I decided I really had to go and hold a Leica Q and play with it before joining the long waiting list I have been quoted by several UK suppliers.
I am really glad I did.
I know this will be a dissenting view but I was not impressed. Firstly, the viewfinder may be high resolution but there was something about it which just did not fit right with me. I am a great supporter of EVFs believing that analogue finders are dead. I've used one since I got my GF-1 about 5 years ago, then with a GH-2, RX1 and now A7/S/Rs. Is the actual physical size of the viewfinder itself smaller than, say, a A7 even if it is higher resolution? Something just did not feel right about it to me.
Secondly, I realised that much as I like fixed lens cameras (for example I shoot a lot with my GR, DP2M and DP3M) that the 28mm view was not exactly thrilling - which is odd as I like my GR a lot. Again, this could have been because the viewfinder was, well... a bit dim. I actually got my A7R out as soon as I got home to look through the viewfinder in case I have suffered some kind of overnight revelation that they are no longer any good... and I am pleased to say I still find it the best EVF I have used.
Then there is build quality. It felt cheap. The lens body looks like a Leica lens and responds like a Leica lens but the lens body itself felt a bit plasticky which is weird for something which is metal. I had watched TCS Jordan's just published review and a couple of times he talked about Panasonic's involvement with the Leica Q. I thought he was speculating. I am beginning to think maybe he knows something we don't. It may have coloured my view but I can see what he was getting at. It may be magnesium but it didn't exude the heft and weight of say a M6, M7 or my much loved but now departed M8.
I'm glad I went to see one - indeed it is only sensible if one is contemplating parting with GBP 2900 for one - because the lust I felt is slaked.
In fact, I think the RX1 I owned exuded a more well built and usable feel than the Leica Q. It certainly made we want to leave the store with one when I had the opportunity. I sold it expecting my A7/R/S to be a replacement but I have missed it and I have been contemplating getting a RX1R. I put that on hold when the Leica Q was announced expecting to be dazzled by the product.
Now I think I'll wait and see what the RX1/R replacement is like because I suspect Sony will go for the jugular with a Q-killer that will also be more to my liking.
Apologies if my thoughts offend anyone - I was very enthused by this camera - indeed was willing to plonk my hard earned savings on it and rejoin the Leica camp. It even ticks the box of my liking for fixed lens cameras (which not everyone enjoys). But I'll pass for now.
LouisB