I am a Sony shooter, but was very interested and intrigued about the Q2 Monochrom so I purchased one and loved it so much, especially the simplicity and image quality that I saved up and also purchased a Q2! Needless to say, I’m very happy.
I love my Q2 and still feel happy when I pick it up. Have had it three years now and the honeymoon period never ended… I agree with all your points here!
I have the Q. And the image quality is freaking awesome. Better than actual cameras. I talk of fuji, Canon... The crop in the image is awesome too, you can do a lot of zoom without lose quality
Spot-on, you are absolutely right! The reason why I did not explicitely mention image quality is that I spoke about that very often in other videos on my channel and take it for granted that a Leica camera in this price segment delivers excellent image quality. But generally you are right, from a self-contained presentation perspective I should have mentioned this upfront.
I have to agree, the Q2 is a very compelling package. It's far and away the best manual focus override of an autofocus lens on the market, allowing one to quickly engage proper zone focusing techniques for street photography. The 3 stops of optical image stabilization is also very nice to have. And even though it's only contrast detect AF, I find it's pretty snappy at acquiring focus in single point mode. But the pièce de résistance is the image quality; it's breathtaking. Plus you can set the frame lines to 35mm and still have 30MP to play with. I've taken recently to walking around with the Q2 and my Nikon Z6II with the Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens...and the two make for a relatively small yet capable setup with excellent image quality.
Thank you for that excellent (as always) video. Still, I would never buy a Q2 (or Q) because then I'd be stuck with just a 28mm lens. I know, you can switch the frame to 35mm, 50mm, and even 75mm, but that's just cropping---which you could do in post anyway---what nevertheless remains a 28mm image. I loved the CL (digital), and it's a damn shame that Leica discontinued it (thus repeating its mistake with the original CL [analog] from the 1970s). Would I prefer the CL to have been full-frame, all other things being equal? Sure. And it is very disappointing that Leica did not follow through with a CL2. Yet the CL was (and is) great even in APS-C format. I also love the 24mp BSI sensor on the too-large, too-heavy SL2-S. So, for me, the perfect camera lies somewhere between the CL and the Q2. That is to say, it is either a CL with a full-frame sensor or else a Q with interchangeable (SL?) lenses, and in either case containing the 24mp BSI sensor like the SL2-S.
I’m growing to love my Leica Q2, the more I use it - one of the best features, is the “Finger Loop“ which can be screwed into the camera “grip” and for me, that means I don’t need a neck strap or a wrist strap (which is my normally preferred option) as the finger loop allows me to hold the camera one-handed, without the fear of dropping it and hold it like that “all day“ because of its light weight - it’s expensive, but definitely worth it! - Regards - Peter
Thanks for sharing your experience with the Q2, Peter. The finger loop is indeed a good auxiliary accessory for exactly the purpose you are describing. I typically use only the handgrip but in a matter of seconds the finger loop can be screwed in.
@@andersphansson - No, not too wide for me, but wouldn’t suit everyone of course. Because of the high megapixel count, it’s very easy to “crop in” to 35 (& tighter) without noticeable drop in quality - Peter.
I use a finger loop as well. But I 3D printed one my self an atached it with a M4 thumbscrew onto the grip. This way I not only safe some money, I customised the finger loop to my hand size. I encourage everyone to do it themselves.
the Leica Q2 is an incredibly great camera. I borrowed them for a weekend. And now I would like to exchange my Nikon equipment for the Leica. It is striking that the sharpness gradient is incredibly beautiful. Not as over-contrasted as the competition.
Thank you for the great video as usual . Bought my first Leica a few months ago - a used but mint condition M10-R. I was torn between a new Q2 or the M. How I decided was I went into a Leica store and held both . For me , there was no comparison. The M10 is kind of in a different league as far a feel and build ( my perception anyway) . I had wanted an M since my youth , so obviously I was also biased . That being said , I think a Q series camera is in my future as an addition. I have non Leica mirrorless camera with an EVF and I do enjoy shooting with that . Of course , there is always the option of buying an SL body and using my M lenses . Choices, choices.
Thanks a lot, and fully concur - a great package. Potential improvements: choice of louder shutter noise (so that models on a set can know when the shutter has been triggered); choice to have the narrower framelines shown WITHOUT the DNGs being automatically cropped upon import (similar to pushing the small pin on an M and see different framelines in the rangefinder viewer) - as a composition help and also to be able to align verticals and horizontals; have a choice of 2 sizes of type in the menues - the Q2 type is way smaller than the SL2's, so working with them in parallel you currently find the same menue items on different screens, not so ideal; have a second lens shade which is built in such a way as to allow to use it simultaneously with filters which need frequent adjusting (e.g. polarizer, variable ND); so much for things which could perhaps be offered via a firmware update. Major options / alternatives (future Qs): Q with an M mount, potentially as a basis for a couple of weather sealed M lenses (the small APO-Crons might be a nice platform to add sealing w/o getting to overly large lenses); Pixel Binning (e.g. M11) to bring down the no. of pixels while increasing their surface (i.e. larger pixel pitch); Q50mm. Just my 2 cents.
I have the reporter version on order - with no idea on delivery these days - and am looking forward to to getting it. Your videos are very good, perhaps the best reviews out there. Thanks.
Thanks for the review. Been trying to use my MP240 with a 28 to see if I can get used to the one lens. Otoh, I mostly shoot an M6 and am not fully sold on the digital image to begin with.
Blah blah blah blah blah! My Q2 is fantastic, blah blah blah blah. No sir your Q2 isn't fantastic !!! BUT my Q2 Monochrom IS the best camera money can buy, period !! 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for the video and for all the other videos by the way. I enjoy seeing them. And of course I wish I had the money to add to my bag the standard Q2 to keep company to my Q2M 😊
@@victorcarmelo8606 yes Victor you are right but the files are not the same. There is a significant different amount of sharpness in the Q2M due to the B&W sensor, and a difference of nearly two stops in high ISO, files a much cleaner. Since I work in a photostore I've tested the Q2 and it's lovely, but for B&W the Q2M is in another league. Ideally I would like to have both. But for color I have a Fujifilm GFX100S, and to be honest it's a fantastic machine, and believe it or not, it stays home, the Q2M is the one that I have in my bag everyday when I go to work.
Ha! Like your blah blah blah comment, lol :) Yes indeed - if you do not care about color, the Q2 Mono IS THE BEST "value for money" package, period. And if people are lucky and get the Leica Q2 Mono Reporter, the deal is perfect :) But no matter whether you have the Q2 Mono or the special edition Q2 Mono Reporter, the B&W images make you happy, period :)
@@skiiizo yes of course and no doubt the Q2M has a superior sensor but considering the price of each for me personally the Q2 gives me better value. Money no object? I will have both and use both as I love both colour and mono and don’t have to bother converting images.
Yeah love mine as well. Use the Canon R5 for pro work, but I love the simple shooting experience. Crop modes are great too. Let face it for most situations even the files 75mm mode are good enough. I would love a "how do I shoot with the Q2" video. Allways curious how other people use it. Especially for portraiture. And also do you underexpose? I feel the Q2 sometimes distorts on the edges. Nothing Lightroom cant hadle, but its allways better to get it right in camera. Thanks for posting!
Thanks Steven, I use on various cameras underexposure when highlights are dominating - to get the highlights right and then later recover shadow areas in post. Works like a charm.
Very good camera. I agree with you, it is a very good value. I think that important to mention in your video that this camera do not have the limitation focus distance of 0,70meters as the M system. I think it is great advantage in term of creativity. Well done Leica👏👏👏
Thanks! And yes, the Q2 can get close to subjects if you turn the ring on the lens into the macro setting, I think I mention this at my Reason #5. The only Leica-M lens I am aware of that can get that close (0.3m) to subjects is the newer Apo-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH lens.
@@mathphotographer Many Thanks for your answer. I Agree with you, you have mentioned it on you reason #5. To summarise, the Q2 has the best of both worlds: M system and S system! And the quality of restitution is awesome! I have just one suggestion for Leica and their future Q3 or may be for the Q2 with a new firmware update…we may discuss about it later!
Hey Matt I’m glad you took the Q2 on your holiday I really don’t think most digital cameras are collectable in the long term especially since Leica seems to have a never ending array of limited cameras and lenses Great you enjoyed the camera All the very best Ron
I am a long time M user and am thinking of getting a Q for low light/autofocus general use. Do you have any experience with the original Q typ 116 vs the Q2? I'm wondering which might be best go go with
Will you get that 28mm f5.6 lens as your only lens if you shoot 28mm and want everything in focus most of the time? Is it able to shoot light trail abd stars photo with it tho? Food and lego photography possible?
I still have an original Q-P and am still using it and love it. I did not opt to get a Q2 but did get a Q2M reporter. The only thing I don’t like about the system is the hood/lens cap. The camera tips forward when on the table with the hood and lens cap on. The hood makes it difficult to put on or quickly change a filter if you choose to use one. The lens cap loses its ability to stay on tightly after a while. I did by a 3rd party vented hood and cap that did eliminate those issues but that should have been addressed after the Q, maybe it will on the Q3.
Thanks for sharing your experience. You can get the usual plastic lens caps originally from Leica for the filter thread of the Q2 and that will fix the issue. My Q2 actually stays straight on table with the original cap and a protection filter on but as you can see in the video @1:18 and then next second, when I touch the lens a bit it tips forward as you say.
@@velascoche1 I was very happy with my Q-P and did not upgrade to the Q2, I did however upgrade to the Q2 Monochrom Reporter which I am also very happy with. With chatter going around about a Q3, if I was looking to upgrade I would be patience and wait to see what happens with that.
I agree, the Q2 is the best value for money. A wonderful walk-around camera. I particulary love the handling and the amazing image quality! I have the same kind of strap as you :D As always, fantastic photos!
Thank you for the video, I think it can be a very informative source for someone who is searching for reasons to buy a Q series camera. Reading some of the comments is also funny and entertaining. Especially within Leica owners, when "my" M is better than Blabla, or I love "my" SL more than a Q and so on. In my opinion, Leica is doing a great job. Keeping up their different series for different customers / users. But I personally don't see any series superior over the other. Even the APS-C CL is a fantastic camera, for sure not for everyone. If someone is happy with his or her M camera, fine, that's good. But it doesn't mean that it is better than any other series . The model lines are made for different purpose and use cases. As a owner of a Q2 and a SL2-S, I would love to own a M too, but my eyes does not allow me that, or, it would not make sense, as it is quite hard for me to get the focus sharp. The models with EVF are much easier for me to handle, and the additional EVF for the M, hm, it destroys the concept of the rangefinder, in my opinion. Value for the money, I would say yes, it is, but it is not a toy for everybody's budget.
Thanks Hans, good comment and good thoughts. Maybe one thought from my side to add: if you would really like to go for Leica-M image look & feel, the new EVF for the Leica M11 and downwards M10-series is a really good EVF and would make the shooting experience smooth and well working for you. And yes, an EVF on a rangefinder is a bit killing the rangefinder idea but "the images don't care", they would have the usual Leica-M look independently on whether shot with EVF or with OVF. Maybe something to think about. It would unlock for you the rich universe of M-lenses and the fantastic M11 sensor.
@@mathphotographer Thank you for your answer and thoughts. I fully agree, images don't care about equipment, as I am also using some Sony gear, creating wonderful images too. It is not that I miss the M style of work, on my Q2, I use manual focus only, as well as manual mode only. And even for the SL2-S, I use Voigtländer, R-lenses as well as M-lenses. As the SL lenses are outstanding and Sigma creates wonderful gear too, I do not really miss something. And my Leica R4 gives me the optical viewfinder, which I like sometimes. My point was more like, be happy with any equipment you have, don't feel the need of having a "superior" series or model over the other. And to be honest and self critic, the most of us do not even fully make use of all the functionality the modern and even older gear is providing to us. I think I will try once the Monochrom Version of a M camera. Using zone focus could be the compensation for the issues with eyes and what comes all along with.
@@mathphotographer I mean, every digital camera I've ever used had this feature, but Leica might be the only one that gives you the real time preview of the crop, before you even take the picture. It gives you better idea of what's possible with your composition. Other cameras do this in post in the replay menu.
@@philipcooper8297 Q2 offers optical zoom for 35, 50 and 75 crop modes? Not just frame lines on the 28mm OVF and screen? That’s useful! Can you confirm? I was waiting for the Q2 to have this feature before buying one.
Q2 is a great camera. I did sell mine since I have an M11, but will prob get the Q3 whenever it comes out. A couple great Q2 features that few people talk about are the OIS and leaf shutter, and the macro option is also very nice. Combined, these features make for a very versatile camera, in addition to great IQ. I hope the Q3 levels up its video capabilities, and for me, nirvana would be if Leica affixed a 50mm.
Does that 007 model come with a build in machine gun ?? ;-) Well as a Q shooter (preferred that one over the Q2 -24 mp is more than enough - but instead of a normal Q, I chose the Q-P) Love it to dead, will never sell it, and indeed the Summi in 28mm is superb. Love the leaf shutter , use it to shoot subjects in daylight with fast shutter speeds up to 1/1000 with full power flash. Also the macro option is great although the aperture changes to 2.8 as fasted choice. What I dislike is the OFF-S-C button (it easily switches to C even when you touch it by accident, hate that) Also the focus peeking could be more brighter, also annoying IMO But what is ALSO EXCITING ABOUT THE Q is that there are rumours about a Q3 with a 50mm lens, YES BABY !!!! Now I have been asking for that since 2018 and marketing wise it will be a cash cow for Leica A F1.7 Summi would be nice (with leaf shutter of course ) but I can live with a F2 Cron as a second option (but not more) 24 MP sensor is my favourite choice, good low light performance and more is a waste. And for less than $ 6000,- I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. Thanks for sharing and wonderful weekend
Thanks RS, great comment and great sharing of your experience. The Q3 will likely come in 2023 and I am considering to make an "appetitzer video" as I did last year weeks before the M11 came, with lots of right projections and "educated guesses" as you know ;) But I will likely wait with that video until year-end. What I can say already is that the Q3 will be terrific, what I hear in my network is super promising :) Have a nice weekend too.
Maybe a stupid question but forgive me as I'm a beginner. If I purchased the M-10 with a macro adapter and a generic 28mm lens, would I essentially have a Q2 setup that I could build upon rather than having a fixed lens system? Or am I missing something? Gruss
Hi Ian, welcome and thanks for your question. It is not the same, not at all. Generally speaking and keeping it short, there is no Leica-M equivalent to the Leica Q2 because there is no 28mm M-lens with a macro-type near distance focus and you would miss autofocus features etc. M-cameras in the newer line-up also have no video capabilities but the Q2 has 4K video features etc. There would remain many differences if you compared your suggested setup with a Q2.
That's a very good question. I have been thinking about this for a while, too, but for the M. Having the monochrom version means no colour mazing, no moire, and more sensitivity. Another benefit is that if you really believe in b&w, you can honestly say to people that there is no colour version of the image. That means that you take away that option. Of course a b&w image can be colorised, but let other people do that if they are so desperate for a colour image. And, another advantage is that you can get the image you want in the field. So if you use filters, the image has that effect baked in. You could rely on the camera JPEG if you needed to. There is no need to spend even one second in a RAW converter.
Good question, Derrick. If you are really into B&W photography, you could try to get a Q2M Reporter ( store.leica-camera.com/de/de/leica-q2-monochrom-reporter ) - that's clearly the best version of the currently available Q-cameras.
you have the best photography channel on youtube. Leica Q2 is wonderful, but I think you have to get it only if you already have a camera system that costs at least 10-20k euros.
I think a likely upgrade for a Q3 would be a high-speed stacked FF sensor with phase-detect AF. That would negate the need for any type of mechanical shutter mechanism (like with Nikon’s Z9) dramatically increasing performance, speed-wise anyway. With this technology appearing on a future M12 a couple of years down the line too. Which I reckon would then allow, for the first time, in-body IS (with all that space taken by a mechanical shutter freed up) on such a camera (M-series) and of course easier more accurate manual focus, with the phase-detect guiding the photographer.
I have many ideas how a Q3 should look like and what features I would like to see :) And I also hear only good things about the Q3 (likely coming in 2023) from my network to Leica ... maybe I will do a similar video for the Q3 as I did for the Leica M11 weeks before it was announced ... and hopefully again include a lot or correct forecasts ;) Let's see ...
As said in the video, there is no 1:1 matching comparison in the Leica-M lens line-up. But the Q2-lens is kind of sitting between to close relatives in the M-lens universe and on both of these comparable lenses we have price tags. The first lens you could compare the Q2-lens with is the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 1:1,4/28MM ASPH which cost arount $7000. This lens is very close to the Q2-lens but offers an even wider aperture of f/1.4 whereas the Q2-lens opens as wide as f/1.7 so we can assume that the Q2-lens is less expensive. The second lens you could compare the Q2-lens with is the LEICA ELMARIT-M 1:2,8/28MM ASPH which cost you between $2000 and $3000 but this lens cannot be opened as wide as the Q2-lens (f/2.8 vs f/1.7 on the Q2). Now you can argue that an Elmarit is different to a Summilux and I agree with that but the price of the Q2-lens will sit somewhere between $2500 and $7000 (wide range of course). You can also not compare a Summilux with a Summicron but, who cares, there is a 28mm Summicron-M namely the LEICA SUMMICRON-M 1:2/28MM ASPH which cost about $4500. If we compare the 28mm Summicron with the Q2-lens, the Q2-lens has a wider aperture of f/1.7 so an advantage. On the flip-side of the coin, Summicron lenses are always a tiny bit sharper and crisper than Summilux lenses. But I guess by now you get the pattern: slotting the Q2-lens (which essentially is an adapted M-lens) into the M-lens portfolio gives us an idea about the potential stand-alone price of the Q2-lens.
I've been a happy owner of the first version since this camera went on sale. I loved shooting with this camera, but it kept ending up on the shelf more and more, until it sat there for about a year gathering dust. I sold it last year and decided not to buy Q2. Main reasons: it's not 28mm but 26 approx and it's not my favourite focal length, the lens is certainly great and I think in some cases it's better than the Summilux 28 which has chromatic aberration issues and clogs the viewfinder too much, but it has too modern characterless rendering. Another reason - the Q body doesn't fit as well and harmoniously in my hand as the M.. With grip, of course, it's more comfortable, but I don't like attaching it to the camera. Better to own an SL
There are a lot of opinions and tastes and each one is valid and welcomed. I sell Leica cameras and I have to admit that the SL2 isn't one of my favourite ones, nor is the M system. But hey, I can understand why many photographers like them, they are good cameras. But if the Q2M or Q2 for that matter didn't exist, I would never have plunged into the Leica world. My favourite camera in term of rendering was my Phase one CCD IQ180 that I regretted having sold, I liked it even better than my Phase One IQ350 which was a CMOS sensor. And to be honest these cameras were heavy and not practical at all to play with, but I liked the rendering of that CCD, it was addictive...
Fully understand ... there will always be personal preferences and the Q2 is a perfect choice for many but not for all photographers. Luckily Leica offers various options if people want to shoot with Leica gear, the cameras they offer all differ and there is something there for everyones taste: SL2, SL2-S, M, Q, S - many choices, all high priced, but all very good and valuable and all with a Leica flavor in image quality and image look :)
Ha! "Value package" :) You are right, Stefan, this is an expensive camera, no doubt about that :) Having said that, in relative terms and within the Leica world, the Q-cameras are the best value for money since you pay for the camera including the lens what you typically pay for a Leica lens standalone.
Can somebody explain to me why nobody is complaining that this camera is useless for night photography like the Milky Way? Leica does not allow for an exposure of 15 seconds at f1.7 at ISO 3200 in manual mode. WTF!!! Every Nikon, Canon and Sony can do that in manual mode. Leica, please remove this artificial limitation with the next firmware update 🙏🙏🙏
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I am a Sony shooter, but was very interested and intrigued about the Q2 Monochrom so I purchased one and loved it so much, especially the simplicity and image quality that I saved up and also purchased a Q2! Needless to say, I’m very happy.
I really enjoy your videos, your charming accent in English, your great attitude, and now your Q2!
Thank you very much!
Thanks for a great release! I have a feeling you love this great fantastic little camera as I love my x100v))
I love my Q2 and still feel happy when I pick it up. Have had it three years now and the honeymoon period never ended… I agree with all your points here!
Thanks for confirming, Peter!
I have the Q. And the image quality is freaking awesome. Better than actual cameras. I talk of fuji, Canon... The crop in the image is awesome too, you can do a lot of zoom without lose quality
Since I am still happy with my Q-P, I bought the Q2-M and it is perfect for street photography.
I’m still in love with my Q2 ❤❤❤❤
Oh, and my Q3. 😍😍😍
Reason No. 1 should be image quality! Q2/Q2M images are “drop dead” gorgeous.
Spot-on, you are absolutely right! The reason why I did not explicitely mention image quality is that I spoke about that very often in other videos on my channel and take it for granted that a Leica camera in this price segment delivers excellent image quality. But generally you are right, from a self-contained presentation perspective I should have mentioned this upfront.
Very nice - one of 250... I have Q which is 29th out of 36... love Q series
That is a truly impressive lens. ☆☆☆☆☆
Thanks!
Always great video and informative... Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏
I have to agree, the Q2 is a very compelling package. It's far and away the best manual focus override of an autofocus lens on the market, allowing one to quickly engage proper zone focusing techniques for street photography. The 3 stops of optical image stabilization is also very nice to have. And even though it's only contrast detect AF, I find it's pretty snappy at acquiring focus in single point mode. But the pièce de résistance is the image quality; it's breathtaking. Plus you can set the frame lines to 35mm and still have 30MP to play with. I've taken recently to walking around with the Q2 and my Nikon Z6II with the Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens...and the two make for a relatively small yet capable setup with excellent image quality.
Great comment and sharing experience, many thanks Robert.
I have been loving using the Q2. It is an inspiring camera.
Thank you for that excellent (as always) video. Still, I would never buy a Q2 (or Q) because then I'd be stuck with just a 28mm lens. I know, you can switch the frame to 35mm, 50mm, and even 75mm, but that's just cropping---which you could do in post anyway---what nevertheless remains a 28mm image. I loved the CL (digital), and it's a damn shame that Leica discontinued it (thus repeating its mistake with the original CL [analog] from the 1970s). Would I prefer the CL to have been full-frame, all other things being equal? Sure. And it is very disappointing that Leica did not follow through with a CL2. Yet the CL was (and is) great even in APS-C format. I also love the 24mp BSI sensor on the too-large, too-heavy SL2-S. So, for me, the perfect camera lies somewhere between the CL and the Q2. That is to say, it is either a CL with a full-frame sensor or else a Q with interchangeable (SL?) lenses, and in either case containing the 24mp BSI sensor like the SL2-S.
I have a Q2. Totally agree with you. Q2 is an incredible photography instrument! Thank you for all you do.
I’m growing to love my Leica Q2, the more I use it - one of the best features, is the “Finger Loop“ which can be screwed into the camera “grip” and for me, that means I don’t need a neck strap or a wrist strap (which is my normally preferred option) as the finger loop allows me to hold the camera one-handed, without the fear of dropping it and hold it like that “all day“ because of its light weight - it’s expensive, but definitely worth it! - Regards - Peter
Thanks for sharing your experience with the Q2, Peter. The finger loop is indeed a good auxiliary accessory for exactly the purpose you are describing. I typically use only the handgrip but in a matter of seconds the finger loop can be screwed in.
How do you find the 28mm, not to wide? Trying to get used to it with my canon at 28mm
@@andersphansson - No, not too wide for me, but wouldn’t suit everyone of course. Because of the high megapixel count, it’s very easy to “crop in” to 35 (& tighter) without noticeable drop in quality - Peter.
I use a finger loop as well. But I 3D printed one my self an atached it with a M4 thumbscrew onto the grip. This way I not only safe some money, I customised the finger loop to my hand size. I encourage everyone to do it themselves.
the Leica Q2 is an incredibly great camera. I borrowed them for a weekend. And now I would like to exchange my Nikon equipment for the Leica. It is striking that the sharpness gradient is incredibly beautiful. Not as over-contrasted as the competition.
As said, I love my Q2 :) Great camera in a compact design which can go with you wherever you go.
I tried it, but the AF was not sufficient. So I changed to Sony A7C with the 40/2.5G, finally get much better results for street.
Very helpful review.
Thank you. 👌
Thank you for the great video as usual . Bought my first Leica a few months ago - a used but mint condition M10-R. I was torn between a new Q2 or the M. How I decided was I went into a Leica store and held both . For me , there was no comparison. The M10 is kind of in a different league as far a feel and build ( my perception anyway) . I had wanted an M since my youth , so obviously I was also biased . That being said , I think a Q series camera is in my future as an addition. I have non Leica mirrorless camera with an EVF and I do enjoy shooting with that . Of course , there is always the option of buying an SL body and using my M lenses . Choices, choices.
Thanks a lot, and fully concur - a great package. Potential improvements: choice of louder shutter noise (so that models on a set can know when the shutter has been triggered); choice to have the narrower framelines shown WITHOUT the DNGs being automatically cropped upon import (similar to pushing the small pin on an M and see different framelines in the rangefinder viewer) - as a composition help and also to be able to align verticals and horizontals; have a choice of 2 sizes of type in the menues - the Q2 type is way smaller than the SL2's, so working with them in parallel you currently find the same menue items on different screens, not so ideal; have a second lens shade which is built in such a way as to allow to use it simultaneously with filters which need frequent adjusting (e.g. polarizer, variable ND); so much for things which could perhaps be offered via a firmware update. Major options / alternatives (future Qs): Q with an M mount, potentially as a basis for a couple of weather sealed M lenses (the small APO-Crons might be a nice platform to add sealing w/o getting to overly large lenses); Pixel Binning (e.g. M11) to bring down the no. of pixels while increasing their surface (i.e. larger pixel pitch); Q50mm. Just my 2 cents.
Great comment, many thanks, Joachim.
Woa crazy price tags 🏷 Nice gear ⚙️
Indeed :)
I’ll never be able to afford this ‘value package’ camera but happily, I can buy the beautiful camera strap.
Great review. Are different aspect ratios other than 3:2 available?
Do these changes in post-processing, that's the best way!
I have the reporter version on order - with no idea on delivery these days - and am looking forward to to getting it. Your videos are very good, perhaps the best reviews out there. Thanks.
Many thanks for the nice feedback, Steve!
Thanks for the review. Been trying to use my MP240 with a 28 to see if I can get used to the one lens. Otoh, I mostly shoot an M6 and am not fully sold on the digital image to begin with.
:) Testing how well the 28mm focal length works for you is a good thing to do!
Blah blah blah blah blah! My Q2 is fantastic, blah blah blah blah. No sir your Q2 isn't fantastic !!! BUT my Q2 Monochrom IS the best camera money can buy, period !! 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for the video and for all the other videos by the way. I enjoy seeing them. And of course I wish I had the money to add to my bag the standard Q2 to keep company to my Q2M 😊
Agree 100%...looking to save my pennies and take the plunge and get a Q2 to go along with my Q2M...a FABULOUS camera!
Each to their own but you cannot shoot colour with the Q2M, I can with the Q2 and mono too!!!
@@victorcarmelo8606 yes Victor you are right but the files are not the same. There is a significant different amount of sharpness in the Q2M due to the B&W sensor, and a difference of nearly two stops in high ISO, files a much cleaner. Since I work in a photostore I've tested the Q2 and it's lovely, but for B&W the Q2M is in another league. Ideally I would like to have both. But for color I have a Fujifilm GFX100S, and to be honest it's a fantastic machine, and believe it or not, it stays home, the Q2M is the one that I have in my bag everyday when I go to work.
Ha! Like your blah blah blah comment, lol :) Yes indeed - if you do not care about color, the Q2 Mono IS THE BEST "value for money" package, period. And if people are lucky and get the Leica Q2 Mono Reporter, the deal is perfect :) But no matter whether you have the Q2 Mono or the special edition Q2 Mono Reporter, the B&W images make you happy, period :)
@@skiiizo yes of course and no doubt the Q2M has a superior sensor but considering the price of each for me personally the Q2 gives me better value. Money no object? I will have both and use both as I love both colour and mono and don’t have to bother converting images.
Awesome review as always! I love my Q2 too!
Yeah love mine as well. Use the Canon R5 for pro work, but I love the simple shooting experience. Crop modes are great too. Let face it for most situations even the files 75mm mode are good enough. I would love a "how do I shoot with the Q2" video. Allways curious how other people use it. Especially for portraiture. And also do you underexpose? I feel the Q2 sometimes distorts on the edges. Nothing Lightroom cant hadle, but its allways better to get it right in camera. Thanks for posting!
Thanks Steven, I use on various cameras underexposure when highlights are dominating - to get the highlights right and then later recover shadow areas in post. Works like a charm.
Very good camera. I agree with you, it is a very good value. I think that important to mention in your video that this camera do not have the limitation focus distance of 0,70meters as the M system. I think it is great advantage in term of creativity. Well done Leica👏👏👏
Thanks! And yes, the Q2 can get close to subjects if you turn the ring on the lens into the macro setting, I think I mention this at my Reason #5. The only Leica-M lens I am aware of that can get that close (0.3m) to subjects is the newer Apo-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH lens.
@@mathphotographer Many Thanks for your answer. I Agree with you, you have mentioned it on you reason #5. To summarise, the Q2 has the best of both worlds: M system and S system! And the quality of restitution is awesome! I have just one suggestion for Leica and their future Q3 or may be for the Q2 with a new firmware update…we may discuss about it later!
Hey Matt
I’m glad you took the Q2 on your holiday
I really don’t think most digital cameras are collectable in the long term
especially since Leica seems to have a never ending array of limited cameras and lenses
Great you enjoyed the camera
All the very best Ron
Thanks Ron - you are spot-on, a camera on a shelf without shooting it is pointless :)
Great video, thank you!
Thanks!
I am a long time M user and am thinking of getting a Q for low light/autofocus general use. Do you have any experience with the original Q typ 116 vs the Q2? I'm wondering which might be best go go with
Will you get that 28mm f5.6 lens as your only lens if you shoot 28mm and want everything in focus most of the time? Is it able to shoot light trail abd stars photo with it tho? Food and lego photography possible?
I still have an original Q-P and am still using it and love it. I did not opt to get a Q2 but did get a Q2M reporter. The only thing I don’t like about the system is the hood/lens cap. The camera tips forward when on the table with the hood and lens cap on. The hood makes it difficult to put on or quickly change a filter if you choose to use one. The lens cap loses its ability to stay on tightly after a while. I did by a 3rd party vented hood and cap that did eliminate those issues but that should have been addressed after the Q, maybe it will on the Q3.
Thanks for sharing your experience. You can get the usual plastic lens caps originally from Leica for the filter thread of the Q2 and that will fix the issue. My Q2 actually stays straight on table with the original cap and a protection filter on but as you can see in the video @1:18 and then next second, when I touch the lens a bit it tips forward as you say.
Hi Keone, do you recommend the upgrade from the Q-P to Q2 Reporter? Do you think there will be a Q2-P? Thanks.
@@velascoche1 I was very happy with my Q-P and did not upgrade to the Q2, I did however upgrade to the Q2 Monochrom Reporter which I am also very happy with. With chatter going around about a Q3, if I was looking to upgrade I would be patience and wait to see what happens with that.
If you could only carry one, would you buy a Q2 Monochrome or just take the standard Q2 and shoot in black & white?
I agree, the Q2 is the best value for money. A wonderful walk-around camera. I particulary love the handling and the amazing image quality!
I have the same kind of strap as you :D
As always, fantastic photos!
Many thanks Lucy - the strap is easy around the neck and a great help if free hands are required like in my case on rocky Sardinia island.
That wasn't too bad - the reporter is in and on it's way. I need to watch your setup video again when it gets here.
:)
Very helpful review - thank you!
Thanks Martin.
Thank you for the video, I think it can be a very informative source for someone who is searching for reasons to buy a Q series camera. Reading some of the comments is also funny and entertaining. Especially within Leica owners, when "my" M is better than Blabla, or I love "my" SL more than a Q and so on. In my opinion, Leica is doing a great job. Keeping up their different series for different customers / users. But I personally don't see any series superior over the other. Even the APS-C CL is a fantastic camera, for sure not for everyone. If someone is happy with his or her M camera, fine, that's good. But it doesn't mean that it is better than any other series . The model lines are made for different purpose and use cases.
As a owner of a Q2 and a SL2-S, I would love to own a M too, but my eyes does not allow me that, or, it would not make sense, as it is quite hard for me to get the focus sharp. The models with EVF are much easier for me to handle, and the additional EVF for the M, hm, it destroys the concept of the rangefinder, in my opinion.
Value for the money, I would say yes, it is, but it is not a toy for everybody's budget.
Thanks Hans, good comment and good thoughts. Maybe one thought from my side to add: if you would really like to go for Leica-M image look & feel, the new EVF for the Leica M11 and downwards M10-series is a really good EVF and would make the shooting experience smooth and well working for you. And yes, an EVF on a rangefinder is a bit killing the rangefinder idea but "the images don't care", they would have the usual Leica-M look independently on whether shot with EVF or with OVF. Maybe something to think about. It would unlock for you the rich universe of M-lenses and the fantastic M11 sensor.
@@mathphotographer Thank you for your answer and thoughts. I fully agree, images don't care about equipment, as I am also using some Sony gear, creating wonderful images too. It is not that I miss the M style of work, on my Q2, I use manual focus only, as well as manual mode only. And even for the SL2-S, I use Voigtländer, R-lenses as well as M-lenses. As the SL lenses are outstanding and Sigma creates wonderful gear too, I do not really miss something. And my Leica R4 gives me the optical viewfinder, which I like sometimes.
My point was more like, be happy with any equipment you have, don't feel the need of having a "superior" series or model over the other. And to be honest and self critic, the most of us do not even fully make use of all the functionality the modern and even older gear is providing to us.
I think I will try once the Monochrom Version of a M camera. Using zone focus could be the compensation for the issues with eyes and what comes all along with.
Nice summary - are you contemplating a Q2M and if so a review would be appreciated. Pete
Thanks Pete. Will look into it :)
Nice video! Are photos straight out jpg,dng from camera or cropped?
DNG out of camera, moderate post-processing and a bit of crop due to perspective correction and straight lines.
@@mathphotographer thanks I almost ready to buy a Q2 or wait for Q3
You can also crop the sensor to get tighter angle of view (longer focal length).
Yes indeed - and the crop does not touch the RAW files so you can still later decide to reverse the crop which is nice.
@@mathphotographer I mean, every digital camera I've ever used had this feature, but Leica might be the only one that gives you the real time preview of the crop, before you even take the picture. It gives you better idea of what's possible with your composition. Other cameras do this in post in the replay menu.
@@philipcooper8297 Q2 offers optical zoom for 35, 50 and 75 crop modes? Not just frame lines on the 28mm OVF and screen? That’s useful! Can you confirm? I was waiting for the Q2 to have this feature before buying one.
Which SD card do you recommend and the speed? Thx
Q2 is a great camera. I did sell mine since I have an M11, but will prob get the Q3 whenever it comes out. A couple great Q2 features that few people talk about are the OIS and leaf shutter, and the macro option is also very nice. Combined, these features make for a very versatile camera, in addition to great IQ. I hope the Q3 levels up its video capabilities, and for me, nirvana would be if Leica affixed a 50mm.
Does that 007 model come with a build in machine gun ?? ;-)
Well as a Q shooter (preferred that one over the Q2 -24 mp is more than enough - but instead of a normal Q, I chose the Q-P)
Love it to dead, will never sell it, and indeed the Summi in 28mm is superb.
Love the leaf shutter , use it to shoot subjects in daylight with fast shutter speeds up to 1/1000 with full power flash.
Also the macro option is great although the aperture changes to 2.8 as fasted choice.
What I dislike is the OFF-S-C button (it easily switches to C even when you touch it by accident, hate that)
Also the focus peeking could be more brighter, also annoying IMO
But what is ALSO EXCITING ABOUT THE Q is that there are rumours about a Q3 with a 50mm lens, YES BABY !!!!
Now I have been asking for that since 2018 and marketing wise it will be a cash cow for Leica
A F1.7 Summi would be nice (with leaf shutter of course ) but I can live with a F2 Cron as a second option (but not more)
24 MP sensor is my favourite choice, good low light performance and more is a waste.
And for less than $ 6000,- I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.
Thanks for sharing and wonderful weekend
Thanks RS, great comment and great sharing of your experience. The Q3 will likely come in 2023 and I am considering to make an "appetitzer video" as I did last year weeks before the M11 came, with lots of right projections and "educated guesses" as you know ;) But I will likely wait with that video until year-end. What I can say already is that the Q3 will be terrific, what I hear in my network is super promising :) Have a nice weekend too.
The other 249 007 Q2’s are locked away in safes.
:)
I'd rather shoot mine and use it :)
Tengo la Fuji GFX 100 , y la GFX 50s pero la leicaQ2..saca igual o mejores fotos.. principalmente se nota la diferencia en Blanco y negro..
Maybe a stupid question but forgive me as I'm a beginner. If I purchased the M-10 with a macro adapter and a generic 28mm lens, would I essentially have a Q2 setup that I could build upon rather than having a fixed lens system? Or am I missing something? Gruss
You would be missing both Autofocus, & EVF
Hi Ian, welcome and thanks for your question. It is not the same, not at all. Generally speaking and keeping it short, there is no Leica-M equivalent to the Leica Q2 because there is no 28mm M-lens with a macro-type near distance focus and you would miss autofocus features etc. M-cameras in the newer line-up also have no video capabilities but the Q2 has 4K video features etc. There would remain many differences if you compared your suggested setup with a Q2.
I have a hard time determine if I want a Q2 or the Q2 Monochrome. Any suggestion?
That's a very good question. I have been thinking about this for a while, too, but for the M. Having the monochrom version means no colour mazing, no moire, and more sensitivity.
Another benefit is that if you really believe in b&w, you can honestly say to people that there is no colour version of the image. That means that you take away that option. Of course a b&w image can be colorised, but let other people do that if they are so desperate for a colour image.
And, another advantage is that you can get the image you want in the field. So if you use filters, the image has that effect baked in. You could rely on the camera JPEG if you needed to. There is no need to spend even one second in a RAW converter.
Good question, Derrick. If you are really into B&W photography, you could try to get a Q2M Reporter ( store.leica-camera.com/de/de/leica-q2-monochrom-reporter ) - that's clearly the best version of the currently available Q-cameras.
Both.
you have the best photography channel on youtube.
Leica Q2 is wonderful, but I think you have to get it only if you already have a camera system that costs at least 10-20k euros.
I agree with this being a really great photography/photographer channel.
Thanks for your kind feedback, guys, much appreciated!
Right you were!
Is it weird not having a flip out screen?
How do you move the focus point? Is it touch screen?
Via control button or touch screen.
I think a likely upgrade for a Q3 would be a high-speed stacked FF sensor with phase-detect AF. That would negate the need for any type of mechanical shutter mechanism (like with Nikon’s Z9) dramatically increasing performance, speed-wise anyway. With this technology appearing on a future M12 a couple of years down the line too. Which I reckon would then allow, for the first time, in-body IS (with all that space taken by a mechanical shutter freed up) on such a camera (M-series) and of course easier more accurate manual focus, with the phase-detect guiding the photographer.
I have many ideas how a Q3 should look like and what features I would like to see :) And I also hear only good things about the Q3 (likely coming in 2023) from my network to Leica ... maybe I will do a similar video for the Q3 as I did for the Leica M11 weeks before it was announced ... and hopefully again include a lot or correct forecasts ;) Let's see ...
Did you ever do an unboxing and setup video on the Q2? Thought I saw one but cannot find it.
This 007 Q2 was unboxed on my channel, you will easily find it. Video tutorial for the Q2 I never did but could of course consider.
How is the Leica Summilux 28mm 4,500??
As said in the video, there is no 1:1 matching comparison in the Leica-M lens line-up. But the Q2-lens is kind of sitting between to close relatives in the M-lens universe and on both of these comparable lenses we have price tags. The first lens you could compare the Q2-lens with is the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 1:1,4/28MM ASPH which cost arount $7000. This lens is very close to the Q2-lens but offers an even wider aperture of f/1.4 whereas the Q2-lens opens as wide as f/1.7 so we can assume that the Q2-lens is less expensive. The second lens you could compare the Q2-lens with is the LEICA ELMARIT-M 1:2,8/28MM ASPH which cost you between $2000 and $3000 but this lens cannot be opened as wide as the Q2-lens (f/2.8 vs f/1.7 on the Q2). Now you can argue that an Elmarit is different to a Summilux and I agree with that but the price of the Q2-lens will sit somewhere between $2500 and $7000 (wide range of course). You can also not compare a Summilux with a Summicron but, who cares, there is a 28mm Summicron-M namely the LEICA SUMMICRON-M 1:2/28MM ASPH which cost about $4500. If we compare the 28mm Summicron with the Q2-lens, the Q2-lens has a wider aperture of f/1.7 so an advantage. On the flip-side of the coin, Summicron lenses are always a tiny bit sharper and crisper than Summilux lenses. But I guess by now you get the pattern: slotting the Q2-lens (which essentially is an adapted M-lens) into the M-lens portfolio gives us an idea about the potential stand-alone price of the Q2-lens.
Camera is stylish and it takes really sharp and detailed photos. I look at some photos now from a catalogue... wow! The price is not so nice for me 😅
Its expensive - indeed. That's the only downside of the Q2.
I've been a happy owner of the first version since this camera went on sale. I loved shooting with this camera, but it kept ending up on the shelf more and more, until it sat there for about a year gathering dust. I sold it last year and decided not to buy Q2.
Main reasons: it's not 28mm but 26 approx and it's not my favourite focal length, the lens is certainly great and I think in some cases it's better than the Summilux 28 which has chromatic aberration issues and clogs the viewfinder too much, but it has too modern characterless rendering.
Another reason - the Q body doesn't fit as well and harmoniously in my hand as the M.. With grip, of course, it's more comfortable, but I don't like attaching it to the camera. Better to own an SL
There are a lot of opinions and tastes and each one is valid and welcomed. I sell Leica cameras and I have to admit that the SL2 isn't one of my favourite ones, nor is the M system. But hey, I can understand why many photographers like them, they are good cameras. But if the Q2M or Q2 for that matter didn't exist, I would never have plunged into the Leica world. My favourite camera in term of rendering was my Phase one CCD IQ180 that I regretted having sold, I liked it even better than my Phase One IQ350 which was a CMOS sensor. And to be honest these cameras were heavy and not practical at all to play with, but I liked the rendering of that CCD, it was addictive...
Fully understand ... there will always be personal preferences and the Q2 is a perfect choice for many but not for all photographers. Luckily Leica offers various options if people want to shoot with Leica gear, the cameras they offer all differ and there is something there for everyones taste: SL2, SL2-S, M, Q, S - many choices, all high priced, but all very good and valuable and all with a Leica flavor in image quality and image look :)
Wow, I thought you would like the Fuji 100s but you are right about the colors in the Leica Q2 untouchables, thanks for sharing
Thanks Luis, I work with a bunch of cameras and the Q2 excels as a compact light-weight travel companion :)
Lol "value package"
Why is this amusing to you?
@@kevin-parratt-artist don't get me wrong I love the Q2 but they are expensive value for money is something like the Nikkor z 50mm S
Sony, Nikon an Canon with their 24-70mm are good value compared to the SL not to mention they have way more technology in them.
Ha! "Value package" :) You are right, Stefan, this is an expensive camera, no doubt about that :) Having said that, in relative terms and within the Leica world, the Q-cameras are the best value for money since you pay for the camera including the lens what you typically pay for a Leica lens standalone.
Hi, is there any chance to watch this video with Spanish subtitles? Thanks a lot
Thanks and good point, I need to figure out how to get different language subtitles into my videos. I will work on it.
0:14 I guess with a “007” Q2 you were indeed there for “a couple of shootings” not a couple of shoots.
Can somebody explain to me why nobody is complaining that this camera is useless for night photography like the Milky Way? Leica does not allow for an exposure of 15 seconds at f1.7 at ISO 3200 in manual mode. WTF!!! Every Nikon, Canon and Sony can do that in manual mode. Leica, please remove this artificial limitation with the next firmware update 🙏🙏🙏
a reason to love it well its damn expensive not to love it lmao
Lol - yes, spot on :)
Sollen die nicht goldakzente haben? 🤔
:)