The LEICA Q2 is still my MOST USED camera after 2 years and here’s WHY | With lots of sample images
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- Опубліковано 6 сер 2024
- The latest poll I ran in the community tab suggested that you guys wanted to know more about why the Leica Q2 is still my most used camera more than 2 years after I added it to my kit. So there you go, here are the reasons I’m still loving the shooting experience of this very unique camera, some stuff I would like to see improved in the next version, and how it compares to some other options on the market.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - INTRO
01:17 - REASONS WHY I LIKE IT SO MUCH
11:37 - THINGS I WISH THIS CAMERA HAD
16:17 - OUTRO
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If you have any questions about the Leica Q2, please ask them down here! Happy shooting!
i have the x100v, is it the time now for the upgrade, or wait?
You want to upgrade from X100V to Leica Q series? If yes, I would say wait for the Q3 to get some of the features I mentioned in the video. But that’s just my opinion, if you feel like going for the Q2 now and have the budget, go for it!
@@FredRanger I'll add to that; If you want a Q, get the Q2 now. The Q3 is rumored to drop anytime as you say; however, it's highly anticipated, and likely even if it came out in March, you'd be waiting months before you got yourself on. I'd just get a nice condition Q2, enjoy it for the 8-12 months you'd likely be waiting, and then sell it (for likely little to no loss) and get the Q3. If you can wait, then yes, wait. Just look back at how long people waited for an M11 after it's announcement.
What is the EVF like, is the quality enough? I've been looking at one for the last 2 years and am nearly ready to purchase but this is the one feature I am not certain on.
It’s a big bright 3.68MP OLED EVF and it’s a big improvement over its predecessor's finder. The only downside is that eyepiece rubber around it is a bit small so if it’s very sunny, you might have to put your hand over it to block the sun. Happy shooting!
I use my Q2 evry day too and the simplisity, built quality and picture quality make me happy too! I also have thr Q2M and the SL2 with most lenses but Q2 are so light and handy. Love it!
Same feeling here! Although I have a lot of other options I always go back to the Q2. Happy shooting!
I chose the Q2 for its minimalist aesthetic. The camera is teaching me so much because of its straightforward manual adjustments. They say that better cameras don’t make you a better photographer…but the experience, with its limitations, inspires creativity.
I've had my Q2 for a year and have no regrets. I love the shooting experience and the pictures are stunning. I'm still blown away by the lens and colors. You're also right about the form factor. Just holding my Q2 inspires me to take pictures!
I agree, a camera that entice you to shoot more is 50% of “the battle” ;-) Cheers!
I carry the Q2 on every trip. I have a bag with a Q2 and my M11+50mm Summilux. It's a great duo. 50mm + 28mm. Plus, bonus macro!
That’s a solid travel setup, Ron! Happy shooting! (macro can come in handy for sure)
Fingers crossed the Leica Q3 has just as much magic as the Q2, Q2 Monochrom, and Q1. I have always loved the files coming from the Q line of cameras.
They’ve got something unique, I agree!
im so tempted with the Q2 but i adore my Classic Chrome too much.. tried the leica q2 but the colours didn't compete for me.. id be closer to the Q2 mono i think!! one day i hope!! thanks for the vid :-)
Thanks for the comment Gareth, always been a fan of your channel as a fellow UA-camr shooting Fuji for the longest time. I guess we are part of the OG ;) as for the Q2c it’s Soooo good, it makes me forget film sim. I will admit though that I kept an X-E4 and film my videos on X-H2s so I’m cheating ;)
Thank you for a really really different type of review! Many years ago I bought Fuji XT3. Great camera and I love it. But then I wanted something more simple just for carrying around and my personal photos. So I bought X-Pro2. But now after a few years no idea why I’m checking this Leica. Only thing what I’m not sure is it’s focal length. Because I’m using 35mm lens the most on my XPro2.
Need to spend some time with the Q2 to know if it suits me.
Thanks for making this video and your personal experience with the Leica
Thank you for the feedback. I am glad you found value in my video :-) As for the focal length, I was exactly like you and was unsure of that wider field of view. After 3 years now of almost daily use, I can safely say that I am fully use to the 28mm and I love that we have the ability to « crop-in » to be closer to the 35mm mark. I suggest you try it out for 2 weeks (maybe renting it) and go from there. Happy shooting! Cheers!
I've had the Q2 reporter since it first came out. It's the best camera I've owned. As you pointed out, it's menu system is the best. I did experiment with a Ricoh GR IIIx, but I couldn't deal with it's menus and sold it.
My "serious" camera is a Leica M10-p, which I love, but it lacks image stabilization so I now use the Q2 almost exclusively.
Thanks to your review.
Best in class menu system! I would also add the companion iOS app which has the most intuitive user interface.
I use the thumb rest and rubber cap as well!
Great additions huh?
Love the review! You can always tell when a reviewer is an experienced shooter😊Looking into getting the Q3 next to my commercial feeling Sony. Have you tried the Q3? If so, what were your thoughts?
Thank you for the feedback. I did have a chance to test it yes. It’s a great camera. I especially like the flexibility of the tri-resolution sensor. Have fun with it!
The q3 is on my list. Gr3x is my travel cam. De s1r workhorse(same sensor as the q2)
Great kit! Q3 should be soon hopefully!
I am interested in the Q2 mono. I shoot b+w and this is an example camera to enter the Leica experience.
I can confirm that that Q2s (colour and mono) are the “gateway drug” to the Leica ecosystem :)
I shoot and carry both a Q & Q2. My Q set at 28mm and Q2 at "50"mm. Reportage, street, events...my 2 camera set-up gets the job done. Even Macro and video.
Great setup!
Thanks Fred. I appreciate that you have and comment on both Fuji and Leica. I am doing more and more B&W and I have a trade in the works where I’m trading in a XT3 and a lens
(I have an XT5) for a used Q2 Monochrom! Can’t wait. I’ll let you know how I like it! I just subscribed! Geoff
That’s a great idea! I’m sure you’ll LOVE your Q2 mono. That sensor is so unique and the low light is out of this world. Keep me posted, I look forward to seeing the results. Cheers!
Great video Fred! I'm currently shooting a Fujifilm X-H1 for my Color and Macro work alongside an X-Pro2 with the Sigma 16mm f1.4 as an EDC for all my BNW shooting. As a Fuji shooter...and a Leica shooter...can you give me your take on staying with Fujifilm or going to the Leica Q2? Keeping both systems is not an option for me financially so which system would you recommend and why??
Thanks for the feedback, Dave! I would recommend renting a Q2 for a week before making this significant investment and committing to 28mm. I will s’y though that the results of that full frame « Leica » sensor paired with that exceptional 28mm Summilux is unmatched and why I always gravitates around this camera. The shooting experience is also very user friendly and the menus have that non non-sense approach. In the end I still enjoy shooting fujifilm cameras, but my Leica kit is my desert island and EDC proffered one! Happy shooting!
Excellent video, thank you for sharing the details and comprehensive info. Question sir… can you point me to that cool lens cap leash? I could really benefit from that!
Thanks for the feedback! Of course, the company is Match Technical here’s the kit: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1504719-REG/match_technical_mt_lc_sr_01_lens_cap_for_leica.html Also, I have another video going through all the top accessories I use for the Q2, you can watch it here: ua-cam.com/video/8B0saO2eaXk/v-deo.html Cheers!
Great video!! I'm a bit new to Leica land but I could not see spending about $50 for really, just a molded piece of rubber. I got a real leather lens cap, Leica logo'd...it fits like a glove, very well made!, and looks great too. I am not a fan of "Made in PRC"..but this lens cap is fantastic...The rubber cap prob costs less than $5 to make...just too much IMO :) Seems UA-cam won't let me post the link. Search..... EEEE bay for Leica Q2 leather cap ! It's $29.
Good option for the leather one. I’ll check it out. Happy shooting!
Wonderful review, I’m selling my sony a7R4 with all the GM lenses to get the Q3. I can’t wait.
Exciting to see where they take the Q3!
@@FredRanger I would say 60MP 😊
Yup… maybe the same tri-resolution sensor that we find in the M10
Have my Q2 for over a year now and love it. Leica will have to come up with something spatular for me to even consider giving up this camera.
I agree with that!
Your wish is their command. Not only have they already done face detect but they have now implemented eye detect with firmware version 5.0
Exactly! This is an exciting update and the proof that Leica is listening to their user base! Now, we need phase detect in the Q3 ;-)
I have the Q2 and very pleased with it as well. I use the Leica Grip & also the Leica Finger Loop….which is brilliant, also means I can hand hold it all the time, without fear of dropping it :- ) My wish is for full EVF representation of the crop modes - that would then make that feature (which I don’t currently use) VERY effective
I agree on the fact that it would be nice to have the choice between frame lines and full rep of cropped image. That Leica loop accessory seems pretty useful. Happy shooting! Cheers!
I’m very new to the Leica ecosystem, picked up a Q2 Reporter in December. Although I’m enjoying it, it’s not scratching that itch. I was looking at the M10 as well but not impressed with the dynamic range, highlight/shadow recovery. If you over expose a shot, it’s done. So for that reason I’m leaning towards an M10-R and a 50mm Summicron. I’ll probably pick up an original Q to pair with the M10-R.
That would be a very good kit!
Can you please put a link to where you bought the rubber lens cover? Thank you
Sure thing, there you go: bhpho.to/3BSbY79
I own the monochrome version but looking to switch with someone who has a color Q2 that’s equal to mines which is a year and some months with almonths the years warranty
The couloirs put if this cameras are simply brilliant, as you already know :) happy shooting!
Great video
I still happy with My Q2 too
Where can I See more examples of your preset?
Thank you Ronald! The Q2 is such a great daily carry indeed. For my presets, I use the all the time on my images here: instagram.com/FredRanger
But you are reminding me that a blog post explaining what the presets does to the images would be beneficial.
Let me work on that and it will be posted here: FredRanger.com/blog
Happy shooting.
Cheers!
@@FredRangerNice photos there.
Do you have also photos on Flickr?
I do, but haven’t uploaded in a very long time 😢www.flickr.com/photos/fredranger/
@@FredRanger
Thank you Fred
I use LR mobile on my iPad.
Are the preset XMP file?
So I can add it
Great photos, have you got a particular preset you use when editing ?
Thanks! I developed my own processing “presets” over time and after a lot of trials and errors. The worked Ove shared over the last 2 years reflect this process. Cheers!
@@FredRanger look great - do you sell your presets ?
I do sell 2 of them. I am working on more. They will be available here: fredranger.com/store
Where did you get the caps 'covering the lens' lost mine :(
Sorry to hear you lost your cap. Here’s the one I use and feature in this video: bit.ly/Matchtechnicalq2cap
Hello Fred, i love my Q2 but is the rattle Noise from the Objectiv normal, when the Camera is turned on this Noise isn‘t there.
Greetings from Austria!
Hi! yes it's normal, it is the OIS and the associated noise it makes when the camera is off. When camera is turned on it pulls the elements back to center, when off they tend to float a bit. Hope this helps :-)
Thanks Fred,now i‘m relieved😅
Leica Q2 series are great small fullframe camera to have to everyday camera to use but the leica Q2 monochrome is the best in any light situation and, weather, if you don't mind taking black and white photographs always, it will spoiled you with the high iso capability of it. And the battery life of leica Q2 monochrom is much better than the leica Q2 for my own experience, and I'm still searching for the color camera to partner with it. Same small everyday day carry 😅
I'm definitely a fan of the Mono sensor. Shooting 50 000 ISO and still getting clean shots is unique! But I do like to shoot colours also, so the Q2 makes sense for me. Have you tried the M system, like an M10 or M10P. Would be a nice kit to have both. At least I enjoy having both :-) Cheers!
Have a look at a Sony A7C or A7III or IV with a 24 or 35mm Sigma prime for a nice compact full frame colour camera to complement your Q2 Monochrom
I did try ou the Sony (A7iii, A7C and A7IV) but I prefer the simplicity of Leica and Fujifilm systems.
@@FredRanger
I know what you mean but once customised, which might take a few weeks to get right, the Sony can be equally simple to use. No need to deep dive into menus after the initial learning phase [that I enjoy on every camera]. The Q2 is actually deceptively simple but very sophisticated and customisable itself if one wants to alter things. The deep menu, which can be three or more layers deep, is more intuitive than Sony's thought, one cannot deny. I love them all including Panasonic and Olympus. I have a Leica D-Lux7 which is basically a Panasonic and really like it too.
I’ve been shooting since 1995 so, yup, I’m with you on those points having tried almost ALL digital camera systems to date. The beauty of photography, is that we can chose whatever tool we feel most conformable using and nobody forces you to like (or not) a certain camera brand. Took me 20 years to land on Leica and Fujifilm after a lot of trials. Cheers and happy shooting!
😊
It looks like Leica took your advice on how to improve the Q2. If the Q3 was then available, might you have bought that instead of the digital M?
I would’ve indeed get the Q3 since I like the idea of a tilting screen, better AF and tri-resolution sensor, but I am totally happy with my Q2 and don’t see the need upgrade yet. Cheers!
Q2, Q2M or Q3 for B&W photography?
All of them are good options, but nothing beats the monochrome sensor for B&W photography. So my choice would be Q2M.
Would never sell mine. Simply put its the sweet spot for everything that matters to me in a camera. This also applies to the sensor. If the Q3 takes the M11 sensor and ups to 60MP that’s just too big for a point and shoot / everyday/ travel camera.
Good point!
With the Q3 out. Wld I rather go for the Q3 then a used Q2 today?
It depends on your budget, but the Q2 used is a very good option! Given the nature of what I do, I would personally go for the Q3 though as the tri-resolution and tilt screens would be useful to my shooting style.
Do you think you will upgrade to a Q3? I really want to have a Leica camera.
Even if the Q2 is great, I might upgrade at some point. I love the idea of having better AF with phase detect, the USB charging and the extra resolution :-)
Hey Fred, do you think Leica will release a Q2-P anytime soon?
Hey man, I think a Q3 is more likely. 60 MP tri-resolution sensor, flip up screen, new phase-detect AF… but we will have to wait and see :)
@@FredRanger I still hope they might release a Q2-P. Would really love to see a stealthy looking black Q2. They came up with the Ghost Edition as well so maybe they will stick to their traditions and release a P :)
🤞
What advantage does this camera have over the Leica D-Lux 7?
Q2 has a 47MP full frame sensor vs 17-megapixel Four Thirds sensor for the D-Lux
@@FredRanger I know that part. I was wondering about picture quality. I use a Sony a1, bought the D-Lux 7 on impulse, and am astonished at how good the photos are. It's made me look at Leica more seriously.
I haven’t used the D-Lux so I can’t talk about shooting experience differences. The Q2 I know very well being my most used camera of the last 2 years. Also the M10 has that unique look on the files. I can understand that you are seeing the same “wow” factor in the D-Lux files also!
How about dust in sensor
What about it?
Did you upgrade to Leica Q3?
Nope, still enjoying every single bits of my Q2 :)
Did you sell your M10?
I did! I wanted to get the maximum for it before it starts depreciating too much. Actually sold it for what I paid for 2 after 2 years of use. The M6 and Q2 are staying for a while, that’s for sure!
@@FredRanger I’ve owned M cameras for a while but have been selling them (M3, M6, M240, M262) currently debating trading in what I have left (m262 + 28 Cron) for something with AF (maybe SL2s) due to my vision not being as good anymore to achieve critical focus manually.
I’m actually thinking about a similar move. As much as I LOVE the M series, my 43 year old eyes are not as good as they once were. An SL2-s + the M to L adaptor might be the best casse scenario. I would miss the compactness of the M series though especially for travel.
@@FredRanger
Informative video . I`ve been shooting film M`s for 30 years but currently use an sl2s and a little CL with my M lenses (and some nice CL lenses).I`ve been dancing around whether to get a Q or an M 10. I prefer focus peaking these days though . So the Q looks the best option despite my huge reservations as regards Leica`s sub par AF systems .I understand that you can use MF on the Q though. Just subscribed to your Insta .
Thanks a lot for the follow! Nice combo you we got there. I Ike the concept of the CL, it’s a shame they stopped producing it. On my side, I ended up getting the M10-R. I guess I just couldn’t live without a digital M ;-) I love my current setup of an M6, M10-R and Q2. The AF got pretty good on the Q2 with the latest firmware update. Even got the eye detection now. It is still contrast based detect and sub-par to other big brands, but descent enough for what I shoot. Cheers and happy shooting!
The one thing with the Q2 that always gets me wondering: who still buys the M 28mm Summilux and Summicron lenses? The frame line experience for 28mm on M bodies is shit to start with, the lenses are more expensive than the price of the Q2 - who still buys lux and cron M 28mm lenses?!
I got a Leica 28mm f2.8 (latest version) which is good enough for me on my M10. I shoot 35mm mostly on the M10. At some point, I will upgrade to the M11 in a couple of years - maybe when an M11P is released.
I find the stabilized lens on the Q2 and the weather sealing some of the most appealing properties of the Q2.
Megapixels do not concern me.
Good points! Comes down to what body you want to shoot. Some people prefer the rangefinder experience and refuse to go with an EVF. I do agree that the 28 on a M is not ideal, that’s why I have the 28 Voigtlander f2 Ultron for my M6/M10 and it’s more than enough, especially knowing that I have access to the Summilux on the Q2.
I’m surprised that as an experienced gear reviewer you don’t know that on-sensor phase detect AF cannot be implemented via software. It requires a different sensor with a phase detect array implemented. The only Lumix camera to have this is the recently released S5 II.
I don’t know everything and that’s why this community is great. I learn as much as I share my experience. Thanks for the info!
@@FredRanger I think the SL3 with phase detect is coming soon. Leica has been offering $1300 off SL2 and SL2s since late 2022. A sign that they are trying to clear up stock before announcing.
I wish this camera had really 28mm Lens not 24mm ish instead. And better af...
Yup, that’s one thing people keep referring to, but it didn’t bother me when shooting (I guess I’m ok with a slightly field of view) but I agree that Leica should be up front about it if it is really a 24 vs 28. The AF needs to be evolve to the phase detect technology in the next iteration. Happy shooting!
@@FredRanger I had a Q2 and unfortunately it was too wide for me. At higher iso the image quality drops significantly. The AF is much weaker compared to, for example - Sony cameras. Much better to focus manually :) But for that I definitely prefer my m6 and m10 monochrom :)
I'll probably wait for the Q3 as the regret will be real if I bought a Q2 and it suddenly came out.
We don’t know the date but I agree that it could be in the next year or so.
The Q2 didn't really work for me... Bought it and shortly after returned it... I REALLY wanted to like this camera, but the love just wasn't there. And I think if you pay $5k on a camera, you better love it like your life depend on it! haha
Fantastic technology and craftmanship (trust me, I have a M4 and a M8 and LOVE them both).. but the Q2 didn't really work for me..
100%
It would be a great, classic camera if it had actual normal back-button AF. As it stands it's barely usable in a professional setting with the undependable barely usable AF. Seems insane that Leica wouldn't simply fix this with a firmware update (which would make it compete with every single other camera of the past 20 years, all of which had "normal" BBF...)
This is the Q3 ;-)
Nothing to do with your video , they are great.
What I've noticed is owning a Q2 and wearing a wedding ring, don't go together.
Most of the guys who own this camera are not married. decisions, decisions, decisions! :-)
Lol that’s an interesting point of view
If you wait for the Q3, the Q2 will be cheaper.
facts!
Imagine buying this with its crappy autofocus over a Sony lol
Imagine buying the camera you like, be happy and chill about it lol
For that price tag, contrast AF and an inaccurate color evf display.
The good news is that you have so many other options to choose from in the camera world today that will fit your requirements and shooting experience. Happy shooting!