THE VOLVO AND THE LEICA Q3
A REALLY BIG TOW TRUCK AT THE RYDERS ROW TRIANGLE [PHOTOGRAPHED USING A LEICA Q3]
This September, I spent three days photographing the same somewhat distressed urban location to test three different systems. I used a Leica Q3, a Fujifilm GFX100-series camera, and a Sony A1 II combined with the Sony 35mm F1.4 GM lens.
The exercise proved conclusive: the Sony combination clearly outperformed the Leica Q3, which, for a variety of reasons, produced less than stellar images.
This finding has presented me with a significant dilemma. I am planning a week-long trip to Cork City and must keep my equipment weight as low as is practical. Given the disappointing results from the Q3 relative to the Sony, I now need to decide precisely what kit to bring and I will discuss this later.
Field Observation: The Volvo Heavy Recovery Truck
Separately, while I was at the location shooting with the Q3, I witnessed an interesting scene: the largest tow truck I have ever encountered here in Ireland. It was a Volvo, sent out to recover a Tesco delivery van.
Volvo manufactures the heavy-duty truck chassis that are widely used as large tow trucks and heavy recovery vehicles across the European market. While Volvo primarily builds the chassis and cab, specialised body-building companies then convert these powerful trucks into dedicated tow trucks and wreckers.
For those interested, the key Volvo models that form the base for these large recovery vehicles in Europe include:
Volvo FH16: This is Volvo's most powerful truck, often equipped with engines delivering up to 780 hp. Its high torque and robust chassis make it a preferred choice for the most demanding heavy recovery tasks, such as towing fully-loaded tractor-trailers.
Volvo FH: The standard FH series is also a very common base for heavy tow trucks, offering a balance of power, efficiency, and advanced technology.
Volvo FMX: Known for its rugged and durable construction, the FMX is often used for recovery vehicles that may need to operate in challenging or off-road conditions.
Volvo FE: This more medium-duty model is also adapted for smaller recovery and tow truck applications, particularly in urban environments or for recovering medium-sized commercial vehicles.
This September, I spent three days photographing the same somewhat distressed urban location to test three different systems. I used a Leica Q3, a Fujifilm GFX100-series camera, and a Sony A1 II combined with the Sony 35mm F1.4 GM lens.
The exercise proved conclusive: the Sony combination clearly outperformed the Leica Q3, which, for a variety of reasons, produced less than stellar images.
This finding has presented me with a significant dilemma. I am planning a week-long trip to Cork City and must keep my equipment weight as low as is practical. Given the disappointing results from the Q3 relative to the Sony, I now need to decide precisely what kit to bring and I will discuss this later.
Field Observation: The Volvo Heavy Recovery Truck
Separately, while I was at the location shooting with the Q3, I witnessed an interesting scene: the largest tow truck I have ever encountered here in Ireland. It was a Volvo, sent out to recover a Tesco delivery van.
Volvo manufactures the heavy-duty truck chassis that are widely used as large tow trucks and heavy recovery vehicles across the European market. While Volvo primarily builds the chassis and cab, specialised body-building companies then convert these powerful trucks into dedicated tow trucks and wreckers.
For those interested, the key Volvo models that form the base for these large recovery vehicles in Europe include:
Volvo FH16: This is Volvo's most powerful truck, often equipped with engines delivering up to 780 hp. Its high torque and robust chassis make it a preferred choice for the most demanding heavy recovery tasks, such as towing fully-loaded tractor-trailers.
Volvo FH: The standard FH series is also a very common base for heavy tow trucks, offering a balance of power, efficiency, and advanced technology.
Volvo FMX: Known for its rugged and durable construction, the FMX is often used for recovery vehicles that may need to operate in challenging or off-road conditions.
Volvo FE: This more medium-duty model is also adapted for smaller recovery and tow truck applications, particularly in urban environments or for recovering medium-sized commercial vehicles.