Photography

Full-frame sensor, 28mm f/1.7 ASPH fixed focal length with Macro mode, contrast-based autofocus system, integrated 3.68-megapixel electronic viewfinder (automatic switching between viewfinder and monitor)... download the data sheet for more details.

Pictured is the Leica Q Typ 116 with the optional handgrip (finger loop not shown - stock photo)

I visited the Leica Showroom in Ginza (Tokyo) on a very rainy (pre-typhoon) day... my new rain coat was well used today.  You can read the specification online so I won't list them up here.  Just a tactile impression from my time with the Q and talking to the staff (very friendly).  BTW, there was no stock and no information about when there might be any.

This camera feels very good in the hands (I would recommend the optional handgrip, it's very comfortable and protects the bottom of the camera).  My reference is the Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) / Panasonic LX100, of which I am currently researching the LX100 (it has a handgrip and a friendly list price).  The Q is much more stable and solid in the hands than the Typ 109/LX100, a world apart... I would buy the Q based on the handling alone.

We did some (auto-focus) macro shots and when viewed on the display back, from what I saw, the results were very acceptable.  28mm is my second most used RF lens, and the first M-mount lens when I got my MP, so I can live very comfortably with that focal length.

The Leica Q (TYP 116) is defiantly worth a look if you are in the market... don't listen to anyone, just go down and see for yourself...

Casey

No message body

For in-studio (or home-studio) I would recommend a dSLR (one of the newer Nikon/Canon) with (for example) a 100mm macro lens, some good lights, a product bench, and good post processing software.  Not to say that that set-up is required, but it's what I am familiar with and what I would use...

For field work, my choice would be a camera with manual controls, an appropriate lens based on the camera body selected (or in combination if a fixed lens solution), and some off camera lighting.  Again, a personal preference...

Obviously the D Lux is quite popular with the team here, no reason to dis that solution as the results speak for themselves.  Changing gear for gear sake is not a reasonable approach....

Having said that, I would be comfortable recommending a hands-on look at the "Q".  It's an impressive camera solution, that feels great to use.

Casey

No message body

What I don't entirely understand with these sorts of models though is that they seem aimed at portability, but because the lens protrudes to such an extent, they are anything but pocketable.  So, why not just buy a regular camera, which is more or less the same size body as far as I can tell, and enjoy the flexibility that being able to change lenses offers.  I know that there are advantages in terms of optics of having a fixed lens, but still it seems in many ways like a compromise too far.

As you mentioned there are some advantages of a fixed lens system... potential for less dirt on the sensor, optimized for the lens... and it some ways it's about the lens, which seems to be a "good one".

Obviously portability is a factor, but not sure if it's the main emphasis with the Q (TYP 116), there seem to be multiple layers here...  Same approach as with the Cartier Tank Française Yearling, it's a marketing test - in the case of Cartier it was about testing the size and here there are rumors of an exchangeable lens Q in the future.

For me the Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) / Panasonic LX100 is too small... and that cam doesn't fit in a pocket (well maybe a winter suit pocket)... the Q (TYP 116) is very portable yet handles and feels substantial (as opposed to large).  The Q (TYP 116) is smaller than an M and much smaller than a historical dSLR.

The Leica IIIf (for example) with a retractable lens was marketed as a "pocket camera", and for sure it was small compared to a view camera, but with rigid 50mm it's anything but pocketable...  portable is a marketing definition ; )

I move around by walking and train, so weight is more of a consideration than size...  With battery the Panasonic LX100 is 393g and the Q (TYP 116) is 640g.  The difference is about the same weight as my Kindle with out the case.  Yesterday I was shooting with a Nikon F3P and a Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 which weighed in at 1.5kg ; )

For me it's a question about performance and ergonomics...

Casey

This message has been edited by cshimokita on 2015-09-17 15:58:28

and more rumors of a new Leica mirrorless non-rangefinder camera are going the rounds... where there is smoke there could be a little fire ; )  Let's see what pops up.

No message body

One issue, though... The flash is not integrated, yo u have to buy one... 

I have to find the time to try it. To see if it is a serious issue or not... 

But my current wish list is for a backup camera, so maybe not in this particular minute ; )

The technical specs for the Q state that there is an "ISO accessory shoe with center and control contacts to connect flash units, such as the Leica SF26".  So it might be possible to use a small wireless trigger with an off camera flash... the usual review sites and the Q documentation do not provide any specific details, so it's something to check.

Casey

No message body