Carlo_M
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 p.1 #1 · Question re: accessories and body protection for my first Leica purchase | |
Greetings FM Leica community! As you may have seen in my Q3 Monochrom thread, I'm pretty set to buy one as my niche-use camera. I am fully into the Canon R5ii ecosystem for all my other needs, I specifically am interested in the Q3M specifically for what it does, limitations and all. As this will be my first foray into the world of Leica, I had some questions and am seeking advice.
I understand the anodized paint on metal will rub off over time. This pains me as I take care of my gear (whenever I trade up my Canon gear, it's almost always rated as Like New Minus even if I've used it a lot for several years). Now taking care of my gear isn't about trying to get the most resale value possible (though it's a nice side benefit). I've just been very fastidious since I was a kid and I like to take care of my things. But I also understand that with the all metal body and anodized paint, wear and tear will happen, even from just taking it out of a bag repeatedly over the years.
So my first question is: Do you have any advice on body protection? Or is wear and tear on a Leica akin to how chefs treat all-copper cookware that develops patina over time (e.g. wear and tear is part of the charm)? If you do use body protection, especially if you're a Q3 owner, I'd appreciate any recommendations. If you are in the "let it show that it's been lovingly used over the years" camp, happy to have that feedback as well. Since I take care of my things, knock on wood, my wear would mostly be the finish coming off from regular contact of being pulled in/out of a nice camera bag, and maybe any repeated contact/rubbing points with a strap.
My second question is about accessories.
1. I think I'm pretty set on getting the official hand grip with wireless charging from Leica. I tried it in-store and since I'm used to the ergonomics of Canon, the grip brings it closer to that and makes it more comfortable for me to shoot. I already have a Qi charging base for my phone which I understand this grip will also work with for wireless charging (that's what the CSR told me). Happy to entertain alternatives, as I know there are 3rd party offerings but none I could find that also do the wireless charging.
2. Thumb grip (and lens hood) - I also very much like the Leica thumb grip as, in combination with the hand grip, made the Q3 feel totally at home in my hand. However I don't relish paying the Leica tax for this one. I'm seriously looking at the Freewell thumb grip. It seems to get very good reviews, and at least retains a cold shoe functionality rather than eliminating it. Also considering if I should potentially get the Grip+Lens Hood combo. Thoughts on either?
3. Bag recommendations. Since my Canon rig is somewhat extensive, I have medium-to-large bags. I'd love a recommendation for something that would carry only the Q3M+strap (with a little extra room for attached grip and lens hood), an extra battery, and a filter or two. Preferably under $150. Weather resistant would be preferred, and a gentle lining on the inside in case I decide to not go with body protection. Open to sling or holster type bags, ideally well under 10L (that's my smallest bag right now). Goal is to travel as light as possible while still offering decent protection, but no need to cram a lot of accessories, just mostly the camera and extra battery. Peak Design Sling 3L piqued (pun intended) my interest but not sure if it's too small. Wandrd I think has a sling in 4L too.
4. High quality UV filter (for protection). And no I don't use one on my L lenses, but as part of Canon's CPS, if I ever do damage the front element the repair charge is considerably less than if I have to send the entire Q3M in (I've seen testimonials that Leica repair costs can be a lot higher). So given that, this will probably be the first time I have one on all the time, so I'd appreciate any recommendations. I see Leica sells one for $160 which is the most I'd want to pay for one, but open to other less expensive options if they optically perform as well.
5. Extra battery and strap - I always buy a 2nd battery (official first party), and I'm in the PD strap ecosystem, so an easy solution would be for me to get a second pair of their attachments and use one of my existing PD straps.
6. Wrist strap - one of the other things I've never bought, but might find useful for the Q3M because it's small, is a wrist strap. Does anyone use this instead of a neck strap? How do you like it, and what brand/model do you use?
That's all that I can think of, but feel free to add your favorite essential accessory.
Thanks in advance!
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