Very interesting and reminiscent story; thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks. Having recently acquired a Leica Q3 with its fixed 28mm f1.7 lens, I too am back to zooming with the feet. Back to basics - and enjoyable.

I share the sentiments expressed here having started with a Leica iiif in 1950 now with f2 50mm Summicron still going strong. Around 2013 acquired Fuji mirrorless and now have two Fuji X-T5 bodies with assorted Fujinon XF lenses. Superb Fuji results with jpeg and Fuji film simulations. Hard to beat. Then comes along the Leica Q cameras. After renting from lens rentals.com (excellent folks), I recently bought a new Leica Q3 which I’ve been shooting in DNG and Lightroom 6.1. As I’ve previously posted, there is an intangible, undefinable quality to Leica images. Call it what you will, but it’s there. Lately I’ve been reaching for the Leica Q3 for local scenics; that 28mm f1.7 Summilux lens grows on you. Just my two cents worth.

Know how you feel, Bill. I'm an old "Leicaphile" who has learned to love this new Q3. Never thought I would get used to 28mm full frame but it does grow on you. As pointed out, with 60mp, there is plenty of room for cropping and wide angle ain't so bad after all. Keep shooting and sharing.

I vote for #1

Spectacular colors and beautiful composition. Thanks for sharing

Likewise, buying and selling no problems. They even found me a “Like New” Leica Q3 last month.

Stunning especially ##2 and 4

I use a 1957 Zeiss Super Ikonta BX/M folding 120 roll film camera with Zeiss f2.8 lens and Synchro Compur 1/500 shutter. Captures 12 2 1/4 X 2 1/4 frames per roll. The exposure meter still reads accurately. Not your everyday medium format camera but it produces superb images. You can find these on eBay.

Not really, Davey. Like I said, it's inexplicable but nevertheless, it exists. Leica lenses have some unique quality (capability?) that resonates in the images they produce. A full frame, 60 megapixel sensor with the latest Leica processor and a 28mm f1.7 Summilux lens producing a DNG file certainly contributes to the quality of the image. Having said all that, an iPhone photo looks great these days and my Fuji 26 megapixel X-T30 (or the 40 megapixel X-T5) with Fuji film simulation colors will likewise produce superb images. If I want gallery quality, large prints, or if I'm seeking photographic art, I'll defer to the Leica.

Neither have i. I’ve seen YouTubers unsuccessfully try to define it. BUT, when I ask people to look at a gallery of photos and pick out the Leica images, they invariably pick the Leica images. Inexplicable but there nonetheless.

The Q3 is incredible but unique. Full frame with a fixed 28mm lens is considerably wide angle in my view; takes a bit of getting used to. 60 megapixels however leaves considerable room for cropping. The Summilux lens is, in my humble view, among Leica’s best; again incredible. I have two Fuji X-T5 image stabilized bodies with superb Fujinon XF lenses which capture fantastic images. So why Leica? There is something intangible in the superb Leica DNG files; there IS that Leica look which often makes me reach for the Q3 when I want to produce “photographic art.”

As an old Leicaphile, I acquired a Leica Q3, "Like New," from MPB last month. I've been working with it in an effort to capture that renowned, indefinable, "Leica look." Shooting Leica/Adobe DNG files post processed in Lightroom 6.1.

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Recent visit to the Lewis Gintner Botanical Gardens Holiday Festival of Lights produced some interesting photo ops. Had my Fuji X-T5 with the Fujinon XF 16-55 f2.8 zoom. ISO 1600 handlheld as the X-T5 has IBIS. I shot JPEG and post process in Lightroom 6.1

Merry Christmas everyone.

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Your HDR shot is dead on and magnificent.

God bless you, Elaine and Ziggy. Thanks for sharing your story.
Peace and blessings
Happy Veterans Day