My Shooting Review: The Leica Q2 vs Q2 Monochrom
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- Опубликовано: 4 июл 2024
- If you had the money, would you choose the Leica Q2 or Q2 Monochrom? That's exactly what I wanted to find out when I asked Leica to send me both cameras to use as my every day camera. Physically both the Q2 and Q2 Monochrom operate exactly the same, so it wasn't a matter of ergonomics or functions. The only difference photographically was the colour sensor versus the monochromatic sensor. Which camera did I enjoy using more during my month-long experiment? Since I had both with me at all times, it was hard to decide. However, if I had to include one of these cameras into my current ecosystem, I would have to pick the Q2. Watch the video to find out why.
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#leicacamera #leicaq2 #leicaq2monochrom 
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Fun comparison. I recently read a fellow's interesting article on b&w vs color, am curious what others think.
His thought was that we actually look at b&w images differently than we do color. That, based on scans of viewers' eye movements, it was noted that with b&w images we spend more time looking at the actual subject/object of the photo, whereas with color we more generally scan the entire image field, and spend relatively less time on the subject/object itself.
Thought his idea was interesting, and so I started trying to notice my own eye movements when looking at first b&w, and then color photos. Had to laugh, as actually it seemed he was right. I did spend more time on the subject with b&w, and also did sweep more about the frame with color.
And before I get knocked for confirmation bias or being subject to suggestion, I would point out that I really like the large format color work of Joel Meyerowitz and Stephen Shore, and the Q2 color images of Callie Eh. At the same time, I'm a huge fan of Sebastiao Salgado and Eddie Van Wessel.
Actually, it was noticeable even in this video. More focus in the b&w images on the cars themselves, and the house at the back of the lot, and more looking about the frame with the same images in color.
Sorry for the long post. Any thoughts or comments?
Last winter I bought my Q2M. I love it. It’s always with me. Even when I have outdoor assignments and already a lot of gear to handle (H6D and Z7II). The images out of the Q2M are so clean and the contrast is gorgeous. Almost no post required. Since it has 47MP you can easily crop to a 35mm field-of-view and still have 30+ MP to work with. Amazing camera…
Totally agree with you on a Fuji X100V Monochrome, I think that would be a winner even with an increased price tag.
Especially if people can see a 1 stop improvement in high ISO performance. Usable ISO 6400…. IBIS would be cool too :-)
Teasing with Fuji making a monochrom. I’m still waiting for this!!!!!
@@ryandavid4131 they need to make it!!
I spoke to a Fuji rep about this circe 6months ago. Ain't never gonna happen.
1.They have B+W film emulations - they consider that to be good enough for most of their users
2. Their range is too big which would they choose?
3. And this was the bit where I knew they had actually considered it, they don't consider B+W cameras to be any better in post than a colour image corrected either in camera (filtration) and/or in post - I agree!!!
My view: I had a Fuji GFX50s and with their film simulations and a the red filter selected contrast was huge - very nice in fact.
@@nelsonclub7722 never say never :-) If they were to make a monochromatic camera, it would probably be the X100 series. It's definitely niche, something that Fujifilm doesn't really delve into, but who knows. In terms of if a monochromatic sensor can take 'better' pictures, it depends what the end goal is. You will gain about a stop in high ISO performance since the colour filter array does cut down the amount of light, but you also lose highlight information. I think it would be fun for them to do, even if it's just a limited edition marketing experimentation.
I have been between Color and Monochrome for a time, but your video makes me consider the ratio of the shoot at dark vs daytime. Absolutely under the sun in my case. Thanks a lot for a nice video.
Q2 Monochrome my dream camera. If it had a 35mm it would be perfect.
Yes that’s the biggest complaint about the Q2. Since I love the 28mm, no complaints from me :-)
@@bigheadtaco Well I just shoot a Nikon F3 with real TRI-X 400. It works great 👍🏻
don't worry... crop to 35mm ... if you can crop with any camera that's monochrome one.... it's like 150 regular pixles and fov is not that different... actually it looks like 35mm f2 apo imo
As always, a good, informative and well-balanced video.
Thanks buddy! I hope all is well in Japan.
Great comparison! I was torn between M11 and M11 Monochrom as my first Leica. VERY hard to choose but I gravitate to B&W and yesterday went w Monochrom - no regrets 😎 you frame up the pros and cons well 🙏
Is there any difference in the b+W tone rendering between the Q2M and the Q2. I get that the Q2M has higher ISO tolerances, but was curious if the native (comparable) tones were the same or not…i.e. if there is a difference (allowing for as similar settings between the two) between a Q2 B+W and a Q2M B+W image?
excellent comparison! i did after many debates with myself get the Q2M - brilliant!! like you said, if you are more into bnw, thats the right choice
Would love for Ricoh to make a monochrome GR
hi nice and interesting review! thanks for ther work. btw, where can i find to e comparison pictures among q2 q2m and even films?
hello.. excellent video, I learned a lot with your advice.. one question.. I'm configuring the leica q2 camera for black and white photos.. and in JPG.. automatic iso and automatic speed, because when I take a photo, , do I see three? in different iso.?
Very nice review! I’ve been tempted to get the Q2 monochrome . I shoot weddings and I always give a monochrome copy of most portraits and the couples always prefer the monochrome above the colour.
I can definitely see the Q2M used for weddings. Beautiful 47MP files, great low light capabilities, IBIS, all-in-one design, macro mode.
silly question i know: whats the image quality between these 2 cameras after the color pic from Q2 is tuned to b/w at post? please share what you think about it? i have been using canon for more than 15 yrs. I am having the latest canon mirrorless cameras, and i have been thinking which one to buy from Q2 and Q2M.
Really interesting. Great content! Thanks.
Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!
Great video with a lot of infos, details, etc ... I dream of a Leica but no money for, maybe 1 day
Excellent comparison. I myself prefer Q2.
So I guess that Fuji is coming with a monochrome version soon, since you tested this combo from Leica ;) Will be great.
I have a Leica SL2-S, and I'm thinking about buying a Q2 Monochrome for B/W photos. Currently, I shoot the Sl2-S and covert to B/W in Lightroom. What are your thoughts?
Thanks! Good review.
Thanks for watching!
Would have loved to see the [Your] photos side by side otherwise great video and insight. Would love to see an in depth comparison though like your normal videos bro 😉
Thanks, I’m actually working on a longer format Q2 Monochrom full review right now… out in a couple days. Stay tuned
Shots are beautiful, you are so right about b&w only, the freedom it gives the shooter. Hopefully Fujifilm Listen to you!🙏🍻
thanks Ali. Yes I think a black and white only Fujifilm X100 would work, considering the type of photographers that are attracted to that camera.
I agree with about color. Sometimes I'm like, "I love black and white photography" but then I see these colors that are like, wow! I'm kind of torn. Lol. But great video, really enjoyed it.
Ha ha, sometimes it’s better to not have a choice. If I only had the Q2 Monochrom, I’d be completely happy. Having both the Q2 and Q2M made it difficult.
@@bigheadtaco I'm having trouble deciding, ive returned my q2 Monochrom for a q2 for that versatility but starting to feel unsure now, even when taking color pics, i mostly convert them to black and white.
with so many comparison its nice to see you able to add new things and points to talk about the two cameras.
also
why do people feel color is cheating, it feels like a new thing I keep hearing.
I've always felt going BnW is cheating because you are removing and wouldnt need to think about the color. If the image in color dont look good, just turn it in black and white and BAMMM its ART. haha
ya I think those who are reasonably new to photography tend to be dogmatic about 'rules' and things like 'purity' etc. I've been shooting for over 25 years and respect everything from mobile phone photography to large format. It's all photography to me.
SWOBO t-shirt how cool is that men! I've got the same one! An old era of cycling :P Chrees men, good vid btw!
I have a Q2 and SL2, and am extremely fond of both. Yes, there is a 'Leica look'. I used a M10 Monochrom and a 50 f2 APO, and I have lust. I want it so bad. The magic is in the tonal 'purity' (my word, don't know how to say it); I just can't get that with a color converted to B&W. Yeah, it's easy to blow the highlights, but so much can be dredged up from the shadows versus a color sensor that I don't worry about it and just underexpose it. Anyway, I am up for trying a Q2 monchrom. You did it. It's your fault. I have to try it. But then there's that 50 APO. Then there's the APO price. Sigh.
Why did I not realize this was a leaf shutter? I think you are the first to mention that. Thinking of getting a used Leica Q, is that a leaf shutter as well?
Yes the original Q and the new Q2 and all versions of the Q are all leaf shutter equipped cameras. It makes sense in an all-in-one design to do so. It makes it quieter to shoot with, as well as faster top flash syn speed. Leica claims the top flash sync is 1/500th sec, but it's incorrect. You can flash to 1/2000th sec no problem.
What do you think are the marginal “advantages” of the Q2 vs the X100v, or the XT3 or 4, for that matter in B&W? Sensor size for sure. ISO maybe? Others? Thanks again!
Hi Geoff, from a purely price-performance standpoint, the X100V makes more sense. The lens is just as sharp, although a different field of view. The Q2 has IBIS, but the X100V has 2 lens converters and an articulating screen. The Q2 has twice the resolution, but the X100V has a very cool hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder. The Q2 has better build quality, but the X100V is 1/4 the price. In terms of high ISO performance, they are similar. I'm comfortable shooting up to ISO 3200, but ISO 6400 starts getting a bit too noisy. The Q2M is different because of the lack of the colour filter array and is solid up to ISO 12,500.
@@bigheadtaco Thanks for the detail!! Love your videos and articles in Fujilove!
@@bigheadtaco I agree about the price/performance. But no, the lens is not as sharp. I have both a Q and V. The lens on the V is great. But the lens on the Q is magical, and noticeable more sharp. But again - the V would be the best choice if price matters. A fantastic little thing!
it would be nice to have the next edition of the x100 with a monochrome version.
I’d get the q2m, I love Leica color, but I’m a bw shooter 99% of the time. And you just can’t beat the tones in the q2m. You can’t really edit a conversion that good. But I don’t want a x100v mono, I want a xpro4 mono.
I have so much fun with the monochrome than ever by shooting it on a tripod with RGB filters to create colour photo (you can find how this can be done easily on youtube). :)
I want a Leica SL2-S Monochrom. It wouldn't be small or light or silent or have a leaf shutter but ... think about what a stabilised BSI monochrome sensor would be capable of in low light. And then add those APO SL Summicrons into the mix. ... THE DREAM!
I’m all in on Fuji, love Leica ( but too pricey for me) but would definitely purchase a X100 Monochrome to add to my bag. But then again just dedicate one camera body for “Noir” and see if that works for a couple of months. Bet you it wouldn’t! Would be fun to try….
I'm the same, I love Leica but to have an equivalent system that I've already built up with Fujifilm, I'd have to take out a mortgage :-) However, if I could have just one digital Leica, the Q2 or Q2 Monochrom would probably be it....
@@bigheadtaco I would love the Leica Q-P, mostly for the smaller file size, and aesthetics (top plate engraving) all black.
Thanks Take, I have a 100F, bought an X-E3 to adapt my pentax lenses. decided to sell my F, couldn't, decided to sell the E3 because by the time you put and adaptor on it, it's almost as big as my KP. So thinking on it, for 99% of the people 99% of the time (sorry TBM and an Elephant) the x100(?) with a large sensor, so we can drop in, would be the ideal. ACROS and Mono in the film sym's and your ability to tweet to your likes, is "as close as damn is to swearing" to "real" B&W.
Used to have the Q one. Now I shoot Fujifilm which if u shoot Jpeg + Raw that would gives u relief since u if u shoot in color or mono u can change it at one in camera and have both 😄 i guess u already know that
ha ha, yes. the monochrome series is just a cool concept with clear advantages, but it's definitely a niche camera and not for everyone.
@@bigheadtaco Agree totally 👍🏽
If leica made a Q2 mono with 35mm or 50mm lens with raw crop and not jpeg then it would sell like hotcakes...The only reason why i havent invested in the Q system...
Because I love the 28mm, I'm biased. However, I do agree that it probably would have sold better as a 35mm. However, for a point and shoot, 28mm makes sense, plus I'm sure Leica thought about the overlap with the 35mm Summilux M-mount and how it would encroach on sales.
Own the Q, Q2, X100V, Xpro3, SL2-S, GRIII (yeah I got a problem). Love them all for different reasons but I have landed on the Q2, also keeping the SL2-S (and the GRIII, will always own the GR). So selling the Fujis, very sadly. The ONLY flaw with the Q2 (for me) if you want to call it a flaw, is jus the file size. Each DNG is 80+ MB. Using Adobe DNG Converter helps that issue but that is a pain. I don't miss the interchangeable lenses (thats why I have the SL2-S, which gets used a lot less). I thought having a fixed 28 would be such a sacrifice. It's not. I don't believe in the 'crop modes', but I DO switch it to 35mm frame lines sometimes, just as a visual aid while composing ( I shoot DNG only and use Capture One Pro so the crop is lost). I just love the simplified shooting, color science, and craftsmanship of the Leica. is it worth the $? Not really but if you can afford it, get accustomed to it... it's hard to deny.
100% agree. With what you have, you had to let something go. If you can afford to keep the Leica ecosystem, then that's awesome. The 47MP files are large, but after testing the GFX100S, they seem 'normal' to me now :-)
@@bigheadtaco the X100V was hardest to part with. Darn near perfect camera.
@@Anthonylarz what you didn't like or wasn't near perfect about x100v? Ive resisted to get one so far since I have xt3 but it is hard to look at it and not to get one!🍻
@@Anthonylarz for sure, it's awesome. But if you have a Q2, you probs won't shoot with the X100V. They're too similar. Still sad to let it go....
@@streets28mm For me, the only thing about the X100V that is not a positive, is the fact that it's APSC. Really thats it. APSC is great, but I have gone back and forth between APSC and FF over the years, and right now I just can't resist FF. APSC in my opinion suffers a bit in low light compared to FF, which limits what shutter speed I can shoot and what ISO I have to run to get the images I want when the light is just a bit dim. With great light I have zero problem with APSC/X100v. Really depends on your use case. I like shooting in lower light. I think you can see charts and stuff that show the X100v as good as Q2, but in practice thats just not the case.
Mono is so nice!! What a great option to have. It changes your brain.
It totally does, as long as you don’t have a back up with you. With the Q2, it was so easy to switch when I felt I wanted a pop of colour.
Great video BHT! I have a Q-P. Maybe a used Q2 Monochrome in a few years time to add to my arsenal.
Oh nice, even the original Q is still highly sought after. It's a great compact camera for sure!
Fuji should collaborate with Sigma for a Foveon X100 or X-Pro
Second that as well Ricoh GR with foveon, guess the closest we have is the Dp1 Merrill
that would be cool
I’m a 28 mm guy and I shoot a lot of Street. I’m toying with the idea of a Q2M since I shoot bw 80%. I set my canon R to monochrome for a while and did not enjoy it. I’m reviewing some images shots from the last few days, I came across a woman whose hair color, exactly matched her backpack, sort of a metallic green. I never would’ve gotten that if I was shooting only monochrome I have no problem converting to black and white.
also Ricoh GR monochrome would be cool
Oh man, don’t get me going on that. I’d buy it in a heartbeat. And they can create multiple BNW profiles too, like hi-contrast, portrait, landscape, etc.
@@bigheadtaco I don't understand why cameras manufacturers don't do Monochrom cameras in their portfolio, except for Leica. They could do limited edition runs. Many be Leica has a paten or something for digital Monochrom
@@TimofejNenarokov I don’t think Leica has a patent on it since technically all sensors are actually monochromatic. Only when adding a colour filter array does a sensor ‘see’ colour. I know there are some shops that can convert your sensor by removing the colour filter array, but I wouldn’t recommend it, unless it’s just your backup camera.
Where did you get the strap?
Japanese silk straps by Cura Japan from Camera Film Photo: camerafilmphoto.com/collections/cura-camera-straps
Thank you!
Look at the noise level comparison at 7:27, Q2M is performing at least 2 stops better than Q2 for my eyes. It's not only 1 stop difference, the Q2M is so clean at ISO 25000!
Also, there are some detailed comparison of the high ISO performance between Q2M and Q2 on the net, and it's generally agreed that Q2M outperforms Q2 by at least 2 stops under high ISO. I think you underestimate Q2M in this regard.
Human faces are more fascinating and beautiful in B/W, pretty much always.
I wish that Q2 monochrome came with a 35mm
Just crop. With 35mm you loose the option to go wider.
@@JJ_Photo 28 is one of those focal lengths you like or dislike, i shoot 24, 35, and 50 mostly. 28, to me, is not good at being a 24 or a 35.
Stunning wife.
You gotta be kidding! "Color is cheating" who says that?
Ya I've had some hard core b&w film photographers tell me that shooting in colour is like cheating... ha ha. Too dogmatic.
I got the Q2 but it back focus big time
Hey bro, really? Did you get it fixed?
@@bigheadtaco Not yet
@@bigheadtaco Gets sent back to Germany
@@Photojouralist123 Oh man, what a hassle....
tree leaves always overcomplicate images, bw fixes that
Dust in the viewfinder, scratched evf glass when wearing glasses, dust on sensor, hot pixels above iso 800 (masked by a firmware update)
A €5k fail for Leica. I was about to buy both. Not a hope
Rats, now I'll have to dig into this.
Unfortunately I didn't have the cameras long enough to see any of these issues, although dust on sensor is an issue on any camera that has a non-removable lens. Did you get it removed eventually? As for price, it's a Leica. It's like buying a Rolls Royce. It's not meant to be best price-performance value. If you can afford it, great. If not, get a Fuji or Ricoh or Sony 👍🏼
@@bigheadtaco I was just stating the issues that have come to light. I already use multiple Fuji bodies and lenses and was ready to buy from Leica to see what its all about. 5K for a so called weather sealed body with these issues is not good. Scratching a large evf from just wearing specs! what were they thinking. The sensor issue is being masked by a firmware update even if it does get rid of the problem. They need to go back to the drawing board on that model. I was really looking forward to picking a pair up. Back to researching the M models now. If 5K isn't supposed to be price performance value... it should be built like a tank and ready for anything.
P.s Great selection of images 😉💚
You're putting together all the Q2/Q2M issues you've read online thinking that every Q2 camera has them, which isn't true. The hot pixels are a non-issue and fixed by the firmware update. I've had five Leica Qs - Q Titanium, Q-P, Q2M, and Q2, and none of them had dust in the viewfinder, on the sensor, or in the lens. EVF scratches is one or two people on Leica Forum, and its doubtful it's from wearing eyeglasses - it's likely abrasion from wearing it on a strap and having the EVF constantly rubbing against shirt buttons, etc. I'm usually the person who has bad luck with cameras, but the Qs have been flawless for me.
Why buy these expensive cameras when there is Ricoh GRD IV for monochrome.
ha ha, true, true. That's why I review them instead :-)
Expensive toys Useless cameras if no improvements at all i rather shoot 35mmfilm b&w