purchase? Just wondering if purchasing one would be a good idea or if perhaps getting a more up to date model would be best? Can you still purchase accessories etc. for a Leica Q?

Thanks,

Ned

Click to expand...

Still the absolute best. I bought my first Q in 2015 and had it for two years before entering the M world. Never was quite blown away by the M's (M240 M-P, M262 and M10 with 35mm and 50mm Summiluxes) as I was with the Q but still amazing pieces of equipment.

By chance I was offered a Q now shortly for a vacation to Greece with my son and boy did we have a blast together. The Q still delivers amazing quality photos and I guess that we are a match made in heaven together.

Buy it, try it and keep it forver - or sell it (it will sell in a second) if does not fit you needs.

Just posted this yearlier today on my trip to Greece with Leica Q: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66302459

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Nepali Ned said:

Aberaeron said:

Good luck at the sale and don’t let the auctioneer run you up too high. Set a limit that you are comfortable with.

Just a bit of matt black insulating tape cut to around twice the size of the microphone holes on top of the camera and stuck down should do it, unless it gets very hot where you are and the stickiness proves insufficient in those conditions. There are fiber reinforced black tapes that will do a perfectly tidy and better job if done with care.

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Hi Aberaeron,

Thanks for the advice on the sale ;-)

I gather the microphone holes are for taking videos with the Q. My current camera has the option to take videos, but I've never used that functionality. I would rather tape up the holes and avoid getting dust in the camera which would entail a potentially costly maintenance cost to remove the dust etc.

Take care,

Ned

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theory03 said:

Nepali Ned said:

Aberaeron said:

Good luck at the sale and don’t let the auctioneer run you up too high. Set a limit that you are comfortable with.

Just a bit of matt black insulating tape cut to around twice the size of the microphone holes on top of the camera and stuck down should do it, unless it gets very hot where you are and the stickiness proves insufficient in those conditions. There are fiber reinforced black tapes that will do a perfectly tidy and better job if done with care.

Click to expand...

Hi Aberaeron,

Thanks for the advice on the sale ;-)

I gather the microphone holes are for taking videos with the Q. My current camera has the option to take videos, but I've never used that functionality. I would rather tape up the holes and avoid getting dust in the camera which would entail a potentially costly maintenance cost to remove the dust etc.

Take care,

Ned

Click to expand...

I understood that the dust issue was limited to the first run or so of the Q line, and that dust was coming in the battery door. Leica later added a gasket to that to that area to minimize the issue. With a camera that price I would not be putting tape over holes and destroying the function and looks (and resale value). The tape will attract dirt, dust, sand, etc. along the edges and will leave abrasions, in addition to the sticky tape residue.

Click to expand...

Aberaeron said:

Nepali Ned said:

Aberaeron said:

I’ve mentioned this issue in another post but will add that I find the Q lens and picture quality to be excellent as do the vast majority of other discerning users of it, both hobbyists and professional photographers.

There are drawbacks of course, as there are with all camera models in one way or another.

1. The purchase price, although offset by a better than average resale value.

2. The aforementioned dust sealing on the older Q, which I’ve given a remedy for when used in particularly dusty environments or stored in dusty or linty bags.

3. The fixed focal length of nominally 28mm, which in the Q and Q2 seems to give a field of view nearer 25mm compared to other full frame cameras and lenses. You may or may not like this fixed focal length.

4. Rear screen has good touch functions but lacks any kind of articulation.

For me the advantages and joy of using this camera overcomes the drawbacks but I would not have it as my only camera, although perhaps it would improve my skills if it was.

Click to expand...

Hi Aberaeron,

Thanks for your very helpful additional comments about the Q.

I'm very impressed with the clarity and picture quality from what I've seen.

I had fixed length lenses for a medium format camera years ago. It took a bit of getting used to, but eventually I did.

I do have another 35mm SLR with other various lenses, so that should cover off my other activities nicely.

Could you please advise what your remedy was for dust sealing for a Q?

It appears there are some limitations to the Q, but it also has many advantages over my current camera. The opportunity to purchase a new Leica Q from an estate sale seems like just too good a chance to pass up for me and I'm going to go for it.

Will let you know how things go.

Take care,

Ned

Click to expand...

Here is a video posted today that covers many of your questions about the Q. Of particular note, but not specifically mentioned, is the visible top cover of his Q which does indeed have a tape over the microphone holes to prevent dust and water entry.

Also please be aware that the Q, as shown, has a very different battery to the Q2. This is a bad thing in that the Q battery does not last as long per shoot as the Q2’s but a very good thing because cheap generic batteries are available for the Q while I believe only very expensive Leica brand batteries are available for the Q2.

Click to expand...

theory03 said:

I understood that the dust issue was limited to the first run or so of the Q line, and that dust was coming in the battery door. Leica later added a gasket to that to that area to minimize the issue. With a camera that price I would not be putting tape over holes and destroying the function and looks (and resale value). The tape will attract dirt, dust, sand, etc. along the edges and will leave abrasions, in addition to the sticky tape residue.

Click to expand...

LeicaEye said:

Any camera including the Q is relevant as long as you can make it sing.. Every camera ever built was or will be superseded, it doesn't mean the camera automatically stops working when a newer model comes along. The X1 is & will always remain a fantastic camera.. Buy the Q, use it and maybe move onto a Q2 at some point.. There may even be a Q3!... Regards, L

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Nepali Ned said:

LeicaEye said:

Any camera including the Q is relevant as long as you can make it sing.. Every camera ever built was or will be superseded, it doesn't mean the camera automatically stops working when a newer model comes along. The X1 is & will always remain a fantastic camera.. Buy the Q, use it and maybe move onto a Q2 at some point.. There may even be a Q3!... Regards, L

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Hi LeicaEye,

Thanks for your message and sage advice. I've been wanting to get a hold of a Leica for a very long time. This estate sale where I have the chance to get a pretty much new Q is just too good to resist. I'm looking forward to putting the camera through its paces and I'm sure I'll be tempted to move on to the Q2 and other models..

Take care,

Ned

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Nepali Ned said:

Thanks for your comments and advice. Is there anyway to know how to tell if a Q is part of the first run or others to be sure? There is a high degree of probability that this isn't from the first run. I was told it was purchased by the former owner in 2019. You've made some good points about putting tape on a camera and it attracting dirt etc. which is what the tape is trying to prevent. Yes, tape may not look very nice on such a top notch camera.

Thanks,

Ned

Click to expand...

AlliHjelm said:

Nepali Ned said:

Hi All,

I'd like to ask the forum if Leica Q's are still relevant and worthwhile to purchase? Just wondering if purchasing one would be a good idea or if perhaps getting a more up to date model would be best? Can you still purchase accessories etc. for a Leica Q?

Thanks,

Ned

Click to expand...

Still the absolute best. I bought my first Q in 2015 and had it for two years before entering the M world. Never was quite blown away by the M's (M240 M-P, M262 and M10 with 35mm and 50mm Summiluxes) as I was with the Q but still amazing pieces of equipment.

By chance I was offered a Q now shortly for a vacation to Greece with my son and boy did we have a blast together. The Q still delivers amazing quality photos and I guess that we are a match made in heaven together.

Buy it, try it and keep it forever - or sell it (it will sell in a second) if does not fit you needs.

Just posted this earlier today on my trip to Greece with Leica Q: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66302459

Click to expand...

mpeterson said:

Nepali Ned said:

Thanks for your comments and advice. Is there anyway to know how to tell if a Q is part of the first run or others to be sure? There is a high degree of probability that this isn't from the first run. I was told it was purchased by the former owner in 2019. You've made some good points about putting tape on a camera and it attracting dirt etc. which is what the tape is trying to prevent. Yes, tape may not look very nice on such a top notch camera.

Thanks,

Ned

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If the camera came with the box, there should be a barcoded sticker on it that shows the production date. This same sticker is also on a certificate inside the box with the instruction manual.

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LeicaEye said:

Nepali Ned said:

LeicaEye said:

Any camera including the Q is relevant as long as you can make it sing.. Every camera ever built was or will be superseded, it doesn't mean the camera automatically stops working when a newer model comes along. The X1 is & will always remain a fantastic camera.. Buy the Q, use it and maybe move onto a Q2 at some point.. There may even be a Q3!... Regards, L

Click to expand...

Hi LeicaEye,

Thanks for your message and sage advice. I've been wanting to get a hold of a Leica for a very long time. This estate sale where I have the chance to get a pretty much new Q is just too good to resist. I'm looking forward to putting the camera through its paces and I'm sure I'll be tempted to move on to the Q2 and other models..

Take care,

Ned

Click to expand...

You could always slide into Leica via a used CL (mine cost $950). Lots of lenses available, I love my CL... I put a 50mm f1.2 TTArtisans lens on it, cost $90.. A real bargain.. L

CL & TTArtisans f1.2 50mm Lens .. Heavy Crops..

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Nepali Ned said:

LeicaEye said:

Nepali Ned said:

LeicaEye said:

Any camera including the Q is relevant as long as you can make it sing.. Every camera ever built was or will be superseded, it doesn't mean the camera automatically stops working when a newer model comes along. The X1 is & will always remain a fantastic camera.. Buy the Q, use it and maybe move onto a Q2 at some point.. There may even be a Q3!... Regards, L

Click to expand...

Hi LeicaEye,

Thanks for your message and sage advice. I've been wanting to get a hold of a Leica for a very long time. This estate sale where I have the chance to get a pretty much new Q is just too good to resist. I'm looking forward to putting the camera through its paces and I'm sure I'll be tempted to move on to the Q2 and other models..

Take care,

Ned

Click to expand...

You could always slide into Leica via a used CL (mine cost $950). Lots of lenses available, I love my CL... I put a 50mm f1.2 TTArtisans lens on it, cost $90.. A real bargain.. L

CL & TTArtisans f1.2 50mm Lens .. Heavy Crops..

Click to expand...

Hi LeicaEye,

Wow, those are amazing beautiful photos! Thanks for sending them to me. Boy, you sure lucked out with the Leica CL that you got used. I'll check into what a used Leica CL will go for new/used in the camera shops in my area. I like the flexibility of being able to change and remove the lens, whereas the Q's lens is fixed and maybe a drawback.

Take care,

Ned

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mpeterson said:

theory03 said:

I understood that the dust issue was limited to the first run or so of the Q line, and that dust was coming in the battery door. Leica later added a gasket to that to that area to minimize the issue. With a camera that price I would not be putting tape over holes and destroying the function and looks (and resale value). The tape will attract dirt, dust, sand, etc. along the edges and will leave abrasions, in addition to the sticky tape residue.

Click to expand...

I agree with this based on my own experience with a dusty-sensor Q.

I had a Q that I bought second hand, that arrived with a severe dust issue despite the seller having told me the sensor was clean (I think she only ever shot it wide-open). It was a good buy, though, so I kept it and sent it to Leica in NJ for cleaning.

During that process I exchanged email with a Leica tech who explained that the first two years of Q cameras (mid-2015 intro through mid-2017 produced cameras) are the ones with the dust problem. Starting in mid-2017, he said Leica added a “dust shroud” to the Q design to prevent the ingress of dust that had affected many Q cameras.

So cameras with a production date after mid-2017 were manufactured with the updated design including dust shroud. Those manufactured prior to mid-2017, which mine was, were/are retrofitted with the dust shroud as they come in for CLA/sensor cleaning service. The tech noted specifically, since I asked, that the dust was *not* entering the cameras through the mic holes, so the popular “tape the holes” practice isn’t effective. Personally I’d be concerned about those tiny holes filling up with tape residue as the tape breaks down over time, as well as grunge along the edge of the tape as theory03 notes.

So based on my experience, if buying a used one now I’d seek out a body that was either produced after mid-2017, or that is an earlier one with documentation for having been in for the service. “Install dust shroud” is itemized on the Leica work-order paperwork (at least it was on mine). Either of these conditions should get you a camera much more likely to be dust-free, though I have no idea how effective the dust shroud is over the long-term.

I loved my Q, however I sold it after a while to fund an M lens. I’ve missed it, though, and I’ve recently been considering picking up another. May go for a Q-P this time. My understanding is that all of those have the dust shroud (production started in 2018).

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