Regret or not??

Would I regret spending 2.5k on a used Leica Q??
Over the last couple of years I have moved from system to system in search of the magic look to my photos
Looking back through my Lightroom catalogue a couple of the best looking photos I have are from a Leica m8 I had in 2009/10
I have an itch which needs scratching

It's 99.999% gas and marketing BS. You know this. We all do.

Not picking on Leica, this goes for it all.

But. If it's what you want and it'll make you happy... go for it! :D
 
I love discussions about GAS and 'wish list' cameras, they remind me a bit of a scene from the TV series Life on Mars where DCI Gene Hunt is interviewing a suspect. "I want a solicitor!' says the suspect. "And I want to hump Britt Eckland... so what are we going to do about it?" replies Gene Hunt! In other words, we can't always get what we want, nor when we want it. The thought that most of us are probably in the same boat cheers me up when I start yearning for shiny new things, and helps me regain some perspective. :)
 
Nothing I can put my finger on , maybe at the moment just lacking a bit of inspiration/opportunity to get out and about camera in hand

Nothing wrong with a bit of shopping to inspire oneself. It can be great for general wellbeing and mental health as well, especially during a pandemic. You mentioned that 'magic look' in your opening post, and whilst I agree with others than often it's down to the photographer when I look at the medium format thread here I see something different in them compared to full frame etc. So if the Lecia FF does this for you then I say go for it because 'making do' will never really do it, if you know what I mean!
 
"And I want to hump Britt Eckland... so what are we going to do about it?" replies Gene Hunt! In other words, we can't always get what we want,

But what if she lived next door, and kept winking at you and parading around in a towel?
 
Some help from a long-time Leica user here. The 28 Summilux lens on the Q/Q2 is a stunning lens. Shot at f/1.7 it has a unique and compelling look. The only lens I have used that comes close is the Leica 24 Summilux M which is stupendous and more than twice the price of your used Q.

What do I mean by this? The combination of wide aperture and wide angle creates an unusual shallow depth of field perspective that in my view looks great. Add in some gentle natural vignetting when wide open, yet totally sharp at the focus point, and great contrast and clarity. When used at smaller apertures, like when shooting landscapes, you get beautifully crisp and detailed photographs.

Think of it this way - buy one used, try it for a while, and if you don’t like it you can sell it again and maybe lose £100-£200. Consider that as a rental cost for a couple of months of use and it works out quite economical!
 
You may get most of your money back re-selling a secondhand digital Leica, but old film Leicas actually go up in value. How about an M6?
 
Well, to be honest, I'd probably worry about her state of mind and that she might be getting cold, with her being 78...
At 70, I quite fancy slightly older women. Can't do a lot about it, mind. :oops: :$ Certainly wouldn't be able to pole-vault the garden fence.
 
At 70, I quite fancy slightly older women. Can't do a lot about it, mind. :oops: :$ Certainly wouldn't be able to pole-vault the garden fence.
That's the problem with running after members of the opposite sex at your age... by the time you've caught up with them you've probably forgotten what it was you wanted! ;)
 
If I've learned anything in 55 years of taking pictures, it's that all cameras and lenses are capable of giving pleasing results, when used by people who know what they want to show and understand the limitations of the tool they're using.
 
At 70, I quite fancy slightly older women. Can't do a lot about it, mind. :oops: :$ Certainly wouldn't be able to pole-vault the garden fence.
Pole vaulting eh? Viagra FTW. ;)
 
If I've learned anything in 55 years of taking pictures, it's that all cameras and lenses are capable of giving pleasing results, when used by people who know what they want to show and understand the limitations of the tool they're using.
that's true enough and probably why I have decided to stick with what I currently have , maybe just add the pana/leica 15mm to my current stable of 25mm 1.7,45-150 and 12-32
thus saving 2k!!
 
I think photography has quite a lot in common with fly fishing - Fly rods to catch trout cost between around £20 and £1000 (or more if you're willing to pay it). Will a £1000 rod cast better than a £20 one? Well it might if you are an experienced person who can cast a fly line to perfection (which can involve perfect timing, feel, and just the right amount of effort). Otherwise, someone with less experience or aptitude will probably find that a cheaper rod is easier to use, and so gives them better results. Just as a less expensive car may be easier to drive and park than a supercar.

Well, that's the casting a line and presenting a fly perfectly on the water bit dealt with, then there's the skill and knowledge required to choose the right fly for the conditions and to 'fish it' properly, and that's not down to the rod, but the person using it. So will a £1000 rod catch more fish?

Will an expensive camera help you give you 'the magic look'? I think it depends what you mean and what you're expecting. Like it or not, when a certain level is reached (particularly with bespoke or boutique type kit) the person a few millimetres behind the viewfinder is the most important deciding factor to determining the look of what the camera produces... and 'look' can sometimes be a very subjective and elusive thing.

I think it probably has a lot in common with many other predominantly male orientated hobbies - the marketing people have us sussed.

I have a friend who said "My one concern if I die is that my wife sells my golf clubs for what I told her I paid for them."

My main hobby is cycling, which I don't imagine has a huge crossover with photography. I've never ridden a £10,000 bike, but I find it hard to believe it would be worth as much as five £2000 ones. There are other people who see £2000 on a bike as incredibly extravagant and think you can get all you need for £500. Then there are yet others who will buy a 1980s bike for £50 and profess themselves delighted with it.

Whichever price point you find yourself at there will be someone ready to sell it to you.
 
If you can afford it. Do it. Dont like it, sell it, make as much back as you can...

My progression was film camera nikon in the 80s (my dad had an interest) point n shoot, better longer range point n shoot, bridge camera, minolta, d300 (due to handling, weight and semi pro options) eye on a leica... And full frame... Used m240 then an upgrade to m10.

Dont have funds for leica glass, but achieved a target. And am enjoying it. Some other things and lenses on planning list for the future...
 
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