Leica Q3 43 - Got one?

You mean, you would have no use for gold and virgins!? ;)
But seriously (!), my own experience is that ego expands in a rate directly proportional to the size of my wallet. I have bought some really stupid stuff when I was flush. Now that I'm retired and on a limited income, that Rollei SL66 ain't on the table. I just limit myself to slightly less stupid stuff, like shooting lots of Ektachrome in 120.

Available cash is the enabler.
 
One of the big pluses for me being the APO lens.
I recently bought a 90/280 APO for the SL2s and it was a revelation.

Yes. Any image stabilization is a great benefit. APO is good, I do not know why they did not opt for IBIS but am gratified that they have added any stabilization at all.
 
Yes. Any image stabilization is a great benefit. APO is good, I do not know why they did not opt for IBIS but am gratified that they have added any stabilization at all.
They do use IBIS in their exchangeable lens SL cameras - SL2, SL2-S, SL3 where it makes more sense. But in a single lens camera, in-lens IS (OIS) is a logical choice. There can be advantages in focus and over-all image sharpness using OIS in AF cameras, since the IS mechanism is independent of the sensor position.
 
Two things could make me return to using digital (a bit):
1. Make the Q3 43 in a monochrome version.
2. I win the Powerball jackpot and can afford to buy one.

Meanwhile, if anyone can afford this thing, and has one, well, lucky you! Enjoy it.
...
I use both film and digital capture anyway, but a Q3 43 Monochrom would be very hard to resist regardless. I don't want to afford it until next year some time ... too much other stuff going on right now that I'd like to focus on.

Several people on other forums have said that they have either ordered one or have received one. All words positive at the present moment.

G
 
OK, the relationship between sensor, or film, diagonal and focal length when 1:1 yields a "human perspective" or so I am told. I like the 40mm CV i have for the perspective it has. But what is this magical relationship? I asked ChatGpt. I am not sure I know more now than before but here is what it told me in case you are interested:

The relationship between lens focal length and sensor diagonal plays a significant role in achieving a "human perspective" in photography. When the focal length of a lens is roughly equal to the diagonal measurement of the camera sensor, it tends to produce a field of view that closely resembles what the human eye perceives.

Here’s why this ratio is considered "magical":

  1. Field of View: The diagonal of the sensor determines the angle of view. When the focal length matches this diagonal, the resulting image captures a natural perspective that feels familiar and comfortable to viewers, similar to how we see the world.
  2. Depth of Field: This ratio also affects depth of field, influencing how much of the scene appears in focus. A lens with this focal length creates a depth of field that allows for a pleasing separation between the subject and the background, enhancing the sense of three-dimensionality.
  3. Proportions: Using this focal length helps maintain realistic proportions in the subject and background, avoiding distortion that can occur with wider or longer focal lengths.
  4. Versatility: Lenses that adhere to this ratio are versatile for various types of photography, from portraits to landscapes, providing a balanced view that works well in many contexts.
Overall, this ratio creates images that are visually appealing and relatable, which is why it’s often considered ideal for capturing the human experience.
 
A lot of the factors also bring in assumed viewing distance and size of the photograph being viewed. I just do not get wrapped up in terms like "normal lens" for viewing perspective. If you want to make the subject look closer, use a longer lens. Want to get more into the picture, use a shorter focal length.

Kingslake, "Lenses in Photography", page 7, 1951edition: "The 'Normal' field is usually such that the diagonal of the negative is equal to the focal length of the taking lens. ... As mentioned, this angle is rather wider than the eye can cover at a glance, but in practice we tend to view most photographs from a point well beyond the center of the perspective, and we unconsciously scan a print with our eyes."

What does that mean? It's easy to measure the diagonal of the negative and easy to measure the focal length of the lens. When the two are equal, you get
Focal-Length/ Diagonal equals 1. That's Normalized.
 
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A lot of the factors also bring in assumed viewing distance and size of the photograph being viewed. I just do not get wrapped up in terms like "normal lens" for viewing perspective. If you want to make the subject look closer, use a longer lens. Want to get more into the picture, use a shorter focal length.

Kingslake, "Lenses in Photography", page 7, 1951edition: "The 'Normal' field is usually such that the diagonal of the negative is equal to the focal length of the taking lens. ... As mentioned, this angle is rather wider than the eye can cover at a glance, but in practice we tend to view most photographs from a point well beyond the center of the perspective, and we unconsciously scan a print with our eyes."

What does that mean? It's easy to measure the diagonal of the negative and easy to measure the focal length of the lens. When the two are equal, you get
Focal-Length/ Diagonal equals 1. That's Normalized.

As I said, I am not sure that I am now better informed after the reply from ChatGpt. I am glad to find an answer but is it an answer? Yes, it says it is but I'm so ignorant on this that I cannot tell.

To quote Omar,

"When I was young I did eagerly frequent
Both doctor and saint and heard great argument.
But evermore went out the same door
Where in I went."

The sad part is that I can no longer claim youth as an excuse. ;o)
 
As I said, I am not sure that I am now better informed after the reply from ChatGpt. I am glad to find an answer but is it an answer? Yes, it says it is but I'm so ignorant on this that I cannot tell.
You've basically just summed up the entire ChatGPT experience.

I'd rather go ask a brick wall for an omelette recipe than rely on ChatGPT to give me an answer for anything.
 
You've basically just summed up the entire ChatGPT experience.

I'd rather go ask a brick wall for an omelette recipe than rely on ChatGPT to give me an answer for anything.


Maybe for you, yes. But not for me. In other instances it has been both helpful and accurate. Are you treating ChatGpt mean?


Here's a simple and delicious omelette recipe for you:

Classic Omelette Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil
  • Optional fillings (choose any combination):
    • Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)
    • Diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms)
    • Cooked meats (ham, bacon, sausage)
    • Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, basil)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    • If you're using any fillings, chop them into small pieces.
  2. Beat the Eggs:
    • In a bowl, crack the eggs and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.
  3. Heat the Pan:
    • In a non-stick skillet, heat the butter or oil over medium heat until melted and hot.
  4. Cook the Eggs:
    • Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to set.
  5. Add Fillings:
    • Once the edges are set, gently lift them with a spatula, tilting the pan to let the uncooked eggs flow to the edges. After about another minute, add your desired fillings on one half of the omelette.
  6. Fold the Omelette:
    • When the bottom is set but the top is still slightly runny, carefully fold the omelette in half over the fillings.
  7. Finish Cooking:
    • Cook for another minute or until the cheese melts and the eggs are fully cooked.
  8. Serve:
    • Slide the omelette onto a plate, and garnish with additional herbs or toppings if desired. Enjoy!
Feel free to customize the fillings based on your preferences!


What did the brick wall offer up? ;o)
 
1) I'd Iike IBIS lots. I need it in available darkness.
2) I'd love a 43mm base focal length
3) but I do want to be able to go wider more often than longer. So the earlier Q is a better fixed Q machine for me. Starting at 28mm and cropping is wiser.
4) ChatGPT will never be fixed, no AI ever will be. As a programmer, there are too many bugs there. It _can't_ be made to work.
5).... Honestly I could continue. The reality is that I am not the market for this product and Leica is smart enough that _THEY_ARE_NOT_TRYING_FOR_ME.

Let's be real. Most of the people who buy Q(x) cameras are (I'd bet) are people who are first time Leica buyers who have always heard of Leica quality, perhaps heard of the "Leica Freedom Train" but don't want something complicated. Even though it's not "really" a zoom lens, people will think of it as one and use it as one. (to be honest, I would, too. Shrug.).

They want rich MOFOs who want nice pictures made without thinking much with a camera that shows they have money and taste. The only camera that can do that better is Hasselblad it it's bigger and heavier. So Leica wins on that score.

Veblen Good. Leica is the classic example. So? Buy it. Use it. Enjoy it.

By Leica standards, I'm poor - I barely exist. Tough boys, I'm here and I'm not going away ;) because I like too many LTM lenses. Especially really old uncoated lenses LOL!

So it goes :D
 
Maybe for you, yes. But not for me. In other instances it has been both helpful and accurate. Are you treating ChatGpt mean?


Here's a simple and delicious omelette recipe for you:

Classic Omelette Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil
  • Optional fillings (choose any combination):
    • Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)
    • Diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms)
    • Cooked meats (ham, bacon, sausage)
    • Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, basil)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    • If you're using any fillings, chop them into small pieces.
  2. Beat the Eggs:
    • In a bowl, crack the eggs and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.
  3. Heat the Pan:
    • In a non-stick skillet, heat the butter or oil over medium heat until melted and hot.
  4. Cook the Eggs:
    • Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to set.
  5. Add Fillings:
    • Once the edges are set, gently lift them with a spatula, tilting the pan to let the uncooked eggs flow to the edges. After about another minute, add your desired fillings on one half of the omelette.
  6. Fold the Omelette:
    • When the bottom is set but the top is still slightly runny, carefully fold the omelette in half over the fillings.
  7. Finish Cooking:
    • Cook for another minute or until the cheese melts and the eggs are fully cooked.
  8. Serve:
    • Slide the omelette onto a plate, and garnish with additional herbs or toppings if desired. Enjoy!
Feel free to customize the fillings based on your preferences!


What did the brick wall offer up? ;o)
Step 2 - a touch of water, not a lot, helps.
Step 3 - I put them in fairly ealry, I like them cooked into the egg.

I also fold twice so that it's in a quarter shape. That fits better onto toast for egg sandwiches. YMVW.
 
1) I'd Iike IBIS lots. I need it in available darkness.
2) I'd love a 43mm base focal length
3) but I do want to be able to go wider more often than longer. So the earlier Q is a better fixed Q machine for me. Starting at 28mm and cropping is wiser.
4) ChatGPT will never be fixed, no AI ever will be. As a programmer, there are too many bugs there. It _can't_ be made to work.
5).... Honestly I could continue. The reality is that I am not the market for this product and Leica is smart enough that _THEY_ARE_NOT_TRYING_FOR_ME.

Let's be real. Most of the people who buy Q(x) cameras are (I'd bet) are people who are first time Leica buyers who have always heard of Leica quality, perhaps heard of the "Leica Freedom Train" but don't want something complicated. Even though it's not "really" a zoom lens, people will think of it as one and use it as one. (to be honest, I would, too. Shrug.).

They want rich MOFOs who want nice pictures made without thinking much with a camera that shows they have money and taste. The only camera that can do that better is Hasselblad it it's bigger and heavier. So Leica wins on that score.

Veblen Good. Leica is the classic example. So? Buy it. Use it. Enjoy it.

By Leica standards, I'm poor - I barely exist. Tough boys, I'm here and I'm not going away ;) because I like too many LTM lenses. Especially really old uncoated lenses LOL!

So it goes :D

I do not want this to be too contentious. I have been reading the reviews for this camera and they are by folks who pay the rent with cameras and they seem to like it. Also it has been a big seller since it came out in 2019 as a Q. I think folks other than busy dentists are buying these things but have no data to prove it. The arrogant trolls in Wetzlar (Wir sind besser als Dich) have found the sweet spot with this one. I have to grant them that. They are competing against smart phones on one side and the X2D on the other.

The reviewers I have seen so far are united in the idea that if you want good pictures without any hassle this is what you want to have. How good the picture is depends on the photographer. The technical quality of the picture of the picture depends on the Wetzlar Trolls. From what I have seen posted the Trolls have held up their end of the deal. As always, YMMV.
 
Step 2 - a touch of water, not a lot, helps.
Step 3 - I put them in fairly ealry, I like them cooked into the egg.

I also fold twice so that it's in a quarter shape. That fits better onto toast for egg sandwiches. YMVW.


Step 2, I like a bit of milkl.
 
1) I'd Iike IBIS lots. I need it in available darkness.
2) I'd love a 43mm base focal length
3) but I do want to be able to go wider more often than longer. So the earlier Q is a better fixed Q machine for me. Starting at 28mm and cropping is wiser.
4) ChatGPT will never be fixed, no AI ever will be. As a programmer, there are too many bugs there. It _can't_ be made to work.
5).... Honestly I could continue. The reality is that I am not the market for this product and Leica is smart enough that _THEY_ARE_NOT_TRYING_FOR_ME.

Let's be real. Most of the people who buy Q(x) cameras are (I'd bet) are people who are first time Leica buyers who have always heard of Leica quality, perhaps heard of the "Leica Freedom Train" but don't want something complicated. Even though it's not "really" a zoom lens, people will think of it as one and use it as one. (to be honest, I would, too. Shrug.).

They want rich MOFOs who want nice pictures made without thinking much with a camera that shows they have money and taste. The only camera that can do that better is Hasselblad it it's bigger and heavier. So Leica wins on that score.

Veblen Good. Leica is the classic example. So? Buy it. Use it. Enjoy it.

By Leica standards, I'm poor - I barely exist. Tough boys, I'm here and I'm not going away ;) because I like too many LTM lenses. Especially really old uncoated lenses LOL!

So it goes :D

I think this is a wild generalisation, every Q owner I know takes their photography seriously and owns other Leicas. Some use it for serious projects, others to give them a quicker reacting camera than their M for example. I have several other Leicas and take my Q out when I don't have a specific project in mind but there still might be a chance of some photos.
I actually hoped my Q might be good for a walking around town at night camera, but it really is not very good in low light and you just cannot pull up the shadows at all or the banding is diabolical. Mine also has to go in for a sensor clean annually, which is an expensive hobby in itself.
I actually pulled it out to sell the other day but as soon as I pulled it out remembered how well it handles (with a thumbgrip) so now I'm on the fence about selling.
The Q3 43 does not interest me, 28mm is my favourite focal length, what I really want is a Q3-S with the sensor from the SL2-S, which is wonderful in low light and to me the best colour of any Leica.
In fact anything with that old 60mp Sony sensor holds no attraction.
For another wild generalisation I bet 99% of 60mp camera shooters only publish online at 2000 pixels wide...
 
You've basically just summed up the entire ChatGPT experience.

I'd rather go ask a brick wall for an omelette recipe than rely on ChatGPT to give me an answer for anything.
ChatGPT famously suggested the addition of glue to pizza, to keep the cheese sticking to the base. Soooo I'm definitely not sold on ChatGPT as a reliable purveyor of knowledge just yet.
 
ChatGPT famously suggested the addition of glue to pizza, to keep the cheese sticking to the base. Soooo I'm definitely not sold on ChatGPT as a reliable purveyor of knowledge just yet.

Really? Or is this another gossipy tale spread around with no basis? It just does not seem valid to me. I may be wrong and I would welcome being proven wrong. Anyone?

I have already proven that ChatGPT can offer up a perfectly good omelette recipe while I have yet to see any recipe or anything at all from the legendary brick wall. Anyone?
 
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