Shooting with a Leica Monochrome sensor - Is there any point?

With the soon to be released M11 Monochrom, Paul talks in depth about the benefits of using a monochrome sensor. Images are taken with the Leica Q2 Monochrom.
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[@tjmanou6422]

The difference between a photographer's review and a KZbin gear reviewer. Awesome video. thank you very much

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching the video. I really appreciate it

[@fineartviewfotografie3742]

I can’t agree more on this! A real photographer’s review

[@JohnPatrickWeiss]

Great explanation of the benefits of monochrome. I’m a writer who likes to use my b/w photos to illustrate my stories and essays. All my social media is monochrome. I shoot with a Fuji XPro3 and 35mm f2 lens, but like the idea of moving to a Q2M with its simplicity, minimalism, and commitment to monochrome. Your work has been an inspiration. They say a Q3 will come out soon, and likely a Q3M will follow. So I’m saving my money and weighing options. Cheers.

[@paulreidphotography]

You’re using a great camera. I use a Fuji XE4 quite a bit too. Thanks for watching. I’m glad you enjoyed the video

[@matteoenricocattaneo]

I have tried the Q2M, an incredible camera...I have the Q2...but if I have to buy from the beginning probably I would take the q2M...

[@JoeLopez]

Nice work! Fujifilm needs to introduce a X-ProM already.

[@paulreidphotography]

They are missing a trick

[@happygolucky1833]

concur👌🏻

[@iello911]

Amen! I am also 100% sure that none of the people who love bashing the Monochrom online have EVER done any shooting with one. Anyhow, their loss. After many years of shooting B&W film and converting digital colour into B&W (with good results, i must admit; the M8 files lend themselves to monochrome conversion beautifully, and so do Sigma Foveon files!), a few years ago i finally took the plunge and got myself a Leica MM (the CCD one); what a discovery! I stupidly sold it once, then went and got another one because i missed it too much... I also ended up having a Sony RX1 converted to monochrome (with phenomenal results!). Now that Pentax (and Pixii) have released relatively affordable monochrome cameras, i really wish other manufacturers follow and release a few more (say, Fuji, Sony, Ricoh - that should be an easy one, the GR takes the same sensor as their new monochrome - and even Hasselblad - medium format in monochrome at "reasonable" cost should be something else! Thank you much for sharing your knowledge with the world.

[@paulreidphotography]

I totally agree that the other brands should and will release monochrome cameras. It seems a no brainier for Fuji and Ricoh. They already have the right buyers. I dabble with black and white film sometimes just for pleasure. Monochrome makes me happy

[@alexfrederickson1540]

Paul, you are a breath of fresh air! Thank you!

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching the videos

[@johonew-EdD]

Another great video Paul! As a fellow Q2M shooter, I look forward to seeing your work and listening to your practical advice. Thank you.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching. I appreciate it

[@davesaunders59]

Paul, thank you for this video. Reading the comments the Monochrome models really polarise views. I've made the decision to wait for the Q3M. I have a Q2 colour and at the moment and I'm converting all my work to Monochrome. I absolutely agree with blowing highlights and crushing blacks as appropriate. I found with the Q and Q2 it's better to lift shadows than recover highlights, that's just the sensors way of working. I am a street photographer and shoot almost exclusively at F8 @2 meters with a bit of modifying as I go. This video has convinced me to go full time with a monochrome sensor. I may just stick a GR3 in my pocket for a colour specific shot. Finally I'd like to say, if all your work is created on a Q2M, which I believe to be the case you have demonstrated the versatility of a camera described as a luxury point and shoot. I think the Q series is much more than this. Keep up the good work 👍

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for this Dave. I’m pleased you enjoy your Q2. I think we could be at least a couple of years off a Q3M. Here’s what I will say. A lot can happen in 2 years. 2 and a half years ago I wasn’t the photographer I am today. The Q2M was part of the change to the photographer I am now. Life is short. Waiting on the next model of a camera may seem like the wise thing to do. At the same time we can miss out on the start of a journey much sooner

[@dierktopp4780]

Paul, I agree with everything you said!! I got one of the first M9 Monochrom and till today I had, used and liked the M246 Monochrome. Today I invested a lot of money and expect a lot of fun and great images from and with the M11 Monochrom. I love and prefer B&W since decades and therefore the Monochrome is MY camera :)

[@paulreidphotography]

Oh I would love an M11 Monochrom!! If only I had the money!!

[@ronald7482]

You still have the Q2 M? And what kind of cameras do you have more to shoot in BW?

[@colinwaylett9122]

What a great video Paul, tired after watching people who are trying out a monochrome camera for the first time and making videos. I was beginning to doubt buying the Q2 monochrome but thanks to you I'm back on track again. My passion is black-and-white photography and pictorialism. Hopefully, you will be able to help me with a new project I am working on. Glad to have found you.

[@GeoffGrant2010]

You are inspirational for photography, B&W, and monochrome sensors. You do great work and you’re a good instructor. Thanks Paul!

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much

[@makmak69L7]

Thank you so much Paul. You are the one who inspired me to get my first Monochrome Camera. The Leica Q2M.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks for watching! So glad you’re enjoying the monochrom

[@bushbeatnik4480]

"The wise are not learned. The learned are not wise. The Sage is not acquisitive- Has enough by doing for others, has even more by giving to others.", Lao Tzu. The first part of this quote is for those who do not own and shoot a Monocrom. The second part is for those like you who share. Love the work. Love more the sharing of it. That said, my daily driver on my Mono is a #8 yellow. Try it. It is just a nudge enough. Best.

[@paulreidphotography]

Maybe I should give that yellow a go

[@dieseldavey]

Brilliant video I could watch yours all day. No crap just common sense 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jzuffoletto]

I've been a photo enthusiast since the late 70s. When I was in high school I enrolled in a vocational photography class for two years. The first year was B&W photography and darkroom techniques, and in year two we moved to C-41 color negative processing and color printing. I quickly discovered that I was severely colorblind, to the point where I couldn't properly make color corrections in my prints. So my instructor allowed me to revert to B&W, and my senior project was learning and using Ansel Adams' Zone System for large-format architectural and landscape photography. I had found my element! Today I'm retired and living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (SMA). It's a very colorful and photogenic town, and social media is awash in color snaps of this beautiful place. There's also a professional photographer living here who trades in beautiful color photos of the local architecture. I'm the contrarian who traffics in B&W street photography of SMA, which gives me my own niche in the local photography scene. One thing I've picked up from Paul's videos is that I need to put more emphasis on portraits, as the Mexican inhabitants of SMA have as much character as the town, if not more. My go-to camera is the Leica Q, and I post-process to monochrome in Lightroom. If I were still employed I would probably have purchased a Q2M for the reasons outlined in this video, but I'm very happy with my arrangement. I just discovered your channel, Paul, and very much enjoy it. Cheers!

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for your comment!!! The Q is absolutely all you need. It produces beautiful monochrome images. Thanks again for taking the time to let everyone know a bit about your photography

[@kentkochheiser911]

Thank you Paul. As always, you are an inspiration! For me the Q2M was my gateway drug, taking me back to my film days. My color sensor cameras get less and less use. Recently I purchased an M10 Monochrom in order to use some other focal length lenses. While I'm still learning the post processing subtleties the sheer joy of shooting and printing in monochrome has been transformative. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for your kind words. I appreciate it

[@walkingmeditation61]

I started with a q2 in March 2019, I especially loved it with an off camera flash. without flash the Q2 gets grainy/Purple noise at ISO 6400 and beyond. I bought the Q2M and wow !!! Now the new M11 sensor will be in the Q3 thats a game changer for color at high ISO. Nice video ! nothing like the Q2M with color filters

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching. I really appreciate it. The Q2M is a wonderful camera

[@walkingmeditation61]

@@paulreidphotography have you downloaded the new 5.0 firmware yet ? It was posted on Leica Rumors via a Chinese page

[@paulreidphotography]

Not yet. I wonder if the monochrom will get anything exciting

[@walkingmeditation61]

@@paulreidphotography I updated to firmware 5.0 we now have face/eye detect on our monochrome Q2

[@jameslabeck6407]

Paul we connected some time back. I think I am making the M10M leap! Love b&w. Good day, friend.

[@paulreidphotography]

Amazing! I’d love an M10 M to compliment the Q2M

[@David-my3uu]

So glad to have found your channel, Paul! It's great, inspiring stuff, particularly as I'm thinking about getting my first digital mono - a 246 - and looking forward to going through your previous posts. I am at heart a film photographer (I was using a camera 30 years before digital even came out!) and that's 90% b/w so moving into digital this way is quite comfortable. Cheers

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching the videos!!! And I’m glad you are enjoying photography so much

[@MattWiener]

You put up some beautiful images. I agree some people will never understand.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much

[@RayLombardi]

Great thing Pentax has the K3 Mark 3 Monochrome! Can't compete with the Leica, doesn't need to and brings the Monochrome experience to a broader public with smaller wallets. Thanks for your video!

[@paulreidphotography]

I would love to try the Pentax!

[@ccoppola82]

One of the best monochrome reviews I’ve seen. I’ve had my 246 for a few years now and it’s a totally unique sensor. There’s much more acutance on that sensor than any other I have. THANK YOU for telling people to stop using red and orange on people. I’ve had this argument so many times with people and I just give up. It making people ghosts is their style, have at it. You could put a K2 filter on as a standard for contrast and it’s like a -2/3 loss. I like it. You can also use a YG filter if you can find one. Those were the standard filters in Europe in film days. The K2 was the standard in the US.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for your kind words! Agreed on all of your comments

[@rodwhite6308]

Nicely put together video Paul, very informative and enjoyable. I shoot a mono camera now after some time shooting B&W film and I totally get the High ISO thing, e.g. shooting f8 on the tube network in London. I'd absolutely never thought to use Auto ISO before and never had on a colour camera. The mono sensor opens that freedom in a way not possible on a colour sensor. Even when you do get some noise, it renders like the best in black and white film rather than the 'artifacts' that you see in colour noise. The other place where a mono camera works best is shooting bands or musicians on stage, saturated in powerful coloured light. Because the mono only sees light and dark, no information is lost through the overloading of one channel with little else in the others. Definitely something you need to learn, but rewarding.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching and I enjoyed reading your comments!!!

[@Watchman_uk]

Another great video! Love my Q2m and very lucky to get the M11m this weekend, Q2m is for fun and the M11m is for work recording architecture and derelict buildings (always low light)

[@phillipallaway7306]

Great pairing. Just ordered my M11M and can't wait. Intend to swap my M10 for the Q3 as the colour option.

[@paulreidphotography]

Fantastic!!! I would love an M11M. The M10M would do me nicely actually

[@donjagoe]

Great video. Have a Q2 color and just purchased a 246 Mono-what a great combo and what a totally different shooting experience. Completely agree on blown highlights. Usually much ado about nothing. Thx!

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much! That’s a great combo

[@johnnichols4444]

Thank you for your videos Paul. I have been shooting m10m since i came out and i must say i learn somthing new every time i watch your videos. Keep up the great work

[@burneshollyman2621]

The best photography channel on KZbin. While I have too many cameras, the only one I use is my Leica Q2 Monochrom. It is the one I reach for every time and carry everywhere. I have a love affair with that camera. All my other cameras (except my color film cameras) are going on eBay. (BTW, your thumbnail image is brilliant!)

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much! So glad you enjoy the Q2 Monochrom

[@creative_cozmic]

I agree totally with blown highlights and crushed blacks. Work out what detail in the image is important and where you can stray from correct exposure. Black and white correctly exposed can really show up a very flat looking image. Besides, playing around with the exposure really helps to direct people’s eyes and focus on what’s important.

[@SamanthaHAgastin]

I have been to the Leica store in Milan and saw the prints of the Monochrom. Unbelievable.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks for watching the video. They are incredible you’re right

[@SamanthaHAgastin]

I got very impressed by skin details and a fabric details a fashion dress, better than in person.... Striking

[@zoranzambo7364]

this is massive. thanks for the time you put in to this. There just isn't enough on monochrom sensors, specifically with the q2m. makes such a difference.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching!! I really appreciate it

[@RogerHyam]

The issue isn’t that I like making black and white photographs it is that I do NOT like making colour pictures. The solution to the problem therefore can not be to make colour photographs first and convert them to monochrome later as I would still be making colour pictures! I've been shooting film because of this but have just ordered a Q2M - prices are good just now, they must be about to come out with a Q3M :)

[@phillipallaway7306]

Great video thanks Paul. As an M10 shooter about to pull the plug on the M11M as a first monochrome body, your views/experience are extremely valuable. 🙂

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching. I’m glad it helped

[@pjmimages]

Interesting video and thoughts Paul. I'm hoping to pick up a Q2M soon and have been doing lots of research. I completely agree with your observation about the number of poorly edited 'mushy grey' photos you see on the Facebook sites etc. Fortunately your photos show what can be achieved! I'm now thinking, keep my X-Pro3 for when I want colour but get a Q2M for monochrome, which I love to shoot. Particularly looking forward to the high iso capabilities. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@paulreidphotography]

Keeping the Fuji for colour is a great idea

[@SamanthaHAgastin]

Best review on the essence of the monochrome. There are a few others, although they don't take into consideration the photographers needs like you do. Thank you for shading a light on the haters. Uninformed people couldn't voices their opinion. Now they do. Not easy to distinguish... One way is to subscribe to to a voice like yours. On topic, in details. Unbiased. Journalistic approach. Q3M future user

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much. I really appreciate that

[@peterbuckley2379]

Another great Video Paul. Having watched your series of Video’s this one has confirmed to me that I need to invest in a Monochrome Sensor Camera. I have been shooting with an X100V and a XH2, always shoot in BW, but you’re right they look okay but not great. Perhaps we can chat about M11 M and Q2 M in our first session. Thanks for taking the time to produce these outstanding video’s

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks Peter, yes indeed I’d love to talk about those cameras

[@dangreenberg8983]

Thank you very much for this video. It really did clear up all of my confusion regarding both benefits and use of a Monochrom

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching

[@condal32]

I hear what you're saying with these grey images. It almost put me off going down the monochrome route. It shows that the photo wasn't thought through as b&w (i.e. with any contrast in mind) and/or theirs no real subject focus.

[@tor2919]

Great video! I’m planning to get the Q2 Monochrome. I think many detractors don’t understand the benefits of limitations when trying to make artworks. Using a single focal length, deciding to only work on tripod, only shooting monochrome - there are many ways to stimulate creativity. Because photography is such a wide field inexperienced people sometimes mix up the concepts. A journalist, artist, portrait photographer or forensics photographer all benefit from different types of cameras. For me the dilemma of colour vs mono becomes interruptive not in the editing process, as you described, but in the image making process. I get disturbed by having to think about whether to envision an image in mono or colour at the time of making, and that can be a very destructive thing.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for your thoughts. I really appreciate you watching the videos and your comments as I do like to know your point of view

[@fergusfitzgerald977]

Great work - mono is amazing - shoot Mono on my iPhone !

[@peterkerkmans6780]

I like how the smile arrives on your face as soon as you start grabbing that Q2M.

[@paulreidphotography]

Ha haa! Still love that camera

[@Leicashootr]

Thanks Paul for the video and for the love for the monochrome sensor based Leica cameras ❗️

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching

[@debbycole]

Excellent. My orange filter is coming off now.

[@paulreidphotography]

Ha haa. It’s really just people that it makes look odd

[@simonbnyc]

Excellent video. Another benefit of monochrome only Leicas (from what I understand) is that images are sharper than those converted from color as light doesn't pass through red, green and blue filters before reaching the sensor. And thank you for saying it's OK to blow highlights and crush blacks if you need to!

[@paulreidphotography]

That is also true. So true in fact that beauty photography can be too sharp

[@jeffrey3498]

Monochrome sensors don’t have anti-aliasing filters, which leads to greater sharpness, but there are color sensors that don’t have AA filters as well: the 45.7mp sensor in the Nikon Z7, for example.

[@ColinMill1]

@@jeffrey3498 Indeed, and over 100mp with the medium format Hasselblad with £1000 to spare against the Leica. As I understand it the sensitivity penalty of the Bayer filter is typically slightly less than 1 stop (I guess Bryce Bayer had minimising sensitivity loss high on his list of requirements). Without AA filter I believe the resolution penalty is about root2 (and this only kicks in when you have the glass and aperture to exploit it)

[@forgottenamericana]

Many KZbinrs fail to point out in a color to monochrome conversion, yes isn’t as good in low light, BUT when you’re using the color adjustment sliders of color to B&W in Lightroom, are handy for darkening the sky or other parts, where in an monochrome only camera image you’re left with selective editing, or masking, color lens filters, since you have not color channels to manipulate. That is one advantage of color to B&W. If you’re shooting in the day I’d rather work with the conversion to get a faster result. Especially in better light scenarios. IMHO.

[@paulreidphotography]

Absolutely true. It’s all about what is important to you. What you feel most comfortable using for selections of areas of an image. I came from the monochrome darkroom days and the only masking we could do was a piece of card with a hole in it. Or a piece of card on a stick. So masks in Lightroom are a complete luxury now for me. I’m happy with the selection tools that we have these days. I can select sky or subject without colour sliders. Even down to mouth, eyes, hair. Masks have come a long way and colour slections are becoming less useful in my opinion.

[@ericdemontigny1399]

@@paulreidphotography You can always use filter on the lens....

[@ColinMill1]

@@ericdemontigny1399 And immediately bin the marginal 1 stop sensitivity improvement you got from removing the Bayer layer. I started my photography in the 1950s and shot only B&W for a very long time. I still finish much of my work in monochrome. Do I want to do this with a monochrome only camera? No. I'm with @Forgotten Americana on this one. If I really wanted a nostalgia trip I have a 1963 Nikon F with contemporary lenses, filters etc and a Durst enlarger. All it needs is some FP4, paper and chemicals.

[@chrishoward140]

Everyone’s agreed that the colour sensor is more versatile and that the colour info makes post easier. The mono can make “better” photos in more extreme or special circumstances. For me the point would be that the camera inspires and encourages you to seek out these special circumstances. And forces you to think in B&W again.

[@ColinMill1]

@@chrishoward140 While I agree about the situations where the sensitivity or resolution edge might be useful I'm not persuaded about the "forcing you to think in B&W" aspect. There are a lot of cameras including some lower end offerings that have monochrome modes that put you in a similar position to a monochrome-only camera with a monochrome display. But neither the M11-M or indeed any other digital in monochrome mode recreates the situation that makes a true monochrome photographer (which at one time was all photographers). That skill is to view the world as it is - in colour - and understand what that is going to look like in monochrome and how to work so as to bring out the aspects you want artistically. Having a camera that displays in monochrome does not really force you to think in monochrome - the camera just shows it to you.

[@danmorken7709]

The M11M can shoot up to 200,000 ISO. With a fast lens you can just about shoot by starlight.

[@paulreidphotography]

Of course I’d love one!!! It looks like a fantastic step forward again

[@SethCrilley]

Great Paul. Your impassioned depiction of the benefits of a Monochrom sensor should answer many of the doubters that there is anything of substance going on when the filter and demosaicing are taken away. What I would say is that the highlight headroom on the Q2M is much larger than it was on my M246. There is much less to be afraid of. I still religiously under expose but this is most likely a carry over from the 246 and because the shadow latitude means you can do so with little penalty. The IDR firmware update now means that many jpegs from the Q2M can have better highlight rendition but generally jpeg output is not the way optimum benefit is extracted from these sensors. Hope you are to be furnished with an M11 m for service to the cause !

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks for your comments!!! I would love to be walking around with the M11M and using it as an ambassador for Leica. Right now I just have to buy what I can like everyone else

[@my2004rt]

Excellent video. It took me a little bit to get used to working with the Typ 246 Monochrom files.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much. I appreciate it

[@waltw8499]

Thanks for an excellent video, Paul. I've been on the fence regarding a monochrome sensor. Your illustrations regarding the detail that can be recovered in underexposed areas were convincing! I agree 100% about not using filters for street photography, but I'm stuck on filters (sometimes) for landscapes - I guess it's a holdover from my film days. I'll have to play around with the Q2M and see. I hate spending time in post, though. Thanks again.

[@paulreidphotography]

I totally get why filters are a good idea for landscape.

[@happygolucky1833]

I love my XPro3 but haven’t been able to stop looking over my shoulder at Leicas, especially their monochroms. The Q2M is definitely cute as a bug 🐞

[@paulreidphotography]

The Leica monochrom cameras are very desirable

[@gregscott2330]

Hi Paul. Just came across your channel. I have always enjoyed black and white photography. I even had a darkroom back in the 80’s. I don’t think a color image can ever be processed to successfully take advantage of the full zone system. I think we will see a rebirth of this genre, especially with Pentax coming out with a affordable black and white only camera. Your work is impressive and inspirational. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulreidphotography]

I hope more manufacturers embrace the same technology

[@toine1915]

Hello, Paul. If I set my Lumix G9 to L monochrome or L monochrome D, I get a monochrome image. I get this in my camera but also when I import them into Lightroom. I also don't get a B&W color control in Lightroom. So this setting really works purely in B&W without any color in it. I don't know how this works, but I am happy with it because now B&W is really B&W without me being able to influence the color. Antoine.

[@stewartlogie]

Thanks for the solid advice in this and your other videos. I make a mixture of colour and monochrome images from my colour sensor cameras, but some of the more successful have been the monochrome ones. For a week’s visit to NYC I rented a Leica Q2M and had a great time with it - though I did feel constrained by the 28mm only focal length. Adobe has a great denoise feature in Lightroom now, which does not support monochrome raw files, so perhaps the noise advantage of a monochrome sensor is reduced. Thus I am well and truly on the fence about purchasing a monochrome sensor camera, particularly at the prices they command.

[@paulreidphotography]

I think if I’d never had one I’d never have known the difference. I love the Q2M

[@duderinojohnson5434]

Hi Paul, great video!! I’ve had great experience bringing up shadows at high ISO on my GFX 100s. It actually compares well to the M11 Monochrom in terms of shadow recovery at 3200 ISO but I haven’t been able to test yet at ISOs above that. I have an M11 Monochrom in a box unopended and trying to decide whether to return it or take the plunge!! Been doing alot of research to give me the confidence to go for it. Your videos are very encouraging. Keep up the great work!!

[@paulreidphotography]

Yeah I’d love a GFX100!!! I’m sure it would be great especially for my fine art stuff

[@duderinojohnson5434]

@@paulreidphotography The GFX 100s is an amazing camera truly. You can’t go wrong with it. I think the photos you are making with the Q2 are truly stunning and would like to do a one on one wity you at some point. I opened the Leica M11 Monochrom last night!! Now I just need to buy a lens.

[@TheVFXbyArt]

14:03 Blown highlight are one thing. Clipped highlights are what we are talking about.

[@paulreidphotography]

Same thing

[@WatchDSSID]

Great video - I think Monochrom will “take off” now….especially with the new Pentax DSLR ….. and hopefully putting that same sensor into the Ricoh GRiii - what is your view on Monochrom in a (GR) Point and Shoot style camera? - Thanks - Peter.

[@paulreidphotography]

I had the Griii for a while. Loved the camera. A monochrome version would be amazing.

[@TryingtoLearntheuke]

Thanks for another great video Paul. This was so helpful.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@user-ku4wr5jd3u]

Ok Paul, I loved your video and decided to take your advice. I ditched my Orange filter, for now, and find out the difference. I'm still interested in your mentor program and will get back to you on that later.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks for watching mate. You don’t need that orange filter

[@mikecocoprint4894]

Another fab video .. I have two favourite channels and well yours is one of them .. .the other one is ‘ walk like Alice’ another channel dedicated to bw ..more videos please Paul 😊

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching.

[@colinosullivan]

Really enjoyed this one mate. I ended up getting the Leica m10R as j shoot a bit in colour also but I did try the M10M and I have to say it is very very nice indeed. I enjoyed all of your points and I totally agree about it you wanna blow the highlights. Do it. 🎉 cheers mate

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much! An M10R is a lovely camera

[@colinosullivan]

@@paulreidphotography enjoying it so far mate.

[@PeterHartland]

Good argument to shoot real monochrome, I love my Q2M it works nicely with my M11 however tomorrow I have traded that in for the M11 Monochrome. & be picking it up. I use the orange filter as my goto filter.

[@peterh5306]

Excellent video and explanation of the monochrome sensor, Paul. I have a Q2M myself and absolutely love it. Currently seriously fighting with myself whether or not to order an M11M - I‘m afraid emotion will defeat economic reason some day (soon)😊.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much. Yeah the M11M is on a whole other level

[@DannyChau7]

I have the M11 for colour and Q2M for black and white, since I only use either the 28 or 35mm on my M cameras, I see no point to buy the M11M.

[@peterh5306]

@@paulreidphotographyI‘ve meanwhile done it (i.e . purchased an M11M) and must say I‘m absolutely blown away by those images and their potential in post processing. For me, although owning a Q2M already, it does make sense because on the M I’m also using longer focal lengths (50 and 90mm) plus I can now use my 1951 Summitar on the M11M which gives an image quality of its own (and looks fantastic on it, by the way).

[@CMC5961]

I used to have Fujifilm X100V and Leica Q-P, both of them were set to shoot B&W. I love the Acros B&W on X100V and the 35mm Equivalent Fijinon 23mm F2.0 lens, but I sold the camera due to a lack of image stabilization. The Q-P did not get much use as I found I was spoilt by the outstanding EVF on my Lumix S1 and S1R, and felt difficult to use the EVF on Q-P, so I sold the Q-P recently after I purchased a Leica SL2-S body with Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH and Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. The SL2-S with 35mm F2.0 is not much heavy than a Q-P or Q2M, but has a higher resolution EVF, and I prefer 24MP sensor on SL2-S over 47MP on Q2 or Q2M.

[@paulreidphotography]

I also use a Leica SL sometimes. When coupled with manual glass it’s just a pleasure to use

[@CrueLoaf]

I look at some monochrome shots and think…wow, that would look awesome in colour! With a monochrome camera you are self-handicapping!

[@paulreidphotography]

Sounds like you very much love colour photography rather than monochrome. And that’s great too.

[@CrueLoaf]

@@paulreidphotography yes, but on occasion I will spend a few minutes in lightroom to create monochrome. I have the best of both worlds. Pretty difficult to make a colour image out of shades of grey.

[@stephenedgecock]

I know it's not the same but I have a point & shoot digital camera set to monochrome at all times for when I want to shoot b&w street photography. I'd love to be able to afford a monochrome only sensor camera.

[@paulreidphotography]

For the mindset part that is definitely how to shoot! I really don’t know what Fuji and Ricoh haven’t released an X100 monochrome and a GR Monochrome. Those two camera systems are well suited

[@fbraakman]

Really glad I watched your video. I am picking up a used M10 monochrome this week from a Leica dealer, and I did have some reservations about the monochrome but you have helped clear up any issues i may have had. By the way, how does the Q2 monochrome line up against he M10 monochrome?

[@paulreidphotography]

I’d love an M10 monochrom as well as the Q2M!! They are very similar

[@mrjonnyburkecovers]

Enjoyed this one Paul. Very passionate!

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching. I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@p13579a]

I hate tripods too Paul. You just have to watch 'War of the Worlds' to know they are wrong! Thanks for your insights. I had the Q2M and now have the Q3 (mainly for B&W). I think I have come to value channel mixing above the occasional high ISO noise issues which can usually be fixed with DxO.

[@paulreidphotography]

I mean is noise even a problem? Unless extreme high detail is the object I ask myself that question a lot lately.

[@joseuribe430]

One other benefit to not having a color filter on the sensor. No chromatic aberration. Blacks look black and whites look white. You can shoot at 200,000 ISO and you don't get noise, you get grain like film. Monochrome only sensor also makes images look quite a bit sharper than a sensor with the color filter built in

[@alanjackson7428]

Great video. Although the comparisons were mostly directed toward the M11M and the Q2M concerning monochrome camera models. I am shooting the M Monochrome (18MP) CCD sensor. At different points in time, I have considered moving to a single camera setup such as the M9 and simply converting images to black & white. Although both the M9M and the M9 would still be the CCD sensor any thought would be appreciated.

[@paulreidphotography]

The M9 would be a step backwards from the M9M as far as higher iso abilities. It would also be worse at shadow detail. A lot of people still prefer the M9M as the files are much easier to edit straight out of camera. The RAW files on anything M246 and above are much flatter but you can pull more detail from them.

[@alanjackson7428]

@@paulreidphotography Thank you Paul for clearing up this. Maybe I should just keep at it with my M9M. It is all boxed up ready for eBay, as I was considering the M9. From the look of the Q2M or the M11M maybe I should consider these also. Thanks again!

[@Kevb69]

Great video Paul and thanks for sharing your passion for the monochrome sensor. I too would like to get a monochrome camera and probably will one day, probably a Q2M because of the price. Only thing that puts me off is the fixed focal length. It’s taken me an age to get a CL with some decent glass, I like the flexibility in lens choice. All of my images are monochrome, I get that some people don’t like it over colour but I prefer it. Id really love to see a video of your editing process in the future, that would be really helpful. Once again thanks for the video and best wishes

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching. The fixed focal length is something I’ve got used to.

[@Kevb69]

@@paulreidphotography that’s good to hear, it’s what put me off the X100V. I ended up buying an extra screw on lens which rather defeated the point of a compact camera in the first place 😳

[@chrisponsford1327]

Thank you ,Paul ,such a great video ,answered so many questions re buying and using monochrome .wasnt clear if the Q2 could take interchangeable lenses ?Thanks .brilliant work .

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching. Yeah the Q2 is a fixed lens camera

[@homecareful]

Have you looked into DxO's Prime Raw 3, Paul. High ISO noise is almost removed as a problem by that developer.

[@myoung48281]

Assumes you don't like grain.Some of us like the grainy higher ISO film look. Likewise that esthetic can carry into a digital image where camera noise becomes grain in effect, depends on camera of course.

[@paulreidphotography]

I also shoot film so I like grain. I just also like detail

[@dennislee8253]

Thanks a lot for this info, didn't know this about the enhanced detail in High ISO. Definitely worthwhile information. I'd like to make a comment and please don't take it the wrong way, but I think you could add a little lighting to your monolog talking scene. Much like your description on improperly edited BW shots this image is very flat and we're looking at it for quite a bit of the video. Just throwing up a softbox to one side or the other would make a huge difference. Your image files are fabulous, otherwise I wouldn't mention this. A little snap in the video image would make it look really great. Cheers. My first time listening and very worthwhile, a buddy sent me a link. Thanks again, d

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks for your comments. Yeah the soft box I’m using is huge and should be more directional rather than straight on. I keep making slight improvements along the way to the videos so the lighting should get better also

[@recreationalplutonium]

is the leica m monochrome weather sealed or will it brick if exposed to light drizzle?

[@paulreidphotography]

The M Monochrome is not weather sealed! The M lenses aren’t so therefore the whole package isn’t. But!!! They are not susceptible to rain dust etc getting in. They are good in bad weather conditions. However I would still be more careful in really bad rain.

[@ThealchemistNR]

What other options of cameras do I have rather than leica monochrome as leica is very expensive for me...? And I want to buy a dedicated monochrome camera absolutely..

[@paulreidphotography]

I haven’t tested the Pentax monochrome. That’s the only other one I know

[@wiriadinata]

great sharing

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much

[@spiscione]

this is why i keep my x100T in jpg only in monochrome. knowing what im getting right away is just a wonderful thing.

[@paulreidphotography]

II certainly do enjoy my Fuji too

[@dingbat19]

Interesting video. You didn't mention the claim that monochrome sensors capture more detail than the colour version of the same sensor, but I guess that's not necessarily all that relevant for street photography. The issue about superior high ISO performance is an interesting one as there are amazing post processing tools for squashing high ISO noise these days, so I wonder if that issue is moot for raw shooters willing to use a tool like DXO Photo Raw or Topaz DeNoise. The tonality in shadows I get and that might be the clincher for me if i was flush enough to afford one of these cameras, then yes, I can see that is attractive. Shame that in London and a lot of cities there are now gangs targeting Leica users - taping up that red dot seems to be the thing to stay safe. Also using regular backpacks rather than bags that shout "photographer" like Billighams, which again, is a shame, but the scooter gangs have moved on from focusing on just Rolexes and phones and they know what to look for now. Thanks for an interesting video that I came rather late to but still found relevant in April 2024.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks for watching the video. I agree about the high iso performance these days is becoming less important. There is however a magic from the Q2M I can’t replicate for whatever reason

[@georgejenkinson9287]

Hello Paul, very helpful video thank you - it helped put the reasons for them into a proper context. Thinking about the monochrome cameras, and I’m almost too embarrassed to ask, but are the rear displays and evfs also in monochrome, or colour? Cheers

[@paulreidphotography]

All monochrome

[@mrcondorazo]

It's not wasting money... it's living a story... it's enjoying a photo with all the dynamics of its black and white like no camera can do it... it's just feeling a Leica... money is secondary

[@borderillo]

Grazie, molto chiaro.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching

[@borderillo]

you explained very well the use of the machine and the filters, thanks.

[@SamanthaHAgastin]

Chiarissimo 🎉

[@christopherhowell3209]

Great video!.. I have a 246 monochrome, is. There a need to upgrade,.. and to what?.. thanks

[@paulreidphotography]

Honestly I think at the point of the 246 it doesn’t really need upgrading unless needing some extra megapixels for cropping

[@steve_nomad]

Love your images and your content

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much!! I really appreciate you watching the videos

[@igorputina7909]

What I dislike in working with a Leica Monochrom DNG is the lack of control which a color DNG affords to tweak the different color channels. The fact that the channels are separated allows me for example to darken the sky by targeting the color of the sky. How do you go about this on a Leica M Monochrom?

[@paulreidphotography]

Coming from a film background I never got into the colour channel thing with digital so it wasn’t a miss for me. I just use masks if I want to select sky or something like that. Lightroom can select sky or subject or people these days. Before that I’d just use a linear gradient maybe on the sky. Brushes on any other areas I wanted to isolate.

[@igorputina7909]

@@paulreidphotography I think the detail in the shadows is a powerful argument for considering this sensor. Thank you.

[@schecterman7193]

Great video and great youtube channel, congratulations! Is it necessary or required to use colour filters on the Q2M? I don't think we need any. You can always correct with Capture One and Silver Efex for example. Is this correct or am I completely wrong? Thanks in advance for your reply. Congrats, from France ;-)

[@paulreidphotography]

I played with filters at the beginning but quickly realised that it was better to just shoot without

[@woodie61955]

I just watched your video but I am somewhat confused. Back in the black and white film days many photographers used a K12 yellow filter. This filter usually added a little more contrast to any photo taken. A number 25 red was used for dramatic skies and lighter foliage and overall a greater contrast than a yellow filter. Does an orange filter work better with a digital sensor?

[@paulreidphotography]

Orange is on the same sort of spectrum as a red. Red is more dramatic on film and digital than orange. Blues go dark! So a sky would go dark and dramatic.

[@garymc8956]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching

[@laika25]

Great video, I needed it, thanks

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching! I’m glad it helped

[@kevin-parratt-artist]

Start with B&W film. 👌

[@paulreidphotography]

Love Black and white film!!

[@joachimreiner7924]

Great information. What do you think then about the Pentax K-3 III monochrome?

[@paulreidphotography]

I think it’s great that another manufacturer is getting on board for monochrome cameras. It also means we should see a Ricoh GR Monochrom

[@innercynic2784]

I'm a contrarian by nature. When the herd moves right I move left and vice versa. The "point" is that there needn't be a point. Do it because it speaks to you and forget about everything and everyone else.

[@paulreidphotography]

Yeah whatever feels right for you is always the way

[@diegomilanese3930]

Thank you!

[@paulreidphotography]

You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching

[@sound-flies]

Love your video:) subbed just now What lenses do you use with the Pentax mono

[@paulreidphotography]

I’m not familiar with using Pentax but if I did I would be choosing a wide lens such as a 28mm

[@kevinslaney486]

Playing devil's advocate I would say....I wonder how much Cartier Bresson, Lee Miller, Capa, Trente Parke and many many more worry/ worried about shadow detail? There really seems to be an obsession about it. Highlights also. So many of the amazing photos through history, infact most still held as the greatest ever were not shot with too much concern anout shadow detail. Personally I find this look of obviously heavily processed and corrected B&W images all a bit plastic looking and quickly appear fatiguing to look at. I think this is a look that won't stand the test of time.

[@RocketinExile]

Amazing video man

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much

[@jaimenasser6239]

THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO

[@nicoxg]

Hi Paul, greetings from Belgium! I'm new to the channel and I'm "eating" your videos like a kid a box of cereals... Thank you for sharing your passion with us! At the moment I'm heavily invested in Olympus/OM System, but I want to make the switch to Leica for my street and portrait "work" (as in, my hobby, if I'm honest). I'm completely in love with monochrom, so that's that. But there's something daunting about purchasing an M11 Monochrom and 1 Leica lens, knowing I don't have the budget for more. Do you sometimes contemplate replacing your Q2M with a M11M? What do you do when 28mm simply isn't the right focal length? I'm more into portraits than street, if I had to chose, so I'm leaning towards a 50mm... but then again, going for a Q2M would maybe be a less abrupt jump? Decisions! 😀

[@paulreidphotography]

Welcome to the channel! So glad you are enjoying it. So I will have a better answer in a couple of weeks for you after using an M10 monochrom. I wasn’t to see if using and M camera is more of a romantic idea than a practical one. 28mm is actually better than you think for portraits. However I hear what you are saying and I will let you know my thoughts soon

[@daryljohnson9010]

This! Thank you.

[@paulreidphotography]

Thanks so much for watching my videos! I really appreciate it

[@laika25]

Have you seen the new Pentax K3 monochrom? Will it be a proper rival for the Leicas you think?

[@paulreidphotography]

I just don’t know to be honest. I’d have to try one out

[@simonmckelleget8415]

Thank you for this Paul! I wanted to ask your thoughts on the jpgs for this camera. What are your thoughts on them? I have been spoiled by Fuji jpegs and if I do make the switch, I would love to have the option to have at least above average b&w jpgs without any need to edit.

[@paulreidphotography]

The jpgs are really nice and you do have some control over those with contrast etc. they are not flat like the RAW files