I’ve always wanted one. So, I did.
Some may say it is over-rated, but after using the Leica Q3 I have to differ. My Canon R Mark II was pricey, but this was worth the extra buckaroos. Aside from having a few Canons I don’t need another and I am happy with them, but I have been wanting to take the leap into the world of Leica and its “look” of the photograph.
Being a newbie to the red dot, I had to search the web. For the price of this camera, it is unbelievable to me that no Manual is included. *go figure*. So, after a couple of re-reads from the computer and back and forth to the camera, I started setting and shooting. You Tube is my hero on this however, it is so individualized per opinion that one has to just engulf it all and pick and choose. So, after all the watching of YT and reading the manual, the best bet was to just shoot Auto then go from there.
Martini glass with the focus on the rim. A good first but not so great at focus. I was eager to try it.
After shooting with Auto for a bit, it was easy to move into the Manual mode, after all it is just another camera, eh? *Yea, right*. I did have a tad of trouble moving the thumbwheel as it is a well sturdy gear, but getting used to it and setting the wheel to a different setting helped my small hands maneuver the buttons and customization. I still have not set the Profile categories. I am not sure how to do that yet. It is probably more simple than difficult which is undoubtedly my problem – simplicity. Canon has the “customize” tabs which I set 6 up for. –If someone out there can tell me, if the “Profile” tabs are the same as “customize” on a Canon? Simple questions, like “Do I have to reset the whole camera’s settings again each time I want to add a profile tab”? “Or, can I just add a couple settings to each Profile?” Simple right…. Let me know because I sure can use some help there.
What I very much love about this camera is that it is in the Leica Point and Shoot category. It has a fixed lens of 28mm, but the one thing that surprised me and had me sold on this for a daily walk around and travel camera is the digital zoom of 28, 35, 50, 75, and 90. All that I need in a day’s Loli-gaging around town and all the shots came out clear without a tri pod. The glass is exceptional. There is no question about that.
Because now knowing the size of the camera is never going to change, I did purchase a Peak Design 3L bag. Everything I need can go in here. I no longer need to carry extra lenses or a separate bag for my personal things I can happily say I do like this bag and there will be no returns- finally. *Less is more – sometimes*.
Here are a few flower pics. They evidently popped up without me seeing them. *I think an early Spring is rising*. The images are untouched with the wind blowing and I did not crop them. They are done full 28mm and set on Monochrome Mode. ISO 100 F2.8
I also purchased a thumb grip then added on an aftermarket hand grip for a price much less than the Leica and it fits like a glove. The body of the Leica is sleek and therefore a bit slippery when I use it so adding these really helped. I would put my wrist grip on which I do use on the other cameras, and I truly love it, but Leica has the opening for the film slot and the battery slot right where the wrist grip needs to connect. This also means I cannot attach the quick release for the tripod. But again, being channeled through my Grandpa, a marine engineer (LOL), I have purchased a large SD card to be able to transfer to my computer via WIFI or C cord which I found out works flawlessly and much better than my Canon transfers. Keeping extra cards is not a challenge since I do that anyway so depending on a larger card will be the ticket in using this thought *news at 11*.
Since the fires started here in So. Cal I have not gotten out. (I handle my firehose here and since The Bond Fire I have a bit of PTSD), I consistently have thoughts that if I leave, I may not get back to the hydrant in time. Dumb, I know but I haven’t done much photography since the winds and fires started a week ago now. Hence, my absence here on the blog, and today we had our electricity shut off, so who knows when it will go back on. Sooner would be better, but my ICM is this week, and I would like to see if I can get a good one with this camera.
Thanks for stopping by.
Til next time…
Kathleen Jennette
Monochrome Monday
17 responses to “~Leica Q3~”
You bring a fresh and intriguging perspective to your shots.
Thanks so much!
Lulu: “Our Dada’s Dada has a Leica or two! I don’t think he uses them anymore, he has them on a shelf, but apparently they are treasured possessions nevertheless …”
Lulu, Sometimes we save things like that for big snacks in the future! Sshhh… don’t tell him I told that!
No need to get any more cameras-that’s for sure! You have the gold standard. 🙂
The more I use it the more I think you are right. I need nothing more.
Congratulations on the new toy, Kathleen! The photos you posted look amazing.
Thank you, I am having fun with it 🙂
I hadn’t realised you were near the fires. I hope you stay safe x
Thank you, we are still a bit away from it, but we are on fire watch here in the canyons where we had The Bond Fire. We have had a few fires here and we are tense right now with winds and it being so dry.
Hello there! Hope you are safe these days …. So a Leica now, tell me, is that a different format not 35mm? I basically use the iPhone now, more convenient and I always have it with me. Take care.
I have always said the cell phones these days are pretty good little cameras too. The Leica Q3 which is what I have can be used for 35mm photos. If you are going straight from a cell phone, I would suggest watching You Tube or reading more about the Leica family of cameras. That would help in a decision. There are plenty of other budget friendly cameras out there. It is an exciting world of cameras these days.
Congratulations on your new camera, Kathleen! I’ve never priced that brand but apparently they are not cheap! Please be safe from the terrible fires. 🙏🏻😭
Thank you John, I am good so far and you are right, they are not cheap. It took me a few years to get one. But I must say, I am happy and wish I got it a long time ago.
Great! Getting new gear is always exciting!
Shooting anything Leica is like going to the gym. Everything is just a little hard to move. I’m finally learning to compensate on my long lens. The glass… superb 😁😂. Please keep safe from the fires 🥹
That is a great analogy of that little machine. Feels like a good solid piece of metal and works like one too. The glass… the best.