Revisiting the Leica Q in 2025: Why This 10-Year-Old Camera Still Holds Up!

In this video, I’m revisiting an old favorite - the Leica Q (Typ 116) - a camera I owned almost 8 years ago and have now repurchased in 2025. This 10-year-old, full-frame, fixed-lens powerhouse might be outdated by modern tech standards, but it still delivers stunning image quality and a shooting experience that reminds me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.
Back then, I sold my Leica Q to upgrade to the Fuji X-Pro3, which I still like, but I’ve always missed the simplicity, compact design, and stellar optics of the Leica Q. So, after trading in some gear, I found a second-hand Leica Q from Riceball Photography at Peninsula Plaza - and I’m thrilled to have it back as my everyday carry (EDC) camera.
This video is a mix of a retrospective, a confession, and a recommendation for photographers: You don’t always need the latest and greatest tech. Sometimes, it’s about finding a camera that just works for your creative style, whether it’s brand new or 10 years old.
What makes the Leica Q special in 2025?
🔹 Full-frame sensor (35mm): With a 6-micron photodiode size, it gathers more light compared to newer high-resolution sensors, improving low-light performance and dynamic range.
🔹 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens: Incredible sharpness, creamy bokeh, and fast aperture for low-light photography.
🔹 Fixed lens simplicity: Forces you to think creatively within a single focal length, improving composition skills.
🔹 Timeless design and quality build: The all-metal body feels premium even a decade later.
🔹 Affordable accessories: With the camera being 10 years old, batteries, grips, and other accessories are cheaper now.
This isn’t a review telling you to sell your gear and buy a Leica. This is about rediscovering what’s already out there and focusing on enjoying photography instead of chasing specs.
Leica Q (Typ 116) Key Specifications:
• Sensor: Full-frame 24.2MP CMOS sensor
• Photodiode size: Approx. 6 microns, enabling excellent low-light performance
• Lens: Fixed 28mm f/1.7 Summilux ASPH
• ISO Range: 100-50,000
• Autofocus: 49-point contrast-detection AF
• Image Processor: Leica Maestro II
• Max Shutter Speed: 1/16,000 sec (electronic)
• LCD Screen: 3-inch, 1.04M-dot touchscreen
• Built-in EVF: 3.68M-dot LCOS electronic viewfinder
• Video: 1080p at 60fps
• Battery Life: Approx. 350 shots per charge
• Build: Magnesium alloy body with aluminum top plate
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For me, the Leica Q still offers exceptional image quality, bokeh, and versatility, and it’s my go-to for street, travel, and everyday shooting. Sure, I’d love USB-C charging, but otherwise, this camera holds up perfectly in 2025.
If you’re considering picking up a second-hand Leica Q, I highly recommend trying it out. You might be surprised at how well it performs even today!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram at @hotshotstudio01 for more photos, videos, and creative inspiration.
Thanks for watching, and keep creating! 🎥📷
#LeicaQ #LeicaQTyp116 #PhotographyIn2025 #RevisitingOldTech #FullFrameCamera #LeicaSummilux #LeicaLovers #VintageCamera #PhotographyTips #RediscoverYourGear #HotShotStudio01 #RiceballPhotography #PeninsulaPlaza #creativephotography
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[@TonyEbikemeJr]

I had the Q2 monochrome but sold it when I lost my job last year. Was really nice but now i have actually been looking at the Q/QP. I’m kinda of yearning for those old Q colours. The Q will be by next and hopefully final main camera purchase. I know some people don’t believe this but when I got the Q2M I got back my shooting mojo. its definitely a fun camera.

[@HotshotStudio]

Totally get what you mean. The Q2 Monochrom has a way of reigniting the joy of shooting, but there’s definitely something special about the colors from the original Q/QP. Sounds like the Q will be a great final main camera for you-hope it brings that same spark back! Looking forward to seeing what you capture with it.

[@silentripper_lk]

Is it worth to buy a used leica q today?

[@eldar68]

It absolutely is. I acquired my copy last March ahead of my trip to Asia, and ever since then it adds to excitement of new adventures with anticipation of marvelous photos this camera is capable of producing.

[@silentripper_lk]

@ thanks alot for the reply….will be considering getting one soon

[@HotshotStudio]

Check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIq5e4l-ms-of6s And read edwardchang.me/blog-1/2023/12/31/original-leica-q-in-2024 I actually only recently discovered these two creators and they are of the same opinion. The Leica Q is a great camera and despite some really minor shortfalls on the tech side it is a camera that was ahead of its time. And now it is a camera that is cheaper thanks to time. This is the 2nd Leica Q I have bought (the first one I gave to my father). For me 24mp and that low light ability is great. And if you dont like the autofocus so much there is a touch to focus option. Go try it out. I think you will be surprised

[@silentripper_lk]

@@HotshotStudio thank you…..whats the deal with weather seal….can i shoot in cold and hot situations without being worried about moisture ….. obviously we dont use the camera in rain or snow yeah

[@HotshotStudio]

@@silentripper_lk I took it to the snow in the past but I used the Leica Q leather case and I taped any of those little mic ports at the top just to be safe but its not weather sealed like the newer Q