Leica Q vs X100v or stick with xt4

Hi all looking for some advice. I’m a current Xt4 owner and while I love the camera and design it’s heavy and I don’t always want to take it out with me and I like to have a camera with me with my kids

so this is the difficult part I previously had an x100 and it went everywhere with me. I have always lusted after a Leica Q.

im torn whether I should get a Q or an x100v or stick with what I have. Positives and negatives

Leica Q

- it’s a Leica and have always wanted one

- full frame

negative

- 7 year old

- expensive

X100v

- had an x100 series before liked it

- weather sealed

- cheaper than Leica

- newer

negatives

- overpriced at the moment

- apsc v full frame

stick with XT4

- own it and a couple of lenses already

- size can be good and I like the classic slr look

- interchangeable lenses

-better specs than Leica q

negatives

- it with my 35 1.4 is large and I don’t always want to use it

im really torn what to do really it seems obvious on paper to get an x100v or just stick with the xt4 and stop complaining and comparing I worry I will always want a Leica but the price puts me off and would need to buy used and it erks me spending so much on a used 7 year old camera. Anyone had experience in this or with these models and what did you do and is the performance and build of the q really that much better? Also I haven’t tried the x100v but the q felt a lot better than the original x100

i just don’t know what to do

StuartGeddes wrote:

Hi all looking for some advice. I’m a current Xt4 owner and while I love the camera and design it’s heavy and I don’t always want to take it out with me and I like to have a camera with me with my kids

so this is the difficult part I previously had an x100 and it went everywhere with me. I have always lusted after a Leica Q.

im torn whether I should get a Q or an x100v or stick with what I have. Positives and negatives

Leica Q

- it’s a Leica and have always wanted one

- full frame

negative

- 7 year old

- expensive

X100v

- had an x100 series before liked it

- weather sealed

- cheaper than Leica

- newer

negatives

- overpriced at the moment

- apsc v full frame

stick with XT4

- own it and a couple of lenses already

- size can be good and I like the classic slr look

- interchangeable lenses

-better specs than Leica q

negatives

- it with my 35 1.4 is large and I don’t always want to use it

im really torn what to do really it seems obvious on paper to get an x100v or just stick with the xt4 and stop complaining and comparing I worry I will always want a Leica but the price puts me off and would need to buy used and it erks me spending so much on a used 7 year old camera. Anyone had experience in this or with these models and what did you do and is the performance and build of the q really that much better? Also I haven’t tried the x100v but the q felt a lot better than the original x100

i just don’t know what to do

The biggest difficulty is lack of availability of X100V. Sorry, I’m not selling mine. It was the perfect carry around when I didn’t want to tote the X-T4, and remains so having swapped T4 for T5. Which in itself is a little bit lighter (50g) and easier to handle…

I like the controls, operation, feel of both. No excuses for not improving my craft 😏

I don’t know where you are, but in the UK you can get a free 48 hour loan of the X100V, and a free 1 hour loan of the Q2…

Have you considered other options such as sticking a 27/2.8 on your X-T1?

Jeff Biscuits wrote:

I don’t know where you are, but in the UK you can get a free 48 hour loan of the X100V, and a free 1 hour loan of the Q2…

I’m in Australia so unfortunately not an option

StuartGeddes wrote:

Jeff Biscuits wrote:

I don’t know where you are, but in the UK you can get a free 48 hour loan of the X100V, and a free 1 hour loan of the Q2…

I’m in Australia so unfortunately not an option

I'd say wait a few months unless you're prepared to pay AU$2000-3000 for the X100V. I even saw an XE3 sell for nearly $1000 on ebay. 

Hopefully we hear news on the next X100(VI?) soon...next Fujifilm X Summit is in April.

Otherwise, if you can afford a Leica Q, then why not...

I think the Leica Q is 640g and the XT4 (w/o lens) is 607g. A 28mm f/2.8 is 119g.

Whn I ask these questions of myself, I have to decide whether I want something just coz I do and I'm trying to reverse engineer a 'logic' for it or whether a change of gear would transform my life/photos.

I swapped back out of Sony for the latter reason and bought a Leica M10 for the former.

Almost all gear is so comparably good nowadays that it comes down to personal preference most of the time. I like Fuji, I don't like Sony.

I'd like a Q2 but it's not that compact, which puts me off. The lens protudes quite a bit but it, like most Leicas does have a certain X factor about it.

I have a lot of experience with the Leica Q and the X100V.  I never owned the X-T4, but I did have the X-T3  and now the X-T5 which, like you, I use mostly with the 35mm f1.4 attached.

If the problem with your X-T4 is size and weight, I am not so sure that the Leica Q will reduce it enough to make a big difference to you. Whereas the X100V will feel smaller and lighter. I think if what you're trying to achieve is a pick-up-and-carry-everywhere camera when you're out with the kids; the X100V is a better choice. I have forced myself to carry around a camera + lens combo of around 800g - 900g every day, so that I have always got the camera I really want to shoot with along with me.

Having said that, this is how I would describe the two cameras in my mind. The Fuji X-100V is a beautiful lightweight camera body and well performing lens that is a joy to use. It has all the characteristics that make it a Fuji: small, lightweight, great jpegs, film sims with endless user-tweaks, a built-in ND filter, etc.  But in the end it is the same sensor as your X-T4 in a smaller body without IBIS or an all-day battery.

The Leica Q is something else. It is an extraordinary lens attached to a Leica body which is beautifully engineered. I find its sensor to produce the most beautiful colours I've ever had from a digital camera - but this is my own personal view - not everyone agrees. Please check out images from it to see what you think. It is the same sensor as in the Leica SL (Type 601) and the Leica M10.

The Leica will sometimes give you results, when the light hits your subject just right, that are truly exceptional. You have to own it and use it to get what I mean.

You also need to consider the difference in focal length. The 35mm (FF equiv) lens of the  X100V is easier to use I think and closer to the 50mm equiv that you have on your X-T4.

The 28mm focal length of the Q is not everybody's cup of tea. Are you sure you want to work with a lens that wide?

Whichever camera you decide on, I am sure you will be delighted. They are both superb cameras to own and use.

Scrufftie wrote:

I think the Leica Q is 640g and the XT4 (w/o lens) is 607g. A 28mm f/2.8 is 119g.

Whn I ask these questions of myself, I have to decide whether I want something just coz I do and I'm trying to reverse engineer a 'logic' for it or whether a change of gear would transform my life/photos.

I swapped back out of Sony for the latter reason and bought a Leica M10 for the former.

Almost all gear is so comparably good nowadays that it comes down to personal preference most of the time. I like Fuji, I don't like Sony.

I'd like a Q2 but it's not that compact, which puts me off. The lens protudes quite a bit but it, like most Leicas does have a certain X factor about it.

In terms of my xt4 I have a 35mm 1.4 on it as my primary lens which is 300g so total is 904g I guess that’s part of the size and weight concern.

the q I think appealed to me as I liked the original x100 I had but I have always wanted a Leica so I worry it would be getting it because I want it and May regret and think if I wanted something would I have been better off getting an x100v for the money. I blame my dad who had a Leica m4 lol

this is kinda why I’m stuck I worry I’ll buy something else and think wish I bought a Leica or I’m worried counter I buy one and think Jeeze that is overpriced and underwhelming for what I could have got with Fuji

enigmatico wrote:

I have a lot of experience with the Leica Q and the X100V. I never owned the X-T4, but I did have the X-T3 and now the X-T5 which, like you, I use mostly with the 35mm f1.4 attached.

If the problem with your X-T4 is size and weight, I am not so sure that the Leica Q will reduce it enough to make a big difference to you. Whereas the X100V will feel smaller and lighter. I think if what you're trying to achieve is a pick-up-and-carry-everywhere camera when you're out with the kids; the X100V is a better choice. I have forced myself to carry around a camera + lens combo of around 800g - 900g every day, so that I have always got the camera I really want to shoot with along with me.

Having said that, this is how I would describe the two cameras in my mind. The Fuji X-100V is a beautiful lightweight camera body and well performing lens that is a joy to use. It has all the characteristics that make it a Fuji: small, lightweight, great jpegs, film sims with endless user-tweaks, a built-in ND filter, etc. But in the end it is the same sensor as your X-T4 in a smaller body without IBIS or an all-day battery.

The Leica Q is something else. It is an extraordinary lens attached to a Leica body which is beautifully engineered. I find its sensor to produce the most beautiful colours I've ever had from a digital camera - but this is my own personal view - not everyone agrees. Please check out images from it to see what you think. It is the same sensor as in the Leica SL (Type 601) and the Leica M10.

The Leica will sometimes give you results, when the light hits your subject just right, that are truly exceptional. You have to own it and use it to get what I mean.

You also need to consider the difference in focal length. The 35mm (FF equiv) lens of the X100V is easier to use I think and closer to the 50mm equiv that you have on your X-T4.

The 28mm focal length of the Q is not everybody's cup of tea. Are you sure you want to work with a lens that wide?

Whichever camera you decide on, I am sure you will be delighted. They are both superb cameras to own and use.

Thanks I actually really appreciate your advice. In terms of focal length on xt4 I made a mistake i have a 23mm 1.4 the 35mm equivalent as 35mm has typically my go to length.

what you have said is really why I’m stuck as the body size when I held the q feels great and I think if I buy the Leica it’s likely to be for 10+ years. Isn’t the original q the same sensor as the m240?

it really is price that puts me off any worrying thinking if I buy an old model regretting it but that lens and the build ……

this is why I’m so torn

Have you considered the 27mm pancake lens? I use the 27mm with my X-T2 if I want a small setup. The combination is not that much bigger than a X100V.

StuartGeddes wrote:

enigmatico wrote:

I have a lot of experience with the Leica Q and the X100V. I never owned the X-T4, but I did have the X-T3 and now the X-T5 which, like you, I use mostly with the 35mm f1.4 attached.

If the problem with your X-T4 is size and weight, I am not so sure that the Leica Q will reduce it enough to make a big difference to you. Whereas the X100V will feel smaller and lighter. I think if what you're trying to achieve is a pick-up-and-carry-everywhere camera when you're out with the kids; the X100V is a better choice. I have forced myself to carry around a camera + lens combo of around 800g - 900g every day, so that I have always got the camera I really want to shoot with along with me.

Having said that, this is how I would describe the two cameras in my mind. The Fuji X-100V is a beautiful lightweight camera body and well performing lens that is a joy to use. It has all the characteristics that make it a Fuji: small, lightweight, great jpegs, film sims with endless user-tweaks, a built-in ND filter, etc. But in the end it is the same sensor as your X-T4 in a smaller body without IBIS or an all-day battery.

The Leica Q is something else. It is an extraordinary lens attached to a Leica body which is beautifully engineered. I find its sensor to produce the most beautiful colours I've ever had from a digital camera - but this is my own personal view - not everyone agrees. Please check out images from it to see what you think. It is the same sensor as in the Leica SL (Type 601) and the Leica M10.

The Leica will sometimes give you results, when the light hits your subject just right, that are truly exceptional. You have to own it and use it to get what I mean.

You also need to consider the difference in focal length. The 35mm (FF equiv) lens of the X100V is easier to use I think and closer to the 50mm equiv that you have on your X-T4.

The 28mm focal length of the Q is not everybody's cup of tea. Are you sure you want to work with a lens that wide?

Whichever camera you decide on, I am sure you will be delighted. They are both superb cameras to own and use.

Thanks I actually really appreciate your advice. In terms of focal length on xt4 I made a mistake i have a 23mm 1.4 the 35mm equivalent as 35mm has typically my go to length.

what you have said is really why I’m stuck as the body size when I held the q feels great and I think if I buy the Leica it’s likely to be for 10+ years. Isn’t the original q the same sensor as the m240?

it really is price that puts me off any worrying thinking if I buy an old model regretting it but that lens and the build ……

this is why I’m so torn

The M240's sensor is made by the same manufacturer as the one in the Leica Q, but the Q has an updated version I believe.

The current market price of the X100V (even 2nd hand), is not that different from a used Leica Q (1st version). I don't look at modern digital cameras as being "old or new model". Newer cameras have improved functionality; faster, higher resolution, IBIS, Extreme AF capability, Video functions, etc. But not necessarily better pictures. The Leica Q is a classic in my view, anyone using it has got an amazing photographic tool in their hand. Period. The X100 series cameras from Fuji seem to be earning themselves a similar reputation, but this is mostly due to its compact size and weight and beautiful design (with a little boost from Tik-Tok)!

I have got quite a collection of cameras and I often use the older ones because they suit what I am trying to achieve that day. My most function-filled camera is a Sony A74, but I will only take it with me when I need super-sticky AF tracking. Otherwise I prefer a slower camera that demands more input from me. When it comes to lenses - give me classic/vintage anytime.

Considering gear specs, price and performance together with pleasure of operation and image character, do I see a slight direction in your original post, toward the X100V?

StuartGeddes wrote:

Hi all looking for some advice. I’m a current Xt4 owner and while I love the camera and design it’s heavy and I don’t always want to take it out with me and I like to have a camera with me with my kids

so this is the difficult part I previously had an x100 and it went everywhere with me. I have always lusted after a Leica Q.

im torn whether I should get a Q or an x100v or stick with what I have. Positives and negatives

Leica Q

- it’s a Leica and have always wanted one

- full frame

negative

- 7 year old

- expensive

X100v

- had an x100 series before liked it

- weather sealed

- cheaper than Leica

- newer

negatives

- overpriced at the moment

- apsc v full frame

stick with XT4

- own it and a couple of lenses already

- size can be good and I like the classic slr look

- interchangeable lenses

-better specs than Leica q

negatives

- it with my 35 1.4 is large and I don’t always want to use it

im really torn what to do really it seems obvious on paper to get an x100v or just stick with the xt4 and stop complaining and comparing I worry I will always want a Leica but the price puts me off and would need to buy used and it erks me spending so much on a used 7 year old camera. Anyone had experience in this or with these models and what did you do and is the performance and build of the q really that much better? Also I haven’t tried the x100v but the q felt a lot better than the original x100

i just don’t know what to do

Buy the most expensive...then buy a second for a backup!

These days APSC and FF basically provide the same IQ, unless you shoot ISO above 6400 a lot of times. I would stick with XT4, as I find the camera small. Otherwise, I would get a smaller Fuji camera.

There's an old adage about having champagne taste but a beer budget. I'm the opposite; I have a champagne budget but a beer taste. I can afford Mercedes but I drive a Chevy.  Mercedes may provide an enhanced "user experience" but at the end of the day, Chevy accomplishes my goal while my wealth (money not spent on a Mercedes) grows.

Leica may offer a desirable user experience but my reasonably priced Fuji produces award winning and revenue generating images while my bank account remains happy.

My gut feeling for your scenario was to recommend the X100V. If you can get one. And think it would be an excellent option.

And then there is the "however" ... You live in Australia so the light is similar, but different from the light we have over here in NZ. A rainy day in the bush or a cloudy day somewhere in the wops and the results can be beyond sensational. From a Q.

Here are some shots as examples as to what to expect from a Q. The top shot was taken with a Q2, but could have been taken with the original Q.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66786665

I had the X100F for a while, but found the results average at best, in case you felt like a second hand F. Have tried the V also and found it much better.

An annoying thing about the Q is the on/off switch and the camera is heavier than you might think. But great fun.

Or forget about it and find a 23/2, an excellent lens, or a used 1.4.

Good luck with your decision.

Deed

Craig268 wrote:

There's an old adage about having champagne taste but a beer budget. I'm the opposite; I have a champagne budget but a beer taste. I can afford Mercedes but I drive a Chevy. Mercedes may provide an enhanced "user experience" but at the end of the day, Chevy accomplishes my goal while my wealth (money not spent on a Mercedes) grows.

Leica may offer a desirable user experience but my reasonably priced Fuji produces award winning and revenue generating images while my bank account remains happy.

Hehe, and yet, sometimes one might indulge in disregarding a number in a bank account as the only quantity that's not infinite is the time we have on this planet.

Surely it's not always about higher numbers in bank accounts.

Sorry, late to the party again. However, . . .

I've owned several X100 cameras including the "V". I always ended up selling them as there was this difficult to explain conflict with the rest of my Fuji kit. My solution was to purchase the 27mm WR, which I can attach to my XT3 when I want a small 1C1L prime kit with all my favorite controls. But mostly it sits on my XE3 as long as the weather is not bad. I can still use whatever lenses on whichever body. Sorted, for now at least.

Edit: Personally, there would be many times & places where I would be hesitant to display a $5,000 camera for concern of theft. If it were pocket change as it may be for some, that would be a different story. Not pocket change for me so I can immediately rule it out. Not to mention, when I saw the price of a spare battery it became a definite no for me.