The past four years I lived in South America. I used my Q1 in Peru, Bolivia, Columbia for daily street photography. The nice thing was that people did not know what it is, just some "small", not noteworthy cam. This resulted in not supporting spontaneous ownership transfers of cameras, even in the worst areas. Because nobody knew the brand, it also prevented the usual, endless and biased, religion like discussions about a purchase decision that I never regretted. The Fuji X100V and the Q are just "my thing".
Ken, u make everything so straight forward and simple; but that exactly how it should be, some pro’s like to confound & confuse, but watching and listening to you, I really feel as if I’m learning something ! Indeed that I’m learning enuf to use the a Q2; should I ever be rich enuf or vain enuf to buy one …. (They do look gorgeous thu !! haha !!). Thkz Ken !!
Thank you! That’s exactly what I’m going for: just saying it like it is. Hint: if someone can’t explain something clearly, they probably don’t really know what they’re talking about it.
Fantastic - I've used a whole string of film cameras and a Canon DSLR (now sold) before buying my Q2. This video made me smile in places as I've made quite a few of the numptie errors getting used to it.😉 I bought it as it was smaller and easier to carry than heavy old kit - and I like the 'no-nonsense' approach. At the end of the day - I wanted a great sharp lens and the ability to go back to some manual over-rides. I also like well engineered stuff. Great video. Subscribed!
I like your comment about the lens cap. I was also taught many, many years ago by a newspaper photographer and the first lesson was to not use the lens cap.
I have used many Nikon DSLR's for years and recently went to a Canon ML system. I am finding now being retired I do not need all the heavy glass. Looking for something that both the Nikon and Canon is not giving me, number one is simplicity and the second is a lot less weight. Still on the fence but staying active with a camera at over 70 comes with a price. Enjoyed your video and just now thinking of selling all my gear and going with one camera set up, maybe Lecia.
I'd go Canon EOS R10 www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r10.htm and RF 18-150mm www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/lenses/18-150mm.htm This toylike combo weighs nothing, and takes the same great pictures my heavy pro gear does. Try it yourself and you'll see; it's not the 1990s anymore when we needed heavy gear for good pictures. Thanks!
"This is a Leica, all the images you get are flawless masterpieces. There is no delete button!" 😂...this is why I have been reading your reviews since 2007!!
LEICAs unquestionably possess superior handling, heritage, story, bloodline, history, construction quality and pedigree - but Nikons photos look better due to superior secret sauce and color rendition not known to LEICA. If you want a nice camera own LEICA, if you want the best pictures look at Canon (or Nikon second)
You should never modify any LEICA. They are perfect as they leave the factory. If the factory offers an option, consider it, but never soil the LEICA with any third party items. Thank you.
It's more about the lifestyle than the picture ? Wow have you got that one wrong ! As for the video ... Thanks .. I think this was very useful as a quick run down. Nicely done !
Yes. LEICA ownership comes from one’s spirit. It’s not about the photos, it’s about being a part of the world’s most elite: stylish, handsome, wealthy and adored by everyone for one’s character and intelligence.
You do make me chuckle with all these comments about looking cool, but you still have one? It looks very desirable to me as a travel and documentary tool. Can I ask, will it let you shoot auto ISO and still use the exposure compensation?
You did well. I saw your response to someone else about Q2 or AR7IV elsewhere. Agreed (I have an AR7IV as well as the Leica). For the pure joy of creative photography the Leica is superb. For the technical joy of photographic perfection the Sony is amongst the best. I am based in Australia where light and textures love the Leica, which is easier to carry and use anywhere.
I bought one, but almost didn’t because of Ken’s review… and, I love the thing. It’s like going from a Toyota to a Porsche. No BS, feels super high end (and is) and I’ve gotten photos from it that I can’t stop looking at. The 47mp with the full frame let’s you crop to your hearts content. For whatever reason I haven’t had issues with how nice the colors are coming from it. It took me about 2 weeks to get over the price (the price actually made me cynical about keeping it and I kept doubting myself on purchasing). After a couple of hundred photos though I got over that. I don’t plan on ever selling it. It’s just a lot of fun to shoot with and the photos are beautiful.
No. Charge to 100% if you have time. The 80% indication on the charger is if you’re in a rush, as topping off the last 20% can take a while. Don’t worry about battery durability; my M9 batteries are still fine today and I got them in 2009 with the M9! Thanks!
Great tips all around! At this point, if you were interested in this camera, would you wait to purchase the announced Q3 or do you still think the Q2 is worth purchasing in 2022?
It’s a foolish camera. It’s not for taking pictures; it’s jewelry for men. My old iPhone 11 took better picture as you can see at www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/2020-06-leica-versus-iphone-versus-canon-versus-fuji.htm and my iPhone 14 is far superior. LEICA hasn’t been about photography since the 1969s; today it’s just a brand for people who like to flaunt. Thanks!
Monochrom not tried. Makes loads of sense if you shoot B&W. You need to use colored filters over the lens (red, yellow, etc.) outdoors exactly like film, and the different sensor system doubles the effective resolution and triples the light sensitivity. Much better than converting from a “color” sensor.
Thank you! I rarely get the time to shoot film. I don't shot 35mm anymore; DSLRs made it obsolete when they hit 24MP a decade ago, but I still shoot my HASSELBLAD kenrockwell.com/hasselblad/index.htm
In Q2 firmware 3.0 update Leica stated in the release notes: "IMPROVED PICTURE QUALITY AND COLOR RENDERING FOR JPG IMAGES". If you updated to 3.0, do you see any improvements from your previous 2.0/1.0 jpg images?
I use the classic LEICA 14312 strap to which I link in my description above: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=LEICA%2014312&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5336071501&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
Nope, haven’t made long exposures. This is made to be shot hand-held; not sure if it’s allowed to shackle. LEICA on a tripod. See also www.kenrockwell.com/leica/q2.htm#usage thanks!
Thank you for the video! Will you be doing a review of Summilux 28mm f1.4? Couldn't find any information on your website. Would love to hear your opinion before buying such an expensive gear.
Eventually. Buy from the places I do ( www.kenrockwell.com/links.htm#stores ) and you can see for yourself if you love it - of not, they'll take it back for a full cash refund; zero risk for you to try it yourself.
It was discontinued, but always at eBay www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=LEICA%2014312%20strap&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5336071501&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
Great,no nonsense approach! Cheers from London England. That’s how I’m gonna set up my ‘to myself ’ Christmas present . Thanks for the advice! You an’ yours have a good one! Cheers!
Great tutorial as usual, thanks! I just got my Q2 a few days ago and I see what you mean about the lens cap! Could you tell me what filter you use instead please? I want to get it... And you don't bother with a cap at all!?
As always, see www.kenrockwell.com/leica/q2.htm#usage and www.kenrockwell.com/leica/q2.htm#rex for details. I use the Hoya hd3 and never a cap. Do you use a lens cap on your phone? Of course not. You can’t shoot through a cap. Thanks!
Hi Ken, great tutorial, ty. Question .. I’m considering a Q2 or possibly a Hasselblad X1D II / 45P .. thoughts ? Pls .. I realize the format is different. I want to buy one for travel mainly ..
Never tried that Hasselblad. These are rich guy cameras more for show than for taking pictures. The pictures from my iPhone 11 look better than from the Q2 see www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/2020-06-leica-versus-iphone-versus-canon-versus-fuji.htm I’d look at the weight of each you mention. I suspect the Leica is lighta (haha) and the Q2 does handle extremely well - just that I’d grab a Canon EOS RP www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/rp.htm and 24-240 www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/lenses/24-240mm.htm or 24-105 long before that Leica if I cared about how the pictures look- which I do. Does this help? I know your question was vs the Hasselblad, which I haven’t tried. Thanks!
The Hasselblad and Leica largely are rich guy cameras, but they're worthy every penny if they inspire you to take wonderful shots. I shot with a 30 lb bag of nikon/canon/sony gear for 15 years. It gets old, all that gear, and the risk of looking like the guy overly interested in zooming into other parents' children. Note the Hassy and the Leica are for fundamentally different purposes, albeit both exceptional for their purpose. The Leica is more for lifestyle photography - street shots, daily life, indoors, family, fast moving kids/pets, etc. The Hassy has a much slower aperture and is better for static shots where the subject isn't moving and you can control the lighting (tripod or artificial lights). Both are divine, but v different tools for different situations. I almost bought a Hassy setup, but so much happier with my Q2 for travel - super light, sits on my shoulder constantly, I don't stand out and the IQ is gorgeous. Maybe not quite Phase 1 MF 100+ MP dynamic range, but more than adequate for anything other than life sized prints.
I had a great day shooting with my Q2 at an abandoned asylum yesterday. Multiple times, it switched to video mode and I had to go in menu to switch it back....I got home and tried to hit random buttons and figure out what I did, and nothing. Any ideas what may have caused that? It's never happened before, and it's gotten some decent use. since I got it.
No; I haven’t seen that. I’d disable whatever button is set to start recording video and program it to something else, if you can. I’d phone LEICA and ask them.
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for the response! I think I figured it out, ISH. If you swipe rightwards on the screen, it enters video mode. It's not as easy to switch back by swiping leftwards, and I have touch screen disabled (or so I thought) . I may need to call them. Why would anyone use this camera to shoot video? lol.
@@KenRockwellTV I got the skinny, May be useful to someone. I double checked my function and button settings. Swiping across the rear EVF was the only way to intentionally or accidentally activate video mode, I did firmware 4.0 update, and when you use EVF in extended mode, it disables the swipe. Now hoping the next firmware they allow disabling the touch screen altogether,
Easy? Want color? Go Q2. If not, monochrom is far more distinctive. Just be sure to use colored contrast filters outdoors on clear days to keep contrast in the sky- exactly like B&W film. I prefer the color results from my iPhone over LEICA.
See the full review at www.kenrockwell.com/leica/q2.htm in which I said 49mm. Always apse my written reviews and guides at KenRockwell.com for the most details. Thanks for asking!
How do you edit Leica Q2 DNG's with the Leica color profiles in Lightroom (Natural, Monochrome, Monochrome HC, etc)? I'm running v9.3 and they don't show up
Hi Ken, thanks for this entertaining explanations. Did you know that Leica does not allow night photography like capturing the Milky Way despite having a bright aperture lens? In manual mode, Leica locks the combination of ISO and shutter speed. It is impossible to select 15s exposure and 3200 ISO, which are typical values for the Milky Way. Called Leica, but they refused to explain the reason. Can’t be the Sensor heat, since this is built like a metal tank.
Ken, I am puzzled by your comment - probably a throw-away comment - that Leica ceased to b e about the pictures in the '60s, and that it is more about lifestyle. You have however, provided a great and admiring review of ther Q2- apart from your complaint about the poor colour.. I have often coveted Leica for its dynamic range and the rich blacks, is my lust misplaced and misinformed? At the moment I am tossing up between the Fuji X100V and the Q2. I'm tending slightly towards the Fuji because I currently shoot Fuji.
Hi Anne, yes, you have been misled. See my latest comparison just published an hour ago at www.kenrockwell.com/leica/q2.htm#iphone Leica digital has inferior technical quality; Leica lacks the resources of Apple or Canon or Sony. People who confuse price with worth haven’t heard of Veblen goods, which is what Leica is. Leica lost the 35mm market to Nikon in the 1960s. LEICA was smart enough to reposition itself as a lifestyle product in the 1990s, which is how it survives. Honestly Leica hasn’t been about pictures since the 60s; it’s been about vain upper middle class men trying to buy themselves cachet.
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks a lot, Ken. You have. helped me make my decision in favour of Fuji (maybe because I'm not in the category of upper middle class men!) However, I am still puzzled why you would buy one of these.
@@KenRockwellTV ei käännösongelmia, näyttää yksinkertaisesti siltä, että et ole koskaan nähnyt Southparkin kymmenennen tuotantokauden toista jaksoa. hyvä löytö jos haluat.
@@KenRockwellTV I’m just a hobbyist taking pictures of my family and child, so I don’t need some super sharp F1.2 lens or any of that. The Q2 has enough megapixels for cropping which is perfect. Also if it’s low light? Take a picture with my phone.
@@KenRockwellTV I have been running around for years with the Q - believe me it is much better with handgrip! Just a little discomfort when changing the battery cause you have to take it off - I mean this little helper: www.leica-store-berlin.de/de/produkt/12414/leica-handgriff-f%C3%BCr-leica-q-2
How realistic are these digital viewfinders these days ? The few I have used had poor colour rendition , indistinct focus and disturbing changes in image brightness wen re-composing , that's stopped me moving away from dSLR system .
After reading your reviews since something like the 1850's or whatever I never thought about what your voice sounds like. Hmmm. Right now I'm spending my days immersing myself in learning about the Q2. That's so "not me", I always want the newest and baddest and thought I wanted the Q3. Nope. Nothing new to see here folks, too much to break with that swing out screen (and too trendy) and Ken is probably right that the eye focus is too gimmicky too (besides I usually shoot manual focus, dude, it's a LEICA). Now all I have to do is find a Q2 in good shape that I can afford 🙂
Exactly; money's got to go where it matters. See How to Afford Anything: www.kenrockwell.com/tech/how-to-afford-anything.htm I had a $7,000 digital audio recorder back when I was in college and drove a $650 car! Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV In college and mind you im still technically in college but not right now cause of covid I drove and drive a 24,000$ car. But own a $1000 camera. haha
Just got my Q2 today. I watched this video a couple times in preparation. Thanks, Ken!
Hope it helps. Thanks!
Thanks Ken very informative , just bought one today , think I’ll be listening and re watching numerous times in the next few days
Thanks!
Thank you for your time effort and informative content on the Q2. You are an asset to all photographers - amateurs and pros
Thank YOU!!!
The past four years I lived in South America. I used my Q1 in Peru, Bolivia, Columbia for daily street photography. The nice thing was that people did not know what it is, just some "small", not noteworthy cam. This resulted in not supporting spontaneous ownership transfers of cameras, even in the worst areas. Because nobody knew the brand, it also prevented the usual, endless and biased, religion like discussions about a purchase decision that I never regretted. The Fuji X100V and the Q are just "my thing".
Exactly. My X100F is assumed today be a worthless 35mm camera. Thanks!
Ken, u make everything so straight forward and simple; but that exactly how it should be, some pro’s like to confound & confuse, but watching and listening to you, I really feel as if I’m learning something ! Indeed that I’m learning enuf to use the a Q2; should I ever be rich enuf or vain enuf to buy one …. (They do look gorgeous thu !! haha !!). Thkz Ken !!
Thank you! That’s exactly what I’m going for: just saying it like it is. Hint: if someone can’t explain something clearly, they probably don’t really know what they’re talking about it.
Thanks for that, I use that great Leica strap on my Q2 it sits on your shoulder very well and doesn’t slip off.
Thanks!
I dont know no words that you said but I am excited to get my Leica and I hope it does good in auto
Hope you LOVE it!
The very best video on the Q2
Thank you!!!!
Fantastic - I've used a whole string of film cameras and a Canon DSLR (now sold) before buying my Q2. This video made me smile in places as I've made quite a few of the numptie errors getting used to it.😉
I bought it as it was smaller and easier to carry than heavy old kit - and I like the 'no-nonsense' approach.
At the end of the day - I wanted a great sharp lens and the ability to go back to some manual over-rides.
I also like well engineered stuff. Great video. Subscribed!
THANK YOU 3-Wheeler!
I like your comment about the lens cap. I was also taught many, many years ago by a newspaper photographer and the first lesson was to not use the lens cap.
Yip! Thanks!
I have used many Nikon DSLR's for years and recently went to a Canon ML system. I am finding now being retired I do not need all the heavy glass. Looking for something that both the Nikon and Canon is not giving me, number one is simplicity and the second is a lot less weight. Still on the fence but staying active with a camera at over 70 comes with a price. Enjoyed your video and just now thinking of selling all my gear and going with one camera set up, maybe Lecia.
I'd go Canon EOS R10 www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r10.htm and RF 18-150mm www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/lenses/18-150mm.htm This toylike combo weighs nothing, and takes the same great pictures my heavy pro gear does. Try it yourself and you'll see; it's not the 1990s anymore when we needed heavy gear for good pictures. Thanks!
11:04 _"And if you wear it out; get another one."_ That's good advice.
See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/use-it.htm thanks!
The lens is so good. Fast close wide angle
That’s what LEICA has always done best: spectacular fixed lenses. Thanks!
"This is a Leica, all the images you get are flawless masterpieces. There is no delete button!" 😂...this is why I have been reading your reviews since 2007!!
Truth! Thanks!
Most of my knowledge from camera and lenses came from your website. I didn’t know you had a youtube channel as well. Subbed
Thank you!
Really in depth advice. But how is it in general compared to a Sony or Nikon FF mirrorless ?
LEICAs unquestionably possess superior handling, heritage, story, bloodline, history, construction quality and pedigree - but Nikons photos look better due to superior secret sauce and color rendition not known to LEICA. If you want a nice camera own LEICA, if you want the best pictures look at Canon (or Nikon second)
And I’d say if you want something that looks, feels and performs great get a Fuji !
I like your sense of humor
Heh heh, thanks for getting it!
I Just picked up my Leica Q2 2 days ago, so this tutorial is a great welcome
Thanks! Glad it could help.
great video, but i have a question that can we replace the soft shutter button on q2? and how to do that ? thanks in advance
You should never modify any LEICA. They are perfect as they leave the factory. If the factory offers an option, consider it, but never soil the LEICA with any third party items. Thank you.
It's more about the lifestyle than the picture ? Wow have you got that one wrong ! As for the video ... Thanks .. I think this was very useful as a quick run down. Nicely done !
Yes. LEICA ownership comes from one’s spirit. It’s not about the photos, it’s about being a part of the world’s most elite: stylish, handsome, wealthy and adored by everyone for one’s character and intelligence.
@@KenRockwellTV love this comment 🖤✨
DBAD
You do make me chuckle with all these comments about looking cool, but you still have one? It looks very desirable to me as a travel and documentary tool. Can I ask, will it let you shoot auto ISO and still use the exposure compensation?
Yes, I use auto ISO and exposure compensation together most of the time. Thanks!
That strap clip is genius!
Yes, and lasts forever. www.amazon.com/dp/B0000BZM1F/?tag=kenrockwellcom
Good concise tutorial, Ken. Thanks.
Thanks! I try to stay to-the-point.
Great short tutorial which highlights main settings and the usage of a Leica Q2. Thanks Ken.
Thank you! Just wanted to document some of the basic places to find things.
You did well. I saw your response to someone else about Q2 or AR7IV elsewhere. Agreed (I have an AR7IV as well as the Leica). For the pure joy of creative photography the Leica is superb. For the technical joy of photographic perfection the Sony is amongst the best. I am based in Australia where light and textures love the Leica, which is easier to carry and use anywhere.
i saw memes of you before i knew who you were, gonna pick up a q2 in a week, gonna be my first Leica (don't judge)
Q2 is awesome! Enjoy it!!! Thanks!!!!!! ¡¡¡Meme!!!
I bought one, but almost didn’t because of Ken’s review… and, I love the thing. It’s like going from a Toyota to a Porsche. No BS, feels super high end (and is) and I’ve gotten photos from it that I can’t stop looking at. The 47mp with the full frame let’s you crop to your hearts content. For whatever reason I haven’t had issues with how nice the colors are coming from it. It took me about 2 weeks to get over the price (the price actually made me cynical about keeping it and I kept doubting myself on purchasing). After a couple of hundred photos though I got over that. I don’t plan on ever selling it. It’s just a lot of fun to shoot with and the photos are beautiful.
Hi! Thank you for the video! Can I ask, so it’s better to charge only to 80% is that right?
No. Charge to 100% if you have time. The 80% indication on the charger is if you’re in a rush, as topping off the last 20% can take a while. Don’t worry about battery durability; my M9 batteries are still fine today and I got them in 2009 with the M9! Thanks!
Thanks for your review Ken. Do you mind sharing the link for the strap again, the one you have in the diacritics doesn’t work. Thanks!
Seems like it’s working now. Or try www.amazon.com/dp/B000U9QQ5E/?tag=kenrockwellcom
Great tips all around! At this point, if you were interested in this camera, would you wait to purchase the announced Q3 or do you still think the Q2 is worth purchasing in 2022?
It’s a foolish camera. It’s not for taking pictures; it’s jewelry for men. My old iPhone 11 took better picture as you can see at www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/2020-06-leica-versus-iphone-versus-canon-versus-fuji.htm and my iPhone 14 is far superior. LEICA hasn’t been about photography since the 1969s; today it’s just a brand for people who like to flaunt. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for the tip. You probably saved me 6k haha
@@KenRockwellTV really? i thought they made really good equipment. Please correct me.
LEICA makes great equipment, but mostly as jewelry for men who like shiny things. There are much better cameras if your interest is taking pictures.
Excellent video! Have you ever tried the q2 monochrome? Does a q2 monochrome make any sense? Thanks!!
Monochrom not tried. Makes loads of sense if you shoot B&W. You need to use colored filters over the lens (red, yellow, etc.) outdoors exactly like film, and the different sensor system doubles the effective resolution and triples the light sensitivity. Much better than converting from a “color” sensor.
So fun to watch your tutorial especially when you pick the model you likes.
Ken, do you still shoot film camera now?
Thank you! I rarely get the time to shoot film. I don't shot 35mm anymore; DSLRs made it obsolete when they hit 24MP a decade ago, but I still shoot my HASSELBLAD kenrockwell.com/hasselblad/index.htm
Hi Ken, is it possible to set the Q2 up for back-button focus given the lack of function buttons?
I forget, you’ll have to see for yourself. Sorry about that. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for your help!
In Q2 firmware 3.0 update Leica stated in the release notes: "IMPROVED PICTURE QUALITY AND COLOR
RENDERING FOR JPG IMAGES". If you updated to 3.0, do you see any improvements from your previous 2.0/1.0 jpg images?
I can’t remember. Sorry. Usually firmware is climes tk do wonderful things and any difference is usually invisible. Thanks!
great video. thanks for the explanation.
Thank YOU!
Where can I order the camera strap featured in the tutorial? I would like to purchase one. Thanks!
I use the classic LEICA 14312 strap to which I link in my description above: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=LEICA%2014312&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5336071501&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
Great content and style as always! Any tips or comment on long exposures limit with Q2?
Nope, haven’t made long exposures. This is made to be shot hand-held; not sure if it’s allowed to shackle. LEICA on a tripod. See also www.kenrockwell.com/leica/q2.htm#usage thanks!
Really useful, thank you so much
thank you!
Thank you for the video! Will you be doing a review of Summilux 28mm f1.4? Couldn't find any information on your website. Would love to hear your opinion before buying such an expensive gear.
Eventually. Buy from the places I do ( www.kenrockwell.com/links.htm#stores ) and you can see for yourself if you love it - of not, they'll take it back for a full cash refund; zero risk for you to try it yourself.
The link for the strap is broken. Can you please update?
It was discontinued, but always at eBay www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=LEICA%2014312%20strap&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5336071501&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
Great,no nonsense approach! Cheers from London England.
That’s how I’m gonna set up my ‘to myself ’ Christmas present .
Thanks for the advice!
You an’ yours have a good one!
Cheers!
Enjoy and happy Christmas!
I realize it's kinda randomly asking but do anybody know of a good site to watch newly released tv shows online ?
@Ari Dawson Flixportal :P
@Gianni Decker thank you, signed up and it seems to work =) I really appreciate it!!
@Ari Dawson No problem =)
Great tutorial as usual, thanks! I just got my Q2 a few days ago and I see what you mean about the lens cap! Could you tell me what filter you use instead please? I want to get it... And you don't bother with a cap at all!?
As always, see www.kenrockwell.com/leica/q2.htm#usage and www.kenrockwell.com/leica/q2.htm#rex for details. I use the Hoya hd3 and never a cap. Do you use a lens cap on your phone? Of course not. You can’t shoot through a cap. Thanks!
Hi Ken, great tutorial, ty. Question .. I’m considering a Q2 or possibly a Hasselblad X1D II / 45P .. thoughts ? Pls .. I realize the format is different. I want to buy one for travel mainly ..
Never tried that Hasselblad. These are rich guy cameras more for show than for taking pictures. The pictures from my iPhone 11 look better than from the Q2 see www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/2020-06-leica-versus-iphone-versus-canon-versus-fuji.htm I’d look at the weight of each you mention. I suspect the Leica is lighta (haha) and the Q2 does handle extremely well - just that I’d grab a Canon EOS RP www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/rp.htm and 24-240 www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/lenses/24-240mm.htm or 24-105 long before that Leica if I cared about how the pictures look- which I do. Does this help? I know your question was vs the Hasselblad, which I haven’t tried. Thanks!
The Hasselblad and Leica largely are rich guy cameras, but they're worthy every penny if they inspire you to take wonderful shots. I shot with a 30 lb bag of nikon/canon/sony gear for 15 years. It gets old, all that gear, and the risk of looking like the guy overly interested in zooming into other parents' children.
Note the Hassy and the Leica are for fundamentally different purposes, albeit both exceptional for their purpose. The Leica is more for lifestyle photography - street shots, daily life, indoors, family, fast moving kids/pets, etc. The Hassy has a much slower aperture and is better for static shots where the subject isn't moving and you can control the lighting (tripod or artificial lights). Both are divine, but v different tools for different situations. I almost bought a Hassy setup, but so much happier with my Q2 for travel - super light, sits on my shoulder constantly, I don't stand out and the IQ is gorgeous. Maybe not quite Phase 1 MF 100+ MP dynamic range, but more than adequate for anything other than life sized prints.
I had a great day shooting with my Q2 at an abandoned asylum yesterday. Multiple times, it switched to video mode and I had to go in menu to switch it back....I got home and tried to hit random buttons and figure out what I did, and nothing. Any ideas what may have caused that? It's never happened before, and it's gotten some decent use. since I got it.
No; I haven’t seen that. I’d disable whatever button is set to start recording video and program it to something else, if you can. I’d phone LEICA and ask them.
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for the response! I think I figured it out, ISH. If you swipe rightwards on the screen, it enters video mode. It's not as easy to switch back by swiping leftwards, and I have touch screen disabled (or so I thought) . I may need to call them. Why would anyone use this camera to shoot video? lol.
@@KenRockwellTV I got the skinny, May be useful to someone. I double checked my function and button settings. Swiping across the rear EVF was the only way to intentionally or accidentally activate video mode,
I did firmware 4.0 update, and when you use EVF in extended mode, it disables the swipe. Now hoping the next firmware they allow disabling the touch screen altogether,
Thanks for show me how to remove battery, i almost broke the camera haha
That’s why I document it. Thanks!
Should I buy Leica q2 or Sony A7R4 I’m not a professional photographer but I love photography and I need to take best pictures. Which will help me??
Easy: LEICA hasn't been about pictures since the 1960s. Go with the A7R4 if you actually care about the pictures. www.kenrockwell.com/sony/a7r-iv.htm
Thanks for the video tips Ken!!! A bit bummed about the Non-color filter Monochrome modes though, but that's what .DNG is for.
Or, heaven forbid, just use a real filter over the lens. Thanks!
Share me a link for strap thanks
I use this one, which may not be available today www.amazon.com/dp/B000U9QQ5E/?tag=kenrockwellcom
I am so ripped between the Q2 and the Q2 Monochrome. Any advice?
Easy? Want color? Go Q2. If not, monochrom is far more distinctive. Just be sure to use colored contrast filters outdoors on clear days to keep contrast in the sky- exactly like B&W film. I prefer the color results from my iPhone over LEICA.
@@KenRockwellTV I will go mono. Color is a overrated anyway. Thanks for the reply
@@stefan.bar88 you can set the color camera to mono - exactly the same quality - the mono just performs better with very high ISO
What’s the filter Ken please?
See the full review at www.kenrockwell.com/leica/q2.htm in which I said 49mm. Always apse my written reviews and guides at KenRockwell.com for the most details. Thanks for asking!
Thanks Ken 👍
Hey Ken Do the crop modes work in 1080p and 4k video?
Beats me! Never tried video with a LEICA. Thanks!
How do you edit Leica Q2 DNG's with the Leica color profiles in Lightroom (Natural, Monochrome, Monochrome HC, etc)? I'm running v9.3 and they don't show up
I only shoot JPG. I do shoot DNG in my M9, and edit with Apple Aperture. Thanks!
Hi Ken, thanks for this entertaining explanations. Did you know that Leica does not allow night photography like capturing the Milky Way despite having a bright aperture lens? In manual mode, Leica locks the combination of ISO and shutter speed. It is impossible to select 15s exposure and 3200 ISO, which are typical values for the Milky Way. Called Leica, but they refused to explain the reason. Can’t be the Sensor heat, since this is built like a metal tank.
Reason is because their sensor is too noisy. LEICAs are jewelry for men; they’re not for photography. Sorry if there was any misunderstanding Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV 'jewellery for men...' Made me laugh out loud, thanks for that. Wickedly funny.
Very useful- thanks!
Thank YOU!
Why no panorama crop mode built in?
That’s too trivial for a LEICA, instrument of the immortals. We crop later if needed. Thanks!!
can you buy a auto lens cap?
No, there are no caps that open by themselves when you want to shoot. Sorry about that.
The only thing I don’t like is the fixed lens. At least with the digital M I can use my old lenses
Agreed. Thanks!
V helpful, Ken. I am saving for this and selling a lot of gear to partially fund it. Am I extravagant..moi...extravagant?
Yes, if you have to scrimp, it's not worth it. It's only worth it if you don't care about the cost. That is LEICA. Thanks!
Honestly The Leica Q2 is a great camera, it feels like nothing I have ever owned, it is solidly built like a tank, it takes amazing photos
Ken, I am puzzled by your comment - probably a throw-away comment - that Leica ceased to b e about the pictures in the '60s, and that it is more about lifestyle. You have however, provided a great and admiring review of ther Q2- apart from your complaint about the poor colour.. I have often coveted Leica for its dynamic range and the rich blacks, is my lust misplaced and misinformed? At the moment I am tossing up between the Fuji X100V and the Q2. I'm tending slightly towards the Fuji because I currently shoot Fuji.
Hi Anne, yes, you have been misled. See my latest comparison just published an hour ago at www.kenrockwell.com/leica/q2.htm#iphone Leica digital has inferior technical quality; Leica lacks the resources of Apple or Canon or Sony. People who confuse price with worth haven’t heard of Veblen goods, which is what Leica is. Leica lost the 35mm market to Nikon in the 1960s. LEICA was smart enough to reposition itself as a lifestyle product in the 1990s, which is how it survives. Honestly Leica hasn’t been about pictures since the 60s; it’s been about vain upper middle class men trying to buy themselves cachet.
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks a lot, Ken. You have. helped me make my decision in favour of Fuji (maybe because I'm not in the category of upper middle class men!) However, I am still puzzled why you would buy one of these.
Great video
Great comment! Thanks!
Bless your soul good sir
Thanks!
That’s the camera to own when you like to smell your own farts in a wine glass
Die heikleren Punkte gehen bei der Übersetzung immer verloren.
@@KenRockwellTV ei käännösongelmia, näyttää yksinkertaisesti siltä, että et ole koskaan nähnyt Southparkin kymmenennen tuotantokauden toista jaksoa.
hyvä löytö jos haluat.
Leica has a "short overview" video for the Q2. It's an hour and ten minutes long!
Yawner!!! Some of us have things to shoot. Geesh; that’s why we have a written manual. Thanks!
I will trade my Sony a7iii and all my lenses for this
Why? LEICA is for people who want a great camera. Japanese brands and iPhones are for people who prefer great pictures.
@@KenRockwellTV I’m just a hobbyist taking pictures of my family and child, so I don’t need some super sharp F1.2 lens or any of that. The Q2 has enough megapixels for cropping which is perfect. Also if it’s low light? Take a picture with my phone.
The Q2 is for people who want to show off their great camera. If you want great photos, there are better cameras for much less money.
@@KenRockwellTV if only Sony made an upgraded 28mm from their 28mm F2 sigh
this camera is much better to handle with the handgrip
Grips are un LEICA like, but thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV I have been running around for years with the Q - believe me it is much better with handgrip! Just a little discomfort when changing the battery cause you have to take it off - I mean this little helper: www.leica-store-berlin.de/de/produkt/12414/leica-handgriff-f%C3%BCr-leica-q-2
excellent. Thank you !
Thank YOU!!!
nice video bro
Thanks!
I wish the screen flipped out though.
That wouldn’t be appropriate for a LEICA. I ise my iPhone for weird angles, or just lay someone else to do it for me if it’s not convenient. Thanks!
Ken Rockwell Even just squatting and getting ground level photos of scenes 🤷🏼♂️
Nice One Ken
Thanks!
Why does this guy sound like Nick from Slap Chop?? I feel like he's going to go into a commercial, "You're gonna love my nuts".
Nutty, huh?
How realistic are these digital viewfinders these days ? The few I have used had poor colour rendition , indistinct focus and disturbing changes in image brightness wen re-composing , that's stopped me moving away from dSLR system .
They certainly show what the picture will look like before you take it. Only Sony does a good job with brightness control.
Can't get another one. On single kidney right now
Thanks for the input.
I would love to buy Q2, but I'm just a beginner and can't justify that price point. Great video!
Leica is about a lifestyle, not pictures, so don’t worry about it. Thanks!
get x100f/v and rock on
There's two 'ls' in Rockwell, Ken ; )
Thanks!
After reading your reviews since something like the 1850's or whatever I never thought about what your voice sounds like. Hmmm. Right now I'm spending my days immersing myself in learning about the Q2. That's so "not me", I always want the newest and baddest and thought I wanted the Q3. Nope. Nothing new to see here folks, too much to break with that swing out screen (and too trendy) and Ken is probably right that the eye focus is too gimmicky too (besides I usually shoot manual focus, dude, it's a LEICA). Now all I have to do is find a Q2 in good shape that I can afford 🙂
Thanks!
Camera $6,100 shot through a $68 filter.
That’s right! Thanks.
That thing costs more than my car :D
Exactly; money's got to go where it matters. See How to Afford Anything: www.kenrockwell.com/tech/how-to-afford-anything.htm I had a $7,000 digital audio recorder back when I was in college and drove a $650 car! Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV In college and mind you im still technically in college but not right now cause of covid I drove and drive a 24,000$ car. But own a $1000 camera. haha
@@KenRockwellTV Ha ha, true. I had a VHS and cam for 4'000 and a bike
You’ve already got dust all over your filter.
See, it’s working. Thanks!
very invisible?
Totally. Thanks!
Just a little bit.