With its distinctive design and premium price, the Leica Q3 is an attractive camera. Does it have the power to justify its high price tag?
Coming to you from James PopsysThis engaging video provides a hands-on look at Leica Q3. Popsys starts by discussing what he considers a masterpiece of a lens. The 28mm f/1.7 is known for its sharpness and quality, although there is some debate as to whether it is truly a 28mm or a bit wider. However, the overall performance and build quality of the lens make it a standout feature of the Q3.
On the other hand, the camera body itself didn’t impress Popsys as much as the lens. He noted that while some parts of the body felt premium, like the battery and card slot mechanism, other aspects, like the USB-C door and buttons, felt less refined. The addition of a tilting screen on the Q3, which isn’t flush with the back of the camera, also seemed like an odd design choice. These details made Popsys question the camera’s overall user experience, especially given its price.
One of the bigger questions Popsys has is why this is a fixed-lens camera. Given the size of the lens, the camera is not pocketable, so why not allow for interchangeable lenses? He speculates that Leica may have avoided this to keep the Q series distinct from their M and SL systems. The fixed-lens design limits versatility, which could be a drawback for those who prefer different focal lengths. Additionally, the ergonomics of the camera are another point of concern. Popsys notes that the small thumb indentation and tight controls make the camera less comfortable to hold, especially given the weight of the lens.
Despite these criticisms, the video acknowledges that the Leica Q3 has its appeal, especially for those who appreciate Leica aesthetics and the shooting experience. However, Popsys makes it clear that the camera is not to his personal taste, especially since he doesn’t like shooting at 28mm. He also notes some quirks like the nose-activated touch AF and accidentally switching to video mode, which add to his mixed feelings about the camera. Check out the video above for Popsys’ full rundown.
