I own two Leicas, a 1956 M3 and a its first digital, the M8. I love them and their simplicity. I used to belong to a camera club, mostly guys-I’m a76 year old gal who has shot for around 70 years-and most of them seemed to act as if the size of their gear reflected their masculinity. Mmm. Such derogatory comments, especially when I used post WW2 Soviet lenses. How could they be acceptable? I still own a bunch of cameras, many analog Soviet Leica knockoffs, which fascinate and amuse, especially since I’ve a freezer full of film. But the old Leicas are amazing and faithful friends which confuse others. Why use them? I don’t have to worry, to think, and just rely upon motor memory. They work with left handed arthritis and make no noise. And the photo quality is incomparable. Would I love to own a Leica Monochrome of any vintage? Indeedy. But my coinage most likely will not support such an item at my young age. I would love such a gift but the camera club guys for some reason aren’t involved in such things and count megapixels as bragging points. I’m not interested in competition. I know what works for me, the Maine septuagenarian street photographer living in a state where there aren’t many urban areas.
I look at my local camera / photography club and they're as they say "all the gear and no idea" ... They're equipment / brand snobs who take sub-standard shots, with overpriced latest and greatest gear. PS: Don't worry about the monochrome Leicas, the M and M8 turn out perfectly decent monochrome image.
@@kiwipics They do make fine files for editing into Monochrome... but a dedicated Monochrome Leica sensor makes for a truly special shooting experience.
An interchangeable Q3 would nail it for me. I don't own a Leica yet! because of the value offering, but when I see them they sure inspire me to go out an take photos, something my Sony doesn't but the Sony a7r V does everything so well, but it feels like I am using a computer rather than a photographic tool.
A7RIII here. I agree about an ILC Q3. Just like a Sony RX1 MK3 should have an interchangeable mount. Sony's latest A7C II is worth a look, but then it's all down to lens size and weight, which is of course fairly unique to Leica. Definitely first World problems.
Nice to see a video that pretty deftly avoids the cliches, and even leans into some of them without falling over too. I loved that Leica existed before I owned one. I love that all camera brands exist, because we can seek out the one which is best for us. It took me some 20 years to realize for me that brand is indeed Leica... but in the meantime, I got to shoot a ton of different things with all sorts of widely varying awesome bodies. It's a real golden age for photographers. Landed on the M240 not so long ago, and finally home.
Recommend getting a stick on "skin" for a Leica. That AND a silicone case that covers it on top of that. Obviously a screen protector too. Also a soft shutter release button. Also skins for the lenses.
I recently purchased a used Leica M240. Like a pair of distressed Levi's, the paint has worn off and the brassing is beginning to show. At 65 I'm beginning to embrace the art of Wabi Sabi - to be more accepting and open, embracing the beauty of flaws and rawness of life. The M240 is the perfect tool to start my learning journey as I'd like to create impressions of Wabi sabi from its abstract form.
OK, I was shooting film for @ 30 years. Started out with a Leica M3 then a Nikon F2. When I learned about the Leica MD 262 in 2023, it was a no brainer for me to purchase it. It`s a digital camera on the inside whilst a film camera on the outside...!
Love my Q2M as well as my M8 and T but on the other side my Ricoh GXR with Leica module, even the Sony RX1R2 and my Sigma FPL. Always depends how I feel like and what I want or need on that day. My profession is archer and I have on this side kind of 60 bows in my basement. Same here, depends what I need, want and how I feel. There is not one tool which can do all
Got to admit, I’m slightly disappointed you’ve decided not to go with the M11. I picked one up about a month ago and would have loved to see how you travelled with it as I go on the rangefinder journey and especially as I’ve been using the Q2 for about 2 and half years. Good luck with whatever direction you go!
Love your content. I own a Leica M10 Monochrome. Adore it. Paired with a 50mm Summicron. Love it as well. I love everything about this kit. Inspires me.
I really loved this video. Your stream of consciousness approach here is very off the cuff and super intimate, and they're genuine thoughts from an artist who simply loves the craft. As someone who usually shoots Fuji (though I'm not brand "loyal") and just picked up a Leica, I appreciate your thoughts! Instant sub.
One of the most likables testimonials I have ever seen, thank you so much Staley! In the era of film I used to work with Leicas for decades: Leicaflex SL, Leica RE, Leica R9, Leica M6 ... But when the digital epoch started Leica became too expensive for me, I just couldn't justify to get into a such costly system, without autofocus ... My first digital was the Nikon D700 full frame camera with 12MP - excellent, but on the heavy side. So I changed to mFT: Panasonic Lumix GH2, GH4, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk III - very practical equipment, but image quality not always satisfying in difficult light situations. Therefore I went back to full frame: Sony A7RII, A7RIII, A7RIV - excellent , but I didn't like the ergonomics of the bodies. For three years now I am en route with Nikons Z- system, and I am happy in every respect: Ergonomics, functionality, image quality. They even made tiny prime lenses which, - in combination with the Z6II for example, - could replace your beloved Q2 - think about it 😉 Best regards from Switzerland, Markus
@@adventureStaley Agree - especially the F1.8- prime- line is very attractive, excellent in quality and modertat in price, and a good choice for portraits: 24, 35, 50, 85mm. But I shoot mainly nature and landscape, and therefore the awesome Z 24-120 F4 S has become my bred-and-butter lens. Paired with the Z 14-30 F4 S and the Z 100-400 F4.5-5.6 VR S.
Love my 6 as well and with it's V4 35 cron. I finally replaced it and got the M10R black paint. Didn't think the .72 finder would be that big a deal but my 6 has the .58. Well now that I wear glasses it is. Just did not give me the same experience with the lack of room outside the frame lines with a 35 on it. No problems with the eye relief using a 50mm but not enough to keep it. Sad because the Ms are process cameras, feel shooting experience, optical, etc. Now just rocking my Fuji xPro 2 and 3 and am happy. The optical hybrid finders are what Ms should be. Love adapting M lenses and Voigtlander M on the Fuji. In fact the Voigtlander 40mm 1.2 Nokton is my favorite portrait set up ever on the Xpro (60mm equiv) If Leica ever did a Q with a 35 or 40mm I would be down for that. Until then, Xpros and 100V is the jam. Cheers man.
I got inspired by the look of your 28mm Q2 portraits and want to try 28mm for street portraits. I tend to shoot mainly between 50-105mm. I’m on a budget, so I’ve just ordered myself a Nikon 28mm f1.8G to use on my D700 & D3S. I have a 24-70 zoom, but it’s really MASSIVE & has a stop less light & blur. Fingers crossed. Good luck with your gear change.
Really nicely done, I am really enjoying your videos, sir. Looking forward to our chat in a few weeks, really feeling like I'm starting from scratch here and am excited.
My first digital camera was a Kodak of some sort with a 2MP sensor. The enxt one was the Sony F828. Sony hadn't acquired Minolta by then, so they didn't really know much about stills camera manufacturing and it showed. The F828 looked like a mini version of one their camcorders. It did have a tilting Zeiss zoom lens though.
I started digital photography with a Coolpix 950 ME, later on I got a Kodak DCS760C and a Kodak DCS720X both based on the Nikon F5. Awesome cameras with great output. I also had a Coolpix 990. Then I got the older Kodak DCS620C, 620X and 660C also based on the F5. I still have all the Kodaks and also a film F5 for the completeness. Later on the Leica M virus got me. Started with the M5, went on with the M8, M9-P, M4. I also went into the Hasselblad H system with the H2, film and digital back and H3DII-31. A superb system. I just love modular cameras like the Nikon F2 system I started serious photography with and have now three of them including the motordrives and several finders. I also like the Visoflex for macro work with the Ms.
Why change? Why 'upgrade'? I have my Leica-M3 since 1967.. Yup 56 years. I mostly use the 50mm Collapsible Summicron f2.0. I simply carry on. Auto focus has never truly worked for me. I've never needed 145 fps per second. I hate editing. I use film, it's getting expensive, but how many rolls purchased plus if color needing pro labs, to cover costs of M11/M10 ? I dont shoot less with film, merely more carefully and thinking! I'm retired but shoot every day that I go on a walk. Heart exercise. I have lots of 35mm SLR that folks gave me. They ALL are excellent. Digtally i never needed those high Megapixels. Pentax Optio was 3,5MP. I made 20x 30cm prints. No! I have no walls for murals. I do however make small prints, mounted on board, as gifts. Those I see when I visit, on shelfs, fridge doors, in glass cabinets. Film though in problem with new scanners at airports.Travel for me, small compacts, real small. AA battery. My DSLR is a D-50! Takes I GB card. ONLY! Glad I never invested. Seldom used. Great Video. Good portraits.
Interesting argument… I wanted to simplify. I guess it’s an exercise in self discipline as well. On December 2022 I said my New Year’s resolution was going to be making 2023 a black and white year. Only black and white. By March I was done … so if selling your gear was something you felt you had to do and get the q2 … more power to you! It seems from your videos that it takes some amazing shots, well… you take some amazing shots with that camera. Because in the end it’s the photographer and his/her skill. It’s not the brand, it’s not whether it’s film or digital, it’s not whether it’s monochrome or not, or heck, even the lens … you are talented, period.
@@adventureStaley I had the X100V for a short time. Going by your opinions on simplicity of use, I think you'd hate it: it could take days to go through the menu. Like you, one of my favourite things about the Q is the pure simplicity of it. The X100V is a beautiful looking camera and has a great lens, but it's way to complex.
Love this video but have to say I got rid of my other cameras to move to Leica & loved my Q2 but traded that for the M11 & kept my Q2. I do love as you said the simplicity of Leica & the lenses (Leica & Voightlander). The cameras bring the creativeness inmate as it slows me down to compose not be snap happy as most likely the M6 does for you I borrow friends latest cameras but its like coming back home after a trip when I pick up the Leicas when again.
It took me some time before I could afford a Leica. I bought a Leica M10. Not the M10P, not the M10M, the Leica M10. This camera brought me back to my early days of photography, with digital. It is so simple to use, and I have to consider my composition. The M11 does have more megapixels. Leica made some improvements over the M10. But I think my shots with the M10 does capture what I wanted. I even pushed it this past summer taking pictures of constellations in Joshua Tree. It surpassed my Lumix S5 on constellations. Not quite what I had taken with my Cannon 5D Mark 4, but I’ve used the Cannon for decades.
Bought my first Leica M2 in the 70’s used because I was too stupid not to buy either a Leica M3 or M2 new when I could. My mother had a Leica IIIf which was gifted to her which I really loved, unfortunately it was lent out and never came back. Well I enjoy my Leica M2’s and M3 which I bought used when they were a lot less. Never saw any reason to get a new M6 when they first came out. One major advantage of them over a $9k+ Leica digital is that they will not really go obsolete as there is film and when the electronics of the M11 goes and you can’t get parts like the older M6 light meter you’ll have a very expensive paper weight while I’ll be still shooting film lol. Also hate those extra frame lines, shoot mainly 28, 35 and 50
@@adventureStaley Necessary for life. Necessary for self-development. Necessary to make a difference. Necessary to blaze a trail. Necessary. Period. And it's incredible how you do it. Love watching your journey!
Can’t see you without the Q2. 1. As jack said above, you have inside info on the Q3. Or. 2. You will wake up tomorrow and realize you want to keep the Q2, Or 3. You end up keeping the Q2 and adding a Panasonic s5ii. I’m betting on #3.
Really enjoyed this. I’ve been a longtime Nikon shooter, switched to Sony 3 years ago and I have Fuji as well, love it. However I’ve been renting the Leica , the m10 and now the q2. I love both😮💨 I think I’m gonna shake things up myself with 2024 around the corner.
@@adventureStaley it's just that your thoughts resonate with me - though a different subject altogether, things are in the flux and it shall be a new pathway, hopefully, truePath.. =)
I get it. Though I’ve not come across anyone who has mastered the Q as well as you, I appreciate the desire to find a new inspiration. For me, after 25+ years shooting Canon and Sony I have found the M to be my ideal companion. The notion of slowing down and making images as opposed to taking. For non-personal work I do, however, lean on the SL2-s, which satisfies those that are not interested in sharing my patience. 😊 Leica glass,otoh, is another conversation. While expensive, they cure GAS and, typically, appreciate in value over time. This simply does not exist with other manufacturers. Cheers.
Started my Leica journey also in 2015 with a used M6 which I am using to this day. Added a few years ago a M 240 for digital which works still fine for me. M10-R or M11 would be great but also can't justify the price tags for what the cameras offer (even used).
Don’t do it. Regular mirrorless cameras will suck your soul into a black abyss. If you want more simplicity supplement your Q with the SL3 that’s likely coming out with phase detect (same as Lumix s5.2)
I have an M6 and 6 M mount lenses and an adapter to my Sony A6xxx and also Nikon film equipment etc..., but I mainly use Sony E mount with APS-C AF lenses nowadays. I think my best compliment to this video is that i listened to a lot of it because it seemed honest and candid. I related to your contemplation about gear you like vs what you really need to do the job you have our your self employed job,
Based on the great experience I had with my Leica M1 that I used on a microscope and my Leica M6 that I used with 90/35/21mm lenses, I purchased two Leica M10 rangefinders. Regretfully, my M10 digital rangefinders were not as reliable or durable as my M6 and M1 35mm film cameras.
No need to validate using a Leica. Simply put they're just so much fun to use. No "features" will ever replace the simplicity and pure joy of shooting with any Leica M cameras.
Again another great video. I don't know. I love my Q2 Monochrom. I am not an agnostic about cameras. Leica for life for me. I always go back to the Q2. I love it so much. Like you it's the one camera that is always in my bag. I get it if you need the coin to buy another camera but I will never ever sell any on my Leicas or their awesome lenses. Either way I am looking forward to hearing what you decide...
As a Q2 owner who has came from Fujifilm and like you sometimes needs a longer focal distance I found myself for 1 week with a canon and then straight back to Fujifilm because it works for me. I may also sell my Q2 because I don’t need 2 cameras, and I can get what I need out of the Fuji but it’s hard to let go.
Good thoughts. My two brains are fighting right now over whether to pick up an M10. You ever check out the Zeiss Loxia or Cosina Voigtlander lenses on Sony? Just lovely.
the Q3 is probably right around the corner so if you end up wanting to go Q again the upgrade will be there for you. Love the shots you’ve gotten with those cameras
You can definitely use the M cameras professionally outside of landscapes. But I never understood why anyone would do that. There are quirks you have to deal with like parallax, .7m close focus and range finder calibration. I see M cameras as more of a hobbyists or enthusiast camera for daily and vacation use. I see more value shooting a mirror less camera like Sony professionally because of its flexibility, and features to help you get the job done. I mean if you really want to get a SL I guess that can work too.
Just wanted to let you know I really appreciate the work you do.I appreciate you candor and frankness. Your videos have been incredibly helpful in terms of my journey to making some decisions of my own on my next camera. I would be super interested in you doing a video of the Leica sl2-s vs your q2. I would be interested in seeing you would find yourself using the sl2-s more because of its versatity. Hopefully you find this feedback helpful. Cheers
All one needs is good glass, decent film, motorvation and opportunity. A Himatic 7 took me to Canon AE1+P to a raft of earlier model Pentax (LOVE the MX) and all are awesome.
I respect your opinion, I agree with your points, especially when those are supported by your amazing work. I see passion on the way you talk and we seem to be aligned about value for the money about how those Leicas cost. My main doubt is: how worse would all of your photos be if you have taken them with my Fujifilm xpro3 and my TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 manual focus. For me the formula is there: manual focus, focus peaking viewfinder, aperture, shutter speed and iso right in the hand. Loved your video.
Huge fan of your work and YT channel Ben! Would you or have you considered a medium format camera to take you to the next phase of your artistic journey?
Just did a shoot and I feel for me I love shooting my M11! When I use flash it’s tough focusing in low light but I do it! I used my R5 too and it was awesome but honestly it’s like cheating! I think how you feel when you use the camera matters most because all the cameras today are god!
Looking at your excellent work, I think you should have an M11 Monochrome. Best and most lovable camera I ever owned. Like your calm and unobtrusive way of presenting, by the way.
currently professional photographers don't use leica cameras. rich amateur photographers hope that a leica camera will make them look professional. but of course that doesn't work.
Owned a Q2 for a while and actually moved to Fuji recently, as I couldn’t really get myself to be fully comfortable with pulling out a $5000+ camera in some places and scenarios, which kind of defeats the purpose of having such a powerful but portable camera 🫠 Also for most of my casual shooting I really don’t like spending hours in front of a screen editing photos, making Fuji a better choice overall. But I did take the Q2 on many walks and trips and it was definitely an amazing camera that’s worth the price and (most of) the hype ❤ Hopefully I get to try Leica’s rangefinders some time soon too
Seen your photography. You could blow everyone else out the water just using a Box Brownie. A few critical points you made here... Smaller sensors can still achieve epicness; Know what you like to shoot the most; Keep it simple, keep it light weight. Takes years to figure this out.
Hi Ben…Why Leica? And Why not? It isn’t the gear they say, but your Photo’s show something different. The rendering of a Leica is far beyond what other brands can give you!! Flat pictures is the new hipe, cause people want clinic sharpness…i have bin there and my advice…stay with the tool you are in love with 🙏
Great video Ben. had an M10 loved it, sold it to get a Nikon Z7II to shoot my sons soccer games ( always raining). Missed my M10, sold the Nikon, never spoke to me. Got the M10 monochrom and thrilled to death. Smiling again, love to carry it, hold it in my hands like a newborn baby and of course to shoot it! so wait and see, you'll be back with an M before you know it, and make new Adventures and Art 😉.
Well I’m a huge Leica fan. But I always had another modern camera on the side, going from Nikon to Sony now Canon R5. The Canon R5 and the RF lenses are incredible. But the rendering from Leica M and 50 summilux is just have that special look. It’s such a love hate relationship. It is such a pain to use, and with all the missed focus with the slightest movement. But it is magic when it hits.
Honest question…do you think a Leica m240 would still be a good choice in 2023? I’m trying to decide between an M camera and the sl2s. The big thing for the sl2s is the built in diopter and AF when I want to use it, but I do enjoy the manual focus experience and smaller body size of the M. The only thing is the m11/10R is a bit too expensive for what I’m willing to spend currently. I do have a tl2 and other cameras (Fuji, pentax) but I agree there’s just something special and unique about the Leica experience. I really can’t put it into words.
Try Fuji X pro 3 you are going to love it I am a photographer and cinematographer from India converted from Canon and now using Fujifilm XT3 from last 4 years and I am so much satisfied before Fujifilm I tried Sony but never find connection with that camera so try once any Fuji
Great vid ….. loved your honesty in buying into the hype just a touch ….. whatever you end up with I’m sure you’ll be just fine …. You are a hell of a photographer …… just for shits and giggles ….. I’m figuring you for an M10d type of guy …. Keep up the good work!
@@adventureStaley Your Leica kit is minimalistic. Nikon has a Compact 40mm f2, 28mm f2.8 & a pancake 26mm f2.8. Not super fast but great minimal kit for travel. Although, faster 3rd party lenses are available from Voigtlander.
Love the way you talk about Leica. I am thinking about buying Q2 lately as my first Leica. Do you think it is still worth it to buy Q2 now when Q3 would be released in 2023? Thanks a lot. Keep up the great work.
Because of you, I bought the Q2. Amazing little camera! Using it for casual photography next my Hasselblads (H6-400MS, X1DII and X2D) for professional work... but I'll never sell it ! Keep your Q2, or you'll regret it...
@@adventureStaley I really hope for you that you can test the X2D with their newest lenses. The 'older' XCD lenses are all perfect but a little less quick in autofocus, but I don't care, the quality of these optics are above all! If useable for my professional work, you can imagine that the quality is perfect. Ask a demo to a reseller in your country.
Ben, have you looked at a second hand SL2? I’m lucky enough to have it in addition to my Q2. I’m sure you’ll find something you’d like. Wherever you go next, I’ll be with you on the journey. Best, Bart
That was the longest ad I’ve seen in a while 😅 But I agree, Leicas are unique! And it feels like changing the Q2 will shake things up. You will never get a more compact FF body+lens than that! It would be really cool with a 35 or 40mm option, without the crop-function. I had a 28 and it’s a great focal length for some situations but 35-50 is better for every day use IMO. Looking forward to see what you come up with!
@Phillip Banes absolutely it’s at a lower price, but I would rather buy a used Q2 than a new Sony. It’s ridiculous to have a camera that expensive without a viewfinder 😵 The Sony don’t have a Sumilux, there are buttons everywhere on that one and you don’t get the same manual control over the settings. It may sound silly. But I’ve been using Fuji for many years and a Leica M10 the past 1.5 years and when I tried a SL2 out for just a few days, the loss of the manual dials that showed me the settings was a deal breaker for me. The possibility to adjust the settings before I lift my camera is important. Just to be able to see something in front of you and adjust the settings on the way can be a deal break IMO. The Sony is probably a great camera, but I would’ve picked that Q2 any day!
@Phillip Banes the sony probably has the dials I want, but not in the way I want them. I cant see my shutterspeed or ISO settings (the later isn’t on the Q2 either) when it’s turned of or in sleep mode. The Leica lenses are proven high quality in the long run, and that sumilux is a very, VERY good lens. I did miss that viewfinder though, but it’s designed in a very weird way 😅 The thing is, I guess you and I prioritize different bodies, and that’s why there are different options on the market. I have an M10 and I wouldn’t change for anything, not even another Leica body. The M-bodies (or the Q-bodies) are made for minimalism, the most essential. For me it would be a nightmare with 5 dials on a camera body. I don’t see the point having them there. But as it is for now, the M-body is the only body I know that fits my needs as good as possible. And for the Q2 vs. the sony. I still rather get the Q2, pay more for less, just to have the most essential. The pros for the sony though, it has a 35mm instead of that 28mm!
Excellent!!!! Great no BS tell all, get it out. Keep changing it up. It helps keep you growing. Complacency isn’t good in photography. Great channel bro!
Real cool. Real honest. Love how you reflect the perplexity of the craft. If I had a few Gs I’ll buy your Q2 right away. I love small, powerful and solid cameras. Ain’t that many around. Sure you wanna get rid of it?
Always dig your videos and especially this one. I like your work and your passion for photography. Slap yourself and get the M11! Your art comes through more with the M11. I know it’s expensive but you know resolution is insane. I think your images pop more with the M11 images that you showed. Keep up the great work, another fan of yours.
I’ve been inspired by your Q2. photos, I started my Leica Journey with the Q and now the Q2 and a used SL with a few M lens. You’ll miss the simplicity of a Leica. Keep up the good work. I need to get out and make some art.
No! That Q2 still has a lot of mileage in it for you. In terms of replacement I can’t even imagine what you’re looking at. You said you didn’t want an SL2. You’re not into Fuji. You don’t care for Sony. Nikon is very different these days than how you remember it. (IMO they cranked up the vintage hype to 11….it’s just too much.) Canon? You never talk about Canon but I don’t think you’ll find them interesting. What else is out there? Some of the more exotic brands? Medium format? Wait, I know: Panasonic S5 II?
I agree. All of the brands are boring these days. Lumix would be cool but if I were Ben I’d wait for an S1 replacement. Canon, Sony, Nikon are all boring cookie cutter stuff. He should go Fuji MF if not SL3 when it comes.
Have you tried M lenses on Sony Alpha 7? Usage and results are amazing (currently using the cheap and super small summicron C 40mm, but used several M and Voigtlander)...still having an M body in your hand is another feeling :-)
Neither the best camera out there nor just fetishistic art objects. Like all cameras, Leica M cameras are well suited to some types of photography and not so much to others. They endear themselves to some photographers and not to others. But unlike most other cameras, Leica M cameras also double as jewelry or fashion accessories, and the more expensive, the more so. They are never just a 'tool.' They make a fashion statement, even the plainest among them. Nothing wrong with that, just more value added.
Loved the video as usual! I too am camera agnostic. I do find that people assume if you own a Leica you are a fanboy....not true. I use an M11 now (should have stuck with my m10...long story) but I am not a professional. I shoot merely for pleasure and an M is perfect for that. I do need a general purpose camera for other needs. It won't be a Leica as an SL2 is probably too expensive for how I'm going to use it. And in this day and age all high end cameras are good in some way. I'm stuck in an indecision loop lol. Looking forward to seeing what you decide...
My view on photography is that you need a box and a lens to capture the image that you plan to create, if your creativity is over a number of varied platforms then it could be that you need a selection of boxes and lenses to capture those creations, photography isn't about one brand or one type of camera it is about having the right tools in your hand when you need them, I'll shoot Medium Format film, 35mm film and digital, from sport to portraits, from landscapes to street, this means that one camera doesn't fit so I have a cupboard full of gear that gets used fairly regularly. I admire anyone who can shoot with a minimal amount of gear, that M6/Q2 combo is pretty cool an M6/M11/Q2 would be pretty special as would adding a SL2 or SL2S, to sell your Q2 seems a bit odd, but its your choice, you know where you want to go photography wise so good luck I hope it works out.
I think you should keep it. I’ve been looking at the Q2 for about a year and a half, and I’m finally going to get it. I would buy yours in a second, but unfortunately I have to use my Adorama credit card because I don’t have 6k laying around 😂.
I own two Leicas, a 1956 M3 and a its first digital, the M8. I love them and their simplicity. I used to belong to a camera club, mostly guys-I’m a76 year old gal who has shot for around 70 years-and most of them seemed to act as if the size of their gear reflected their masculinity. Mmm. Such derogatory comments, especially when I used post WW2 Soviet lenses. How could they be acceptable? I still own a bunch of cameras, many analog Soviet Leica knockoffs, which fascinate and amuse, especially since I’ve a freezer full of film. But the old Leicas are amazing and faithful friends which confuse others. Why use them? I don’t have to worry, to think, and just rely upon motor memory. They work with left handed arthritis and make no noise. And the photo quality is incomparable. Would I love to own a Leica Monochrome of any vintage? Indeedy. But my coinage most likely will not support such an item at my young age. I would love such a gift but the camera club guys for some reason aren’t involved in such things and count megapixels as bragging points. I’m not interested in competition. I know what works for me, the Maine septuagenarian street photographer living in a state where there aren’t many urban areas.
Awesome Carol! I think you have your priorities strait. Bravo!
Awesome comment
I look at my local camera / photography club and they're as they say "all the gear and no idea" ... They're equipment / brand snobs who take sub-standard shots, with overpriced latest and greatest gear.
PS: Don't worry about the monochrome Leicas, the M and M8 turn out perfectly decent monochrome image.
@@kiwipics They do make fine files for editing into Monochrome... but a dedicated Monochrome Leica sensor makes for a truly special shooting experience.
Simplicity 😂😂😂😂 you mean the most limited
An interchangeable Q3 would nail it for me. I don't own a Leica yet! because of the value offering, but when I see them they sure inspire me to go out an take photos, something my Sony doesn't but the Sony a7r V does everything so well, but it feels like I am using a computer rather than a photographic tool.
I understand
A7RIII here.
I agree about an ILC Q3. Just like a Sony RX1 MK3 should have an interchangeable mount.
Sony's latest A7C II is worth a look, but then it's all down to lens size and weight, which is of course fairly unique to Leica.
Definitely first World problems.
Watching this video, makes me want to sell all my equipment & buckle down on what's needed for me & my style. Thanks Staley.
Win!!!
I did just that and bought a Leica M10, had a Fuji X-pro 3 with a great lens setup. But the M10 is so much more 😍
Nice to see a video that pretty deftly avoids the cliches, and even leans into some of them without falling over too.
I loved that Leica existed before I owned one. I love that all camera brands exist, because we can seek out the one which is best for us. It took me some 20 years to realize for me that brand is indeed Leica... but in the meantime, I got to shoot a ton of different things with all sorts of widely varying awesome bodies. It's a real golden age for photographers.
Landed on the M240 not so long ago, and finally home.
It sure is. So many options. So many stories to tell.
Recommend getting a stick on "skin" for a Leica. That AND a silicone case that covers it on top of that.
Obviously a screen protector too. Also a soft shutter release button.
Also skins for the lenses.
The internet: "Leica sux because they aren't weather sealed"
Ben: "I'm gonna take an M11 to the Bering Sea during a storm..."
😂😂😂😂🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
The internet is a bunch of couch potatoes casting judgement. The rest of us are out in the world f!!king sh!t up…
I recently purchased a used Leica M240. Like a pair of distressed Levi's, the paint has worn off and the brassing is beginning to show. At 65 I'm beginning to embrace the art of Wabi Sabi - to be more accepting and open, embracing the beauty of flaws and rawness of life. The M240 is the perfect tool to start my learning journey as I'd like to create impressions of Wabi sabi from its abstract form.
Go get it man!
OK, I was shooting film for @ 30 years. Started out with a Leica M3 then a Nikon F2. When I learned about the Leica MD 262 in 2023, it was a no brainer for me to purchase it. It`s a digital camera on the inside whilst a film camera on the outside...!
Love my Q2M as well as my M8 and T but on the other side my Ricoh GXR with Leica module, even the Sony RX1R2 and my Sigma FPL. Always depends how I feel like and what I want or need on that day. My profession is archer and I have on this side kind of 60 bows in my basement. Same here, depends what I need, want and how I feel. There is not one tool which can do all
So many options!!!
@@adventureStaley I promised myself that I will test all and only keep the best :D still testing hahahahaha
Got to admit, I’m slightly disappointed you’ve decided not to go with the M11. I picked one up about a month ago and would have loved to see how you travelled with it as I go on the rangefinder journey and especially as I’ve been using the Q2 for about 2 and half years. Good luck with whatever direction you go!
Everything changes. I miss the cameras a bit but new things are coming. And maybe I’ll be back. Thank you so much for being a viewer.
Thank you for your honesty & authenticity, Ben. Good vibes & Abundance
I appreciate that! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Your videos helped me make the decision to purchase a Leica Q2. Loving it already!
🤘🏼
Love your content. I own a Leica M10 Monochrome. Adore it. Paired with a 50mm Summicron. Love it as well. I love everything about this kit. Inspires me.
I really loved this video. Your stream of consciousness approach here is very off the cuff and super intimate, and they're genuine thoughts from an artist who simply loves the craft. As someone who usually shoots Fuji (though I'm not brand "loyal") and just picked up a Leica, I appreciate your thoughts! Instant sub.
Man this means a lot. Thank for taking the time!
@@adventureStaley It was my pleasure! Thanks for making this video!
One of the most likables testimonials I have ever seen, thank you so much Staley!
In the era of film I used to work with Leicas for decades: Leicaflex SL, Leica RE, Leica R9, Leica M6 ... But when the digital epoch started Leica became too expensive for me, I just couldn't justify to get into a such costly system, without autofocus ...
My first digital was the Nikon D700 full frame camera with 12MP - excellent, but on the heavy side. So I changed to mFT: Panasonic Lumix GH2, GH4, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk III - very practical equipment, but image quality not always satisfying in difficult light situations. Therefore I went back to full frame: Sony A7RII, A7RIII, A7RIV - excellent , but I didn't like the ergonomics of the bodies.
For three years now I am en route with Nikons Z- system, and I am happy in every respect: Ergonomics, functionality, image quality. They even made tiny prime lenses which, - in combination with the Z6II for example, - could replace your beloved Q2 - think about it 😉
Best regards from Switzerland, Markus
Thank you Markus! The Z system is very intriguing to me and I LOVE the lens selection. Cheers.
@@adventureStaley Agree - especially the F1.8- prime- line is very attractive, excellent in quality and modertat in price, and a good choice for portraits: 24, 35, 50, 85mm. But I shoot mainly nature and landscape, and therefore the awesome Z 24-120 F4 S has become my bred-and-butter lens. Paired with the Z 14-30 F4 S and the Z 100-400 F4.5-5.6 VR S.
@@markusbolliger1527 Super interesting
Love my 6 as well and with it's V4 35 cron. I finally replaced it and got the M10R black paint. Didn't think the .72 finder would be that big a deal but my 6 has the .58. Well now that I wear glasses it is. Just did not give me the same experience with the lack of room outside the frame lines with a 35 on it. No problems with the eye relief using a 50mm but not enough to keep it. Sad because the Ms are process cameras, feel shooting experience, optical, etc. Now just rocking my Fuji xPro 2 and 3 and am happy. The optical hybrid finders are what Ms should be. Love adapting M lenses and Voigtlander M on the Fuji. In fact the Voigtlander 40mm 1.2 Nokton is my favorite portrait set up ever on the Xpro (60mm equiv) If Leica ever did a Q with a 35 or 40mm I would be down for that. Until then, Xpros and 100V is the jam. Cheers man.
Nice!! Thanks for the thoughts and the views pal
Love the videos Staley! Can't wait to see more M6 content and where you head next. You're images have been very inspiring for my work.
Thank you sir!
Love it man, excited to see where things go!
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
The Barents Sea shots are amazing! Actually saw them on Reddit but didn't realize it was was you. 🙂
Thank ya!
I got inspired by the look of your 28mm Q2 portraits and want to try 28mm for street portraits. I tend to shoot mainly between 50-105mm. I’m on a budget, so I’ve just ordered myself a Nikon 28mm f1.8G to use on my D700 & D3S. I have a 24-70 zoom, but it’s really MASSIVE & has a stop less light & blur. Fingers crossed. Good luck with your gear change.
Thank you pal
I fell in love with the 28mm focal length because of that nikon lens. Have fun shooting it! Most of my favorite photos were taken with that lens!
Really nicely done, I am really enjoying your videos, sir. Looking forward to our chat in a few weeks, really feeling like I'm starting from scratch here and am excited.
🙏🏼🙏🏼
My first digital camera was a Kodak of some sort with a 2MP sensor. The enxt one was the Sony F828. Sony hadn't acquired Minolta by then, so they didn't really know much about stills camera manufacturing and it showed. The F828 looked like a mini version of one their camcorders. It did have a tilting Zeiss zoom lens though.
You should keep the q2 😮 you do a such amazing work with this camera.
Appreciate the thoughts!
I started digital photography with a Coolpix 950 ME, later on I got a Kodak DCS760C and a Kodak DCS720X both based on the Nikon F5. Awesome cameras with great output. I also had a Coolpix 990. Then I got the older Kodak DCS620C, 620X and 660C also based on the F5. I still have all the Kodaks and also a film F5 for the completeness. Later on the Leica M virus got me. Started with the M5, went on with the M8, M9-P, M4. I also went into the Hasselblad H system with the H2, film and digital back and H3DII-31. A superb system. I just love modular cameras like the Nikon F2 system I started serious photography with and have now three of them including the motordrives and several finders. I also like the Visoflex for macro work with the Ms.
So many cool cameras, so little time!!!
Why change? Why 'upgrade'? I have my Leica-M3 since 1967.. Yup 56 years. I mostly use the 50mm Collapsible Summicron f2.0. I simply carry on. Auto focus has never truly worked for me. I've never needed 145 fps per second. I hate editing. I use film, it's getting expensive, but how many rolls purchased plus if color needing pro labs, to cover costs of M11/M10 ? I dont shoot less with film, merely more carefully and thinking! I'm retired but shoot every day that I go on a walk. Heart exercise. I have lots of 35mm SLR that folks gave me. They ALL are excellent. Digtally i never needed those high Megapixels. Pentax Optio was 3,5MP. I made 20x 30cm prints. No! I have no walls for murals. I do however make small prints, mounted on board, as gifts. Those I see when I visit, on shelfs, fridge doors, in glass cabinets. Film though in problem with new scanners at airports.Travel for me, small compacts, real small. AA battery. My DSLR is a D-50! Takes I GB card. ONLY! Glad I never invested. Seldom used. Great Video. Good portraits.
Appreciate you sir! I like your style!
I owned an M7 and an M8 never got used to the focusing. And the framing was more a guessing game than precise framing…. Must be my eyes.
Interesting argument… I wanted to simplify. I guess it’s an exercise in self discipline as well. On December 2022 I said my New Year’s resolution was going to be making 2023 a black and white year. Only black and white. By March I was done … so if selling your gear was something you felt you had to do and get the q2 … more power to you! It seems from your videos that it takes some amazing shots, well… you take some amazing shots with that camera. Because in the end it’s the photographer and his/her skill. It’s not the brand, it’s not whether it’s film or digital, it’s not whether it’s monochrome or not, or heck, even the lens … you are talented, period.
Fujifilm cameras are pretty fantastic! They aren’t Leica, but they are good blend of retro and modern simplicity / functionality… inspired by Leica.
Would love to try a MF Fuji.
@@adventureStaley I had the X100V for a short time. Going by your opinions on simplicity of use, I think you'd hate it: it could take days to go through the menu. Like you, one of my favourite things about the Q is the pure simplicity of it. The X100V is a beautiful looking camera and has a great lens, but it's way to complex.
Love this video but have to say I got rid of my other cameras to move to Leica & loved my Q2 but traded that for the M11 & kept my Q2. I do love as you said the simplicity of Leica & the lenses (Leica & Voightlander). The cameras bring the creativeness inmate as it slows me down to compose not be snap happy as most likely the M6 does for you I borrow friends latest cameras but its like coming back home after a trip when I pick up the Leicas when again.
Bravo Peter. Thank you.
It took me some time before I could afford a Leica. I bought a Leica M10. Not the M10P, not the M10M, the Leica M10. This camera brought me back to my early days of photography, with digital. It is so simple to use, and I have to consider my composition. The M11 does have more megapixels. Leica made some improvements over the M10. But I think my shots with the M10 does capture what I wanted. I even pushed it this past summer taking pictures of constellations in Joshua Tree. It surpassed my Lumix S5 on constellations. Not quite what I had taken with my Cannon 5D Mark 4, but I’ve used the Cannon for decades.
Bought my first Leica M2 in the 70’s used because I was too stupid not to buy either a Leica M3 or M2 new when I could.
My mother had a Leica IIIf which was gifted to her which I really loved, unfortunately it was lent out and never came back.
Well I enjoy my Leica M2’s and M3 which I bought used when they were a lot less.
Never saw any reason to get a new M6 when they first came out.
One major advantage of them over a $9k+ Leica digital is that they will not really go obsolete as there is film and when the electronics of the M11 goes and you can’t get parts like the older M6 light meter you’ll have a very expensive paper weight while I’ll be still shooting film lol.
Also hate those extra frame lines, shoot mainly 28, 35 and 50
Awesome Gary, thanks for sharing.
Great art does not tell you what to think, but it makes you think of Leica.
Nice one
I love how you embrace personal challenge, change, and discomfort, Ben. Keep up the excellent work!
Really appreciate that. Thank you. Necessary for art!
@@adventureStaley Necessary for life. Necessary for self-development. Necessary to make a difference. Necessary to blaze a trail. Necessary. Period. And it's incredible how you do it. Love watching your journey!
Can’t see you without the Q2. 1. As jack said above, you have inside info on the Q3. Or. 2. You will wake up tomorrow and realize you want to keep the Q2, Or 3. You end up keeping the Q2 and adding a Panasonic s5ii. I’m betting on #3.
Thanks for the thoughts Darren. I’ve got no inside info!
OMG, I nearly dropped my beer. Please don’t keep use waiting too long Ben!
🍻🍻🍻
Good stuff, really enjoy your videos and perspective on this wonderful art form. Thanks for producing and sharing them!
Thank you Jamie!!
Really enjoyed this. I’ve been a longtime Nikon shooter, switched to Sony 3 years ago and I have Fuji as well, love it. However I’ve been renting the Leica , the m10 and now the q2. I love both😮💨 I think I’m gonna shake things up myself with 2024 around the corner.
🙏🏼🙏🏼
Excellent! (and an impression of what could possibly follow..)
👁️👁️
@@adventureStaley it's just that your thoughts resonate with me - though a different subject altogether, things are in the flux and it shall be a new pathway, hopefully, truePath.. =)
I get it. Though I’ve not come across anyone who has mastered the Q as well as you, I appreciate the desire to find a new inspiration. For me, after 25+ years shooting Canon and Sony I have found the M to be my ideal companion. The notion of slowing down and making images as opposed to taking. For non-personal work I do, however, lean on the SL2-s, which satisfies those that are not interested in sharing my patience. 😊
Leica glass,otoh, is another conversation. While expensive, they cure GAS and, typically, appreciate in value over time. This simply does not exist with other manufacturers. Cheers.
Really appreciate your perspective and kind words pal. Thanks.
Started my Leica journey also in 2015 with a used M6 which I am using to this day. Added a few years ago a M 240 for digital which works still fine for me. M10-R or M11 would be great but also can't justify the price tags for what the cameras offer (even used).
I get it
that was the longest most interesting Craig’s List I’ve experienced 👏😉
Haahahahah. Perfect.
Don’t do it. Regular mirrorless cameras will suck your soul into a black abyss. If you want more simplicity supplement your Q with the SL3 that’s likely coming out with phase detect (same as Lumix s5.2)
Thanks for the thoughts man
After years and years, I purchased a Leica. My dream camera. It has proven to be amazing.
Cool. There is a camera out there for each of us.
I have an M6 and 6 M mount lenses and an adapter to my Sony A6xxx and also Nikon film equipment etc..., but I mainly use Sony E mount with APS-C AF lenses nowadays. I think my best compliment to this video is that i listened to a lot of it because it seemed honest and candid. I related to your contemplation about gear you like vs what you really need to do the job you have our your self employed job,
Thank you Mark. You are dialed.
You need to try a Fuji X100 or XPro
Based on the great experience I had with my Leica M1 that I used on a microscope and my Leica M6 that I used with 90/35/21mm lenses, I purchased two Leica M10 rangefinders.
Regretfully, my M10 digital rangefinders were not as reliable or durable as my M6 and M1 35mm film cameras.
🤘🏼
No need to validate using a Leica. Simply put they're just so much fun to use. No "features" will ever replace the simplicity and pure joy of shooting with any Leica M cameras.
Totally agree
Again another great video. I don't know. I love my Q2 Monochrom. I am not an agnostic about cameras. Leica for life for me. I always go back to the Q2. I love it so much. Like you it's the one camera that is always in my bag. I get it if you need the coin to buy another camera but I will never ever sell any on my Leicas or their awesome lenses. Either way I am looking forward to hearing what you decide...
Thank you very much
As a Q2 owner who has came from Fujifilm and like you sometimes needs a longer focal distance I found myself for 1 week with a canon and then straight back to Fujifilm because it works for me. I may also sell my Q2 because I don’t need 2 cameras, and I can get what I need out of the Fuji but it’s hard to let go.
Noted. Appreciate the thoughts pal
Sweet video! Loving that T-shirt dude
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Good thoughts. My two brains are fighting right now over whether to pick up an M10. You ever check out the Zeiss Loxia or Cosina Voigtlander lenses on Sony? Just lovely.
Thank ya. Have not.
I have a Sony A7Rv . Amazing camera with great lenses. I had 3 Leicas sold them all. I miss my q2 monochrome
Great Video! Can‘t imagine your art without q2! I‘ll want one for sure.
Thank ya!
the Q3 is probably right around the corner so if you end up wanting to go Q again the upgrade will be there for you. Love the shots you’ve gotten with those cameras
Thanks for watching Brian!
You can definitely use the M cameras professionally outside of landscapes. But I never understood why anyone would do that. There are quirks you have to deal with like parallax, .7m close focus and range finder calibration. I see M cameras as more of a hobbyists or enthusiast camera for daily and vacation use.
I see more value shooting a mirror less camera like Sony professionally because of its flexibility, and features to help you get the job done. I mean if you really want to get a SL I guess that can work too.
All very true
Nice video. I know the feeling of wanting to shake things up. Your shot at 4:30 is amazing. So are the alaskan shots and the eagles. Cheers!
Thank ya very much
Just wanted to let you know I really appreciate the work you do.I appreciate you candor and frankness. Your videos have been incredibly helpful in terms of my journey to making some decisions of my own on my next camera. I would be super interested in you doing a video of the Leica sl2-s vs your q2. I would be interested in seeing you would find yourself using the sl2-s more because of its versatity. Hopefully you find this feedback helpful. Cheers
That means a lot pal, thank you.
All one needs is good glass, decent film, motorvation and opportunity. A Himatic 7 took me to Canon AE1+P to a raft of earlier model Pentax (LOVE the MX) and all are awesome.
Boom!
I respect your opinion, I agree with your points, especially when those are supported by your amazing work. I see passion on the way you talk and we seem to be aligned about value for the money about how those Leicas cost. My main doubt is: how worse would all of your photos be if you have taken them with my Fujifilm xpro3 and my TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 manual focus. For me the formula is there: manual focus, focus peaking viewfinder, aperture, shutter speed and iso right in the hand. Loved your video.
Huge fan of your work and YT channel Ben! Would you or have you considered a medium format camera to take you to the next phase of your artistic journey?
I would actually love to try some
Medium format cameras. Never have. Thanks for watching!
Just did a shoot and I feel for me I love shooting my M11! When I use flash it’s tough focusing in low light but I do it! I used my R5 too and it was awesome but honestly it’s like cheating! I think how you feel when you use the camera matters most because all the cameras today are god!
🤘🏻 thanks man
Looking at your excellent work, I think you should have an M11 Monochrome. Best and most lovable camera I ever owned. Like your calm and unobtrusive way of presenting, by the way.
Hey thanks, I'd love to own that camera...
currently professional photographers don't use leica cameras. rich amateur photographers hope that a leica camera will make them look professional. but of course that doesn't work.
You’re mostly wrong. But thanks for watching.
Owned a Q2 for a while and actually moved to Fuji recently, as I couldn’t really get myself to be fully comfortable with pulling out a $5000+ camera in some places and scenarios, which kind of defeats the purpose of having such a powerful but portable camera 🫠 Also for most of my casual shooting I really don’t like spending hours in front of a screen editing photos, making Fuji a better choice overall. But I did take the Q2 on many walks and trips and it was definitely an amazing camera that’s worth the price and (most of) the hype ❤ Hopefully I get to try Leica’s rangefinders some time soon too
Thanks for sharing. Fuji mf looks cool!
Seen your photography. You could blow everyone else out the water just using a Box Brownie.
A few critical points you made here...
Smaller sensors can still achieve epicness;
Know what you like to shoot the most;
Keep it simple, keep it light weight.
Takes years to figure this out.
Thank you
Box brownie…that sounds like a challenge…
Hi Ben…Why Leica? And Why not? It isn’t the gear they say, but your Photo’s show something different. The rendering of a Leica is far beyond what other brands can give you!! Flat pictures is the new hipe, cause people want clinic sharpness…i have bin there and my advice…stay with the tool you are in love with 🙏
Wise words man. Thank ya
I really don’t care what you shoot with, just dig your thought process! I’ll be watching…….
THIS is what I want to hear! Appreciate you pal!
Great video Ben. had an M10 loved it, sold it to get a Nikon Z7II to shoot my sons soccer games ( always raining). Missed my M10, sold the Nikon, never spoke to me. Got the M10 monochrom and thrilled to death. Smiling again, love to carry it, hold it in my hands like a newborn baby and of course to shoot it! so wait and see, you'll be back with an M before you know it, and make new Adventures and Art 😉.
Haha. Time will tell!!
Well I’m a huge Leica fan. But I always had another modern camera on the side, going from Nikon to Sony now Canon R5. The Canon R5 and the RF lenses are incredible. But the rendering from Leica M and 50 summilux is just have that special look. It’s such a love hate relationship. It is such a pain to use, and with all the missed focus with the slightest movement. But it is magic when it hits.
It’s magic. Sometimes. Thank ya.
Honest question…do you think a Leica m240 would still be a good choice in 2023? I’m trying to decide between an M camera and the sl2s. The big thing for the sl2s is the built in diopter and AF when I want to use it, but I do enjoy the manual focus experience and smaller body size of the M. The only thing is the m11/10R is a bit too expensive for what I’m willing to spend currently. I do have a tl2 and other cameras (Fuji, pentax) but I agree there’s just something special and unique about the Leica experience. I really can’t put it into words.
2 totally different ways of working. An SL is just a regular old Mirrorless camera. Rangefinders are unique. Very personal choice there... Good luck!
Try Fuji X pro 3 you are going to love it I am a photographer and cinematographer from India converted from Canon and now using Fujifilm XT3 from last 4 years and I am so much satisfied before Fujifilm I tried Sony but never find connection with that camera so try once any Fuji
Thanks for watching.
My tinglys are telling me HASSELBLAD. Oh and great photos
Would LOVE to try one….
Great vid ….. loved your honesty in buying into the hype just a touch ….. whatever you end up with I’m sure you’ll be just fine …. You are a hell of a photographer …… just for shits and giggles ….. I’m figuring you for an M10d type of guy …. Keep up the good work!
Thanks pal
The Nikon Z8 should be announced soon. A mirrorless Nikon camera and lens combo just might be a good fit for you.
Those Z cameras look great to me. And that new 85mm is so sexy...
@@adventureStaley Your Leica kit is minimalistic. Nikon has a Compact 40mm f2, 28mm f2.8 & a pancake 26mm f2.8. Not super fast but great minimal kit for travel. Although, faster 3rd party lenses are available from Voigtlander.
I have my 3rd fetishistic art object. It's not too big and I can use my old glass.
Perfect!
Love the way you talk about Leica. I am thinking about buying Q2 lately as my first Leica. Do you think it is still worth it to buy Q2 now when Q3 would be released in 2023?
Thanks a lot. Keep up the great work.
Thank you. I have no idea... its kindof a personal choice..
Because of you, I bought the Q2. Amazing little camera! Using it for casual photography next my Hasselblads (H6-400MS, X1DII and X2D) for professional work... but I'll never sell it !
Keep your Q2, or you'll regret it...
What a great combo! The Q2 is long gone. The future is wide open. They are all just tools. I am looking for a change.
@@adventureStaley I really hope for you that you can test the X2D with their newest lenses. The 'older' XCD lenses are all perfect but a little less quick in autofocus, but I don't care, the quality of these optics are above all! If useable for my professional work, you can imagine that the quality is perfect. Ask a demo to a reseller in your country.
@@domipro123 Copy that. I've reached out. Doesnt look promising, demand is high.
Ben, have you looked at a second hand SL2? I’m lucky enough to have it in addition to my Q2. I’m sure you’ll find something you’d like. Wherever you go next, I’ll be with you on the journey. Best, Bart
Thanks Bart! It never occurred to me.
That was the longest ad I’ve seen in a while 😅 But I agree, Leicas are unique! And it feels like changing the Q2 will shake things up. You will never get a more compact FF body+lens than that! It would be really cool with a 35 or 40mm option, without the crop-function. I had a 28 and it’s a great focal length for some situations but 35-50 is better for every day use IMO. Looking forward to see what you come up with!
🤘🏻😎🤘🏻
@Phillip Banes absolutely it’s at a lower price, but I would rather buy a used Q2 than a new Sony. It’s ridiculous to have a camera that expensive without a viewfinder 😵 The Sony don’t have a Sumilux, there are buttons everywhere on that one and you don’t get the same manual control over the settings. It may sound silly. But I’ve been using Fuji for many years and a Leica M10 the past 1.5 years and when I tried a SL2 out for just a few days, the loss of the manual dials that showed me the settings was a deal breaker for me. The possibility to adjust the settings before I lift my camera is important. Just to be able to see something in front of you and adjust the settings on the way can be a deal break IMO. The Sony is probably a great camera, but I would’ve picked that Q2 any day!
@Phillip Banes the sony probably has the dials I want, but not in the way I want them. I cant see my shutterspeed or ISO settings (the later isn’t on the Q2 either) when it’s turned of or in sleep mode.
The Leica lenses are proven high quality in the long run, and that sumilux is a very, VERY good lens.
I did miss that viewfinder though, but it’s designed in a very weird way 😅
The thing is, I guess you and I prioritize different bodies, and that’s why there are different options on the market.
I have an M10 and I wouldn’t change for anything, not even another Leica body. The M-bodies (or the Q-bodies) are made for minimalism, the most essential. For me it would be a nightmare with 5 dials on a camera body. I don’t see the point having them there. But as it is for now, the M-body is the only body I know that fits my needs as good as possible.
And for the Q2 vs. the sony. I still rather get the Q2, pay more for less, just to have the most essential. The pros for the sony though, it has a 35mm instead of that 28mm!
Excellent!!!! Great no BS tell all, get it out. Keep changing it up. It helps keep you growing. Complacency isn’t good in photography. Great channel bro!
This means a lot to me. Thanks so much for stopping by 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Real cool. Real honest. Love how you reflect the perplexity of the craft. If I had a few Gs I’ll buy your Q2 right away. I love small, powerful and solid cameras. Ain’t that many around. Sure you wanna get rid of it?
It’s already gone. Thanks for watching.
@@adventureStaley So what did you get?
@@cyrilleautin tbd
Always dig your videos and especially this one. I like your work and your passion for photography. Slap yourself and get the M11! Your art comes through more with the M11. I know it’s expensive but you know resolution is insane. I think your images pop more with the M11 images that you showed. Keep up the great work, another fan of yours.
Really appreciate this.
Is that silver 50mm lens
A Noctilux 50 1.2. Reissue chrome limited edition? Or a vintage 50mm 1.4 Summilux?
It was an LHS Cron.
GFX 50s and could you adapt vintage lenses and use native too. Best portrait camera for the money imo
Keeps coming up. I'm curious!
I’ve been inspired by your Q2. photos, I started my Leica Journey with the Q and now the Q2 and a used SL with a few M lens. You’ll miss the simplicity of a Leica. Keep up the good work. I need to get out and make some art.
Its true, I might...?
Whats your fav M glass of you could have only one when cost is irrelevant
I’ve always wanted a 75 Noct
@@adventureStaley do you have 35mm apo or 50mm apo?
@@gurugamer8632 neither. I was using a 50 LHS
I sold my Leica Q2 and immediately started missing it. I bought a much hyped Fuji x100v but it was no match against Leica Q2.
Noted. Thank ya!
No! That Q2 still has a lot of mileage in it for you. In terms of replacement I can’t even imagine what you’re looking at. You said you didn’t want an SL2. You’re not into Fuji. You don’t care for Sony. Nikon is very different these days than how you remember it. (IMO they cranked up the vintage hype to 11….it’s just too much.) Canon? You never talk about Canon but I don’t think you’ll find them interesting. What else is out there? Some of the more exotic brands? Medium format? Wait, I know: Panasonic S5 II?
I agree. All of the brands are boring these days. Lumix would be cool but if I were Ben I’d wait for an S1 replacement. Canon, Sony, Nikon are all boring cookie cutter stuff. He should go Fuji MF if not SL3 when it comes.
Thanks for the thoughts and for watching Greg!
Honestly Fuji MF is very intriguing to me
Have you tried M lenses on Sony Alpha 7? Usage and results are amazing (currently using the cheap and super small summicron C 40mm, but used several M and Voigtlander)...still having an M body in your hand is another feeling :-)
Yeah. I’m just not very stoked on Sony bodies.
Neither the best camera out there nor just fetishistic art objects. Like all cameras, Leica M cameras are well suited to some types of photography and not so much to others. They endear themselves to some photographers and not to others. But unlike most other cameras, Leica M cameras also double as jewelry or fashion accessories, and the more expensive, the more so. They are never just a 'tool.' They make a fashion statement, even the plainest among them. Nothing wrong with that, just more value added.
Overrated as hell
Loved the video as usual! I too am camera agnostic. I do find that people assume if you own a Leica you are a fanboy....not true. I use an M11 now (should have stuck with my m10...long story) but I am not a professional. I shoot merely for pleasure and an M is perfect for that. I do need a general purpose camera for other needs. It won't be a Leica as an SL2 is probably too expensive for how I'm going to use it. And in this day and age all high end cameras are good in some way. I'm stuck in an indecision loop lol. Looking forward to seeing what you decide...
Thank ya Steve!
How is life without the q2?? Do you already miss it? Whats your next pick to challenge yourself? :)
Sometimes I miss it yes. But I’ve been in Africa shooting a lot of different stuff.
My view on photography is that you need a box and a lens to capture the image that you plan to create, if your creativity is over a number of varied platforms then it could be that you need a selection of boxes and lenses to capture those creations, photography isn't about one brand or one type of camera it is about having the right tools in your hand when you need them, I'll shoot Medium Format film, 35mm film and digital, from sport to portraits, from landscapes to street, this means that one camera doesn't fit so I have a cupboard full of gear that gets used fairly regularly. I admire anyone who can shoot with a minimal amount of gear, that M6/Q2 combo is pretty cool an M6/M11/Q2 would be pretty special as would adding a SL2 or SL2S, to sell your Q2 seems a bit odd, but its your choice, you know where you want to go photography wise so good luck I hope it works out.
Good thoughts. And sometimes I surprise myself. Thanks for watching!
You nailed those Bering Sea images. Concert ones were excellent too. But damn. The Bering Sea stuff mid-action was stellar.
Thank you very much
WOW. That was my 1st digital also
It’s a good one
Always good and thought provoking!
Thanks Frank!
Consider M10-R too. Great camera with no video etc.
🤘🏻😎🤘🏻
the M6 was also my gateway into Leica, great video!
The best!
Honest to a fault! Good work!
I think you should keep it. I’ve been looking at the Q2 for about a year and a half, and I’m finally going to get it. I would buy yours in a second, but unfortunately I have to use my Adorama credit card because I don’t have 6k laying around 😂.
🙏🏻🙏🏻
Wow man, that was a 6.2 quake! Curious what’s on the other side of the faultline - Luuk
Thank ya man