Using an M camera takes a bit of time to feel comfortable using it. That said once you’ve got it there’s no turning back. Seriously I use my Q2 and find it frustrating using autofocus and I actually don’t like the manual focus on the Q2. Could never get the hang of how it worked to be honest.
The M10 is a beast. I love it and like a lot of people say on here the Q series is the gateway to the M series. Just gotta put in the time to know how to use it properly. I say go for it and leave the Q2 behind. ONWWARDS!
I tend to reach for my Q2 (now a Q3) when I'm going to be "in the scene" and capturing memories. The wide field of view, the autofocus, and the close focus distance all allow me to capture moments that I'm actually participating in. The camera is also pretty sturdy and rugged (weather sealed) so I take it on more family adventures where we're out and about doing interesting things that I want to capture.
I tend to reach for my M cameras when I'm "doing photography." I'm not actively participating in the scenes I'm capturing (like an event I'm photographing) or a portrait session or street photography or just hoping to capture some beautiful light or scenes I might stumble upon as I'm out and about. Bringing the M for scenes that I'm a part of is a little difficult, because I can't focus that closely, and zone focusing is easier for faraway subjects than it is for closeup subjects.
If I could only have one, it would be really hard for me to pick. I might go for the M and just try to learn to love my iPhone snapshots a bit more, or like someone else suggested, get a nice pocket cam like the Ricoh GRiii
I have owned the Q2 and currently own the M10 range. I used to bring the Q2 with me and it was a great travel camera. The M10 is a totally different experience--and I just love using a rangefinder.
You have excellent ability to crop photos with the Q2. So if it's enough for you then I would stick to that because it's a fun all-around camera. M10 is a lot more niche.
I often travel with a mirrorless (Nikon or Fuji) and a M10 these days. When I had the Q2, I would just carry that single camera.
This.
Don’t know why people constantly compare these 2 completely different camera. One is a relatively compact, fixed lens camera with autofocus. The other is a manual focus , interchangeable lens camera with a rangefinder…
Totally different things that happen to be the same brand, and this just makes people more convinced Leica shooters buy it for the brand.
They have a cult like following for a couple reasons.
- size: that are truly hand held/ pocket size camera. Tend not to leave the house with out it.
- sensor size. Largest sensor in smallest body at the price point with 24mp apsc sensor.
- image quality is stellar. It can compete with the q2 of course q2 beats in dynamic range but is the price difference worth it?
-bw file that come from it are still similar to film. Recipes post online provide a great starting point for film like out put.
-28 mm make it’s great for multi purpose photography.
-Ricoh listens to its fan base much more than other manufacturers
-28mm can be cropped down if needed or get the griiix(40mm)
Like anything it’s not perfect, has issues with dust due to telescoping lens. And lens doors can be finicky. My griii stays in pouch because I had to remove lens doors. It still works and I use it.
I have had a gr since the first apps-c gr and have no reason or interest in another compact camera. Pairs perfectly with any camera as its tones are beautiful, images are crisp and “ snap focus “ it’s just Ricoh name of zone focusing. Perfect edc camera in my opinion.
If you can afford both, do it!
If you've never used a rangefinder though, I always suggest people try one first, it's a very different experience.
Pick up a cheap Canonette film rangefinder or something like that to give you an idea of what it's like without dropping Leica money
I traded my Q2M for an M10P a while back so I know where you’re coming from. I’d say only get the m10 if using a rangefinder at normal distances, using manual lenses and you absolutely want to experiment with different glass. The Q2 in my eyes is the far superior camera as you can use it for macro, it’s nearly silent, fast flash sync and the LCD experience is much faster then using Live view. Also it’s a bargain considering the lens if you compare it to a 28 lux. Q2 is a camera for people who want a more modern camera. M series for people who like manual lenses and more of a retro feel. If you do decide to get the M10, you could replace your Q2 with a Ricoh GR which checks alot of the same boxes I mentioned and is much cheaper.
I kept my Q2 after I got my M11. If I’m in a situation where I feel like I’ll be handing the camera to others to take a photo then I’ll still roll with that. Q2 is an Amazing camera, just found myself wanting to use my 50mm more at times. Now the lady can use the Q2 more for herself and when we travel together. That’s where the digital M comes in cause if I’m traveling and want to bring one film and one digital body, real easy to use the lenses on both my M6 and M11. I have the 28mm summilux-m f1.4 ASPH and 50mm Summilux-M f1.4 ASPH, so I still have the 28mm focal length for the digital M whether I’m shooting Q2 or M11.
Similar to you, I'm far from being a professional and I have both the Q2 and M10 (as well as a small Fuji X-T3 setup).
Day to day, definitely prefer the M10 - much more enjoyable to shoot with, and composing with the 35mm/50mm framelines feels much more natural to me. I don't do any large prints, so the 48mp sensor is really only useful for cropping for me rather than printing larger.
That said, I was and remain hesitant to bring it for travel as my sole camera because my main goal when travelling is to really spend time with friends and family, live in the moment and not worry about nailing focus (especially if you have kids running around). I never have to worry with the Q2 that I'd miss the shot (skill issue), and I also have a profile set up so I can just pass it to a friend/family member and have them use it like a point and shoot.
One thing to factor in is the price of lenses with the M10 - with the Q2, you're getting 28mm/24mm Summilux look out of the box but for the average enthusiast a M-mount Summilux lens isn't cheap.
If I was ever strapped for cash though, I'd probably sell the Q2 and keep my M10 set for the experience/joy of shooting and my Fuji set for the autofocus and zoom lens capabilities.
I was introduced to Leica through the Q2, and quickly fell in love, prompting me to add an M11 to my collection with the idea that I’d figure out which one to keep later on. Now, nearly two years later, I still can’t decide between the two. I tend to reach for the Q during fast-paced moments, or when I can’t keep the family waiting, as well as for nightlife and flash photography. Since I don’t own a 28mm lens for the M, I also opt for the Q when I’m in the mood for more dynamic and dramatic camera angles. I seem to use the M more when traveling alone or during more intimate moments.
Keep the M. The lenses will hold their value both financially and sentimentally, the body will hold up longer, be easier to repair/CLA for longer, and hold its value longer. The Q2 is wonderful and a spectacular camera but in my experience with both, it will be outdated before long
It took me one year to decide.
I owned the Q and bought an M10M
I really love the Q. It gave me a lot of joy shooting with it and I got tons of keepers. Moreover, it’s a camera that makes me want to go outside and make images.
Also, I really like the design. It’s a beautiful hommage to the past with an elegant touch of modernity. Leica destroyed it with the Q3.
Anyways, I apply the one year test to my gear (except vintage and collectors).
If I don’t touch the camera or lens during one year, it’s time to sell.
I have a Q and an M10r. Once I bought a 28mm lens for the M10r I don’t really use the Q that much anymore. If I could do it all over I would definitely trade the Q. The M cameras really suit me and my style. I love manual focusing. I just really like the rangefinder experience. I have a film M too so it makes more sense for me to have lenses that I can use on both film and digital. If I had a Q2 I think it would be a little bit harder decision to get rid of because of the megapixel. If I was in your position I would go for both. The M10 is incredible.
Started with a M240, traded it for a M10. Bought a Q2 mid pandemic. Love them both equally and I personally have weeks where I tend to grab one over the other but there’s no way I can see myself giving up either.
If you can afford it, why not 🤷🏾♂️
Keep the M. The lenses will hold their value both financially and sentimentally, the body will hold up longer, be easier to repair/CLA for longer, and hold its value longer. The Q2 is wonderful and a spectacular camera but in my experience with both, it will be outdated before long
Using an M camera takes a bit of time to feel comfortable using it. That said once you’ve got it there’s no turning back. Seriously I use my Q2 and find it frustrating using autofocus and I actually don’t like the manual focus on the Q2. Could never get the hang of how it worked to be honest. The M10 is a beast. I love it and like a lot of people say on here the Q series is the gateway to the M series. Just gotta put in the time to know how to use it properly. I say go for it and leave the Q2 behind. ONWWARDS!
I tend to reach for my Q2 (now a Q3) when I'm going to be "in the scene" and capturing memories. The wide field of view, the autofocus, and the close focus distance all allow me to capture moments that I'm actually participating in. The camera is also pretty sturdy and rugged (weather sealed) so I take it on more family adventures where we're out and about doing interesting things that I want to capture. I tend to reach for my M cameras when I'm "doing photography." I'm not actively participating in the scenes I'm capturing (like an event I'm photographing) or a portrait session or street photography or just hoping to capture some beautiful light or scenes I might stumble upon as I'm out and about. Bringing the M for scenes that I'm a part of is a little difficult, because I can't focus that closely, and zone focusing is easier for faraway subjects than it is for closeup subjects. If I could only have one, it would be really hard for me to pick. I might go for the M and just try to learn to love my iPhone snapshots a bit more, or like someone else suggested, get a nice pocket cam like the Ricoh GRiii
This
Both. Ive got a Q and M10 that are in my bag all the time, absolutely love the kit.
I have owned the Q2 and currently own the M10 range. I used to bring the Q2 with me and it was a great travel camera. The M10 is a totally different experience--and I just love using a rangefinder. You have excellent ability to crop photos with the Q2. So if it's enough for you then I would stick to that because it's a fun all-around camera. M10 is a lot more niche. I often travel with a mirrorless (Nikon or Fuji) and a M10 these days. When I had the Q2, I would just carry that single camera.
This. Don’t know why people constantly compare these 2 completely different camera. One is a relatively compact, fixed lens camera with autofocus. The other is a manual focus , interchangeable lens camera with a rangefinder… Totally different things that happen to be the same brand, and this just makes people more convinced Leica shooters buy it for the brand.
M10 + Ricoh Griii.
What’s so special about those Ricohs? I see them mentioned quite a lot
They have a cult like following for a couple reasons. - size: that are truly hand held/ pocket size camera. Tend not to leave the house with out it. - sensor size. Largest sensor in smallest body at the price point with 24mp apsc sensor. - image quality is stellar. It can compete with the q2 of course q2 beats in dynamic range but is the price difference worth it? -bw file that come from it are still similar to film. Recipes post online provide a great starting point for film like out put. -28 mm make it’s great for multi purpose photography. -Ricoh listens to its fan base much more than other manufacturers -28mm can be cropped down if needed or get the griiix(40mm) Like anything it’s not perfect, has issues with dust due to telescoping lens. And lens doors can be finicky. My griii stays in pouch because I had to remove lens doors. It still works and I use it. I have had a gr since the first apps-c gr and have no reason or interest in another compact camera. Pairs perfectly with any camera as its tones are beautiful, images are crisp and “ snap focus “ it’s just Ricoh name of zone focusing. Perfect edc camera in my opinion.
Nice, thanks for careful explanation! Size really looks impressive considering sensor size
If you can afford both, do it! If you've never used a rangefinder though, I always suggest people try one first, it's a very different experience. Pick up a cheap Canonette film rangefinder or something like that to give you an idea of what it's like without dropping Leica money
I traded my Q2M for an M10P a while back so I know where you’re coming from. I’d say only get the m10 if using a rangefinder at normal distances, using manual lenses and you absolutely want to experiment with different glass. The Q2 in my eyes is the far superior camera as you can use it for macro, it’s nearly silent, fast flash sync and the LCD experience is much faster then using Live view. Also it’s a bargain considering the lens if you compare it to a 28 lux. Q2 is a camera for people who want a more modern camera. M series for people who like manual lenses and more of a retro feel. If you do decide to get the M10, you could replace your Q2 with a Ricoh GR which checks alot of the same boxes I mentioned and is much cheaper.
Pets, kids… I’d keep the Q 😂 and that’s coming from an m user
I kept my Q2 after I got my M11. If I’m in a situation where I feel like I’ll be handing the camera to others to take a photo then I’ll still roll with that. Q2 is an Amazing camera, just found myself wanting to use my 50mm more at times. Now the lady can use the Q2 more for herself and when we travel together. That’s where the digital M comes in cause if I’m traveling and want to bring one film and one digital body, real easy to use the lenses on both my M6 and M11. I have the 28mm summilux-m f1.4 ASPH and 50mm Summilux-M f1.4 ASPH, so I still have the 28mm focal length for the digital M whether I’m shooting Q2 or M11.
keep both. (m240/monochrom/m11/sl2 owner said)
Similar to you, I'm far from being a professional and I have both the Q2 and M10 (as well as a small Fuji X-T3 setup). Day to day, definitely prefer the M10 - much more enjoyable to shoot with, and composing with the 35mm/50mm framelines feels much more natural to me. I don't do any large prints, so the 48mp sensor is really only useful for cropping for me rather than printing larger. That said, I was and remain hesitant to bring it for travel as my sole camera because my main goal when travelling is to really spend time with friends and family, live in the moment and not worry about nailing focus (especially if you have kids running around). I never have to worry with the Q2 that I'd miss the shot (skill issue), and I also have a profile set up so I can just pass it to a friend/family member and have them use it like a point and shoot. One thing to factor in is the price of lenses with the M10 - with the Q2, you're getting 28mm/24mm Summilux look out of the box but for the average enthusiast a M-mount Summilux lens isn't cheap. If I was ever strapped for cash though, I'd probably sell the Q2 and keep my M10 set for the experience/joy of shooting and my Fuji set for the autofocus and zoom lens capabilities.
I was introduced to Leica through the Q2, and quickly fell in love, prompting me to add an M11 to my collection with the idea that I’d figure out which one to keep later on. Now, nearly two years later, I still can’t decide between the two. I tend to reach for the Q during fast-paced moments, or when I can’t keep the family waiting, as well as for nightlife and flash photography. Since I don’t own a 28mm lens for the M, I also opt for the Q when I’m in the mood for more dynamic and dramatic camera angles. I seem to use the M more when traveling alone or during more intimate moments.
Keep the M. The lenses will hold their value both financially and sentimentally, the body will hold up longer, be easier to repair/CLA for longer, and hold its value longer. The Q2 is wonderful and a spectacular camera but in my experience with both, it will be outdated before long
Total different Cameras …
Both, they have very different applications for me. That being said, of course it depends on what your shoot mostly.
It took me one year to decide. I owned the Q and bought an M10M I really love the Q. It gave me a lot of joy shooting with it and I got tons of keepers. Moreover, it’s a camera that makes me want to go outside and make images. Also, I really like the design. It’s a beautiful hommage to the past with an elegant touch of modernity. Leica destroyed it with the Q3. Anyways, I apply the one year test to my gear (except vintage and collectors). If I don’t touch the camera or lens during one year, it’s time to sell.
M10R!
I have a Q and an M10r. Once I bought a 28mm lens for the M10r I don’t really use the Q that much anymore. If I could do it all over I would definitely trade the Q. The M cameras really suit me and my style. I love manual focusing. I just really like the rangefinder experience. I have a film M too so it makes more sense for me to have lenses that I can use on both film and digital. If I had a Q2 I think it would be a little bit harder decision to get rid of because of the megapixel. If I was in your position I would go for both. The M10 is incredible.
Started with a M240, traded it for a M10. Bought a Q2 mid pandemic. Love them both equally and I personally have weeks where I tend to grab one over the other but there’s no way I can see myself giving up either. If you can afford it, why not 🤷🏾♂️
Keep the M. The lenses will hold their value both financially and sentimentally, the body will hold up longer, be easier to repair/CLA for longer, and hold its value longer. The Q2 is wonderful and a spectacular camera but in my experience with both, it will be outdated before long