So… That Leica Q3 43: They Did The Thing.

This should be a shut up and take (a lot of) my money proposition.

But it isn’t.

I too, was once bitten by the Leica Q bug.

And it was a great time. Took many images that I really like.

I have said that I wish Leica made a version with a longer focal length like SIGMA did with their dp Quattro fixed lens line of cameras.

They did the thing. So what is my issue?

Generally nothing. They have created a Q variant that is more aligned with my personal wish list. Huzzah!

Not getting one though. Ultimately my selling off my Q had nothing to do with the focal length. Some reasons remain. One has become more acute.

More acute.

Too precious for a daily carry camera.
- The Q I had was too valuable for me to use it as intended. One errant leave behind where I briefly did not know where I left it was enough for me. I am not built for that level of stress.
- For the current asking price, I would do what I eventually did. Rather than trying to make one camera all things, buy an OG A7C and small prime or small zoom as an AF daily carry and get an M Type 240 for when I am feeling rangefinder-ish. Could buy all noted for less, especially if I hit the used market.

Same.

It is not… that compact.
- This is not the cameras fault. You cannot fight physics. As other cameras have shown huge sacrifices are made for a truly tiny full frame camera.
AF is… ok.
- While I am sure the newest version is far better than the OG Q I had I doubt it has matched the near supernatural AF levels of other brands.

But none of those was the main main reason. That would be.

Not an M.
- Went in thinking that having a Leica would suffice. But no matter how good the Q was, what I wanted was a full frame digital rangefinder. So that is what I got eventually.

I have read where some lament the fact that Leica did not take this opportunity to make other improvements and left the camera otherwise as is. But I get it. If I was one who liked the original formula a new lens would do it for me.

My solution was fairly straightforward.

Bought a less spendy option that I finally convinced myself I could take with me.
With a tiny TTArtisans 28mm f/5.6 it is actually very compact.
AF? I wanted…
A rangefinder.

I applaud Leica for doing the thing.

They did not have to. Leica did not have to change a thing and most would have made do with what they already have. I wonder what those in possession of a current Leica Q3 will do. Trade? Get another? I cannot fathom why someone would do the latter but I have read about some that have two M bodies so what do I know? More power to you. As I have said before…

Hear me clearly.

I am glad they made it.

I applaud them.

Have never understood why so many seem determined to put down products they will not be purchasing, or even worse attack those who do. A whole lot of killjoys out there and I have no time for any of them.

If it makes you happy go for it. I wish you prosperity, good health, and fantastic images.

Me? I am perfectly happy with my old timey M.

Well done Leica.

Happy capturing.

-ELW