I used to shoot BW most of the time as well until I got Leica Monochrom after a year I realised that I cannot live without color and my most recent work is focused on the color itsels. My point is changing your mind is Ok. Great video! Thanks for sharing you thoughts.
I agree with you in everything you mention in this video. I sold my Q after using both that and the Q2M. A year later, I have no doubts, the Leica Q2 Monochrom is the best camera I've ever used! The files are amazing.
Fully agree. I bought my Q2M reporter 3 months ago and even my regular Q2 gets seldom used these days. The monochrom with yellow, orange and red filters delivers such stunning images, it blows my mind. My M10 R gets still used, though the Q2M gets always picked up first. I just might get the M10 monochrom in the future or wait for the M11 monochrom. Greetings from Germany
@@FrankDavalos Visited Leica HQ in Wetzlar after Easter, was almost alone. They offered to loan me a M10 M with a 35 summicron and let me shoot this around old town Wetzlar half a day. Wonderful experience. Happy shooting with your Q2M, Frank.
@@wolfgangpieper4530 haha :D I own q2m and m10m atm :D and I am not sure which one to keep :D on one hand I have 24lux for my m10m (my fav lens) plus 35mm apo on the way :D but q2m is a different more fun camera for toying around :D
What covid ? Here in Australia most peoples had covid and no one care about staying home , most are go to work as normal . The unnormal is someone’s hasn’t had covid . Love the Q Monochrom, fantastic camera .
Excellent points across the board. When I understood how much more of the sensor was working towards capturing unique data, and not being split into multitasking that process, like with a colour sensor, I finally got it, as to why the monochrome variants exist and are so revered. The day I buy a Leica it will likely be a Q3 or a used Q2, once the Q3 drops; however, the Q2M would likely then jump to the top of my list.
I just love My Q2M and yes I really had to think if I should take the Q2 or the Q2M because of the lack of colour. I am so happy that I took the chance. Battery life is fine by me, if I am longer out I take a second battery with me. For the rest I fully agree. Thing is, once you shoot with it and you see the IQ, every argument about getting a Fuji X100 or so instantly disappears :D
I bought the Q2M a few months ago. I thought I would never let go of my M Monochrom (M9) but I finally did. The files from the Q2M have a very organic feel, something I loved with my M Monochrom, and never thought would be possible with a CMOS sensor, but Leica has exceeded my expectations. I suspect I won’t be going back to being a Leica M photographer. This camera is the new M for me.
That’s great man! I have the regular m9 and enjoy the experience of that camera a lot. But you’re very right about the Q2M… the files don’t look like CMOS files
Bought my Q2M a year ago and never looked back. I agree with everything you said. Definitely changed how I see the world. I have, however started to get a bit of fomo about lack of color. But then I take another great shot and all those thoughts fade away. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for your open and honest thoughts about the Q2M. I got the Q2 and I'm not offended, and if anyone does get upset at you expressing your opinion about cameras has bigger problems than it is worth discussing. I needed the versatility of a carry around camera for all things and that's why I chose the Q2. The BW is passable and I'm considering a used Q2M down the road when the Q3 comes out and the prices might drop. Just too much for a third camera as I have an M as well. Great job and sorry you had to fight off covid there for awhile.
Thanks Gerry! I appreciate your thoughtful comment and I think your plan of attack is a brilliant one. Also the Q2 BW is definitely passable. I’ve seen some beautiful BW from that camera! We all know it has very little to do with the camera anyways… I’m just an enthusiast that adores all cameras! Well… most.
Frank, thank you for your photography (and YT channel of course) I shoot with the Q2M, and for all, and more, the reasons you highlight, I agree the Monochrom-only makes it a superbly excellent camera...but...for a fundamental reason not mentioned is the mindset, the “how you see” point-of -view, of the photographer. I found with the Q2 Monochrom I “saw” my world in shapes of light, patterns and textures. You don’t see this way with a “regular” camera. Now that I’m a Monochrom kind a guy-I’ll (most likely) never go back. Monochom eliminates the prejudice of color.
I totally agree with you! I suppose I didn’t mention it because that’s how my perspective has been for a number of years, as I shoot primarily black and white film… I’ve seen in black and white for a long time, but you’re totally right… the Q2M completely changes your mindset on color, on composition, on light. Thanks so much for watching 🙏🙏🙏 appreciate you and your time a lot!
Thanks Tony! I owned the M10M for a couple of months. Wonderful camera. I had to let it go in favour of the Q2M however! Sometimes you just connect with a camera, and the reasons why aren’t so important!
I actually got the Q2M as a Christmas present in Dec 2020. Absolutely loved shooting it especially in low light. Unfortunately it was stolen 3 months later and decided to go with the Q2 instead thinking it would give me the colour versatility (which it did) and converting to b&w post production. Sadly didn’t quite turn out like that (especially in very low light). Nevertheless I will wait for the next generation Q mono… my best camera ever was the one I owned over 30 years ago - M6 with the noctilux 50m f1,shooting with b&w film!
Hello, went to the Leica store in Paris last month and let me borrow the Q2M for a few days to make up my decision. I ended up purchasing the Q2 Reporter. I love monochrome but still need color. The guy at the Leica store basically told me that if you shoot more than 80% in monochrome than it's a no brainer, otherwise you might miss color. I think his advices made sense. But I agree the monochrome is insanely sharp, details are incredible... Get well
Thanks Laurent! Yeah for sure I understand why people want color… but me, I shoot like 90% black and white. I agree that’s great advice! I’m sure you’ll enjoy the Q2 Reporter!
Amazing video! I’ll be opting for the Q2 but wasn’t curious about the Q2M. You’ve done a great job of conveying the best parts of this camera. All good points and great to watch!
thx for your video, saving up for a leica Q. but torn between the Q2 and the Q monochrom, so your video has been extremely helpful. zen billings canada
Normal q2 user here, Frank summed it up really well in this video. Probably one of the most accurate user reviews on RUclips I've seen. I personally havn't had much issues with the battery performance, but not having usb-c charging can be a frustration for sure. I will say I do envy the low light performance of the q2m. The q2's image quality falls off at and after iso 1600. Other than that, I'm loving this camera.
I wanted to get back into photographing after a dry period. I wanted to get high quality everyday carry and Qs are the only one in town (yea yea Fuji 100 but... miss full frame from old old days). So got in Q3 line and since I was doomed to be there a long time I got to think.. so canceled and got a Q2M. Been four days of magic even if my shots are not (yet) :D Agree with all in this video, only reason I will save for the Q3M (yea that will happen) is NOT the higher resolution and dynamic range (that is amazing enough allready thank you) but USB C charging and flippable lcd (yea I take a hit on the leica look, getting old). So glad I did not get the Q3. The love is back even battery life sucks big time!
My thought process is almost exactly as yours is man! USB-C charging would be a game changer, though I find the tiltable screen ruins the design a bit, I’ve yet to see one in person so don’t want to say too much about the design until I can see it in person!
Thanks for this video, the photos look great! Yeah, the joy of this camera is really that it gives you night vision! I’ve had pretty good luck with the battery life, I carry my Q2M every day, and only charge it about once a week or so, but I really only shoot perhaps 200-300 shots a week. Do you use color filters? I didn’t think I’d use them much, but I tried a 25A red filter, and now it’s on my lens 95% of the time, just really pops the contrast for street and portraits. The one thing I never see people mention is what a fantastic value the Q2M is if one is in the market for a pure monochrome digital camera.
Yeah man it is incredible value. Sees in the dark, has one of the greatest lenses of all time, and has a powerful sensor! As for colour filters, I have an orange b+w filter basically on it whenever I’m outside and not making photos of people… I will probably eventually get the yellow, red and green pairings I think as well. Been shooting this camera for close to 8 months now, and the novelty still hasn’t wore off… it’s still one of my favourite digital cameras of all time!
I love my Q2M. Although not perfect it is one of my all time favourites for the same reasons you love yours. I saw you post the for sale and I would have jumped on the deal you had. I noticed you are living in Moose Jaw. I loved living in Moose Jaw. Had I known you needed a charger. I would have lent you mine. Wonderful video and keep creating images. Chers!
Hey thanks man and thanks for the kind words. That’s rad you used to live in Moose Jaw! That’s my hometown. I live in Regina now, with hopes to make my way out to Calgary at some point in the next few years. Thanks for subscribing, I appreciate you man! 🫶
I don't have a Leica yet. You made a very convincing video for the camera. I like it that you don't talk too fast for these old ears. I didn't need captions on screen. I believe Leica has a winner here. Get well soon. Wear a mask and wash your hands. This Covid thing is not ever going to let us free. God bless.
Wow !! Wot a delicious wonderful camera, n the shots u hv taken with it are just beautiful, Congrats !! (One amusing aside, I used to shoot b&w film, which just meant u put a roll of HP5 or Tri-X into the camera instead of a colour roll, u didn’t need to go to the flooring extent of hvg to buy a Q2 and a Q2M …. Progress, huh ?! ).
I chose the q2 because I am a color shooter , also my clients expect color. I would love to try the mono as well though , the results I saw were amazing
Thank you for your review. I’ve been eyeballing the Q2M for a long time now. I do have a Q2. Bought it not so long before the Q3 came out. But had a good deal on the new price. The Q2 is a nice camera but I’m not perse in awe. I’m on the fence about the Q2M. It’s a 2020 camera, so 4 years old, and yes, no usb-c charging, no flip screen. I don’t care about the Q3’s 60 megapixel. My oh my. Such a difficult decision to make. Second hand prizes are still pretty high. So then I think I might as well save up for a M10M, but these are still very expensive too. And then you need a great lens to go with it. I’m undecided, can’t seem to make up my mind.
I had the M10M and sold it. Still have the Q2M. Not sure if it helps make up your mind, but in my opinion, out if all the Q’s… the Q2M is the only one that still blows my mind in a regular basis.
Nice, im a colour shooter myself with digital, but more BW with film, until now i still haven’t thought of losing colour but love to see your video, GWS frank!
Great review with fine samples of work mate. Liked and subbed. Three weeks ago I bought the Q2 I really fancied the Q2M as I shoot a lot of people and almost always convert to mono, however I do shoot landscapes too so figured for the price I have the back up of colour when needed. Two weeks ago I fried my Q2 at a laser show it's now on route to German for a new sensor. One day ago I bought a used and damaged Q, the rear LCD doesn't work, a bit like my brain cell at the moment. I'll use the Q maybe even fix the LCD ad value then sell on once the ill fated Q2 returns in 4 months or so. Been an emotional October so far...
Damn! That’s tough. I guess it’s all uphill from here? If the LCD is bum on the Q, that might actually add to the fun of it! Thanks for watching man! Appreciate you
You can maybe convince yourself that the images you get from something like a Fuji X100 are close enough that the Q2M isn't worth the *much* higher price, but not when you need to capture motion at night. The Q2M is almost magical in this regard, and worth every single penny.
@@FrankDavalos You're right, but that's not to say you can't get great images from something like an X100 (I'm more than happy with some of my old work with an X100S). The common complaint isn't that the images aren't superior but they aren't x thousand dollars/pounds *more* superior. I'd disagree, but I wouldn't deny that it's a subjective value judgment. What *isn't* subjective is its low light performance - it simply captures images that would otherwise be impossible.
@@Dangerousdaze totally man. I love the X100 series cameras and I think they’re great cameras. I own an X100V and it’s one of my most used cameras. I could probably justify the price difference between my Q2M and my X100V, but I don’t see a point because it’s okay to just love both cameras regardless of specs, price, etc. And yeah man. The low light of the Q2M and M10M is just simply unbeatable.
I own both the q2 and q2m and honestly they aren’t the same. I think for most people the q2 is the right choice but once you see the files from the monochrome, well they just have a quality to them that black and white conversion doesn’t match. In my view it’s less about iq and much more the tonality that makes the monochrome files so special. They have a painterly look that is lovely. For me I often think of selling my q2 as it doesn’t see the use it deserves. The Q2M is just a special camera
Hi Frank, your video convinced me to buy a Q2M.. In fact the camera is in the mail. In the introduction to this video I see you attaching a filter to the camera. Please tell me what kind of filter is it? Thank you very much and have a nice Christmas,
That’s awesome! You will not regret it! I really only use two filters… a B+W UV filter (80% of the time) and a Tiffen Glimmer Glass 1 the other 20% - I sometimes use a yellow and orange B+W filter but very rarely as I’m usually taking photos of people!
I own the Q2M and it has amazing iq. I also own the M11. The Q2M rides with the M11 as my everyday kit. I also own the Sony A7r4 and I agree with your comments on IQ. If I need a full array of lenses or fast accurate auto focus, I’ll shoot the Sony. But I rather shoot the Leica. 😎
What a kit! The M11 is too expensive for me to consider, as I don't know how much extra value it would give me compared to something like an M10 -- But if I was made of money, I'd have them all! haha
@@blazeboy777 I disagree! I’m not the guy that needs more megapixels beyond 24 Mp…. And that perspective is coming from 5 years of shooting with the Sony A7R3… it’s a nice to have sometimes, but I actually find that the best images I have ever made have been on cameras that don’t have all that extra resolution. But to each their own… we are all different and place value on our cameras a little bit differently!
@@FrankDavalos I am not talking about megapixels :D but sensor in performance of low light and color :) m10 is awesome camera but it's not always color stable... m10r and m11 are.
I've been contemplating on getting a monochrom camera for a very long time now and the Leica Q2 Monochrom is really speaking to my imagination. While I love my Fujifilm X100V, which i shoot in black in white for like 99% of the time, it always makes me feel like there's something missing. I want to be taken back to the good old days of film when I was shooting T-Max 400, manipulating the black and white negative in the dark room and I would love to get that feeling in a digital way but a color to black and white conversion has never truly giving the satisfaction. IMHO, I think the Q2 Monochrom can bridge that gap between analog black and white photography and digital black and white photography. Pure and simple for the fact you're not manipulation color values to get grayscale tones to your taste but you're working with luminosity values. From all the sample images and videos I've seen, a color to black and white conversion just doesn't compare, with any camera. Although my GFX does a really good job in that regard, it's not a camera what you could call your "daily". Perhaps i should just take the plunge. Most likely I will not regret spending the money as I would probably love every moment of using that camera.
Oops didn’t mean to press enter. You will love the Q2M if you’re shooting in black and white mostly man. I don’t miss color in any way. If I want to capture color for some reason, I have other cameras for that, most notably my iPhone. Come to the dark side!
I tried the fuji x100v but coming from leica cameras i couldn’t get use to it. A complete different world. The q2m won’t disappoint you. Beautiful b&w images. Just different from the fuji x100v. I sold mine after a month and bought the q2m.
Thanks Frank. Just liked and subscribed. I’m looking at a used, but like new Q2M! I’m a B&W enthusiast and I often select a B&W jpeg simulation to visualize my shots. I’m interested in a single lens monochrome to take my B&W photography to another level. Now that you’ve seen the specs for the Q3 any thoughts on using that camera for both color and B&W? Thanks Frank. I look forward to more videos! Geoff
I’d still pick the Q2M over the Q3. But I’m sure the Q3 also produces nice JPEGs as well. I think the DR would still be better on the Q2M, despite what the spec sheet says, and 47 MP is more than enough resolution for anything. Thanks for watching and subscribing Geoff!
I very nearly picked up the monochrom, but got my hands on a q2 reporter and needed it for a particular occasion. I really enjoy shooting street in B&W as colors can be distracting in a setting you have no control of. I found I could really focus on composition and enjoy the end result. The capability of the q2M sensor is a big draw for me. Maybe when the q3 comes around I can revisit such a purchase. That said the standard q2 was unexpectedly endgame for me. I used to spend so much time dreaming on B&H almost every day until I started using it. Really enjoyed the images you shared here. Enjoy yours in good health. I wish you a speedy recovery.
That’s Seba! I think you could equally enjoy the black and whites of the Q2! It’s a beautiful camera and the black and whites are great too. The Q2M just adds a bit of magic… I can instantly tell the difference based on the transition of the tones… it’s so smooth and so detailed. But you can’t go wrong with either.
@@FrankDavalos I've enjoyed the output of the standard q2 sensor, but some of the sample images I've seen from the monochrom have this depth that's almost spooky. I have no formal training so it's not like the gear is going to make me better, but the Q2M definitely has some extra special Leica magic sprinkled into it. 😁
@@sebastien6483 it’s definitely a special camera man. Even after making this video I don’t think I did a great job of putting it into words. I just love it so much.
Nice video bro about leica Q2 monochrom, and I think the battery of the camera is a little bit longer or better than the leica Q2, and Leica M11, Leica SL2, SL2-S, Leica Q2 have the highlight weighted features to protect the highlight.
Thanks man! I read that some people squeezed over 1,000 shots out of one battery on the Q2…. But I haven’t been able to get even close to that, trying all kinds of different methods. It is what it is I suppose! Cheers man!
@@FrankDavalos it depends on the usage I think, if you use the camera like power on a whole time and didn't take photo it will drain the battery quicker, but if you power on and take photo then turn it off or usr power saver on in the camera settings it can hold much longer battery life. And also you said the EVF only.
Nice vid! I bought the Q2M just over a month ago. This past week my Q2R arrived as its replacment (maybe). Honestly, I love the Q2M. I love B&W. I fully believed that I could go all-in on only having a monochrom sensor for an everyday carry camera, but I think I was wrong. The jury is still out. Love the artistic constraint of the Q2M, but also really loving the practicality of the Q2R for every situation including B&W. I guess I romantized the idea of the Q2M in my head and the romance wore a tad thin around Day 45. How long have you been using the Q2M, Frank? Still in that romance period?
Thanks for watching brother! I got the Q2M in Feb/March I believe, and I’m definitely passed the romance period of it. I have had my bouts with second guessing my choice with it as well… I think it’s because the price tag is so hefty, it’s hard not to question if you are a psychopath for spending $5-6K on a camera that only shoots black and white. But I think the Q2R wouldn’t be the answer for me either way. Prior to making this video, I had my Q2M up for sale and was going to get an M10P, but then I made this video and realized that I really do adore this camera and it helps me focus on creating images that are special to me, and that I don’t need color to capture those moments, I have my iPhone, or my other cameras for that. I appreciate your comment and your time for watching man… let me know if you end up buying a Q2!
@@FrankDavalos the thing I realized I love about the Q2 line is the experience. I want to take it everywhere. Seriously, one of the most fun cameras I’ve used. I did end up buying the Q2R. I have both at the moment. The Q2M currently listed for sale, but I will say… much of me doesn’t want to sell the thing, but have a Q2M + Q2R is crazy town. Taking the Q2R out for its paces into the city tomorrow. We’ll see how it goes.
This is the third video of yours I’ve watched and you and I are seemingly of the same mind! I was actually considering the Q2M as well! I’m currently looking for a fun everyday carry camera to document my kids and life with. I think I’m just scared to go all b&w for the “document life” aspect of my photography. I’m currently rocking the OM Systems OM-1 with 17mm f1.2 and I do love the photos it takes but it’s big and heavy and kind of gets in the way of life. Either an M (was also looking at the M-A) or the Q2M would be perfect as a small simple fun camera to take everywhere. My main question to you is: do you find only having B&W for capturing life limiting? Or do you think B&W may add to the “nostalgic feel” of home photos. Also, if I could only have one camera… I do selfishly think an M-A would be my actual choice…
Thanks for watching man!!! Honestly, the only photos I have of my kids that truly mean something to me are all in black and white anyways. Most phones can take nice snapshots of daily life… but nothing makes a photo like a Q2M. And so far, I’m loving the M-A man. It’s such a special camera, and you learn so much more about photography than you ever could with the MP… at least that’s the way I see it
For some strange reason I sold my Q2M. I need to buy one again because the photos are so good. I have the Q2 and the B&W is just not as good. Brilliant in low light and cropping.
I love my Q2M and can’t see selling it. It’s fun to use, feels great in the hand, is like an old-school film camera, and the image quality is impressive.
I owned a Q2M for a while. I just didn't bond with it for a few reasons. The most frustrating thing was the AF. For a camera that costs as much as it does, it's just bad. Not just compared to flagship cameras, but bad compared to just about any digital camera. For as much as Leica charges for their cameras, they should have A1 quality AF. What you get is A7 quality AF. The biggest deal breaker for me, though, was that the image quality was overhyped. Yes, images are a little cleaner at high ISO. However, I didn't find the lens to be crazy sharp. The sigma 28mm 1.4 is sharper wide open than the Q2m was wide open. I realize that's a much bigger lens, but you can also pick one up these days for $300-400. You also mentioned the lack of USB charging.
if I had the money , yes. but the price is little wild . the quality is amazing from what I’ve heard , but the Q might be a better fit for me at the moment .
I don’t think the price is that wild at all, especially for Leica. But that being said… the Q is amazing too man. I use to have one, and it was a beauty!
I’m going to buy q2 or q2m in next few month. I’m considering these cameras for at least half a year and I still cannot decide which one to pick up! I’ve even downloaded a few raw files from both q2 and q2m to try them in lightroom. the files from q2 at iso below 1600 are stunning, as well as the files from q2m at iso below 6400. it blows my mind how good those files from q2m at such high iso numbers. however colors from q2m under 1600 are amazing. During each day I’m debating with myself which one of them is better for me, but I think at the moment I’m just paralyzed with choice between those two 😅
Yeah, it’s a tough choice for a lot of people. If it’s any constellation, you will rarely ever need to shoot it over 1600 ISO. That being said, it’s also really fun shooting at 12,800 hahaha. I planned on buying and selling the Q2M. I didn’t even consider the notion that I might keep it. After my first day with it and the two or three photos I took, I knew I had to decide which organ 🫁 I was going to sell so that I could keep it. It’s my longest kept Leica! You won’t be disappointed with either camera man. But the Q2M in my mind is just a little more special.
@@FrankDavalos I think maybe I should just buy q2m, shoot it for a couple of months and if I feel like I miss the color then just sell it and buy a regular q2. My main concern is that I’m not that hardcore bw shooter like you, and I mainly shoot black and white in a low light. Otherwise I shoot 80% of my photos in color. That said, once I tried those q2m files in lightroom I was so amazed so now I’m thinking maybe it worth sacrifice colors in order to get such a beautiful images. And obviously the low light capabilities are just out of this world
That’s a good plan. Don’t even look at it like a sacrifice man! The Q2M experience is unbelievable… and even if you change your mind, you’ll forever have an inflated appreciation for monochrome after using it.
@@FrankDavalos after a month of intense decision making, I’ve decided to go with monochrom version. I’ve got it yesterday, and the image quality and the ISO performance are out of this world. And the camera itself feels so good to use. I’ve already produced quite a few decent shots that would be impossible with any other camera, considering how good the final images look like
I have the Q2M i found that other then the high lights clipping (which is totally normal for a monochrom camera), the dynamic range isnt as good as a sony a7rIII(which is another camera I own). So i bought the M10Monochrom and it totaly kicks the butt of the Q2M in dynamic range and post editability. I would say its what the Q2M should have been. but I still keep the Q2M because its fun and simple
Thanks for watching man. I owned the A7RIII for 3 years, love that camera… but I have a different experience with the Q2M and find the dynamic range extremely great. I normally use the curves for editing rather than rely on the sliders. Would love to try the M10M one day for sure, that camera would be a dream!
@@FrankDavalos DXO messured Q2M dynamic range and its not as good at a7rIII or the M10Mono. But that doesnt mean its not a great camera. I found the M10Mono is a completely different expereince to the Q2Mono. The files are easier to edit with the M10Mono but its a harder camera to use but I found that sticking with it meant that i got really goood at taking pictures of people from the hip without looking through the camera which gave me a lot of freedom when it came to taking pictures of people without anyone knowing using the distanct scale on the lens of the 50mm and 24mm summilux lenses . The distance scale on the Q2Mono only goes from 0.3 to 2 meters and then streight to infinity which is not as usefull as the standalong summilux lenses which gives you a larger array of distances to choose from. Q2Mono is definetly a more convenient camera to use if you dont mind the dynamic range of the files.
Hi I'm not sure if an old video like this would even get anymore reply.. But here it go.. So I've tried all camera brands, lost tons of money in the process naturally. Last Leica I've tried was SL but with manual focus lens, other Leica was m240. Currently I'm using Canon r8 and some L series zoom lenses, as well as an old Fujifilm xt1 that I'd never sell. To be quite honest, I'm colorblind. I don't think it's that severe, but during one of those "number behind some dots" tests, I've failed a couple. I've just discover this like 5 years back and I'm like 35+ years old 😂😂 how come I can come to realize this? It was due to my wife (she's a doctor) always complains about photos that I've edited. She always claims that the colors were off, or that this or that doesn't look good, and even saying that the original from the camera looks better (this hurts the most 😅). Then she's jokingly said that I might be color blind, and we did a test that night. I was kinda shocked but to cut the story short.. I now just sticking to the tried and true method of editing a photos from my Canon and Fujifilm based solely on her approval of color temperature/white balance. So far so good until I'm left with wanting more. I feel that I gel better with b&w since I'm not afraid that I'll get judged over my choice of color. However with the pressure of family events, quick result turnaround demanded of me to be posted to social media by my family members, my desire is gone, or more like killed. They won't need a artistic b&w photos, they only need a good looking color photos to be shared for everyone to see. I feel like my inner photography need is starving and neglected. It was the same when I shoot with leica m240. The focusing was quite hard, and there was no wifi to directly send the images. So important moments got lost due to misfocusing and all that. Sorry for the oversharing, I just want to share my inner feeling to someone else that also cares about camera/photography (no one in my family is). However, this thought came across me to sell all of my Canon gears and buy Leica q2 mono. Shoot color with slowass AF, 10 years old fuji xt1, and the rest is my selfish needs. Do I dare to make the trade though? Sigh.. Probably not.. Anyway great video and insight! You're living my dream, photography wise.. Please share if you have time, on what's your family reaction toward you shooting only b&w. Thanks again and cheers
Hi mate, thanks for watching! That is wild that you just discovered you’re colour blind now haha, but better late than never. I would say that my immediate family doesn’t mind at all about photos I take of my family in black and white. All these years later and I still shoot the Q2M all the time. Fuji sounds like a good option for you since they have nice film recipes that sort of bake in a look, and the need to edit is minimal. Ever thought about upgrading your Fuji system?
@@FrankDavalos wow.. Thanks for replying. I thought I'd never get any reply tbh.. I know right? Looking back, Sometimes people see something (in color of course) and said that it's beautiful when I don't see anything good about it.. Maybe it's due to I'm missing some color information 😂 That's really nice to hear that your family don't mind you shooting in b&w. I think I ought to have 2 cameras in any event (but this means weight and clutter). At least 1 for customary photo gathering/session, the rest is candid using the b&w.. Or something like that.. The hassle though.. Sigh.. Another thing that I'm struggling though, even though I will be shooting (b&w) for myself, it'd be nice to have someone else's appreciation for my photos too.. But it seems that my immediate family doesn't really care about b&w.. 😐 As for Fujifilm upgrade, I'll pass I guess.. I've tried xt2, xpro 2, xs1, and gfx 50s mark I. Other than the gfx, I don't feel that I'm getting much improvement in terms of picture quality. I feel it's still the same images, and if anything the image coming from the xtrans ii (my xt1) is much more organic to me, thus my reason on keeping it forever. I also kind of giving up with Fujifilm's autofocusing ability. I feel that from what I've seen online, even the latest one aren't to the sony/Canon level. My kids are too small to be able to tell them to stay still, at 2&6 years old, decent AF (continuous) is still going to be my need. Thanks for the reply again!
I don’t do long exposures but I asked around to some people that do. It’s my assumption that the NR is only applied to the JPG and not the DNG file when shooting. I’m not 100% on that but usually the DNG file is unfettered by settings like that. The firmware of Q2 and Q2M are the same so both cameras would function identically apart from the Monochrom sensor!
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Is funny that I am watching all this videos because of the same reason. I want to take pictures of my daughters when is late and there is no much light. Usually falling sleep or watching tv. I think: I wish there is a way to remover this magic moments.
Hi frank Davalos my I know for the Q2M or Q2 can recording video for how many minutes or hour. If example can record 1 hour can record continuously or have to stop 30 minutes then after that continue again a few hour later Tks you hope can reply me I am interested to purchase. Tks you
@@FrankDavalos Hi frank davalos tks for yr reply befor I view a canon R7. And they mansion some canon camera can record 30 minute then heated after that and canon R7 can record continuously 2 hrs. Then at that time I though want to purchase canon. Camera. After I saw Leica camera specially Q2 the image and videos Quality excellent and perfect. That make me want to purchase Leica Q2 but waiting if Q3 coming up. That why I want to check the video can record continuously 1 hours or when record 30 minute the camera get heated. Tks for yr feedback. For yr info is I’am a beginner. Tks
@@LenSaPrinz I would probably go with a Canon or Sony for video. The A6400 or A6600 can record unlimited footage, and is way cheaper than a Q2. For a beginner, I wouldn’t go with the Q2!
Its unfortunate that there are many lab to print piezo Monochrome pri t or platinum print.Only seei g it in monitor is wasting the range a monichrome sensor could render
I appreciate everything you said about the camera. but if you go back and listen to your presentation you will be able to count quite a few really serious issues with the Q2 M that sounds like reasons NOT to buy the camera? The battery issue is one that is a pain but still not too much to worry about. But the quirky untrusted focus is a really BIG TIME fault in that camera. Also I would check with others who use the camera to see if it is really true about the camera not being good with highlight or bringing back highlights. Perhaps you should try to bracket your exposures so that you get a full 7 to 10 zones from dark to middle grey to detailed highlights. Some of your night shots looked great but tons of the other shots looked under exposed. or at least too dark to me to be able to enjoy the overall scenes. Not trying to criticize you but I personally did not see details enough to enjoy the richness of the shadows. Also you did not mention the weight of the camera which is quite brick like and slippery. It is also not so easy to push the button that gives you frame lines. That button is flat out subpar. It's also not that easy to manually focus which slows one down. I applaud the beautiful photos of your children and your family. They are gorgeous. I would love to see you try out bracketing your exposures to see if you can get the full capability out of that sensor. Whenever you talked about those highlight shadow differences you did play photos but you did not explain why you showed so many very darkish photos. I would love to have heard about why you liked each photo and what you think made that photo successful etc. etc. Thanks for listening. You definitely have a great eye and you did say you wanted to hear from others. So I wanted to send you some feedback! Thanks for taking the time to give us your honest opinions which I really enjoyed hearing. je
Also a great camera man! I’ve always wanted to try one of those out. Out of all the digital Ms, the M240 interests me the least, but the 246 I think would be great!
@@FrankDavalos i had the 246. But getting older manual focussing became harder. Love b&w so chose the q2m. Love it. Had to get use to the 28mm. Having only always used the 50mm for years.
@@julia-ir4wg totally! I would love to try the M246, or even just the M Monochrom (M9)… but I still don’t think I could give up the Q2M. I too had to get used to 28mm, and I’m actually really starting to love the focal length!
@@FrankDavalos i have had the m9 as well. Exchanged it for the 246. Loved the image of the m9 and wished i had enough pocket money to have kept that one.
I used to shoot BW most of the time as well until I got Leica Monochrom after a year I realised that I cannot live without color and my most recent work is focused on the color itsels. My point is changing your mind is Ok. Great video! Thanks for sharing you thoughts.
I agree with you in everything you mention in this video. I sold my Q after using both that and the Q2M. A year later, I have no doubts, the Leica Q2 Monochrom is the best camera I've ever used! The files are amazing.
Came across this on the Q2M Facebook group. Always good to find fellow S=Q2M enthusiasts, especially ones from Canada 🙂
Thanks for watching man! I’m on the hunt for another Q2M right now, so if you see anything send it my way!
Fully agree. I bought my Q2M reporter 3 months ago and even my regular Q2 gets seldom used these days. The monochrom with yellow, orange and red filters delivers such stunning images, it blows my mind. My M10 R gets still used, though the Q2M gets always picked up first. I just might get the M10 monochrom in the future or wait for the M11 monochrom. Greetings from Germany
I would love to have an M10M. One of my buddies sold his and he’s regretted it ever since. Thanks for your comment and for watching Wolfgang!
@@FrankDavalos Visited Leica HQ in Wetzlar after Easter, was almost alone. They offered to loan me a M10 M with a 35 summicron and let me shoot this around old town Wetzlar half a day. Wonderful experience. Happy shooting with your Q2M, Frank.
@@wolfgangpieper4530 haha :D I own q2m and m10m atm :D and I am not sure which one to keep :D on one hand I have 24lux for my m10m (my fav lens) plus 35mm apo on the way :D but q2m is a different more fun camera for toying around :D
@@wolfgangpieper4530 sounds like a dream my man! Would love to return to Germany soon. One of my favourite countries on earth!
What covid ? Here in Australia most peoples had covid and no one care about staying home , most are go to work as normal . The unnormal is someone’s hasn’t had covid . Love the Q Monochrom, fantastic camera .
Excellent points across the board. When I understood how much more of the sensor was working towards capturing unique data, and not being split into multitasking that process, like with a colour sensor, I finally got it, as to why the monochrome variants exist and are so revered.
The day I buy a Leica it will likely be a Q3 or a used Q2, once the Q3 drops; however, the Q2M would likely then jump to the top of my list.
Come to the dark side my friend!
I just love My Q2M and yes I really had to think if I should take the Q2 or the Q2M because of the lack of colour. I am so happy that I took the chance. Battery life is fine by me, if I am longer out I take a second battery with me. For the rest I fully agree. Thing is, once you shoot with it and you see the IQ, every argument about getting a Fuji X100 or so instantly disappears :D
Couldn’t agree more man. Whenever I see a file from the Q2M, I just can’t look at my other cameras the same haha
After watching your video about Leica q2. I am very much happy now because I went with Leica q2 instead of Leica q2 monochrome. Thanks
I bought the Q2M a few months ago. I thought I would never let go of my M Monochrom (M9) but I finally did. The files from the Q2M have a very organic feel, something I loved with my M Monochrom, and never thought would be possible with a CMOS sensor, but Leica has exceeded my expectations. I suspect I won’t be going back to being a Leica M photographer. This camera is the new M for me.
That’s great man! I have the regular m9 and enjoy the experience of that camera a lot. But you’re very right about the Q2M… the files don’t look like CMOS files
Bought my Q2M a year ago and never looked back. I agree with everything you said. Definitely changed how I see the world. I have, however started to get a bit of fomo about lack of color. But then I take another great shot and all those thoughts fade away. Thanks for the video.
Exactly man! When In doubt, just use the camera haha 😂
Thanks for your open and honest thoughts about the Q2M. I got the Q2 and I'm not offended, and if anyone does get upset at you expressing your opinion about cameras has bigger problems than it is worth discussing. I needed the versatility of a carry around camera for all things and that's why I chose the Q2. The BW is passable and I'm considering a used Q2M down the road when the Q3 comes out and the prices might drop. Just too much for a third camera as I have an M as well. Great job and sorry you had to fight off covid there for awhile.
Thanks Gerry! I appreciate your thoughtful comment and I think your plan of attack is a brilliant one. Also the Q2 BW is definitely passable. I’ve seen some beautiful BW from that camera! We all know it has very little to do with the camera anyways… I’m just an enthusiast that adores all cameras! Well… most.
Frank, thank you for your photography (and YT channel of course)
I shoot with the Q2M, and for all, and more, the reasons you highlight, I agree the Monochrom-only makes it a superbly excellent camera...but...for a fundamental reason not mentioned is the mindset, the “how you see” point-of -view, of the photographer.
I found with the Q2 Monochrom I “saw” my world in shapes of light, patterns and textures. You don’t see this way with a “regular” camera. Now that I’m a Monochrom kind a guy-I’ll (most likely) never go back. Monochom eliminates the prejudice of color.
I totally agree with you! I suppose I didn’t mention it because that’s how my perspective has been for a number of years, as I shoot primarily black and white film… I’ve seen in black and white for a long time, but you’re totally right… the Q2M completely changes your mindset on color, on composition, on light.
Thanks so much for watching 🙏🙏🙏 appreciate you and your time a lot!
I've had my eye on the Q2M for some time and you really put me over the fence! Great insight. Thanks!
Yeehaw. It’s still my favourite man!
Nice review Frank! I’m a Q2 shooter but would love to get monochrome camera. Been drooling over the M10M.
Thanks Tony! I owned the M10M for a couple of months. Wonderful camera. I had to let it go in favour of the Q2M however! Sometimes you just connect with a camera, and the reasons why aren’t so important!
I actually got the Q2M as a Christmas present in Dec 2020. Absolutely loved shooting it especially in low light. Unfortunately it was stolen 3 months later and decided to go with the Q2 instead thinking it would give me the colour versatility (which it did) and converting to b&w post production. Sadly didn’t quite turn out like that (especially in very low light). Nevertheless I will wait for the next generation Q mono… my best camera ever was the one I owned over 30 years ago - M6 with the noctilux 50m f1,shooting with b&w film!
Love that. Sorry that it got stolen, that’s terrible. I agree with you, the best camera I own in my Leica MP loaded up with black and white film!
Hello, went to the Leica store in Paris last month and let me borrow the Q2M for a few days to make up my decision. I ended up purchasing the Q2 Reporter. I love monochrome but still need color. The guy at the Leica store basically told me that if you shoot more than 80% in monochrome than it's a no brainer, otherwise you might miss color. I think his advices made sense. But I agree the monochrome is insanely sharp, details are incredible... Get well
Thanks Laurent! Yeah for sure I understand why people want color… but me, I shoot like 90% black and white. I agree that’s great advice! I’m sure you’ll enjoy the Q2 Reporter!
Amazing video! I’ll be opting for the Q2 but wasn’t curious about the Q2M. You’ve done a great job of conveying the best parts of this camera. All good points and great to watch!
Thanks so much for watching Dan! Appreciate your time a lot and thanks for the lovely comment 🤙🏼
thx for your video, saving up for a leica Q. but torn between the Q2 and the Q monochrom, so your video has been extremely helpful. zen billings canada
You already know my answer Zen! Cheers from Regina!
Normal q2 user here,
Frank summed it up really well in this video. Probably one of the most accurate user reviews on RUclips I've seen.
I personally havn't had much issues with the battery performance, but not having usb-c charging can be a frustration for sure.
I will say I do envy the low light performance of the q2m. The q2's image quality falls off at and after iso 1600.
Other than that, I'm loving this camera.
Thanks for watching man! Both are great cameras, but I have others that sit in place of a Q2! Nothing sits in place of the Q2M
I just got my standard Q2 and i absolutely love it. I wish the images were cleaner at 6400 ISO, but anything below that is absolutely stunning!
The Q2M has been a game changer for me. Best digital camera I’ve ever owned. I like it almost as much as my MP.
Same as me on all fronts haha. I love my MP just a toot more though. But both are just so great.
I wanted to get back into photographing after a dry period. I wanted to get high quality everyday carry and Qs are the only one in town (yea yea Fuji 100 but... miss full frame from old old days). So got in Q3 line and since I was doomed to be there a long time I got to think.. so canceled and got a Q2M. Been four days of magic even if my shots are not (yet) :D Agree with all in this video, only reason I will save for the Q3M (yea that will happen) is NOT the higher resolution and dynamic range (that is amazing enough allready thank you) but USB C charging and flippable lcd (yea I take a hit on the leica look, getting old). So glad I did not get the Q3. The love is back even battery life sucks big time!
My thought process is almost exactly as yours is man! USB-C charging would be a game changer, though I find the tiltable screen ruins the design a bit, I’ve yet to see one in person so don’t want to say too much about the design until I can see it in person!
I’m rocking a Fuji Xpro 3 and loving it, but the Q2M is on my list. A friend has one and raves.
The Xpro 3 is amazing man! Don’t need much more than that!
Thanks for this video, the photos look great! Yeah, the joy of this camera is really that it gives you night vision!
I’ve had pretty good luck with the battery life, I carry my Q2M every day, and only charge it about once a week or so, but I really only shoot perhaps 200-300 shots a week.
Do you use color filters? I didn’t think I’d use them much, but I tried a 25A red filter, and now it’s on my lens 95% of the time, just really pops the contrast for street and portraits.
The one thing I never see people mention is what a fantastic value the Q2M is if one is in the market for a pure monochrome digital camera.
Yeah man it is incredible value. Sees in the dark, has one of the greatest lenses of all time, and has a powerful sensor!
As for colour filters, I have an orange b+w filter basically on it whenever I’m outside and not making photos of people… I will probably eventually get the yellow, red and green pairings I think as well. Been shooting this camera for close to 8 months now, and the novelty still hasn’t wore off… it’s still one of my favourite digital cameras of all time!
I love my Q2M. Although not perfect it is one of my all time favourites for the same reasons you love yours. I saw you post the for sale and I would have jumped on the deal you had. I noticed you are living in Moose Jaw. I loved living in Moose Jaw. Had I known you needed a charger. I would have lent you mine. Wonderful video and keep creating images. Chers!
Hey thanks man and thanks for the kind words. That’s rad you used to live in Moose Jaw! That’s my hometown. I live in Regina now, with hopes to make my way out to Calgary at some point in the next few years. Thanks for subscribing, I appreciate you man! 🫶
I don't have a Leica yet. You made a very convincing video for the camera. I like it that you don't talk too fast for these old ears. I didn't need captions on screen. I believe Leica has a winner here. Get well soon. Wear a mask and wash your hands. This Covid thing is not ever going to let us free. God bless.
Thanks so much John! I appreciate the time it took to watch and leave a comment. I’m feeling much better. Wishing you all the best my friend!
Wow !! Wot a delicious wonderful camera, n the shots u hv taken with it are just beautiful, Congrats !! (One amusing aside, I used to shoot b&w film, which just meant u put a roll of HP5 or Tri-X into the camera instead of a colour roll, u didn’t need to go to the flooring extent of hvg to buy a Q2 and a Q2M …. Progress, huh ?! ).
Haha thanks man. I still shoot B&W film every day man! Nothing will replace that!
I chose the q2 because I am a color shooter , also my clients expect color. I would love to try the mono as well though , the results I saw were amazing
I have goosebumbs looking at this images
Thank you for your review. I’ve been eyeballing the Q2M for a long time now. I do have a Q2. Bought it not so long before the Q3 came out. But had a good deal on the new price. The Q2 is a nice camera but I’m not perse in awe. I’m on the fence about the Q2M. It’s a 2020 camera, so 4 years old, and yes, no usb-c charging, no flip screen. I don’t care about the Q3’s 60 megapixel. My oh my. Such a difficult decision to make. Second hand prizes are still pretty high. So then I think I might as well save up for a M10M, but these are still very expensive too. And then you need a great lens to go with it. I’m undecided, can’t seem to make up my mind.
I had the M10M and sold it. Still have the Q2M. Not sure if it helps make up your mind, but in my opinion, out if all the Q’s… the Q2M is the only one that still blows my mind in a regular basis.
Nice, im a colour shooter myself with digital, but more BW with film, until now i still haven’t thought of losing colour but love to see your video, GWS frank!
Come to the dark side my friend! You won’t regret it.
Thank you for watching man!
Great review with fine samples of work mate. Liked and subbed. Three weeks ago I bought the Q2 I really fancied the Q2M as I shoot a lot of people and almost always convert to mono, however I do shoot landscapes too so figured for the price I have the back up of colour when needed. Two weeks ago I fried my Q2 at a laser show it's now on route to German for a new sensor. One day ago I bought a used and damaged Q, the rear LCD doesn't work, a bit like my brain cell at the moment. I'll use the Q maybe even fix the LCD ad value then sell on once the ill fated Q2 returns in 4 months or so. Been an emotional October so far...
Damn! That’s tough. I guess it’s all uphill from here? If the LCD is bum on the Q, that might actually add to the fun of it! Thanks for watching man! Appreciate you
You can maybe convince yourself that the images you get from something like a Fuji X100 are close enough that the Q2M isn't worth the *much* higher price, but not when you need to capture motion at night. The Q2M is almost magical in this regard, and worth every single penny.
People who try to convince themselves of that just haven’t used a Q2M
@@FrankDavalos You're right, but that's not to say you can't get great images from something like an X100 (I'm more than happy with some of my old work with an X100S). The common complaint isn't that the images aren't superior but they aren't x thousand dollars/pounds *more* superior. I'd disagree, but I wouldn't deny that it's a subjective value judgment. What *isn't* subjective is its low light performance - it simply captures images that would otherwise be impossible.
@@Dangerousdaze totally man. I love the X100 series cameras and I think they’re great cameras. I own an X100V and it’s one of my most used cameras. I could probably justify the price difference between my Q2M and my X100V, but I don’t see a point because it’s okay to just love both cameras regardless of specs, price, etc. And yeah man. The low light of the Q2M and M10M is just simply unbeatable.
I own both the q2 and q2m and honestly they aren’t the same. I think for most people the q2 is the right choice but once you see the files from the monochrome, well they just have a quality to them that black and white conversion doesn’t match. In my view it’s less about iq and much more the tonality that makes the monochrome files so special. They have a painterly look that is lovely. For me I often think of selling my q2 as it doesn’t see the use it deserves. The Q2M is just a special camera
I could not agree more! Tonality is exactly what it is. Nothing captures real life better.
You make great honest videos, thanks :)
Thanks for watching Jess! Appreciate your time 🙏🙏🙏
Hi Frank, your video convinced me to buy a Q2M.. In fact the camera is in the mail. In the introduction to this video I see you attaching a filter to the camera. Please tell me what kind of filter is it? Thank you very much and have a nice Christmas,
That’s awesome! You will not regret it! I really only use two filters… a B+W UV filter (80% of the time) and a Tiffen Glimmer Glass 1 the other 20% - I sometimes use a yellow and orange B+W filter but very rarely as I’m usually taking photos of people!
I own the Q2M and it has amazing iq. I also own the M11. The Q2M rides with the M11 as my everyday kit. I also own the Sony A7r4 and I agree with your comments on IQ. If I need a full array of lenses or fast accurate auto focus, I’ll shoot the Sony. But I rather shoot the Leica. 😎
What a kit! The M11 is too expensive for me to consider, as I don't know how much extra value it would give me compared to something like an M10 -- But if I was made of money, I'd have them all! haha
@@FrankDavalos lots of extra value but little compared to m10r :D
@@blazeboy777 I disagree! I’m not the guy that needs more megapixels beyond 24 Mp…. And that perspective is coming from 5 years of shooting with the Sony A7R3… it’s a nice to have sometimes, but I actually find that the best images I have ever made have been on cameras that don’t have all that extra resolution. But to each their own… we are all different and place value on our cameras a little bit differently!
@@FrankDavalos I am not talking about megapixels :D but sensor in performance of low light and color :) m10 is awesome camera but it's not always color stable... m10r and m11 are.
@@FrankDavalos plus base iso 64 on m11 and 100 on m10r
I've been contemplating on getting a monochrom camera for a very long time now and the Leica Q2 Monochrom is really speaking to my imagination. While I love my Fujifilm X100V, which i shoot in black in white for like 99% of the time, it always makes me feel like there's something missing. I want to be taken back to the good old days of film when I was shooting T-Max 400, manipulating the black and white negative in the dark room and I would love to get that feeling in a digital way but a color to black and white conversion has never truly giving the satisfaction. IMHO, I think the Q2 Monochrom can bridge that gap between analog black and white photography and digital black and white photography. Pure and simple for the fact you're not manipulation color values to get grayscale tones to your taste but you're working with luminosity values. From all the sample images and videos I've seen, a color to black and white conversion just doesn't compare, with any camera. Although my GFX does a really good job in that regard, it's not a camera what you could call your "daily". Perhaps i should just take the plunge. Most likely I will not regret spending the money as I would probably love every moment of using that camera.
I feel the same dude. I love the X100 series of cameras, and the next video Is about that camera… but I’m just not using it that much anymore.
Oops didn’t mean to press enter. You will love the Q2M if you’re shooting in black and white mostly man. I don’t miss color in any way. If I want to capture color for some reason, I have other cameras for that, most notably my iPhone. Come to the dark side!
I tried the fuji x100v but coming from leica cameras i couldn’t get use to it. A complete different world. The q2m won’t disappoint you. Beautiful b&w images. Just different from the fuji x100v. I sold mine after a month and bought the q2m.
@@julia-ir4wg I tried it 3 times haha - I love that camera but I just bought a Leica M9 and loved it a little more!
@@FrankDavalos OMG you just bought the M9... ? Awesome man. ... down the rabbit hole :)
I purchased a M10M and 28mm Summilux. I also have a M10R so it’s the best of all.
Thanks Frank. Just liked and subscribed. I’m looking at a used, but like new Q2M! I’m a B&W enthusiast and I often select a B&W jpeg simulation to visualize my shots. I’m interested in a single lens monochrome to take my B&W photography to another level. Now that you’ve seen the specs for the Q3 any thoughts on using that camera for both color and B&W? Thanks Frank. I look forward to more videos! Geoff
I’d still pick the Q2M over the Q3. But I’m sure the Q3 also produces nice JPEGs as well. I think the DR would still be better on the Q2M, despite what the spec sheet says, and 47 MP is more than enough resolution for anything. Thanks for watching and subscribing Geoff!
Great video! Recent Q2M owner here. Just curious: I’m assuming you used no filter inside and an orange filter for the outdoor moments?
Yeah for the most part, sometimes I’ll throw a glimmer glass filter on it and very rarely a black pro most filter
I very nearly picked up the monochrom, but got my hands on a q2 reporter and needed it for a particular occasion. I really enjoy shooting street in B&W as colors can be distracting in a setting you have no control of. I found I could really focus on composition and enjoy the end result. The capability of the q2M sensor is a big draw for me. Maybe when the q3 comes around I can revisit such a purchase. That said the standard q2 was unexpectedly endgame for me. I used to spend so much time dreaming on B&H almost every day until I started using it. Really enjoyed the images you shared here. Enjoy yours in good health. I wish you a speedy recovery.
That’s Seba! I think you could equally enjoy the black and whites of the Q2! It’s a beautiful camera and the black and whites are great too. The Q2M just adds a bit of magic… I can instantly tell the difference based on the transition of the tones… it’s so smooth and so detailed. But you can’t go wrong with either.
@@FrankDavalos I've enjoyed the output of the standard q2 sensor, but some of the sample images I've seen from the monochrom have this depth that's almost spooky. I have no formal training so it's not like the gear is going to make me better, but the Q2M definitely has some extra special Leica magic sprinkled into it. 😁
@@sebastien6483 it’s definitely a special camera man. Even after making this video I don’t think I did a great job of putting it into words. I just love it so much.
Get well soon!
Thanks Terry! We are finally all back to good health. Though with two little babies, by the time you read this we could all be sick again haha
Nice video bro about leica Q2 monochrom, and I think the battery of the camera is a little bit longer or better than the leica Q2, and Leica M11, Leica SL2, SL2-S, Leica Q2 have the highlight weighted features to protect the highlight.
Thanks man! I read that some people squeezed over 1,000 shots out of one battery on the Q2…. But I haven’t been able to get even close to that, trying all kinds of different methods. It is what it is I suppose! Cheers man!
@@FrankDavalos it depends on the usage I think, if you use the camera like power on a whole time and didn't take photo it will drain the battery quicker, but if you power on and take photo then turn it off or usr power saver on in the camera settings it can hold much longer battery life. And also you said the EVF only.
Nice vid! I bought the Q2M just over a month ago. This past week my Q2R arrived as its replacment (maybe). Honestly, I love the Q2M. I love B&W. I fully believed that I could go all-in on only having a monochrom sensor for an everyday carry camera, but I think I was wrong. The jury is still out.
Love the artistic constraint of the Q2M, but also really loving the practicality of the Q2R for every situation including B&W.
I guess I romantized the idea of the Q2M in my head and the romance wore a tad thin around Day 45.
How long have you been using the Q2M, Frank? Still in that romance period?
Thanks for watching brother! I got the Q2M in Feb/March I believe, and I’m definitely passed the romance period of it. I have had my bouts with second guessing my choice with it as well… I think it’s because the price tag is so hefty, it’s hard not to question if you are a psychopath for spending $5-6K on a camera that only shoots black and white. But I think the Q2R wouldn’t be the answer for me either way. Prior to making this video, I had my Q2M up for sale and was going to get an M10P, but then I made this video and realized that I really do adore this camera and it helps me focus on creating images that are special to me, and that I don’t need color to capture those moments, I have my iPhone, or my other cameras for that. I appreciate your comment and your time for watching man… let me know if you end up buying a Q2!
@@FrankDavalos the thing I realized I love about the Q2 line is the experience. I want to take it everywhere. Seriously, one of the most fun cameras I’ve used.
I did end up buying the Q2R. I have both at the moment. The Q2M currently listed for sale, but I will say… much of me doesn’t want to sell the thing, but have a Q2M + Q2R is crazy town.
Taking the Q2R out for its paces into the city tomorrow. We’ll see how it goes.
@@KevinFremon what is q2r? q2 reporter?
@@blazeboy777 Yep, The Reporter version.
@@KevinFremon just tell me something ... does q2r feels on par in image quality department of Q2M...
This is the third video of yours I’ve watched and you and I are seemingly of the same mind! I was actually considering the Q2M as well! I’m currently looking for a fun everyday carry camera to document my kids and life with. I think I’m just scared to go all b&w for the “document life” aspect of my photography. I’m currently rocking the OM Systems OM-1 with 17mm f1.2 and I do love the photos it takes but it’s big and heavy and kind of gets in the way of life. Either an M (was also looking at the M-A) or the Q2M would be perfect as a small simple fun camera to take everywhere.
My main question to you is: do you find only having B&W for capturing life limiting? Or do you think B&W may add to the “nostalgic feel” of home photos. Also, if I could only have one camera… I do selfishly think an M-A would be my actual choice…
Thanks for watching man!!! Honestly, the only photos I have of my kids that truly mean something to me are all in black and white anyways. Most phones can take nice snapshots of daily life… but nothing makes a photo like a Q2M. And so far, I’m loving the M-A man. It’s such a special camera, and you learn so much more about photography than you ever could with the MP… at least that’s the way I see it
@@FrankDavalos thanks for the reply! I’ll save my pennys
I got both q2m and q2 , they’re that good.
richie rich:-)
sold. Thank you for this video!!
Thanks for watching! Come to the dark side! 🏴☠️
For some strange reason I sold my Q2M. I need to buy one again because the photos are so good. I have the Q2 and the B&W is just not as good. Brilliant in low light and cropping.
Come back to the Dark Side
I love my Q2M and can’t see selling it. It’s fun to use, feels great in the hand, is like an old-school film camera, and the image quality is impressive.
I owned a Q2M for a while. I just didn't bond with it for a few reasons. The most frustrating thing was the AF. For a camera that costs as much as it does, it's just bad. Not just compared to flagship cameras, but bad compared to just about any digital camera. For as much as Leica charges for their cameras, they should have A1 quality AF. What you get is A7 quality AF. The biggest deal breaker for me, though, was that the image quality was overhyped. Yes, images are a little cleaner at high ISO. However, I didn't find the lens to be crazy sharp. The sigma 28mm 1.4 is sharper wide open than the Q2m was wide open. I realize that's a much bigger lens, but you can also pick one up these days for $300-400. You also mentioned the lack of USB charging.
To each their own my friend! Thank you for watching 🙏
For $300 per battery, why would Leica want you to be able to get by with one battery?
if I had the money , yes. but the price is little wild . the quality is amazing from what I’ve heard , but the Q might be a better fit for me at the moment .
I don’t think the price is that wild at all, especially for Leica. But that being said… the Q is amazing too man. I use to have one, and it was a beauty!
I’m going to buy q2 or q2m in next few month. I’m considering these cameras for at least half a year and I still cannot decide which one to pick up! I’ve even downloaded a few raw files from both q2 and q2m to try them in lightroom. the files from q2 at iso below 1600 are stunning, as well as the files from q2m at iso below 6400. it blows my mind how good those files from q2m at such high iso numbers. however colors from q2m under 1600 are amazing. During each day I’m debating with myself which one of them is better for me, but I think at the moment I’m just paralyzed with choice between those two 😅
Yeah, it’s a tough choice for a lot of people. If it’s any constellation, you will rarely ever need to shoot it over 1600 ISO.
That being said, it’s also really fun shooting at 12,800 hahaha.
I planned on buying and selling the Q2M. I didn’t even consider the notion that I might keep it. After my first day with it and the two or three photos I took, I knew I had to decide which organ 🫁 I was going to sell so that I could keep it. It’s my longest kept Leica!
You won’t be disappointed with either camera man. But the Q2M in my mind is just a little more special.
And by constellation I of course mean consolation lololol
@@FrankDavalos I think maybe I should just buy q2m, shoot it for a couple of months and if I feel like I miss the color then just sell it and buy a regular q2.
My main concern is that I’m not that hardcore bw shooter like you, and I mainly shoot black and white in a low light. Otherwise I shoot 80% of my photos in color. That said, once I tried those q2m files in lightroom I was so amazed so now I’m thinking maybe it worth sacrifice colors in order to get such a beautiful images. And obviously the low light capabilities are just out of this world
That’s a good plan. Don’t even look at it like a sacrifice man! The Q2M experience is unbelievable… and even if you change your mind, you’ll forever have an inflated appreciation for monochrome after using it.
@@FrankDavalos after a month of intense decision making, I’ve decided to go with monochrom version. I’ve got it yesterday, and the image quality and the ISO performance are out of this world. And the camera itself feels so good to use. I’ve already produced quite a few decent shots that would be impossible with any other camera, considering how good the final images look like
I have the Q2M i found that other then the high lights clipping (which is totally normal for a monochrom camera), the dynamic range isnt as good as a sony a7rIII(which is another camera I own). So i bought the M10Monochrom and it totaly kicks the butt of the Q2M in dynamic range and post editability. I would say its what the Q2M should have been. but I still keep the Q2M because its fun and simple
also your Q2M pictures are really nice by the way.
Thanks for watching man. I owned the A7RIII for 3 years, love that camera… but I have a different experience with the Q2M and find the dynamic range extremely great. I normally use the curves for editing rather than rely on the sliders. Would love to try the M10M one day for sure, that camera would be a dream!
@@FrankDavalos DXO messured Q2M dynamic range and its not as good at a7rIII or the M10Mono. But that doesnt mean its not a great camera.
I found the M10Mono is a completely different expereince to the Q2Mono. The files are easier to edit with the M10Mono but its a harder camera to use but I found that sticking with it meant that i got really goood at taking pictures of people from the hip without looking through the camera which gave me a lot of freedom when it came to taking pictures of people without anyone knowing using the distanct scale on the lens of the 50mm and 24mm summilux lenses . The distance scale on the Q2Mono only goes from 0.3 to 2 meters and then streight to infinity which is not as usefull as the standalong summilux lenses which gives you a larger array of distances to choose from.
Q2Mono is definetly a more convenient camera to use if you dont mind the dynamic range of the files.
Hi
I'm not sure if an old video like this would even get anymore reply.. But here it go..
So I've tried all camera brands, lost tons of money in the process naturally. Last Leica I've tried was SL but with manual focus lens, other Leica was m240. Currently I'm using Canon r8 and some L series zoom lenses, as well as an old Fujifilm xt1 that I'd never sell.
To be quite honest, I'm colorblind. I don't think it's that severe, but during one of those "number behind some dots" tests, I've failed a couple. I've just discover this like 5 years back and I'm like 35+ years old 😂😂 how come I can come to realize this? It was due to my wife (she's a doctor) always complains about photos that I've edited.
She always claims that the colors were off, or that this or that doesn't look good, and even saying that the original from the camera looks better (this hurts the most 😅). Then she's jokingly said that I might be color blind, and we did a test that night. I was kinda shocked but to cut the story short.. I now just sticking to the tried and true method of editing a photos from my Canon and Fujifilm based solely on her approval of color temperature/white balance. So far so good until I'm left with wanting more.
I feel that I gel better with b&w since I'm not afraid that I'll get judged over my choice of color. However with the pressure of family events, quick result turnaround demanded of me to be posted to social media by my family members, my desire is gone, or more like killed. They won't need a artistic b&w photos, they only need a good looking color photos to be shared for everyone to see. I feel like my inner photography need is starving and neglected. It was the same when I shoot with leica m240. The focusing was quite hard, and there was no wifi to directly send the images. So important moments got lost due to misfocusing and all that.
Sorry for the oversharing, I just want to share my inner feeling to someone else that also cares about camera/photography (no one in my family is).
However, this thought came across me to sell all of my Canon gears and buy Leica q2 mono. Shoot color with slowass AF, 10 years old fuji xt1, and the rest is my selfish needs. Do I dare to make the trade though? Sigh.. Probably not..
Anyway great video and insight! You're living my dream, photography wise.. Please share if you have time, on what's your family reaction toward you shooting only b&w.
Thanks again and cheers
Hi mate, thanks for watching! That is wild that you just discovered you’re colour blind now haha, but better late than never. I would say that my immediate family doesn’t mind at all about photos I take of my family in black and white. All these years later and I still shoot the Q2M all the time. Fuji sounds like a good option for you since they have nice film recipes that sort of bake in a look, and the need to edit is minimal. Ever thought about upgrading your Fuji system?
@@FrankDavalos wow.. Thanks for replying. I thought I'd never get any reply tbh..
I know right? Looking back, Sometimes people see something (in color of course) and said that it's beautiful when I don't see anything good about it.. Maybe it's due to I'm missing some color information 😂
That's really nice to hear that your family don't mind you shooting in b&w. I think I ought to have 2 cameras in any event (but this means weight and clutter). At least 1 for customary photo gathering/session, the rest is candid using the b&w.. Or something like that.. The hassle though.. Sigh..
Another thing that I'm struggling though, even though I will be shooting (b&w) for myself, it'd be nice to have someone else's appreciation for my photos too.. But it seems that my immediate family doesn't really care about b&w.. 😐
As for Fujifilm upgrade, I'll pass I guess.. I've tried xt2, xpro 2, xs1, and gfx 50s mark I. Other than the gfx, I don't feel that I'm getting much improvement in terms of picture quality. I feel it's still the same images, and if anything the image coming from the xtrans ii (my xt1) is much more organic to me, thus my reason on keeping it forever. I also kind of giving up with Fujifilm's autofocusing ability. I feel that from what I've seen online, even the latest one aren't to the sony/Canon level. My kids are too small to be able to tell them to stay still, at 2&6 years old, decent AF (continuous) is still going to be my need.
Thanks for the reply again!
If you do long exposures with the Q2M, does it force dark frames and baked in noise reduction (at the cost of detail) like they do on the normal Q2?
I don’t do long exposures but I asked around to some people that do. It’s my assumption that the NR is only applied to the JPG and not the DNG file when shooting. I’m not 100% on that but usually the DNG file is unfettered by settings like that. The firmware of Q2 and Q2M are the same so both cameras would function identically apart from the Monochrom sensor!
Is funny that I am watching all this videos because of the same reason. I want to take pictures of my daughters when is late and there is no much light. Usually falling sleep or watching tv. I think: I wish there is a way to remover this magic moments.
La mejor cámara que hay para esos momentos!
Great video
for users of the q2m - what toning option do you mainly shoot with
Selenium or sepia usually, both on weak… but I probably only tone the JPEGs 15% of the time
Is there a B&W printer that pairs with the Q2M?
That’s an interesting question that would be worth investigating! Sorry I don’t have a better answer for you
Get a nitecore usb charger. The only charger I take on trips
Hi frank Davalos my I know for the Q2M or Q2 can recording video for how many minutes or hour. If example can record 1 hour can record continuously or have to stop 30 minutes then after that continue again a few hour later Tks you hope can reply me I am interested to purchase. Tks you
Hi Prinz. I don’t believe there’s a recording limit!
@@FrankDavalos
Hi frank davalos tks for yr reply befor I view a canon R7. And they mansion some canon camera can record 30 minute then heated after that and canon R7 can record continuously 2 hrs. Then at that time I though want to purchase canon. Camera. After I saw Leica camera specially Q2 the image and videos Quality excellent and perfect. That make me want to purchase Leica Q2 but waiting if Q3 coming up. That why I want to check the video can record continuously 1 hours or when record 30 minute the camera get heated. Tks for yr feedback. For yr info is I’am a beginner. Tks
@@LenSaPrinz I would probably go with a Canon or Sony for video. The A6400 or A6600 can record unlimited footage, and is way cheaper than a Q2. For a beginner, I wouldn’t go with the Q2!
Tks you frank for yr feedback I appreciate yr advice.have a nice day stay safely
this or an M rangefinder in monochrom?
The age old question! It’s a very personal choice!
👏🏻👏🏻🙌🏻
What filter did you put in this video?
What do you mean filter?
@@FrankDavalos color filter :D which one he is asking :)
@@FrankDavalos Frank, you put a filter on the camera in the beginning of the video. Which filter was it? Thanks in advance.
@@troyoutlaw8908 ahhhh!! B+W UV Filter!
I’m so jealous
Its unfortunate that there are many lab to print piezo Monochrome pri t or platinum print.Only seei g it in monitor is wasting the range a monichrome sensor could render
I appreciate everything you said about the camera. but if you go back and listen to your presentation you will be able to count quite a few really serious issues with the Q2 M that sounds like reasons NOT to buy the camera? The battery issue is one that is a pain but still not too much to worry about. But the quirky untrusted focus is a really BIG TIME fault in that camera. Also I would check with others who use the camera to see if it is really true about the camera not being good with highlight or bringing back highlights. Perhaps you should try to bracket your exposures so that you get a full 7 to 10 zones from dark to middle grey to detailed highlights. Some of your night shots looked great but tons of the other shots looked under exposed. or at least too dark to me to be able to enjoy the overall scenes. Not trying to criticize you but I personally did not see details enough to enjoy the richness of the shadows. Also you did not mention the weight of the camera which is quite brick like and slippery. It is also not so easy to push the button that gives you frame lines. That button is flat out subpar. It's also not that easy to manually focus which slows one down. I applaud the beautiful photos of your children and your family. They are gorgeous. I would love to see you try out bracketing your exposures to see if you can get the full capability out of that sensor. Whenever you talked about those highlight shadow differences you did play photos but you did not explain why you showed so many very darkish photos. I would love to have heard about why you liked each photo and what you think made that photo successful etc. etc. Thanks for listening. You definitely have a great eye and you did say you wanted to hear from others. So I wanted to send you some feedback! Thanks for taking the time to give us your honest opinions which I really enjoyed hearing. je
aaaarrrrrrrrgggggggg another one
M246..?
Also a great camera man! I’ve always wanted to try one of those out. Out of all the digital Ms, the M240 interests me the least, but the 246 I think would be great!
@@FrankDavalos i had the 246. But getting older manual focussing became harder. Love b&w so chose the q2m. Love it. Had to get use to the 28mm. Having only always used the 50mm for years.
@@julia-ir4wg totally! I would love to try the M246, or even just the M Monochrom (M9)… but I still don’t think I could give up the Q2M. I too had to get used to 28mm, and I’m actually really starting to love the focal length!
@@FrankDavalos i have had the m9 as well. Exchanged it for the 246. Loved the image of the m9 and wished i had enough pocket money to have kept that one.
@@FrankDavalos it’s a matter of even getting closer. And perhaps it will change my view on the world that i see.
Your instagram is broken
Deleted it brother!
😂😂😂 95% of the photo's scrolling on your screen, in the background, are colour!
😏
You should avoid close ups of your face. You know the rules.
I do what I want over here 👻
What's your name on Instagram? Link doesn't work ...
Deleted iG brother. I pretty much only have RUclips at this point haha. And Twitter! www.linktr.ee/frankdavalos