Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

I have been a Nikonite for over 50 years with one stray to Sony when the first mirrorless came out. I returned to Nikon.

I was recently on a photo expedition to Malta and Sicily with a group of photographers, several of them had Leicas. These Leicas really peaked my interest. I ordered a Q3 and it will be delivered to me within 24 hours.

I am very excited about this new venture. I know that it will be a completely different shooting experience, and will not replace my Nikons (Z9) as they are completely different animals.

I really enjoy this forum and the wealth of experience and information that is contained herein. It’s the first place I look daily for new information and commentary. So, I ask any of you with experience with Leica, for any insight you have to offer. I am sure there are specific Leica forums worth subscribing to, I just don’t know which ones are the best, so recommendations are welcome.
Thank you for your time and advice.
RL

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

My experience with Leica has been mostly with the M series Rangefinder cameras. I have used the Q2, but the Q3 is more advanced than the Q2 especially the sensor, so I don’t think my Q2 experience would be much help to you. I believe the Q2 and Q3 have the same lens which, like most Leica lenses, is a masterpiece.
The Leica website has tutorials on the different Leica models and YouTube has many tutorials.
Enjoy your new camera. Happy shooting.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

I have the Q2M and it's a fantastic camera BUT, I have one pet peeve.
The focus point cannot be locked to the center of the image so as you carry the thing around, the 4 way wheel gets bumped and your focus point gets moved.
So if you take a shot without checking where your focus point is, you may be disappointed with the results.
Several times I have taken photos only to find that the focus point is all the way over on the side of the image-bummer.
Other than that, I get great enjoyment playing with this camera.

jwreed50 Loc: Manassas, VA

I'm a Nikon Z8 user and also have (and love) the Leica Q3 (had a Q2 previously). In my view, the Q3 is pretty close to the "perfect" travel camera. Some quick thoughts:

a. You'll want to get the thumb support for the Q3. Greatly improves the ergonomics of the camera. I also have the Leica half-case for the Q3, which helps protect the camera.

b. When you receive your Q3, make sure the firmware is updated. I think Ver. 1.3 is the latest one. There have been a couple of software issues with the Q3 that have been addressed in the updates.

c. It's a simple, straightforward camera to use -- that's the beauty of it. The menu structure is uncomplicated and easy to navigate. You can customize the menu to set up your "Favorites" at the top of the menu structure, which is very convenient.

d. The Q3's AF is excellent -- although not up to the standards of the Z8/Z9. I have used different AF modes, but have found that the Q3's "Intelligent AF" seems to work well in most settings.

e. Just use the camera and you'll get accustomed to it very quickly. It's very intuitive.

Congratulations on being able to get one -- they're still hard to find. And have fun with it. It's completely different than the Nikon experience, and it's a lot of fun to use.

MosheR Loc: New York City

How about submitting some of your photos for us to enjoy.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Have fun with your new camera. Leica Australia and Red Dot Forum (2 guys from Leica Miami) have You Tube channels with videos about the Q3 & all things Leica.

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

Jwreed50
Thank you for providing exactly what I was looking for. I am ordering the thrumb support. Already downloaded the firmware upgrade and is waiting for the camera! Hopingnit arrives today, probably tomorrow. Been watching my FedEx app frequently for updates. But you know what they say, a wwtched pot never boils.

All my best and much appreciation for your advice.
RL

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

Most definitely! I’m not the guy who posts photos of my camera boxes! 😂

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

Perfect. Thank you very much.

User ID

Having no use for Leica cameras but being really appreciative of the great compact lenses involved, I use various adapters to fit Leica mount lenses onto my Z Nikons. You might wanna look into unifying your mixed outfit via such adapters.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

I admit I have no background with Leica, but please offer some ideas about the overall utility of such an expensive camera with a fixed lens.

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

Good point however, the Q3 is a fixed lens. Can't remove it. That's why I'm buying it. My family will be very pleased with me when I don’t take my 2)Z9 bodies, plus all of the lenses. They will be shocked!

User ID

Fixed lens ??!?

Sorry about my recommending Leica to Nikon adapters, and acoarst I join you in wondering about the utility of this camera.

Even though I often carry no alternate lenses to a single M-mount prime on my Z, I cannot accomodate any lack of choice about *which* lens that will be !

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

I hear you very well. Will be a very different experience for me. As a great friend and photographer said to me, if you don’t have it, you can’t use it. 😂

DickC Loc: NE Washington state

I shoot my plain old D200, think it's shot a million pics and still going!!