I think I’m in a very similar position of lusting after this camera for a similar use-case/upgrade to my X100F. The price is absolutely a premium, but the enjoyment in usability with a Leica really does add value from the moment you hold it. I also didn’t realise the crop modes translate non-destructively into Lightroom when importing. I thought the crop was baked in fully, so this actually becomes way more flexible than I first thought!
The X100F is a terrific point and shoot everyday carry. Though the 'V' iteration lens upgrade was a welcome departure from the 'F', I find the Q2's Summilux lens brings so much more to the table. That and the substantial quality in fit and finish that the Leica has. It really inspires me to take it everywhere I go.
@@johnbellis1179 i've been an x100f (and xpro2) user and fuji fan for over 5 years. but this year i took the plunge. i'm selling most of my gear for the q (and maybe the q2). the f taught me that i was extremely happy with a medium to wide focal length. and i rarely go beyond a 50mm crop. the q gives me all the fleixibility i need for 99% of my shots. i will add a compact superzoom like a pansonic zs2000 for the occasional squirrel/bird/fox in the neighbourhood shot. i will not lie.. i have wanted a leica for a while now. and that's one of the big reasons for my decision. but another massive reason is the manual focus experience on this camera. i love my fuji cameras. but manually focusing on focus-by-wire lenses is usually a crappy experience. especially on the f, where you can hear the motor. but on the q.. they have done something quite magical.. it is focus-by-wire, but it has hard stops, and all the joy of a true manual focus lens, WITH the ability to jump to really fast autofocus for when my son begins to zip around the yard. on the xpro2 i started using sub-par manual lenses for the focusing joy, but then missed out on auto when i quickly needed it. the q lens is the best of all worlds in my opinion. and it's leica glass. the sharpness and creaminess, even wide open is ridiculous.
The x100s are great. The Q is a whole new league. The build, feel, lens, FF. I bought a used Q v. 1 for $2100. Use a canon 5D classic when needed, otherwise the Q is always with me
Since owning the Q I completely stopped shooting film and eventually traded it in for the Q2. Its honestly the best camera I've used. Ever thought about swapping out your R5 for an SL?
Loved the video Samuel! Since I rented the Q2 and did a first impressions video, I could not stop thinking about it. In October I was finally pick one up used from B&H. The 28mm summilux lens alone is amazing. Hands Down my favorite camera ever. It's definitely a very niche camera but it inspires me to get out there and shoot.
Great video! Even over a year after this was posted, there are not many videos that really cover what daily use of this camera is like. You covered this amazingly here!
@@Iamtongue yeah, just some test shots from the Leica store does not count. But really, man I think when something is as expensive as Leica is bought, users tend to overjustify that purchase.
The Q is my dream photo camera; I recently picked up an X100F as it is somewhat the “Poor Man’s Leica Q” 😂 I’m super happy with the X100F, but the Leica Q is the dream! 📷🙌🏽
@@MarkMark Absolutely correct. I have Q and GR3 and I carry the GR 80% of a time, the Q is always a conscious decision to do. With X100 is probably doing to be similar.
@@yashwinning Why are Fuji's "better"? A better lens than the 28mm on this Q? I don't think so? Better build. Defintely not. Better aesthetically? Subjective, but most would agree that the Q is absolutely beautiful.
@@dinodemopoulos3336 Yes, it IS a better lens than the Q since the 28mm f1.7 isn't sharp enough to commend such a high price. Let's not kid ourselves, Leica lenses have always been grossly overpriced. On the other hand the lens on the Fuji strikes the perfect price to performance ratio. Yes, also again better built for the price. The Leica Q is a better built camera for sure but 5 times better built than the Fuji? No. And yes, definitely much better looking aesthetically *and* serves as a street photography camera *way* better than the bigger/clunkier looking Q. So yes, Fujis are "better".
Great review Sam. I’m so sick of the specification overload and I like the fact that you focused on the Leica Q2’s tactility and the way it inspires you. It’s definitely the direction I want my photography and gear to go; I just need to figure out, how I’m going to afford it!
I’ve been bonding with my Q2 and, well, it’s kind of like when you meet someone you vibe with so well you could swear you’ve been good friends your whole life. Clearly the camera is brilliant. But really, it’s not for everyone. I arrived at the Q2 after using an XT-2 for some years, and that after stepping down from a big heavy bag of brilliant Canon L glass. Anyhow, over time I found I was just leaving the 35mm (equivalent) on and, just generally, thinking in 35. Given that, a fixed 28 with crop modes from Leica clearly became the frontrunner and now I couldn’t be happier.
I’ve had the Q2 for about a week now and I shoot professionally with an EOS R and have an X100F, but always found the aps-c sensor lacking as much as I like the user experience of the Fuji. The Q2 feels like the perfect option for amazing image quality and colors with that mechanical, simple, enjoyable experience in a small size. I don’t see myself wanting much more in a life long camera for daily moments.
Used Q's (first version) are into the 2k range and are great values today... you don't get the huge MPs which impacts the crop mode, but its still a fantastic camera... for those inclined its the best bang for the buck in the Leica world at the moment...
My Q2 is my most carried. I have x100v and Ricoh street but I find the q2 so easy to carry everywhere. The Ricoh is easy to shove in pocket for beautiful pics but the q2 is next level.
my favorite camera ever. i went for the original Q which is not only cheaper but I think it has nicer colors too. plus smaller files for the mobile editing.
I have the Q2 and it’s amazing, it’s the perfect backup to my Leica SL2-S! There’s a magic to these cameras that’s so distinct and second to none. Great review Samuel, love your channel!
Love my Q2, goes everywhere with me. I have Focus either AF or use Zone focus. My ISO is auto. The Aperture and shutter speed manual with the right wheel for exposure comp.
Thanks for your perspective! I've been shooting Fuji and love the colors, have never tried a Leica before but you made me interested in renting it myself. Recap: - Simplistic design - Love lens is not intertangeable - Sharp, but not in a bad way - Crop mode super useful - Colors are 👌🏽 for daily use - Leica app is actually useful - Super simple and intuitive menu - Solid, beautiful, well made - Not made for video... - Documenting your life with 47 megapixels is expensive...lol - Leica is expensive, but this camera is a "deal" in Leica land
Finally a true review w results for the Q2 on here lol. Been in the market as well to have an every day-document-life type of camera. Appreciate your take on it, man. Truly helpful in my planning of acquiring the Q2 or even the Q. Cheers
Man, glad you made this video. I’ve been looking for an every day carry camera and almost settled on the Q2, but also fell down the rabbit hole on RUclips looking at other manual Leica’s. I really enjoyed your M6 videos and see that as an ultimate “slowing down” camera, but the Q2 is so enticing as a digital option. I guess I don’t really know what I want haha but this video definitely helped, seeing how you enjoyed using it over a week.
Leica has a couple of nice usability features I haven’t seen in other brands. On the Q2, for example, you can enable EVF Extended and this turns off the back LCD and the EVF comes on with tripping the eye sensor. What’s cool is that hitting the play button will display your images on the LCD and hitting the menu button will also show the menu in the LCD. Always annoys me with Fuji that their EVF extended mode will only display the menu in the EVF. You can also set up the Fn button to quickly toggle the LCD on and off for liveview.
47 mp sensor, ISO 100 to 50,000, 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens, weather sealing.... Yes the Q2 is the ultimate everyday carry camera for the digital shooter. If you are seriously committed to black and white, get the Q2 Monochrom. All the above specs plus ISO capability of 100 to 100,000. These cameras are MONSTERS!!
mannnn.. i'd love to own a leica. ever since i started following ioe greer a few years ago i've been seeing the absolute goat'd-ness of leica's, and now along with this video.. ugh. i want one. rice & chicken for the rest of the winter/spring, boys! lol
Excellent review. I’ll definitely consider renting this for a trip to Costa Rica in a few weeks. Traveling with my R5 and drone is starting to wear on me. Wish Leica made a drone that’s equivalent to the Q2 and miniature
Nice. But you missed another enjoyable major feature the Q: Macro mode. I think the function and the way the function is integrated with the lens/camera is just genius. Anyway, still nice review.
"It's really a joy to use." Very much sums up the brass tax of why I shoot with a Leica M3. Given its resolution, the Q2 seems like it could be your one and only camera, depending on what kind of photographer you are. There's always the X100 series from Fujifilm, or the Ricoh GR systems for those looking for even more compact & affordable options.
I had a GRiii. Cannot say a bad word about that little beast of a camera. Only reason I stopped using it and sold it on was it was gathering dust because of the Q2.
@@andrewfoster2296 Word. Honestly, using a camera you really enjoy shooting with makes such a difference, regardless of specs. Glad for you that it seems you've found that camera.
@@andrewfoster2296 Well, if you find that you love shooting film, it's certainly worth the investment. I started with a Minolta XD11, and fell in love with film. Now I shoot almost exclusively on film. So the M3 is now my right-hand, so to speak. If you're a 28mm guy, you probably want to go with an M6 thoughǃ
Hi , thank you for the review .There is just one thing that is bugging me : the "in camera" crop is not a solution if you want a different focal length than 28 mm , the 28 is way different than a 50mm in terms of geometry distortions (especially for portraits), in this regard - the Fuji system with the wide and teleconverter is more complete in my opinion (I shoot both Leica M and Fuji X system - so I like to think that I am not biased :)
the crop is actually very effective. i have the q and tried it. if i fill the frame with a face at 28mm, and then stand back and fill it at 50mm, the distortion of the features is very different. it is a great solution in my opinion. what you don't get is the depth of field of 50mm 1.7 lens. you're probably getting more of a 50mm f4 depth of field.
@@russell2165 I understand how you can use distance and crop in order do avoid wide angle distorsions , but are the resolution and optics good enough to get you a good detailed portrait ? I think that I would have prefered a lens adaptor (like the Fuji’s) to preserve my resolution and F stop . Cheers
@@g2eu you could potentially use the fuji converter on the leica. it's the same thread size. i haven't tried it yet though. check out steve huff's review of the crop. there appears to be a great amount of detail in the eyes. you can add a bit of software sharpening as well. www.stevehuffphoto.com/2019/03/27/the-leica-q2-real-world-review-and-experience-worth-the-5k/
@@g2eu The 15mp of the 50mm crop is more than enough. The 75mm crop is pushing things a little but remember resolution is almost the last thing you need in portraiture.
I have an X100V which I have no complaints about but the Q2 does sound like the ultimate. You have used both cameras, do you feel that the Q2 is so much better than the X100V that you would buy one even if you already had the X100V?
Don't wait for price fluctuations. In Europe/US, Leica cameras usually go up 200euros up every Jan 1st. SL, CL and Q camera may not get this "tradition" - M gear certainly do -. I got my SL2 second hand quickly, but don't wait too much if you are looking for new.
Thank you so much for doing this! perfect timing, as I have been looking for a more relatable review and haven't found many people that have tried the Q2 and also shoot portrait/landscape film and professional canon cameras. Thank you!!
I’d love to keep hearing thoughts of your daily carry journey. I’m always looking for the perfect daily carry but get stuck with the fact that I need video too.
I have a tendency of buying and selling cameras when the latest greatest are released. The Leica Q2 though has become my forever camera. I seriously doubt I'll ever buy another camera again.
You could do the crop in your Canon. You have the choice between normal; 1:1 ; ×1,6; 4:3; 16:9 If you ise Lightroom it's cropped like you said but if you use Capture One it doesn't.
Hi all. I've owned the Fuji, Ricoh gr and Leica q (v1) and I've happily settled on a X100v as it's best for me. I truly think there's a market of single focal length fixed prime cameras as a everyday carry. I love these and would like to see a Sony rx1 mark 3. X
Great review of the experience, rather than spec fest. Love the images you made with the Leica. My Q2 is supposed to arrive this week. More excited than ever after seeing this. Cheers
Looks like a real winner.Three things you get props for,Just taking it outside,using it,instead of just going by specs and making a 'review'...next...I am soooooooooooo tired of complaining and 'comparing' with cameras,and it's an endless crybaby drone of what this and that does not do.Like you said,it's NOT hard,and does not require a 165 IQ to either get the camera or don't..Then..Love the idea of one body,one lens,move the feet,and create..
The crop diminishes the images and gets them down to 25meg cameras and cell phones and below. The Q2 offers 35mm, 50mm and 75mm equiv. crop options which result in 30MP, 15MP and 6.6MP sized files
My daily carry cameras have been the X100V or the X -Pro2 for quite a while, but since last winter I replaced the X100V with the Q2 Monochrome. Wow...what a camera. I sold the X100V and now even my beloved X-Pro2 is shelved. One word of correction though. The crop mode only emulates the field/angle of view of a 35, 50 or 75mm lens, but it doesn’t change the compression between fore- and background. That’s still 28mm based. I personally find the 75mm mode not useable, but that’s my pixel peeping me. With 47MP there’s more than enough to crop with up to 50 or 60mm.
It looks like you may be in Los Angeles. Samy's doesn't rent Leica anymore, just sales. Can you tell us where you rented the Q2 from? I'd like to do the same. Thx.
Hi sam if you could have one camera that you wanted to take a portrait of your family with that would be seen forever. Would you take it with a film camera or digital.
The Q2 is awesome on paper, I was about to buy one but then I tested the 28mm focal length (more on that later) on another camera and found that it is too limited for every day use, even with the cropping I did not have enough reach without compromise image quality. Leica should have included a 35 f/2 instead, which would have kept the same form factor (possibly smaller) and provided a much better focal range for every day use. Here are the crops and respective resolutions, as you can see 50mm yields a 14.6MP image which I could live with, but at 75mm 6.6MP I can't, and I cannot justify the $5500 cost. 28mm = 47MP 35mm = 30MP 50mm = 14.6MP 75mm = 6.6MP As Samuel mentioned the best focal lengths are 50mm and 75mm, this is what most people shoot at most of the time, sure we all take wide angle shots and landscapes, but we most spend most of our time between 35mm and 75mm. Now onto the 28mm focal length, apparently the Q2 lens is more like a 26mm from what I have read on some websites, which is too wide for everyday use. The Q2 is not a landscape camera, well it could be I guess, but it is marketed as a street photography and photo journalism camera, and is too wide for both. I feel that if I bought this camera it would spend a lot of time in my socks drawer. I would not be surprised the release of a Q2.2 or Q3 with a 35mm f/2 lens.
Thank you Samuel for this great review and for the fun way you present it. I am struggeling a lot. 2 years ago I bought a Leica M10-P with the 35mm Summilux. I love it and after a heard day of work I can relax by going for a walk with the M or on my vacations shes a great companion. But I miss some things. For doing shootings sometimes I need AF. During my travelling I want to make videos. So I am thinking about selling the M and buying a Q2. What do you think about this idea? I also have the problem that I do not feel good to have such an expensive camera as the M. Ok the Q2 isnt cheap at all. But its nearly the half. Thanks :)
Great video! I’m curious if you’d have any thoughts on the new Fuji X-E4. I’m personally a Sony shooter for work but I love the idea of a compact EDC camera
Hi Loved the video, I know this question doesn't relate to this particular video but you hinted at the fact that you might have sold your Leica M6 and 35mm Summilux, why was this? really interested to hear your answer thanks again, Rowan
Whilst it is a truly lovely thing and has its very own special place - lets not forget that any image, and most either should be or are cropped, but as you point out but perhaps don't make clear enough this will not give you a different focal length. It might emulate the crop of a 75mm but even then the FOV is different. Use a 75mm FF lens on anything and it will be vastly different -DOF, and separation being the obvious factors along with the slightly wide angle FOV you would not get from a true 75mm. I use an X1DII and whilst I do crop along with everyone else, if I need the DOF I will have to resort to something other than a simple crop ie 2nd lens. And of course any decent camera will crop significantly over the image area only affecting very big enlargements - however the X1DII is nowhere near as portable as this cool little thing - it is on the to be considered list - nice review
@@patrickcazer Gotta be the Q2. It's just so amazing to shoot with, the lens is so good. And as much as I didn't think I'd use the crops so much, I do. All those megapixels buy you options!
Awesome video. Unfortunately these are backordered essentially everywhere. I think I was actually able to get one online at LeicaCameraUSA but it hasn't shipped yet so who knows. Also from what I can tell, these go for the same price or sometimes more on the used market compared to buying it new. Nuts. Hope you find a good deal. Update: I was able to get the camera from LeicaCameraUSA. Just have to keep checking frequently to see if it’s in stock. It’s amazing. Really impressed to say the least.
I picked one up that is in really good shape used for about 1000 off msrp. Ebay has some options as well as Leica swap forums and groups on facebook. Still pricey for a used camera of course haha
Wonderful camera, which I've had for just over a year now. If I can give two strong negatives opinions, and one mild niggle: the crop mode is next to useless unless you're jpeg only; best reassigned for exposure lock or similar. The Leica app is also beyond awful in terms of speed/connectivity/layout/interaction with phone. Mild niggle is that I think a recent software update mistakenly added a hybrid right-hand wheel/touchscreen function to adjust focus area; this annoyingly functions even if one is using the EVF - meaning the PASM dial randomly kicks in and out depending on whether your nose is touching the screen! Anyway, these aside, the camera is simply epic, and worth every penny.
So, did you get rid of your 35 lux asph? :) haha, I remember you telling in that video that it's your lifetime lens. But don't worry, I'm doing exactly the same shit. Just sold 35 Summicron asph and bought Ultron 35 f2. I have Elmarit 28 asph, but I wonder if I want/need Leica Q haha, cause I just love that shallow dof comming out of that body :|
not really exactly. it's not a "Crop Factor". A Crop Factor exists mostly on smaller sensors like APSC. The Q2 is a Full Frame and there's no or just a very small Crop Factor. The Crop Feature on the Q2 is just a digital Zoom
Q2 is not a “small” camera. It’s pretty big and heavy. However, it’s a great camera with a fanatic lens, enough feature, decent auto focus and macro. I love mine. The only thing I would recommend is adding a grip.
just got paid for a Leica Q on ebay I really hope it turns out to be a good deal for 2200, never thought I would spend that on a camera from 2015 but all I want is a quality long lasting camera for documentation
The fuji is a crop sensor and 24mp : ). The Q2 is full frame and 47mp, so it isn't the same file res/quality. There are a lot of comparison videos out there, it's probably what it is compared with most often! It seems like quality of the lens glass, autofocus accuracy/sharpness, and then the file res are the biggest differences. But price of x100v is 25% of the price of the Leica : ).
obviously you're losing full frame and only get about half the megapixels but I've owned the fuji for a bit now and it's miles above an iphone for photos, and for the price I don't think you can beat it. Personally, I'm not pixel peeping and the feel of the fuji is great. Really great for replicating the "film look" if you use a film recipe from fujiweekly. I kinda like having a cheaper camera as well, makes me less worried if I bang it up or bring it everywhere
For a Leica, you are really going to have to try it for yourself and really figure out if you value if it's worth the money. You can try to justify with specs one way or the other, but really it comes down to using the camera.
I would think that the crop modes wouldn't work well without the very high 47MP rating of the Q2 sensor. imagine extreme cropping a 16mp or 24mp image? you'd lose sooo much resolution and prints would have to be so smol.
i agree. Also I think we should replace the word "sharp" with "details" these days when describing lenses. Everyone thinks "sharp" is a positive thing in a lens. Looks very unnatural as our eyes don't see that way. Thank you.
@@StarofDavid616 I grabbed the monochrom, haven't regretted it a bit. No other FF raw file I've played with has had this much latitude or this little noise.
Based on resell value its an easy sell. If you have $5k laying around get the camera use it for a couple years and resell it for 80% of your investment. Buy a Fuji and its lost that much value in a few months.
@@ivanoschen nah, and I'm not saying you are a bad shooter so you don't have to be offended. It's just that you are disputing my claim of a smartphone being an everyday carry since it's image quality is shit.
If you guys want to see a breakdown of how i edited these images from the Q2 - check out my latest patreon post! geni.us/SamuelElkinsPatreon
I think I’m in a very similar position of lusting after this camera for a similar use-case/upgrade to my X100F. The price is absolutely a premium, but the enjoyment in usability with a Leica really does add value from the moment you hold it. I also didn’t realise the crop modes translate non-destructively into Lightroom when importing. I thought the crop was baked in fully, so this actually becomes way more flexible than I first thought!
The X100F is a terrific point and shoot everyday carry. Though the 'V' iteration lens upgrade was a welcome departure from the 'F', I find the Q2's Summilux lens brings so much more to the table. That and the substantial quality in fit and finish that the Leica has. It really inspires me to take it everywhere I go.
I'm using the F but like the Leica. It would be interesting to see if you take the plunge for the Leica and what your thoughts are.
I'm still rocking that Nikon B500 life
@@johnbellis1179 i've been an x100f (and xpro2) user and fuji fan for over 5 years. but this year i took the plunge. i'm selling most of my gear for the q (and maybe the q2). the f taught me that i was extremely happy with a medium to wide focal length. and i rarely go beyond a 50mm crop. the q gives me all the fleixibility i need for 99% of my shots. i will add a compact superzoom like a pansonic zs2000 for the occasional squirrel/bird/fox in the neighbourhood shot.
i will not lie.. i have wanted a leica for a while now. and that's one of the big reasons for my decision. but another massive reason is the manual focus experience on this camera. i love my fuji cameras. but manually focusing on focus-by-wire lenses is usually a crappy experience. especially on the f, where you can hear the motor. but on the q.. they have done something quite magical.. it is focus-by-wire, but it has hard stops, and all the joy of a true manual focus lens, WITH the ability to jump to really fast autofocus for when my son begins to zip around the yard. on the xpro2 i started using sub-par manual lenses for the focusing joy, but then missed out on auto when i quickly needed it. the q lens is the best of all worlds in my opinion. and it's leica glass. the sharpness and creaminess, even wide open is ridiculous.
The x100s are great. The Q is a whole new league. The build, feel, lens, FF. I bought a used Q v. 1 for $2100. Use a canon 5D classic when needed, otherwise the Q is always with me
Since owning the Q I completely stopped shooting film and eventually traded it in for the Q2. Its honestly the best camera I've used. Ever thought about swapping out your R5 for an SL?
Loved the video Samuel! Since I rented the Q2 and did a first impressions video, I could not stop thinking about it. In October I was finally pick one up used from B&H. The 28mm summilux lens alone is amazing. Hands Down my favorite camera ever. It's definitely a very niche camera but it inspires me to get out there and shoot.
Great video! Even over a year after this was posted, there are not many videos that really cover what daily use of this camera is like. You covered this amazingly here!
I had the Q and I loved every moment with it. There's a magic to it and I understand why Leica is Leica.
And what's your camera now?
I shoot with the Fujifilm xt4 & xt3 and the x100v
Yeah, that magic is called "placebo"
@@jaezryl sounds like you havent used a leica before
@@Iamtongue yeah, just some test shots from the Leica store does not count. But really, man I think when something is as expensive as Leica is bought, users tend to overjustify that purchase.
The Q is my dream photo camera; I recently picked up an X100F as it is somewhat the “Poor Man’s Leica Q” 😂 I’m super happy with the X100F, but the Leica Q is the dream! 📷🙌🏽
idk x100f seems much more compact, the q seems like it would be more... of a commitment to carry around.
Calling a Fuji a "poor man's Leica" is such an insult when Fujis to me are far better than Leicas. Leicas are just grossly overpriced cameras
@@MarkMark Absolutely correct. I have Q and GR3 and I carry the GR 80% of a time, the Q is always a conscious decision to do.
With X100 is probably doing to be similar.
@@yashwinning Why are Fuji's "better"? A better lens than the 28mm on this Q? I don't think so? Better build. Defintely not. Better aesthetically? Subjective, but most would agree that the Q is absolutely beautiful.
@@dinodemopoulos3336 Yes, it IS a better lens than the Q since the 28mm f1.7 isn't sharp enough to commend such a high price. Let's not kid ourselves, Leica lenses have always been grossly overpriced. On the other hand the lens on the Fuji strikes the perfect price to performance ratio. Yes, also again better built for the price. The Leica Q is a better built camera for sure but 5 times better built than the Fuji? No. And yes, definitely much better looking aesthetically *and* serves as a street photography camera *way* better than the bigger/clunkier looking Q. So yes, Fujis are "better".
Great review Sam. I’m so sick of the specification overload and I like the fact that you focused on the Leica Q2’s tactility and the way it inspires you. It’s definitely the direction I want my photography and gear to go; I just need to figure out, how I’m going to afford it!
I’ve been bonding with my Q2 and, well, it’s kind of like when you meet someone you vibe with so well you could swear you’ve been good friends your whole life.
Clearly the camera is brilliant. But really, it’s not for everyone. I arrived at the Q2 after using an XT-2 for some years, and that after stepping down from a big heavy bag of brilliant Canon L glass. Anyhow, over time I found I was just leaving the 35mm (equivalent) on and, just generally, thinking in 35. Given that, a fixed 28 with crop modes from Leica clearly became the frontrunner and now I couldn’t be happier.
I’ve had the Q2 for about a week now and I shoot professionally with an EOS R and have an X100F, but always found the aps-c sensor lacking as much as I like the user experience of the Fuji. The Q2 feels like the perfect option for amazing image quality and colors with that mechanical, simple, enjoyable experience in a small size. I don’t see myself wanting much more in a life long camera for daily moments.
Used Q's (first version) are into the 2k range and are great values today... you don't get the huge MPs which impacts the crop mode, but its still a fantastic camera... for those inclined its the best bang for the buck in the Leica world at the moment...
Sensor is same size, megapixel count is different
My Q2 is my most carried. I have x100v and Ricoh street but I find the q2 so easy to carry everywhere. The Ricoh is easy to shove in pocket for beautiful pics but the q2 is next level.
I have the griii and im thinkig about the Q2, Im just wondering why I should have the same focal lenght 😢
I have the griii wich I love, but Im thinking about the Q2, just I dont know why I should have the same focal lenght😅
I really like the q, i own the QP first generation and I love it. It goes well with my Sony and film cameras
my favorite camera ever. i went for the original Q which is not only cheaper but I think it has nicer colors too. plus smaller files for the mobile editing.
You sure colors are nicer? It's' really tough to say. Would love to see how you've arrived at this? Not challenging, genuinely curious about it :)
Yeah I preferred the files from the q, sold the q2 and went back to q
@@Rob-zz4qj was it the colours that you preferred or you weren't liking the much bigger file size of the Q2 files? or both?
I have the Q2 and it’s amazing, it’s the perfect backup to my Leica SL2-S! There’s a magic to these cameras that’s so distinct and second to none. Great review Samuel, love your channel!
Love my Q2, goes everywhere with me.
I have Focus either AF or use Zone focus. My ISO is auto. The Aperture and shutter speed manual with the right wheel for exposure comp.
Thanks for your perspective! I've been shooting Fuji and love the colors, have never tried a Leica before but you made me interested in renting it myself.
Recap:
- Simplistic design
- Love lens is not intertangeable
- Sharp, but not in a bad way
- Crop mode super useful
- Colors are 👌🏽 for daily use
- Leica app is actually useful
- Super simple and intuitive menu
- Solid, beautiful, well made
- Not made for video...
- Documenting your life with 47 megapixels is expensive...lol
- Leica is expensive, but this camera is a "deal" in Leica land
Finally a true review w results for the Q2 on here lol. Been in the market as well to have an every day-document-life type of camera. Appreciate your take on it, man. Truly helpful in my planning of acquiring the Q2 or even the Q.
Cheers
Man, glad you made this video. I’ve been looking for an every day carry camera and almost settled on the Q2, but also fell down the rabbit hole on RUclips looking at other manual Leica’s. I really enjoyed your M6 videos and see that as an ultimate “slowing down” camera, but the Q2 is so enticing as a digital option. I guess I don’t really know what I want haha but this video definitely helped, seeing how you enjoyed using it over a week.
you should buy it. I've loved mine. I also loved my original Q
Great, personal and non-overly-technical review!
Been using this for 1 month. I wanted a minimalist alternative to the Canon ecosystem I do my pro video with. So far, I am very satisfied.
Leica has a couple of nice usability features I haven’t seen in other brands. On the Q2, for example, you can enable EVF Extended and this turns off the back LCD and the EVF comes on with tripping the eye sensor. What’s cool is that hitting the play button will display your images on the LCD and hitting the menu button will also show the menu in the LCD. Always annoys me with Fuji that their EVF extended mode will only display the menu in the EVF. You can also set up the Fn button to quickly toggle the LCD on and off for liveview.
I have the original Q and it has this same feature, EVF extended is what I use 90% of the time, love it.
47 mp sensor, ISO 100 to 50,000, 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens, weather sealing.... Yes the Q2 is the ultimate everyday carry camera for the digital shooter. If you are seriously committed to black and white, get the Q2 Monochrom. All the above specs plus ISO capability of 100 to 100,000. These cameras are MONSTERS!!
I'm on the original Q, and it's an amazing tool for me. I use it as a supplement to my M240/Summilux 50/1.4. Nice review of the Q2. Keep on rolling!
Love watching your videos
Great review. I am picking one up in the new year so I was pleased that you rate it!
Thanks for your perspective!! Down to earth
mannnn.. i'd love to own a leica. ever since i started following ioe greer a few years ago i've been seeing the absolute goat'd-ness of leica's, and now along with this video.. ugh. i want one. rice & chicken for the rest of the winter/spring, boys! lol
I have the Q2 mono. Best camera I’ve ever owned!
Excellent review. I’ll definitely consider renting this for a trip to Costa Rica in a few weeks. Traveling with my R5 and drone is starting to wear on me. Wish Leica made a drone that’s equivalent to the Q2 and miniature
Nice. But you missed another enjoyable major feature the Q: Macro mode. I think the function and the way the function is integrated with the lens/camera is just genius. Anyway, still nice review.
Your voice is so enjoyable. Its just insane
Interesting video. I do wonder why you make everything orange though.
"It's really a joy to use." Very much sums up the brass tax of why I shoot with a Leica M3.
Given its resolution, the Q2 seems like it could be your one and only camera, depending on what kind of photographer you are. There's always the X100 series from Fujifilm, or the Ricoh GR systems for those looking for even more compact & affordable options.
I had a GRiii. Cannot say a bad word about that little beast of a camera. Only reason I stopped using it and sold it on was it was gathering dust because of the Q2.
@@andrewfoster2296 Word. Honestly, using a camera you really enjoy shooting with makes such a difference, regardless of specs. Glad for you that it seems you've found that camera.
@@jaredgotcher would absolutely love a Leica M film camera. Learning with an om2n. Definitely a bit jealous of your M3.
@@andrewfoster2296 Well, if you find that you love shooting film, it's certainly worth the investment. I started with a Minolta XD11, and fell in love with film. Now I shoot almost exclusively on film. So the M3 is now my right-hand, so to speak. If you're a 28mm guy, you probably want to go with an M6 thoughǃ
Hi Sam, very cool camera! The Fuji X100V also has a digital teleconverter to 50mm and 70mm
true, but only jpeg. with the q it retains the full raw file.
Hi , thank you for the review .There is just one thing that is bugging me : the "in camera" crop is not a solution if you want a different focal length than 28 mm , the 28 is way different than a 50mm in terms of geometry distortions (especially for portraits), in this regard - the Fuji system with the wide and teleconverter is more complete in my opinion (I shoot both Leica M and Fuji X system - so I like to think that I am not biased :)
the crop is actually very effective. i have the q and tried it. if i fill the frame with a face at 28mm, and then stand back and fill it at 50mm, the distortion of the features is very different. it is a great solution in my opinion. what you don't get is the depth of field of 50mm 1.7 lens. you're probably getting more of a 50mm f4 depth of field.
@@russell2165 I understand how you can use distance and crop in order do avoid wide angle distorsions , but are the resolution and optics good enough to get you a good detailed portrait ? I think that I would have prefered a lens adaptor (like the Fuji’s) to preserve my resolution and F stop . Cheers
@@g2eu you could potentially use the fuji converter on the leica. it's the same thread size. i haven't tried it yet though.
check out steve huff's review of the crop. there appears to be a great amount of detail in the eyes. you can add a bit of software sharpening as well. www.stevehuffphoto.com/2019/03/27/the-leica-q2-real-world-review-and-experience-worth-the-5k/
@@g2eu The 15mp of the 50mm crop is more than enough. The 75mm crop is pushing things a little but remember resolution is almost the last thing you need in portraiture.
I have an X100V which I have no complaints about but the Q2 does sound like the ultimate. You have used both cameras, do you feel that the Q2 is so much better than the X100V that you would buy one even if you already had the X100V?
tough decision... hah. maybe i'll make a video on patreon diving into this - i feel like people really want that comparison!
Don't wait for price fluctuations. In Europe/US, Leica cameras usually go up 200euros up every Jan 1st. SL, CL and Q camera may not get this "tradition" - M gear certainly do -. I got my SL2 second hand quickly, but don't wait too much if you are looking for new.
Thank you so much for doing this! perfect timing, as I have been looking for a more relatable review and haven't found many people that have tried the Q2 and also shoot portrait/landscape film and professional canon cameras. Thank you!!
I’d love to keep hearing thoughts of your daily carry journey. I’m always looking for the perfect daily carry but get stuck with the fact that I need video too.
Leica Q2 is the dream
I have a tendency of buying and selling cameras when the latest greatest are released. The Leica Q2 though has become my forever camera. I seriously doubt I'll ever buy another camera again.
That is until the Q3 comes out!
You could do the crop in your Canon. You have the choice between normal; 1:1 ; ×1,6; 4:3; 16:9 If you ise Lightroom it's cropped like you said but if you use Capture One it doesn't.
Hi all. I've owned the Fuji, Ricoh gr and Leica q (v1) and I've happily settled on a X100v as it's best for me. I truly think there's a market of single focal length fixed prime cameras as a everyday carry. I love these and would like to see a Sony rx1 mark 3. X
How would you compare this with say A7C+28mmF2? :)
I was close to going with that combo
Great review of the experience, rather than spec fest. Love the images you made with the Leica. My Q2 is supposed to arrive this week. More excited than ever after seeing this. Cheers
Looks like a real winner.Three things you get props for,Just taking it outside,using it,instead of just going by specs and making a 'review'...next...I am soooooooooooo tired of complaining and 'comparing' with cameras,and it's an endless crybaby drone of what this and that does not do.Like you said,it's NOT hard,and does not require a 165 IQ to either get the camera or don't..Then..Love the idea of one body,one lens,move the feet,and create..
The crop diminishes the images and gets them down to 25meg cameras and cell phones and below. The Q2 offers 35mm, 50mm and 75mm equiv. crop options which result in 30MP, 15MP and 6.6MP sized files
My daily carry cameras have been the X100V or the X -Pro2 for quite a while, but since last winter I replaced the X100V with the Q2 Monochrome. Wow...what a camera. I sold the X100V and now even my beloved X-Pro2 is shelved. One word of correction though. The crop mode only emulates the field/angle of view of a 35, 50 or 75mm lens, but it doesn’t change the compression between fore- and background. That’s still 28mm based. I personally find the 75mm mode not useable, but that’s my pixel peeping me. With 47MP there’s more than enough to crop with up to 50 or 60mm.
A refreshing comprehensive review. I've been thinking of selling some gear to pick one up. Thanks!
It looks like you may be in Los Angeles. Samy's doesn't rent Leica anymore, just sales. Can you tell us where you rented the Q2 from? I'd like to do the same. Thx.
I wish Leica will make a "Q" Camera with 60+ megapixels sensor, 9.5+ mill. dots EVF and Leica M mount !
Nice video, man! Thinking about buying the Q2, also got the EOS R5 and the GRIII. But there’s something about that camera that’s just... Yeah.
Can't decide between the Q2 or the M10/R. Any suggestions?
I carry the original Fuji x100 with me and still love it.
Nice studio and video quality
Would like to see your thoughts on Leica m10/11 in the future
Hi sam if you could have one camera that you wanted to take a portrait of your family with that would be seen forever.
Would you take it with a film camera or digital.
Thanks. Just the kind of discussion I wanted!
Great video, thanks for sharing.
The Q2 is awesome on paper, I was about to buy one but then I tested the 28mm focal length (more on that later) on another camera and found that it is too limited for every day use, even with the cropping I did not have enough reach without compromise image quality. Leica should have included a 35 f/2 instead, which would have kept the same form factor (possibly smaller) and provided a much better focal range for every day use.
Here are the crops and respective resolutions, as you can see 50mm yields a 14.6MP image which I could live with, but at 75mm 6.6MP I can't, and I cannot justify the $5500 cost.
28mm = 47MP
35mm = 30MP
50mm = 14.6MP
75mm = 6.6MP
As Samuel mentioned the best focal lengths are 50mm and 75mm, this is what most people shoot at most of the time, sure we all take wide angle shots and landscapes, but we most spend most of our time between 35mm and 75mm.
Now onto the 28mm focal length, apparently the Q2 lens is more like a 26mm from what I have read on some websites, which is too wide for everyday use. The Q2 is not a landscape camera, well it could be I guess, but it is marketed as a street photography and photo journalism camera, and is too wide for both. I feel that if I bought this camera it would spend a lot of time in my socks drawer.
I would not be surprised the release of a Q2.2 or Q3 with a 35mm f/2 lens.
Love your photography and review!
Great review! And love the images you got from it!👍🏼
The crop modes make no change to the compression. It's still 28mm compression.
Thank you Samuel for this great review and for the fun way you present it. I am struggeling a lot. 2 years ago I bought a Leica M10-P with the 35mm Summilux. I love it and after a heard day of work I can relax by going for a walk with the M or on my vacations shes a great companion. But I miss some things. For doing shootings sometimes I need AF. During my travelling I want to make videos. So I am thinking about selling the M and buying a Q2. What do you think about this idea? I also have the problem that I do not feel good to have such an expensive camera as the M. Ok the Q2 isnt cheap at all. But its nearly the half. Thanks :)
Great video! I’m curious if you’d have any thoughts on the new Fuji X-E4. I’m personally a Sony shooter for work but I love the idea of a compact EDC camera
Hi Loved the video, I know this question doesn't relate to this particular video but you hinted at the fact that you might have sold your Leica M6 and 35mm Summilux, why was this? really interested to hear your answer thanks again, Rowan
Because Leica M6 videos are so 2020! Nobody will watch that in 2021, gotta jump wagon
Whilst it is a truly lovely thing and has its very own special place - lets not forget that any image, and most either should be or are cropped, but as you point out but perhaps don't make clear enough this will not give you a different focal length. It might emulate the crop of a 75mm but even then the FOV is different. Use a 75mm FF lens on anything and it will be vastly different -DOF, and separation being the obvious factors along with the slightly wide angle FOV you would not get from a true 75mm. I use an X1DII and whilst I do crop along with everyone else, if I need the DOF I will have to resort to something other than a simple crop ie 2nd lens. And of course any decent camera will crop significantly over the image area only affecting very big enlargements - however the X1DII is nowhere near as portable as this cool little thing - it is on the to be considered list - nice review
Sam great video! But where is the link that you've mentioned with high res photos from this camera? Didn't find on your webstite
Thanks
www.samuelelkins.co/leica-q2-images
as bad as id like this camera to pair with my XT4 ill probably grab myself a x100v but damn this is a lovely camera
I've paired with the XT4, and always struggle which one to grab, they're both amazing. Love shooting with both.
@@dinodemopoulos3336 which is your primary go to ?
@@patrickcazer Gotta be the Q2. It's just so amazing to shoot with, the lens is so good. And as much as I didn't think I'd use the crops so much, I do. All those megapixels buy you options!
@@patrickcazer how about you?
@@dinodemopoulos3336 well seeing as I only own the XT4 I don’t have many options although I’ve been considering switching back to the xpro3
Awesome video. Unfortunately these are backordered essentially everywhere. I think I was actually able to get one online at LeicaCameraUSA but it hasn't shipped yet so who knows. Also from what I can tell, these go for the same price or sometimes more on the used market compared to buying it new. Nuts. Hope you find a good deal.
Update: I was able to get the camera from LeicaCameraUSA. Just have to keep checking frequently to see if it’s in stock. It’s amazing. Really impressed to say the least.
I picked one up that is in really good shape used for about 1000 off msrp. Ebay has some options as well as Leica swap forums and groups on facebook. Still pricey for a used camera of course haha
@@PreFontaineRC76 oh man. That’s awesome!
Wonderful camera, which I've had for just over a year now. If I can give two strong negatives opinions, and one mild niggle: the crop mode is next to useless unless you're jpeg only; best reassigned for exposure lock or similar. The Leica app is also beyond awful in terms of speed/connectivity/layout/interaction with phone. Mild niggle is that I think a recent software update mistakenly added a hybrid right-hand wheel/touchscreen function to adjust focus area; this annoyingly functions even if one is using the EVF - meaning the PASM dial randomly kicks in and out depending on whether your nose is touching the screen! Anyway, these aside, the camera is simply epic, and worth every penny.
Same same same... love my q2
So, did you get rid of your 35 lux asph? :) haha, I remember you telling in that video that it's your lifetime lens. But don't worry, I'm doing exactly the same shit. Just sold 35 Summicron asph and bought Ultron 35 f2. I have Elmarit 28 asph, but I wonder if I want/need Leica Q haha, cause I just love that shallow dof comming out of that body :|
I think other brand do have the crop factor programmed in - that’s basically digital zoom, no?
not really exactly. it's not a "Crop Factor". A Crop Factor exists mostly on smaller sensors like APSC. The Q2 is a Full Frame and there's no or just a very small Crop Factor. The Crop Feature on the Q2 is just a digital Zoom
Q2 is not a “small” camera. It’s pretty big and heavy. However, it’s a great camera with a fanatic lens, enough feature, decent auto focus and macro. I love mine. The only thing I would recommend is adding a grip.
or a thumb rest
If you complain about the price of this camera then you just don’t know how anything works.
Thank for info.
just got paid for a Leica Q on ebay I really hope it turns out to be a good deal for 2200, never thought I would spend that on a camera from 2015 but all I want is a quality long lasting camera for documentation
appreciate that, yes I love it now how do you set up a appointment with leica to get it touched up?
Hi! How much is the file's weight for a DNG (+ - )? I couldn't find this information on the net
I’m interested in this too!
i believe it's over 90MB. that is my only reservation with upgrading from the q to the 2. i don't want to have to upgrade my computer as well!
Thorsten von Overgaard boss in Leica domain...Love this review btw. ;)
How does this compare to the X100V? The Fuji is like 1/4 of the price, and it seems like a similar camera.
The fuji is a crop sensor and 24mp : ). The Q2 is full frame and 47mp, so it isn't the same file res/quality. There are a lot of comparison videos out there, it's probably what it is compared with most often! It seems like quality of the lens glass, autofocus accuracy/sharpness, and then the file res are the biggest differences. But price of x100v is 25% of the price of the Leica : ).
obviously you're losing full frame and only get about half the megapixels but I've owned the fuji for a bit now and it's miles above an iphone for photos, and for the price I don't think you can beat it. Personally, I'm not pixel peeping and the feel of the fuji is great. Really great for replicating the "film look" if you use a film recipe from fujiweekly. I kinda like having a cheaper camera as well, makes me less worried if I bang it up or bring it everywhere
@@SnowBoarder2910 If i wasn't using for weddings i'd definitely get the fuji!
For a Leica, you are really going to have to try it for yourself and really figure out if you value if it's worth the money. You can try to justify with specs one way or the other, but really it comes down to using the camera.
@@Oracorio0205 Thank you!
Don’t think I will trade my Q-P traveling companion for Q2 yet. Just need to carry a couple more batteries when I go on trips.
Never getting rid of my Q-P. Love love that camera.
I got the q2 and sold it and went back to the original q, no need to upgrade
a q2-p would probably break all leica records for sales.
Can you set it to a PANO crop?
Oh man I want one so bad
I would think that the crop modes wouldn't work well without the very high 47MP rating of the Q2 sensor. imagine extreme cropping a 16mp or 24mp image? you'd lose sooo much resolution and prints would have to be so smol.
Why not a zoom point and shoot ? The Leica d-Lux and Sony rx
sensor, lens and viewfinder are much bigger and better on the q system.
i agree. Also I think we should replace the word "sharp" with "details" these days when describing lenses. Everyone thinks "sharp" is a positive thing in a lens. Looks very unnatural as our eyes don't see that way. Thank you.
Nice camera but just affraid for dust on the sensor! impossible to clean it by yourself! :-(
the q2 is dust resistant.
What happened that made you make the decision to part ways with you M6, and I’m assuming your 35mm Lux?
M6 is not popular for youtube anymore in 2021
You sold the M6 & 35mm Summilux?? 🤯
I really wanted this camera, but for $1500.00 I went with the Fujifilm X100V which I love.
But, if I had $5500.00 laying around......!
The best daily carry--if you have a bodyguard.
Sounds like you lose things a lot.
The heart wants a Q2 Monochrom, but seeing these colors makes me reconsider an OG Q2. Oof
U will regret it if u buy monochrome. Buy Q2 , the B W image is comparable
@@StarofDavid616 I grabbed the monochrom, haven't regretted it a bit. No other FF raw file I've played with has had this much latitude or this little noise.
@@SneekeeMonkee good for you and im happy that you enjoy it.
Thanks for uploading this video. If you could have reduced the 'kind of' repetition, I think your production would have been even better.
Based on resell value its an easy sell. If you have $5k laying around get the camera use it for a couple years and resell it for 80% of your investment. Buy a Fuji and its lost that much value in a few months.
Perfect everyday carry nowadays is a smartphone
Nah the image quality of smartphone is like shXt
@@ivanoschen seems nowadays everyone only cares for "image quality" without having a decent photo to show off.
@@jaezryl you talking about yourself bro?
@@ivanoschen nah, and I'm not saying you are a bad shooter so you don't have to be offended. It's just that you are disputing my claim of a smartphone being an everyday carry since it's image quality is shit.
I know a lot of people from photography groups with new mirrorless cameras but really terrible at shots. Only sample images which are terrible.
Leica is like the lady you always lust after.
Tell me. Is it worth to buy the Q2 only for video ?