New Camera - Leica Q (Typ 116)
For the past few months, I’ve been thinking about getting a new camera. I have an APS-C Canon 80D with a 24-105mm f/4 L and a 50mm f/1.4 that has been amazing and takes great photos. I also have a Micro 4/3 Panasonic GX85 and another Panasonic point-and-shoot camera. The problem with my Panasonics is that they didn’t give really great photos that were all that much better than my iPhone and were just another thing to carry. My 80D was amazing, but it’s super heavy and unwieldy, especially when I had a second kid. That camera would be around my shoulder or neck and the lens would bonk one of my kids.
I wanted something that took excellent photos with a good lens that was the same size as my GX85 (rangefinder-style). I saw some videos about the hype that the Fujifilm X100VI was getting and started going down a rabbit hole of research. I thought the X100V was really cool and the VI was even better. While I was at Legoland with the kids, I was convinced that I wanted that X100VI and fell into the hype. I thought that the 35mm pancake lens was and flip screen was good, and the recipes that simulated different films were really cool. Once I started looking into purchasing one, I quickly realized that everywhere this camera was back ordered or selling for like $700 over retail. It’s supposed to go for $1600 and I was even entertaining the idea of paying $2000 for one just because it was so much less than the $2300 asking price I was seeing on Facebook Marketplace.
As I scoured the listings on Facebook, eBay, and even Craigslist, I saw that the Leica Q (Typ 116) would sometimes be listed alongside the X100VI. Since college, I’ve always wanted a Leica, but I knew how expensive they were and never really entertained the idea of owning one. I looked it up and saw that it was released like 8 or 9 years ago and was disheartened for a second until I remembered that my Canon 80D (which I would still be using if it was a lot smaller), was about that age as well. I saw that it was “only” 24 megapixels but I didn’t need anything more than that… and anyway, I hated dealing with crazy large file sizes. The technology might have been older, but I also knew that the build quality would be superior. And then I started reading more about the lens. It’s a fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH and the interchangeable version is like $7000 or something (I know that it’s not exactly the same and some distortion correction occurs with the software, but still, the glass is amazing). People say you buy the Leica glass and get the body for free.
So I found a guy in LA willing to drive down to OC to sell me his used Leica Q in mint condition along with a nice little flash for the same amount as an aftermarket brand new X100VI. I regret nothing. This is the best lens that I’ve ever used; I didn’t really believe the hype until I started taking some photos and saw how wonderful the colors were and how sharp everything was. Like I said before, the build quality was superior and everything felt solid and just in the right place. The act of taking a photo was relaxing and it made me slow down and think about each shot. I couldn’t be more happy about my decision and although at times I wish I got a 35mm lens because the 28mm feels a little too wide, the quality of the photos that this produces is worth any adjustment I need to make. I’m fully convinced that prime lenses are so much better and I’d be happy with shooting with this and my old 80D with a 50mm (75mm equivalent). But the more I shoot, the more I like the idea of keeping this Leica in my bag and carrying it around every day.
As I continue to explore the features of the Leica Q, I find it to be an invaluable tool that has transformed my approach to photography. The process has become more thoughtful and relaxing, encouraging me to take more deliberate shots. This camera fits seamlessly into my daily life and has reignited my passion for capturing images. I’m consistently inspired to take it everywhere and photograph the world around me.
