Leica Q2 Monochrom: the compact with black and white full-frame sensor

Leica Q, since its first version, has set itself the standard of excellence in the world of compact cameras. Today, a new step is being taken to bring the quality of this camera to another area where Leica sets its standard: cameras with a monochrome sensor.

Thus was born Leica Q2 Monochrom, a full-frame compact camera that is based on the almost namesake Q2 model, but with an obviously redesigned sensor. The new camera made in Germany wants to become a point of reference for those photographers wishing to approach the world of digital black and white, who want to experiment and maybe wink at gallery owners and collectors who still prefer mostly black and white photographs.

Leica Q2 Monochrom, however, also wants to be a way to bring young photographers closer to the German brand, who love the flavor of old-fashioned photography but who still cannot afford high costs to create their own Leica M Monochrom kit. With this camera Leica tries to make this world more accessible, but we always talk about excellence and an icon of photography, so don’t expect prices within reach of all budgets. The Leica Q2 Monochrom, in fact, is on sale from today in all physical Leica Stores and online at the price of € 5685.

Leica Q2 Monochrom: technical characteristics

The monochrome sensor in full frame on board the Leica Q2 Monochrom has a resolution of 47.3 megapixels, able to offer a very high level of detail even at the highest sensitivities. It has been completely redesigned to maintain the quality standard up to ISO 100,000also thanks to the goal Leica Summilux 28mm f / 1.7 ASPH. It is the same lens that accompanies its sister and we know its potential, especially in terms of detail engraving and low light performance. Always present the lock to switch from manual to automatic focus. There is also the possibility of switching to macro mode, bringing the minimum focus distance to 17cm.

For those who miss a zoom, Leica has thought of this too. We find the digital zoom options on the Leica Q2, with focal lengths equivalent to 35, 50 or 75mm. This is not new, but certainly a valuable aid in certain situations. To simplify the composition we will see in the viewfinder or in the display a frame that will indicate the selected crop factor. The images made using this mode are saved in JPEG format and as the zoom increases, however, the resolution decreases. The 35mm equivalent format has a resolution of 30MP, the 50mm one of 14.7MP and the 75mm one of 6.6MP.

In addition, with the Leica Q2 Monochrom they can be recorded video in 4K at 30 fps, take advantage of the Cine4K format at 24 fps and the Full HD format up to 120 fps. Obviously all in black and white.

This camera will also be compatible with the app PHOTOS, which among other things has also become free in its PRO version. This is news that will make many users happy and that will not disappoint even those who in the past had paid the subscription for the full version. In fact, Leica will undertake to “reimburse” PRO users who had paid with subscriptions to the official Leica magazine, LFI Magazine.

Camera body

Even the design of the camera body has been revised compared to its color sister, in fact, the classic red dot disappears and the appearance is certainly elegant and discreet thanks to the matt black enamel. The writings on the body change color and become gray and to complete the whole there is a new leather upholstery. These novelties from an aesthetic point of view, however, do not compromise the resistance to atmospheric agents: Leica Q2 Monochrom complies with the IP52 Standard.

Leica Q2 Monochrom for the rest is characterized by the usual essentiality, few controls on the body and the back is now a standard for the whole family. We find a 3-inch diagonal TFT display and a 3.68MP OLED electronic viewfinder.

The battery is also a standard in Leica, which once again proposes the same one we have on the other Q models but also on the SL series. A choice that makes life much easier for those who have more than one camera body.

Leica Q2 Monochrom is already available and hoping to be able to learn even more about this latest addition to the iconic German house, here are some images taken by the Leica Ambassadors. What we can see in these photographs is the extension of the dynamic range, which at ISO 200 is up to 13 stops, the sealing of details even at the highest sensitivities and of course the traditional optical quality that gives really pleasant details and blur.