The Ultimate Everyday Personal Camera? | Leica Q2 Monochrom Review

[@hatpeach1]

Fuji needs to make a monochrome.

[@iLLWiLL173]

I picked this up last year and I gotta say it's the best camera I've owned ..I even sold my M10-P after getting this because I just wasn't using it anymore...that 28mm is just beautiful...I've never had any issues with the focusing ..I usually keep it on Single point. Glad you enjoyed it and I hope you get to pick one up..

[@williamgoss4691]

I used to shoot a lot of B/W and develop and print myself. Your lovely shots reminded me how B/W images, and the tones u can get from diff processing and printed, is just extraordinary and quite beautiful. Very informative as well, thkz

[@jeffchastain2977]

I bought a Q3 and took it and only it to Europe (Italy, Turkey, Greece) for a couple of months. What a blast. The form factor and the incredible quality of the lens blew me away daily. The Q2 Monochrom(if they don't make a Q3 monochrom) is my next way too big purchase.

[@CalMukumoto]

I am convinced, just ordered the Q2 monochrom and I am a Sony shooter.

[@benjhaisch]

If I wasn’t so ADDLMNOP about wanting every camera ever, I’d probably buy one too

[@Johnkostercreative]

I love mine. I've decided to get the Q2 Reporter, though. I want something that can do both B/W and color for my street work. I've owned the Fuji X100V and this is so much more fun and the still pics are so much better, IMHO. The 1.7 Summilux lens is superb. The AF is just fine. I'm selling my M10-R because I'm so impressed with the Q2.

[@benjhaisch]

that Q2 reporter is such a cool camera

[@erinjoy8338]

Is the quality of the photos really a huge difference between the q2 and the fujifilm? I was thinking of getting the x100v but love the reporter edition q2 and have always wanted a leica but it’s SO much more money

[@Keith80027]

Very nice images, reminds me of when I started shooting pictures back in 50's using B&W film. I shot a lot of weddings in early 70's using only B&W film. Thanks for the review.

[@ShawnPBruce]

I’ve always been drawn to B&W film and took the leap on a M246 a while back. No regrets. But… the Q2M is very tempting. I love how you document family life.

[@Bryan-lu4du]

I absolutely love mine for street photography and general purpose. One of my favorite portraits came from this camera as well even though 28mm is not a traditional portrait lens.

[@mattgermond7957]

Thank you for the Awesome video! The Q2 is such an amazing machine. Meanwhile I’m slumming it with my Canon RP and adapted EF 28mm f1.8 which I find is what I grab every time I leave the house, especially at night! Cheers!

[@jacobh5817]

In slightly over a year this has become my absolute favorite camera for personal work. The image quality is mind-blowing and the minimalist approach allows you to fully focus (pun intended) on creating images. Professionally I’m using a/o an H6D, but this little gem comes close to that IQ. For my liking they could have forfeited on the video capabilities, but a usb-c (like on the M11) would have been nice. As for the 2nd card slot: I use the Leica App and Dropbox so all images are streamed immediately to the cloud. Besides that, I’ve never had SD card issues with Leica cameras (or Nikon and Panasonic for that matter, unlike Fujifilm).

[@mgurmgur2]

Never ever had any SD card issues with any of my (five) Fujifilm cameras 🤷🤷‍♂️🤷

[@nickieplease]

Another great buy if you already have the Original Leica Q2. Why? Because the wife wouldnt even notice the difference.

[@jfvazq110]

Mine didn’t!!! 😎 😎😎

[@SourPlanet]

2/3 my trinity and my favorite fast prime are identical to the wife 👌

[@studiokaufman]

I put a bit of gaffer tape over the RED dot on the Q2 and she never knew there were 2 Leicas in the house.

[@LivingAdventurousLee]

That’s a fact lik

[@spyhardman]

I’m glad I watched this; it reminded me that I shouldn’t be afraid of high iso on this camera. I’m so conditioned to avoid it, but it makes so many great, spontaneous shots possible if you relax about it.

[@benjhaisch]

It’s wild how good it is.

[@carlosmcse]

The only ones worried about ISO are the ones shooting film. If you shoot digital why worry about it at all? Some cameras have terrible high iso results, but if you have Leica, high ISO looks great. So does Fuji actually. My iso is on auto constantly. I could care less what it is.

[@benjhaisch]

Weddings are often forced to use high iso, so it’s a huge thing for me

[@carlosmcse]

@@benjhaisch Yea. Performance at high ISO is important too. I find the high ISO on the M is very good. But of course, especially people who deliver pictures to clients and they need a certain look and the cleanest files possible then it’s very important. Monochrome cameras are the way to go for almost no noise at all at high ISO. It’s nuts how high they can go with almost no noise. Most people aren’t professional photographers though and I see this trend on KZbin of reviewers pushing the fastest perfect lenses and the cleanest files with 0 noise and the blurriest backgrounds and this guy saying “I’ve been conditioned to” reminded me of that. More people should embrace the imperfections and the noise.

[@ArminHirmer]

for me there is nothing comparable out there right now. I have the Q2M since 2 weeks and MAN is it a beast and beauty to handle

[@benjhaisch]

100%. it is a joy to use

[@CalmSitar-sw5wf]

Hi Benj, thank you so much for this video. I’m thinking about purchasing this camera. My question is how do you feel about taking portraits or pictures of people with a 28 mm? Thank you.

[@fellowcitizen]

It's very compelling - I hope that they make a classic 50mm photo-journalist version one day.

[@bryancaporicci901]

Q2M is 👌 - I've never shot one, but I've got the OG Q and the M246. I can only imagine the M246 files out of the Q body. Nom nom nom. You should just do it. I'd support it!

[@elmerkilred159]

This looks like a combo dedicated street/architectural camera. Hasselblad had one (Film medium format) with a fixed 28mm years ago.

[@tylerjohnston7632]

Great Review!! Love my Q2m, and as a fellow wedding photographer it's definitely created a bit of a niche for me to have a digital camera that only shoots black and white. Might seem redundant to just having the Q2 and doing a bw conversion, but there's something really special about the files that come out of the Q2m and so far, my clients have agreed too. I haven't shot with the M yet, and not sure how I'd fare manual focussing at a wedding, but the Q2m has been great at autofocus so far in most situations. My D850 is still better at focussing in low light, so using it for low-light dance coverage has been hit or miss. Only major gripe is the sluggish buffer even when shooting with fast 300mb/s cards.

[@TheShadowseesyou]

Leica Q2 Monochrom would be my dream camera I would love one and im trying to save up for one currently

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

Beautiful production!

[@elcano091]

Awesome! Very interested on that next comparison video. BTW, just an observation, the b-roll felt way too digitally stabilized.

[@Lisakayeblood]

great review, super helpful!

[@maxdmachy]

Hi Benj, The M11 wedding, great photos. Yes, learning how to use a rangefinder in the old-style photojournalism way would be great! Sorry to respond here, I didn't see a comment option on the short!

[@davesaunders59]

I have a Q2. I sold everything to get one. I'm editing almost all my work to monochrome these days. I'm seriously considering the trade as I write. I love the Q2. It's expensive but generally good quality will always come at a premium. In this case it's worth it.

[@fullframepix]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I've had the opportunity to get a second hand model in pristine state and I do not regret it at all. This camera is indeed quite special and produces fantastic pictures

[@benjhaisch]

Definitely a special camera!

[@small.towns.open.spaces]

Thank you for talking about the video capability. I have thought this would be a great camera to document not only photos, but capture video as well as I travel. I’d love to see some more video clips from it, especially in low light.

[@GenericPhotographer]

I love what you say, I felt the same way, especially about selling gear in order to fund one. It makes so much sense, but at the same time would you take the Q2 over a M10M?

[@jaredgotcher]

I mostly use a Leica M3 and Olympus Pen FT with Ilford Hp5 to document every day things. I think I've watched just about every single video on the Leica Q2 Monochrom over the last year, trying to convince myself I don't want one while simultaneously trying to justify purchasing one. I mean, it would save me so much money on film, right? Hahaha. Thanks for the video, Benj. I imagine it will be a while before the second iteration of this camera comes out, but I hope they do implement some of the changes you mentioned.

[@whoschrischu]

I was ALSO pleasantly surprised that there was image stabilization in the lens. It's not advertised! Weird.

[@benjhaisch]

I have on idea why they don't talk about it more, such a huge feature for the category and I didn't even know that it had it.

[@rf8221]

Out of the two Leica Q's I would definitely choose the Q2. I have a hard time letting go of the idea of not being able to pick from the plethora of black and white film stocks. I mean, that's part of the fun, right? Tri-X, HP5...XX, T-Max 3200 and Across 100II are some the best.

[@TorBergen]

Thanks for the review. I do have the Q2M and I share most of your thoughts 👍🏻. It’s an incredible tool that really stands out. You get what you pay for 👌🏻. My i ask what kind of leather-strap you had attached to the camera?

[@phillamdin5797]

I’m not a techie but I’ve read elsewhere that tracking/ focus relies on colour which is obviously not available on a monochrome sensor? Otherwise great video thanks! Really fancy the idea of the monochrome but part of the attraction of Leica for me is the colours….

[@benjhaisch]

Thanks for the info!

[@JudoDogMD]

Looks like Q3 is going to be announced.

[@benjhaisch]

I saw that last night! couldn't be more stoked for it, assuming some of my hopes for improvements come with it.

[@carlbenjiphotography6651]

Interesting review. It's expensive, but I dream to get a only b&w camera like this.

[@gnuhapi]

Good video. I'll be watching the X100V comparison next. My only complaint about my Q2M is that I wasted money on the inescapable video feature that is foisted on us with almost every other camera. Without video, there would not be eight microphone holes drilled into the top to ingest moisture. Since I bought it I've rarely touched the X-Pro2, XE-3 or X100V as I really enjoy the simplicity of the Q in manual mode, it's lean menu and ease of use. In fact, I've decided that I still want the option to shoot color and possibly reach out, so I bought an M10R and a few lenses . Now to divest myself of the Fuji equipment...or maybe not. After all, he who finishes with the most toys, wins. Right?

[@tor2919]

Hear hear! They should remove video entirely and kill these tiresome hybrid requests.

[@renev6919]

Just a gorgeous camera. i use a M10 as my everyday. So i can choose wich focal lenght i choose for my actual day to take with me :)

[@mikaellumos563]

I absolutely love my Q2 Monochrom for many of the reasons you just mentioned in the short review - the files coming out of this camera are just stunning. I was considering the regular color Q2 but tested both models for comparison. The Monochrom's ability to shoot in very dim/dark conditions with so little noise (just very fine unobtrusive grain while maintaining details) at very high ISO is amazing. About 2 full stops in favour for the Q2 Monochrom in actual ISO-performance and that difference was in the end more important to me than color in this case.

[@ALWH1314]

Bought Q2 when it was released, before the price hike. I don’t shoot video so this is a perfect camera for me. The auto focus is not in the same league with Sony, Canon or Nikon but it’s fine for my mostly landscape and street shooting. I added a pricy Leica handle for better hand held and wish for a tilt screen. My usual set up is a Hasselblad 907X on tripod and Q2 hand held, I take similar images from both and keep one. Q2 has the macro and stabilization advantages and 907X has the lens exchange advantage. Image quality are different and I like both. Both app suck and one card on Q2 is fine for me since I don’t make living on camera and I download from app most of the time, format card after each shooting session and replace a new every so often (for all my SD card cameras).

[@mulatokudzava7797]

Man, the cameras you said you´re going to review made me subscribe...

[@GoodLifeInSpain]

Speaking as a Q2 owner, I suspect most Leica owners can afford other camera's like a Fujifilm X-T4 for video. I like the Q2's simplicity and I don't have any issues with the lack of ports. Weather resistance is more important to me. Is it an awesome everyday camera? It's a great camera, but it's NOT a pocket camera by any stretch of the imagination, so for me...no, it's not...simply for the reason that I tend to 'think about it' before leaving the house. The 'think about it' factor automatically excludes it from being an everyday carry.

[@jon-nolanacousticsingerson9920]

Great video! Thanks

[@spyhunter6411]

I want a q2 so badly! Probably will never have one though. I'm happy with my xt4 honestly, the q2 seems like such a good daily driver.

[@REMY.C.]

The menus design + touchscreen seem to be very practical and beautiful. I think the photo on which you can really appreciate the capabilities of the bw sensor is the one with the big shop and cars and mountains behind. So many details in every part even if there's a great light difference between that shop dark shadow, the sky and the mountains' shades of grey. At this price range, dual memory slots and USBC port is a minimum.

[@shahedmahbub85]

Thanks very much. One note, somehow you failed to mention the macro capability of this lens. Probably coming in the next video?

[@benjhaisch]

Yeah, I mention it in further comparison videos. Recorded 7 videos in one day so apologies for not adding it here ;)

[@JohnSmith-wq3sr]

Where did you buy the strap ?

[@daryljohnson9010]

A couple of us were going to do a head to head comparison between the X100V/WCL and Q2 on January 8 here on the streets of Portland but I got CoVID and that was that. I’m looking forward to what you have to say.

[@ZDShah]

I have been waiting on your review, thoughts on the Q2M. I love the portability of the camera and I was amazed your shots with 50000 ISO. Were most of the shots you showed SOOC? BTW your Cascades presets work beautifully with the Q2.

[@gewglesux]

Love my Q "twins" Thanks for this review!

[@zbqsky]

May the Q3 have a smaller (35mm) lens and I might go back in. I had a Q2 for about a year but the lens was so big compared to an M camera with a 35 or even 50. Holding out hope!

[@Fleet42]

I almost bought one the other day as I loved my Q2 before I sold it to grab the SL2S. For me the elephant in the room is the M7 as I love film or perhaps a used m-10R or maybe the M11 any thoughts? Got an R5 for pro work and an SL2S right now! Great video! By the way your presets would you say they’d bring out the best colors for those shooting Leica?

[@benjhaisch]

all depends on budget and preference. the M10-R seems like a great option right now as I've been seeing some people selling theirs for under $7k to grab an M11. Seems like a great deal at this point. M10M would obviously be cool too. M11 is something I'm still trying my hardest to find a way to purchase a pair.

[@carlosriveros3039]

great channel, can you do more with the q2 please

[@mosesp6200]

Great review! The X100V and the Q2M shouldn't be compared like opponents; in my opiniom both are the perfect team for color & b&w shooting - if you shoot street and/or everyday life. (But im already excited to see your upcoming comparison videos!)

[@airgreek]

How much post editing is required for a camera like this?

[@BTNFILM]

Amazing

[@mauricerijnders3507]

Complaining about features that are missing on Leica’s is an exhausting experience 😅 It’s about the joy in creating content. The monochrom Leica’s though can do something NO other camera’s can: High pixel pictures in low light situations. Better then my any other camera I own ✨👌🏼

[@benjhaisch]

Yeah, I love it for sure. But it wouldn't be much of a review if I didn't mention things that would possibly be lacking, right?

[@mauricerijnders3507]

@@benjhaisch absolutely! Great review 👍🏼✨

[@mauricerijnders3507]

I am hoping for a Q with interchangeable lenses and an adapter for M glass... so many Leica users use an SL for this 😃✨👌🏼

[@vitabcdefghijklmno]

Does it feels more like a 24mm instead of 28mm? And how about the sluggishness of the camera that people on Leica forum complained about? I’m thinking of buying one but these two factors are holding me back.

[@edwardstewart4430]

I’m wondering if you made any large format prints while using this camera. If so, how do the look compared to like a darkroom print?

[@hansrenner9459]

A question: Do the pics from the monochrome cam look different than pics taken with the color version converted to black and white ?

[@benjhaisch]

yes :)

[@hansrenner9459]

@@benjhaisch what is the difference ?

[@SurrealExposure12]

@@hansrenner9459not being an asshole, but if you have to ask, maybe you are new to the hobby/ craft and it takes a few years to develop the eye

[@benoitpiret9065]

I found the tracking (without face detect) works pretty ok for me.

[@jameslenney]

I want one!

[@CMC5961]

The Q2 is a perfectly balanced design with currently available technologies. If one wants more than what provided by the Q2, he/she should look at other models like SL2, etc. The beauty of a Leica Q or Q2 is its simplicity, just like an M3!

[@benjhaisch]

What if I've used an SL2 alongside the Q2 and want some more tech in a small package? ;)

[@Ctoretto17]

Have been considering getting rid of my canon gear and just getting this camera or the color version. While I came here for the review, I ended up really liking the wall with the black and white photos. Hope you don't mind me asking but were those printed on regular photo paper and just stuck to the wall with tape or something?

[@ObservingBeauty]

Nice review. Waiting for the comparison to the x100v. My intuition is that for the average shooter for home use (which is your interest for this camera if I understood well), the x100v is a better value for money. But, what do I know….

[@ikorin]

I have x100t and I compared RAW files from both of them. TBH fuji is very close in IQ and has better distortion control in the lens itself. I decided to pass on Q for now

[@ObservingBeauty]

@@ikorin interesting. Thanks for sharing this

[@1946gsp]

HOW in the world did you get those Peak button connectors threaded through the Leica microscopic eyelets?

[@benjhaisch]

Very very very carefully

[@jon2512chua]

Hey Benj, I have the Q2 (might be slightly different from Q2M but I didn't think it would be that different), and it has all the AF modes that you mentioned are missing from your Q2M. Maybe check to see if your Q2M is on an older firmware?

[@benjhaisch]

hold on, really? the Q2M had the latest firmware to my knowledge. I even asked the people about it again at the Leica store when I was there the other day.

[@benjhaisch]

Ah well hopefully the Q2M gets it! Yeah, I was really surprised that the AF options were more lacking, but I do wish I had a Q2 side by side to confirm

[@jon2512chua]

@@benjhaisch Haha you should totally get one! I shoot weddings with it + a M240 with a 50 Lux. It’s perfect for canapés hour when you want to be able to keep shooting but keep one hand free so you can stuff your face 😂

[@SourPlanet]

If I was still working at garbage jobs I hate, I'd absolutely be on this for my daily. Alas, I went freelance and can't justify it. I use my A7c with vintage glass as a pale imitation.

[@maheshg212]

Hi Benj, if you are comparing XE4 with a Q, please do use 18/1.4 lens. It is awesome and almost as good as the lens on Q.

[@benjhaisch]

The balance would be terrible though :/

[@maheshg212]

@@benjhaisch It is not too bad with the grip attached to XE4. I agree it is a bit front heavy, however with XE4, I have been carrying 18/1.4 and 27/2.8 and with the latter lens, it gives a compact option as well. Q is good but it is a dense, bigger camera there is no option to make it lighter.

[@qdogg290]

@@maheshg212 you've compared both XE4 + 18 f/1.4 and Leica Q2? The Q2 is a camera that I'm salivating over, be it color or monochrome. If I could achieve a similar performance from my XT-3 and the 18 f/1.4 -- that would be cool.

[@maheshg212]

@@qdogg290 Hi Daniel, If you already have XT3, I would suggest 18/1.4. it'll balance on XT3 even better. I had XT3 for a couple of years, now xe4. I've used a Q for a few days and the Q2 over a weekend. Q is a step above 18/1.4 but not massively considering other advantages of XT3+ 18/1.4 such as flexibility, cost and familiarity. Q is a solid dense camera which needs an external grip as well. In short if you have money to spend, go ahead with Q. It is a handsome camera, with files that have good colour and a lens that is special with smooth rendering yet very sharp. Q2 has more megapixels, so make sure your computer is able to handle. If you settle with 18/1.4, you won't be disappointed. The lens is very sharp, good bokeh and provides a pop similar to Zeiss lenses such as biogon 35/2.8 and distagon 35/1.4 zm.

[@fellowcitizen]

KEH/used shoppers note that the original Q also shares batteries with the Sigma fp, fp L, and Lumix GX8

[@hedydd2]

Check out the new [as at May 9th ’22] version 4.0 Firmware which has many worthwhile new features. It might be called version 2.0 for the Monochrom

[@benjhaisch]

thanks!

[@mitas3484]

What Light stick is in the background?

[@jameslabeck6407]

A b/w everyday carry? 😙

[@calvinchann1996]

The reason the AF isn’t up there with the best is because it’s contrast only. Leica, like Panasonic, doesn’t have phase detect AF.

[@absonus]

Yep ,I use the SL2S and whilst its a lovely camera I`m loathe to invest in more glass because of the poor AF. Often use it with my M lenses.

[@benjhaisch]

I'm excited about the SL3 using the Lumix tech

[@technoalah]

Awesome

[@gsx-phantom645]

Note: you can't add a tracking option to a camera that is (by design) unable to track subjects since this requires a colour sensor.

[@THEBRISCOFFICIAL]

Leica 😍

[@alainmonnens]

Personally, I would be all over it for a black and white sensor camera. But hearing you say that the autofocus capabilities are less that the Fujifilm X100V, which I own myself, makes it less appealing. That is extremely unfortunate considering I was also considering for some time. Creative greetings Alain

[@jcbarker1]

It’s an older contrast detect system vs phase detect in the x100v. It’s a little slower than Fuji but not by a lot and it’s very accurate. I wouldn’t let the autofocus system deter you from a Q2. You won’t be shooting sports or birds with it but for everyday life, it’s fine.

[@alainmonnens]

Thank you for your response @@jcbarker1 I have the opportunity to take over a standard Q from someone. Might not be a bad idea to try that out.

[@dthevenin]

There is anything for vloging and its good. There is lot of camera that are made for that; plenty of choice. I never did use the video functionality of the Q2, and I'm happy that Leica did not make the body of that camera more complicate for a feature I do not care (and I'm not the only one with that requirement). Leica M or Q are not for video. Simplicity of photography 🙂

[@charlesmason58]

You barely mention, when hammering it for poor auto focus, the excellent manual and zone focusing abilities of the camera. Perfect for street shooting. Well beyond any other street camera. Including the x100v!!!

[@benjhaisch]

It’s all about use case. I didn’t find it *as* useful as there are some flaws. But yes, it’s 1000% better for manually focusing than the X100V

[@ofeykalakar1]

I’m more geared towards the digital CL as an everyday carry camera. It’s as small as an x100 and as versatile as an XE. And with the added Leica special sauce you can slap on any M lens and L lens. It’s the perfect little camera between the M and the S/SL cameras. I find the Q cameras cannibalize either the M or SL cameras in both size and features. It’s too big as an edc

[@bngr_bngr]

Are you still posting the 30 minute reminders on your videos? You know that multiple notifications from the same channel are grouped into one notification?

[@benjhaisch]

What do you mean?

[@alwinbenjamin]

🔥

[@JohannesLabusch]

Describing this as an "everyday camera" inspired me to do some math. If you really used it each day for a year, you'd spend about 16$ daily. That's not too bad, actually ...

[@darinwatkins747]

It’s a monochrome digital/FILM LIKE camera. It’s very essence is old school b&w photography with amazing sharpness in grade A quality optics.It’s a Leica they’re minimalistic in style. If you want a digital camera with good video capabilities get a Sony

[@dude157]

I would have to sell a lot of gear and maybe a kidney to afford one. I loaned one and never have I been so in love with images shot on a digital camera before. While versatile in its own right, the lack of color means I probably wouldn't use it every day and at its current price point its just not affordable for me as merely a hobbyist. If someone gave me a voucher for any single camera for free, I'd likely choose this one. I'd even choose it over a medium format camera.

[@PianoBlackTrimRep.]

Must be nice to afford a $6,000 camera. I think I'll stick with my FUJI S2 and S3 Pros that I got from the bay for like $40 each and that take film like photos with their CCD sensors. I didn't think a $6,000 camera is going to take photos that look 1,000 better.

[@benjhaisch]

price in most gear is always diminishing returns. you pay magnitudes more for the percentage upgrades as you go. worth it for some though

[@tor2919]

They should just remove video altogether, just like Hasselblad did on the H2D. So tired of KZbinrs wanting flip screens and video functions on every and all cameras. The reason the Leica, and the monochrome especially, are attractive and unique, is because they’re simple and minimalistic cameras. Really hope Leica never starts listen to the feature bloaters. There’s already Sony/Canon/Nikon/Panasonic for that.

[@DavidWagelmans]

🍿

[@heybrook819]

Tracking is impossible because it requires colors.

[@ikorin]

I really like the idea of Q2 Monochrome, but I was so disappointed when rented the camera and checked RAW files in editor… Images are very distorted and the camera does a lot of post processing / cropping to get a good looking image. it is not the case with M lenses. Basically it is no longer 28mm and more like 24mm or so. Even x100t has a better lens from that perspective. Deal breaker for me. I hope Q3 Monochrome would have a new lens system. Great review anyway ✌️

[@benjhaisch]

you must be using C1? I've never seen the completely un-corrected images, but honestly, the corrections done in-camera are more than fine for me.

[@ikorin]

@@benjhaisch I was using RPP (Raw Photo Processor).

[@benjhaisch]

Ah gotcha, have never used it :)

[@settingofthesuns]

The Q/Q2 28 Summilux is highly (one might even say perfectly) corrected for everything BUT distortion. This gave Leica's lens designers the freedom to correct the optical flaws of the 28 Lux M without the lens ending up the size of a football. Unlike the 28 Lux M, the Q lens has no purple fringing, very little vignetting even uncorrected (except for the hard corners that are cropped out from the final image), and insane sharpness at all distances wide open including macro. The trade off is the Q image is slightly softer in the far corners at infinity. And there is always a small loss of micro contrast from distortion correction, but the micro contrast is so high to begin with, I don't think it's detectable. And while the lens is a bit of a fisheye 25mm, the end result after the distortion is corrected is exactly a 28mm field of view. What I'm saying is the issue you described is a non-issue when evaluating the images and the end result. The only photographers I can see rejecting the Q output based on the distortion correction would be fine art landscape photographers that print 60" wide who would be better served by a GFX 100S in the first place.

[@ikorin]

@@settingofthesuns You are probably right. I have compared (same scenes/portraits) raw and out of camera jpg files with x100t and did blind tests showing images to others. x100t always won but again… It was my tests and I urge people to rent different cameras and decide on their own.

[@roynewport5397]

tracking on mine is non existent and eye face detection is so very poor can't really use it, low light it's very poor and I use it most days for the last three years, used it at 4 weddings.

[@lrb05131963]

The Q2 is just fine just the way it is,none of those modern features you want should ever be added

[@benjhaisch]

I'm sure they'll release a Q3 with no new features :)

[@joetrent4753]

I do wonder where Leica can realistically go with the Q2 in the future (and M) because fans of this camera love the vintage feel and lack of modern features. It already for some is the perfect camera.

[@benjhaisch]

@@joetrent4753 for me it’s just improving on features that they already offer

[@samuelsmith6804]

I'm considering trading my tesla for a Honda to buy this camera.

[@daviddavidd9883]

what is so pure about this camera? Next reviewer will claim its the only Truth in photography. Pure and simple its all hype. Has anybody seen BW images made with 50-100 year cameras?

[@FotosyMas.]

The lens distortion kills it for me. Very evident when photographing people at close range. I have a feeling this camera is made by Panasonic, including the lens.

[@itwpatches2175]

hmmm, a year worth of salary camera? nah, I am fine. I'll keep dreaming hahha

[@bittertruth6175]

Why anyone with honest & hard earned money will buy this camera at 10x plus price than Pentax K3 Monochrome. Unless the person is psychologically imbalanced to show off and suffering with the disease of "Prestige."

[@benjhaisch]

Maybe 2-3x the price? But yeah, larger sensor, smaller body, built in 28/1.7, etc ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@SurrealExposure12]

@@bittertruth6175 im new to all of this. Does the pentax k3 come with a 28 summilux? 👀

[@23codez]

I know you have to do it, but talking about video is SO BORING for us photographers that only care about photography. Its like bro, we don't give an F 😂

[@joetrent4753]

The Q2 is a too large for a camera you'd want to take everywhere with you.

[@peterenevoldsen7199]

It’s not a vlogging camera!