Leica M or Q system?

So you’re thinking about getting a Leica camera? You’re probably scratching your head thinking you’re stuck in deciding whether to go for the Q or the M system: autofocus or manual, fixed focal length or interchangeable, IBIS and weather sealing or not, a dedicated Macro mode important? So much to consider, right? I know, and I hear you! I’ve been there, and I’m here to share thoughts on both of those camera systems from Leica, having shot both side by side for a while now, which hopefully makes your decision a bit easier. Let’s dive in!

My name’s Mike, and before I wrapped up with shooting weddings for over 16 years with Canon at first, then Fujifilm, I happily moved over to Leica for the last wedding assignments three years ago before focusing on travel, street, documentary and portraiture. I’ve shot with the Leica Q3 on and off, and then the Leica M10 first – now the M11 – and I feel I have had enough experience using both to share my thoughts on them. Spoiler alert, they’re both amazing, but I wish someone had told me what I’m about to write, as it would have saved me quite a lot of time and effort at arriving where I am with the current system of choice — not necessarily money, I mean, we’re talking Leica here.

It’s OK to be confused
So, you’ve done some (or a ton) of research; you’ve seen all of those YouTube videos, endlessly scrolled through Instagram, LFI, the Leica camera website, and here on GRAIN to get inspired and seek answers. And you’re still perplexed. That’s absolutely fine. If I can give you one advice I myself ignored before starting my Leica journey, it is this: go rent one! Shoot with or without the store staff member to assist you and go through what the camera system can offer, or – if you’re near a store that allows you to take one out for the day – do just that! If you’re in the UK, you’re spoilt for choice. I’m not far away from London, and so I’d recommend either the Leica store at Mayfair for the official place or – my preferred spot for everything Leica and photography-related, the Aperture London store and gallery at the Riding House St. I’ve used the latter for years and dealing with the team there now feels like second nature, almost family-like.

Now, onto my thoughts on the two systems. You’ll probably figure it out, but I’m biased. Straight to the bottom line: I prefer the M-system, and I’ll explain why. However, you’re not me and – weirdly, I stand by this – I actually believe that on paper, the Q3 is a better camera — it makes more sense with the tech and extra features it packs in. Weird, isn’t it? But there is a compelling reason to this!

Leica M11

This is history in the making. Running decades now, the Leica M-mount line of cameras and the system has seen some of the best photographers use one, and inevitably contribute to the legacy we have left behind for the future generations to witness. There is no way around it: the M-system is unique in its operation, its importance, and the connection to the form of art of photography so many strive to enjoy and excel at. It is a tool to craft, not to just snap photos. And I love it for it!

The optical rangefinder
The M-system, in my mind, is truly for those who enjoy the process itself, who see the value of every second of it; those who put it on the same level as the output. It is also for those who refuse to look at the world and perceive it through yet another screen, since the Leica M still to this day uses an optical range finder style viewfinder, which allows you to anticipate what’s coming into the frame while observing the world outside it as-is. This, for me at least, is the first and the most important pillar of using my Leica M11, and whenever I switch to the Q3, I miss it and instantly want to return to the old way of shooting.

Manual focusing: know your range
Another aspect, and the decision maker, is your preferred way of acquiring focus. And here the Leica M-system line of cameras have no equal. Ever since the system appeared in the hands of photographers, it has been continuously perfected, yet retaining the same essence and operation: align two square ghost preview images (preferably on a vertical line), and your subject is in focus. Leica has kept faithful to its legacy here and now, more than ever, the optical viewfinder offers the same method while keeping with the old and familiar ways. This, again in my mind, is stupendous and solidifies brand loyalty as I completely rely on it for all of my assignments, be it personal or professional.

I also – to some extent – argue that using manual focusing is the fastest method of acquiring focus on the planet. How? Range! If you know your range, or are willing to dedicate yourself to being familiar with what the numbers on the lenses mean and then apply it to your crafting process, if you know and can evaluate the subject’s position and how far they are without even looking down (at your lens) and turning the manual focus right to where it needs to be, then you’re home. However, and it’s a big one here, this takes time. And dedication. And errors. And frustration, and so on… But here’s the thing: you’re crafting! You’re learning, you’re making mistakes and getting better as you study and rectify them; you are becoming – not a better – but entirely a different kind of photographer. You’re becoming someone who’s using your whole self to arrive at the anticipated photograph. You are not handing over the process to technology, and that is exactly why so many will tell you that the Leica M has made them a “better photographer”. I’m personally skeptical about that phrase. I prefer to think about the art of making, not taking, pictures here. I think of using the M-system just like a carpenter uses his chisels and hammers: with full attention to every hit, every stroke, with full involvement into the manual process. If that’s you, you will be rewarded and engrossed in continuing your photography journey. If it isn’t, you might be frustrated.

And so, once again, my advice is to go ahead and rent the Leica M and see how it fits with you and go from there. Be personal with the camera and be honest with yourself. Don’t listen to others, hell, don’t even listen to me if how I write about the M-system above while romanticising about its ways is too much to take in. Listen to yourself, tune into your own experience and grow from there. OK, what else is there about the Leica M that makes me choose it over the Q?

Internal storage and battery life
Briefly, though importantly, battery life matters when you’re rocking any digital camera. Battery life in Leica M11 reminds me of the days when I mainly shot with my Canon 5D Mk3: you can go days without charging one, at moderate use, and a full day when trigger-happy. I do not worry about it at all, and whenever there is a need to top it up, the USB-C slot aids just that, something I undervalued previously when I didn’t have it with my M10, but saved me on my recent trip. And the camera charged to about 50% in 45mins which was great! The batteries for the M11 are huge, and because the camera doesn’t shoot video, nor does it use an EVF, you’re good to go for ages. OK, you do have the ability to use the screen’s live view and that, if used all the time, would deplete it, but I’m not, so just describing my experience here.

The internal storage is a game-changer, and I don’t know why other camera manufacturers don’t supply it in the gear they release. It’s such a no-brainer! Forgot your SD card? No problem! Just shoot and save your photos on the internal storage—brilliant!

The M-mount lenses

I don’t currently own any Leica-branded lenses to use with my Leica M11. I don’t feel I need to. I did for an extended period of time, have a chance to shoot with the Leica Summilux 35mm f1.4 FLE and the 50mm from the same line, but ultimately settled on third-party offerings. My favourite and absolutely beloved lens of choice is the Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 ZM T*. I call it my Japanese sword: razor sharp, free of any correction requiring obstacles, perfect colour rendering, and equally formidable for monochrome photography with tones that jump out at you in a way I rarely see elsewhere – and definitely not for the same price. I also shoot with Voigtländer 50mm f2 APO Lanthar, which produces beautiful and corrected images with outstanding bokeh and rendering. These are my two favourite focal lengths, and I have never felt these choices provide any shortcomings in what I shoot. ‘Nough said.

But that’s not all! With the Leica M-mount, you are spoilt for choice these days. You can, of course, choose to go the Leitz route, but if on a budget, you’ve got Voigtlander, Zeiss, Typoch, Light Lens Lab, Mandler, just to name a few. And they all provide options for every budget and output. Such a great day and age to live in for photography! Bottom line is, whatever your calling, the gear is out there! And the M-system has you covered.

I don’t use this, but it’s great to have
If you rely on a workflow that implements either an iPad or an iPhone, the Leica FOTOS app is second to none. One of my friends, a professional photographer who’s constantly on the move, swears by it and with the recently added Leica looks, he’s ready to deliver the photographs to the client while keeping in line with the quality of outcomes both him and his payers require. I personally don’t use the FOTOS app and rely on the old-fashioned SD to Mac transfers and then editing in Capture One and Affinity, so this entry is short. If you’re like my friend however, you’re extremely well covered regardless of the Leica camera system you go for.

Ahhh, the (romantic) experience
This already reads somewhat lame, so I’ll do my best to reclaim your attention. Yes, the Leica M is more about the heart than the head—it’s about the process, the experience, the connection with the vision you have as an artist; it is the thing in-between that not only delivers on that vision, but somehow gets you intertwined and completely enchanted with the method of capturing light and the evolution of you as the craftsman (or woman). That last bit is important—you craft with this camera simply because there is no other way to use it. You need to learn its manual processes; you need to get out there and put in enough time and practice to master it, you need to fail before you pick yourself up and be happy with the results. The development of it all, the method, and everything in between—that’s where this tool finds its place. It earns itself that, often in photographers’ heart, as the only camera they wish to reach for when they want to feel the closest they possibly can to the craft. And that, I’m afraid, cannot be put in numbers or specs, or graphs. It’s an emotional link all M-shooters share – I’m no different – yet none can name: as lame as it all sounds, indeed.

Leica Q3

Right off the bat, let’s list the things you get if you decide to go with the Leica Q-system that you do not with the M. In no particular order, here goes:

Weather-sealed body
Dedicated Macro mode on the lens
Autofocus (with the ability to switch to manual focus on the lens, if you wish)
IBIS (In-body image stabilisation)
Leaf shutter
EVF (Electronic viewfinder)
Tilt screen
The ability to record video

I gotta admit, that’s quite a list of advancements, and it’s not only on paper. These do make your life easier on everyday basis, and if you’re just starting out either with photography or are new to the Leica cameras, you’ll be spoilt with simply an amazing image quality both of them produce since they use the same sensor. Obviously, following from what I said above about the M, what we do not get on the Q is:

Better battery life
In-body storage for backing up your photos (shame that!)
Interchangeable lenses

Looking at the list, the Q3 is a better camera, hands down. You cannot argue that these technological advancements not only make your capturing moments easier, but also do so in a much speedier way, often aiding you in arriving at your artistic vision. And I get it, I have both and every time I reach for the Q3 I am reminded how far we’ve gone from where photography started — or more to the point, started to expand from.

I’ll comment below on some of the more important (to me) features of the Leica Q3 that I wish I’d considered before.

Autofocus
I’ll leave the technological descriptions, specs, and evaluations to someone much more capable than me. I’ll dwell on the experience instead.

For me, the autofocus in the Leica Q3 is sufficient. It’s not great – even after the most recent firmware update – but it’s absolutely fine. The Q3 hasn’t been designed to be a sports camera, though, and once you realise what or who it is for, you’ll be willing to accept and embrace it fully. Don’t chase athletes with the Q, don’t expect extremely fast refresh rates from the bursts, don’t label the camera amazing for absolutely everything because it’s a Leica—it doesn’t work like that. What you do get here is one of the best, most portable and capable everyday cameras we’ve got available on the planet right now, and the autofocus it provides is sufficient enough to lock on 85% of moving subjects even in low light. And that’s good enough for me.

The Leica Summilux 28mm f1.7 lens
It’s true when they say that with the Q you’re getting a camera body free—in a way. This is because of the quality and the high cost of the phenomenal lens the body is permanently housing. But Leica pulled some notable extras with this lens here, something you will not find in the regular M-mount Summilux 28mm. For starters, the sharpness and resolution this lens renders is outstanding across all apertures, which is excellent. At f1.7 you are spoilt with beautiful subject separation and smooth, though arguably more modern bokeh, and because the Q3 sensor resolves at full 60 megapixels, you can crop the hell out of this lens.

The Macro mode is amazing, and I actually find myself dive into the micro worlds more and more when I walk around with the Q3. And similarly, the output quality is outstanding with plenty of detail, sharpness and rendering.

Regardless of the mode, the colour rendering with this lens is superb! The colours are rich but not overpowering, leaving lots of headroom for colour grading. Paired with this 60megapixel sensor, the images the camera/lens produces are fabulous. I have no complaints whatsoever.

Additionally, if you prefer – or if the situation calls for it – you have the ability to switch to manual focus and take things from there. When would you like to do that? Think dark conditions where the autofocus may struggle: judge your range or use the EVF for live focus preview with focus peaking (user-set) and you’re good to go.

One aspect of the 28mm on the Q3 I need to mention here is that the lens is actually more like 24-25mm in its field of view. Others conducted more detailed tests on this and confirmed their findings. I personally don’t mind it and actually don’t care that much since the lens corrections are great, causing no headaches when it comes to field curvature. It’s even great for portraits in this regard. If you haven’t, I definitely recommend checking Paul Reid’s photography with the Q series—the monochrome version. Let Paul’s images speak for themselves.

It’s a camera with formidable lens. If bought for the M, the lens can be found for around £6000 – £7000 and here, on the Leica Q3, it comes paired with one of the best sensors I have ever had the pleasure to edit files from. It ticks so many boxes that one may question why on earth would you consider anything else. It honestly is that good.

Battery life
Carry a spare, just in case—pun not intended. Whereas the Leica M11 batteries are large both in size and capacity, those find for the Q system won’t last you nearly as long. The comparison isn’t entirely fair however, because you can shoot an occasional video with the Leica Q3, and we all know this is where the juice gets sucked out of it right away. In all fairness though, if you’re out and about on gentle strolls rather than heavy and intense shoots, you’ll be absolutely fine with one battery here. A tip: either set your camera to 2mins (or shorter) power off time or switch it off every time you know you won’t be taking photos. This way, the battery will stay charged, and because the camera itself doesn’t take ages to start – unlike the Leica M11 – you’ll be ready to take an image in no time.

Form factor
Portability is king when it comes to documenting life with photography. While I wouldn’t necessarily call the Leica Q3 a compact camera, I would definitely say it is portable enough, easy to carry and enjoyable to use. It is a perfect everyday camera that fits even in small photo bags, slings, and backpacks. Sure, the lens protrudes a bit, and it isfatter than some of the lenses you can attach to the M-system, but given the advantages it comes with, I see it as a non-issue.

I’ll keep this short, as the same reads pretty much everywhere else you land: the camera is built like a… yada, yada, yada. Yep, we all know they (Leica) are. It is however, a bit smaller than the M, and although I do not find it necessary on the latter, I do have it on the former (the Q3), and I would absolutely, 100%, definitely and non-arguably recommend to invest in the original Leica grip. It transforms the shooting experience and comfort into a night-and-day difference scenario. Please take my word for it, you’ll thank me later.

Tilt screen
Leica have implemented this feature on the Q3 for the first time (the original Q and Q2 didn’t have it), and they have nailed it! I personally never miss the tilt screen when I shoot with the M, but when I shoot with the Q3, I use it almost 75% of the time. Funny that. Something that is present is then used, and so different photographs are produced; ones that vary in outputs in composition, which is great if you’re eager to expand your portfolio and try something new.

I love the tilt screen on the Leica Q3, and I highly praise the company for utilising it here. Tilt screen on the M next, perhaps? No, thank you—K.I.S.S. 😉

EVF
For those with degrading or just bad eyesight, the Leica Q3 with its bright, accurate and high-refresh rate EVF is a joy to use. The image presented to you while looking through it is crisp, easily deduced and anticipated; it is modern tech how it should be.

Obviously, for manual focus mode, you can set focus peaking to your desired colour – red, yellow, blue – and with the EVF’s high resolution you will have no problems in evaluating focus if you choose that method. Then, if sticking with the autofocus, the EVF information is intuitive and easy to see while the items you can have displaying on it come with decent amount of contrast. Nothing but praise here again—I’ve never ever had a problem with the EVF on the Leica Q3, and this is a lot coming from someone who prefers and chooses to use the optical viewfinder 90% of the time. Go figure!

Other features
Although the camera is paired with a 28mm lens, you can actually crop to 35, 50, 75, and 90mm on the Q3. Now, this is not to be confused with the actual focal lengths however it does give you access to tighter frames just for those different composition ideas and concept development. Fear not about losing resolution too much here, as the 60megapixel sensor resolves so much detail that even this cropping method is negligible in real-world printing results of up to A3 (or even A2)—do you even print that often and to that format, though? Then, if you shoot RAW, whichever software you use for editing, you still have access to the full 28mm file—the app will simply pre-visualise the crop for you. I edit in Capture One and Affinity most of the time and have never had any issues seeing it, it just works.

Another feature I’d like to briefly touch on is the Leica camera menus. Compared to other manufacturers, I love the way Leica lays out their cameras’ menus. Actually, what I love most about it is that after the initial set up I hardly ever go back to it to alter things, and when I do, things are easy to find, intuitively placed and a breeze to fly through. And this is true even for the video settings. Well done, Leica!

Touch screens are everywhere, and there’s no point bickering about that, though I don’t like them. I always preferred using buttons and dials everywhere: on a computer, in a car, on my cameras. But here we are, and let’s just accept the fact that this is both today and the future. The touch screen on the Leica Q3 makes sense—it helps you access the most often used options, preview your focus and check sharpness via double-tap or pinch-zoom, move the image around, etc. All good! The screen is nice and bright too, which ticks all the boxes for your everyday operation. I actually use it more than I thought I would – again, because it’s there. A solid implementation of tech vs what we actually need as photographers.

So, which one?

I need to curb my bias towards the M-system here writing this. Although I love my Leica M11 and absolutely everything that comes while shooting with it, I believe that the Leica Q3 makes more sense for most people.

And so, I would highly recommend the Leica Q3 if:

you’re starting out either as a photographer or moving to the Leica camera for the first time.
aren’t ready to leave your other camera system’s tech you’ve relied on.
(somewhat the same as above but) want to have the best tech available on a camera right now in a relatively compact, portable unit.
weather sealing is important to you.
you need a tilt screen or often love to shoot from the hip.
you love Macro photography.
you rely on IBIS for low-light situations.
you shoot video from time to time.
cannot or don’t want to spend a lot of your hard-earned money on a body and a set of lenses—more than one in one here.
you prefer the idea of shooting with one lens (though remember the crop modes!).
you prefer autofocus vs manual focusing.

The Leica M11 is for you if:

you have had experience with manual focusing and range finder style camera before and want to continue investing in it.
you want to move away from autofocusing entirely.
you want to explore the actual set of focal lengths for your system.
you don’t care about weather sealing, IBIS, tilt screen, video — you just want to focus on a pure, legacy-driven photographic experience.

Personally, I am definitely the latter, however I’m not everybody else and neither are you. If I was in front of making the decision I made about three years ago when moving from Fujifilm to Leica, I would definitely and wholeheartedly recommend the Leica Q3 to my past-self. You really can’t go wrong with it, both as your first Leica as well as something you’d like to keep for a long time. It really is that good, ticks all the boxes and just makes sense. It’s a camera that I cannot see being made redundant by whatever tech comes next. Leica have truly smashed it with the Q3, and that’s that. If you’re hesitating, don’t! Go for it and start shooting without worry, as the camera has your back in almost every situation you can present to it. A solid 10/10 for me, even now and even though I prefer the M.

Can you sense a ‘but’ coming? … Well, what can I say? My path was different, and ultimately, I ended up with the Leica M11 as my main daily driver. Call me a romantic or a fan boy all you like – I’m definitely not – but I feel I’ve found my preferred way of documenting life, and it is through an optical range finder, and it is through manually focusing. Other things matter less and less to me, and I actually enjoy detaching myself from tech as much as possible as I get older these days. But again, I’m not you! You respond to your calling. Bottom line is, you really can’t go wrong with either. Just listen to yourself and, as I advised at the beginning of this article, definitely rent or borrow each one of the cameras before making your final call.

Finally, and it perhaps might come across as a bit strange, but I’m really happy for you to start your journey. It’s truly a great time to live in, being so spoilt for choice in the Leica world, but ultimately, the choice is yours. Good luck!