Part 2: Falling into the Q-Rabbit Hole
What’s up everyone! Welcome back to Part 2 of my "Red Dot" rabbit hole. If you missed Part 1, go read it first—basically, I was looking for a small Fuji, got poisoned by Leica, and ended up at a crossroads.
Now, let me tell you how I went from "I want a small camera" to "Okay fine, take all my money for the Q3 43." 💸
The moment I should have walked away.
1. The Q-System Poison (No Turning Back)
After I held the Q3 at the Leica store... jialat. I never looked back.
Initially, I was super against it. My logic was simple: I wanted a compact camera that was lightweight for daily use, looked "aesthetic" enough to inspire me, and had those Leica Looks. The Q3 felt "big" compared to the D-Lux.
But that D-Lux 8 deal-breaker really haunted me. The fact that I couldn't download and install the full range of Leica Looks (like Leica Contemporary) was the final straw. I started thinking, "What if... what if I just give the Q3 a try?".
My criteria didn't change:
Portability: Still need to be able to carry it everywhere.
On-board Filters: I need to stop letting photos rot in my HDD waiting for the "right feel" to edit. I want the look now.
Inspiration: It has to make me want to shoot again.
2. Why the Q3 43 and not the normal Q3?
Once I shifted my gaze to the Q system, it was a no-brainer to look at the Q3 43.
Think about it: the 28mm on the standard Q3 is like the 1x zoom on your iPhone (around 24-26mm equivalent). Be honest—how often do you use that? For me, I’m always using the 0.5x or the 2x.
The 43mm lens is just... chef’s kiss. It features the APO-Summicron f/2. If you know about Leica glass, you know that "APO" plus "Summicron" is a combination so good, it’s literally breath-taking (and wallet-aching).
The design is so inspiring that I want to bring it out every day. Even if I’m not shooting, it’s a top-tier accessory, Haha!
3. The "Eventually Leica" Prophecy
There’s a certain charm to the brand that's hard to fight. While I was at the Leica Store (SBQ), I heard something that was both amusing and deeply relatable. It went something like this:
"You might not own a Leica now, but you will always end up with a Leica."
The brand power is just that strong—it's like a destination every photographer eventually reaches. Whether it’s an excuse to drop 5x more money than I originally planned or not... let's not talk about that LOL. What matters most is what makes you happy, what keeps you inspired, and what actually gets you out of the house to create.
The Prophecy HQ
4. The $9.99 Test
Before I pulled the trigger, I tried to "taste" Leica by paying $9.99 for the Leica LUX app (See image below) on my phone. I thought it would talk me out of the purchase.
Spoiler alert: It made it worse. I got deeper into the rabbit hole. Three months later... the rest is history.
Welcome to The Q Ledger
And that, my friends, is how That Leica Boy was born.
This website isn't just a blog; it’s a page for me to curate photos I’ve taken just for myself. It’s an outlet, a journal—a Q Ledger.
If you’ve read this far, thank you for coming along on this "poisonous" journey with me! I’m looking forward to more photowalks, travels, and sharing more "Looks" with you all.
See you in the next frame!