The Leica Q2 Monochrom Review - Monochrome Mad
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- Опубліковано 6 лип 2024
- After 3 Years of using the Leica Q2 Monochrom, Paul gives his long term review.
Featuring lots of Black and white photography taken with the Q2 Monochrom camera.
Street Photography, Portrait Photography and Fine Art Photography.
For Information on Pauls Workshops go to -
www.paulreidphotography.com/w...
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www.rjprintlab.com/ - Навчання та стиль
you are very inspiring paul, love your work
The homage to your camera is a homage to photography in general! Ultimately, everyone who owns a camera should think about that camera the same way you think about yours. Owning the right, ultimate camera is an indescribable stroke of luck. But certainly one that can be brought about... Your photos are impressively lively, I really enjoy looking at them.
Best regards, Dirk (DT-Classics)
Thanks so much!!!! And thanks for always watching the videos!!
As you know, I sold my Fujifilm X-Pro2 and X-H1 and all my lenses to make the jump to a lightly used Q2 Monochrom. It's been 6 months now and there's no regrets getting this Photography marvel and dedicating myself to shooting BNW. The Camera gets out of my way, encourages me to take my time thinking about Composition and Photographic choices and drives me to continually improve. Bottom line - this tool and I are a match made in heaven 📷🖤👁🗨‼️
I agree!! We both knew even before you did that where your heart was. And let’s face it, you got some fantastic images from your Fuji gear. The Q2 Monochrom was a natural evolution for you and your passion for tones, shadow, light and texture.
@@paulreidphotography Also, let's not forget the wonderful impact your one-on-one sessions and now your Mentorship program is having on my Photography Journey Paul 📷🖤👍👍‼️ Your instructional insights and guidance are every bit as influential on my evolution as my Leica Q2 Monochrom🙏🙏😎‼️
Wow - A Q2M and you - a match made in heaven! Thank you for sharing your joy with us! I am about to get a Q2M. Currently I use Leica SL2-S, and I once owned Leica, Q and Q-P, but the EVF on Q or Q-P is not as good as the one used on Q2, so I sold both.
Every time I see one of your videos I am inspired to keep creating! Your work is great, your thought process is awesome and you just seem like a really cool guy!
Thanks so much!!! I really appreciate this and it’s why I still put videos out on the channel
Stunning shots, Paul. Been mulling this camera for awhile...you've sold me.
Awesome!!! It’s a fantastic camera
Consistently a Leica fan, consistently heartfelt comments, consistently excellent B&W photos.
Thank you.
Thanks so much for watching this one!! I really appreciate your positivity and nice comments
Agree on your views of the Q2M. I love mine as well. Your work is brilliant.
Thanks so much!!!!! Glad you’re loving yours
Thank you Paul. Once again, I can totally relate to your video! Please keep them coming!
Thanks so much. Glad you’re enjoying the channel
Thanks Paul. This video really resonated with me. The camera produces remarkable photographs - more for you than me! And, I love using it. Your photos taken with the cameras are an inspiration and are what confirmed to me that the Q2M was worth the investment - I've not regretted it.. Have a great Festive period. Looking forward to seeing more of your work in the new year!
Thanks so much! You have an amazing festive period too
As always, a very inspiring video! And thank you for having me as a 'model' part of it 🙂
Thanks for posing!! Ha haaa
Nice work again Paul. I started lately to experiment with the sepia setting of the Q2M for studio portraits in some occasions. After 2 years I’m still discovering new settings to keep on going. Keep on doing what you do and be an inspiration for us.
Thanks so much!! It’s people like yourself and your comments that keep me doing videos on UA-cam
Thanks Paul to your review and sharing your thoughts about the Q2 Monochrom . I used the Q since the beginning and lastly owned the Q3, but sold it and bought just 2 month ago the Q Monochrom. This camera is such a beauty and the aesthetic of the Imagequality is just stunning. The amount of details you get out of the Monochrom you cant get with the original Q*s or a Leica M. I am very much looking forward to your upcoming videos 😃
Thanks so much for watching!! I really appreciate it
Wonderful images Paul. You have simply inspired me. I have M4/3 gear, however after watching your feed I am going to make 2024 my year for concentrating on Monochrome images. I would love to graduate to a Leica Q2 Monochrome, but for now I’ll work with what I’ve got. All the best from Canada’s west coast. Cheers!!
Amazing!! Keep shooting with the gear you have. The inspiration is more of a win than a new camera
Love your videos. And your work is super awesome!!
Thank you so much!
Dear Paul! At least, I sold all my digital gears for the Q2M and I'm happy about that. It is the ideal tool for my type of photography, the limits imposed make me think carefully about what I want to represent. Now, after just 1000 shots, I am starting to become aware not so much of the photographic medium, but of what I perceive and feel most really mine in photography. Cheers!
Fantastic!!! I’m glad you’ve found your ideal camera
Hello,
Very nice video, which shows the unique bond between you and your camera. The Leica Monochrom are fabulous. I don't have a Q, but an M10M and I share your feeling.
Thanks for sharing.
I’d be equally as happy with an M10M!! I use the Q2M in a very M like fashion at times. Thanks so much for watching the video
I’ve owned a Q2 mono for a couple of years. Your review is spot on. 🎉
Thanks so much for watching this video! I really appreciate it
Your work is superb my friend. I’ve been debating a Leica purchase for the past few months. Was originally considering the Q3 but been leaning towards the M11-P. The 28mm on the Q scares me for portraits but then I see yours and wow. 😮 Makes me rethink. Anyway, brilliant work my friend. I live in NYC; if you’re ever board or want a locals photography walk, would love to meet you!
Thanks so much! I think I’ve got that familiar with the 28mm now that even with an M I hardly ever use anything over a 35mm
Dammit!! I was trying hard to not spend the $6k on this camera but you convinced me. Great video!! Ordering now.
Ha haaa!! Glad you enjoyed the video!! Have fun with the Q2M
Good evening Paul, another so enticing video. I really appreciate that you cover it all in one go. The camera, the shooting, the results AND the print. Because of you I will be spending this week end with RJ Print for a project. I already told you how highly I rate this.
Now getting a Q2M is really so niche , I'd rather add a M10Monochrom to complement the M7 (financial considerations aside). For now I'll stick to my current set up: M7 in analog and micro 43 (GH5) in digital. (famous last words?)
Looking forward the February workshop
Let’s face it!! Whatever the benefits. The benefits of inspiration trump any gear
Fabulous once again Paul. So the Leica wannabe here has reached back and scored a Lumix GX8 with a 20mm (mft) lens for my photography. Set to black and white - everything that comes out of this affordable beauty will be monochrome more so than ever. Your channel has inspired me…🌟✌️🇦🇺
Lumix are great little street cameras. I have the GX85 and GX9. The 20mm is fine, with exception of slower focus, thus I went with Leica 15mm and also a 14mm Lumix I bought earlier on. Olympus 24 and 45mm work wonders as well. Now I am reaching back to Nikon again, as I took advantage of the big sale going on, and got the Z5 + 40mm lens.
Fantastic!!! The important thing is just to enjoy the moments! The moments you have that camera with you and your love for photography
@@lorenschwiderskiupdate, update. Since Xmas I’ve fitted a ‘new’ Samyang 12/2 manual lens. Am I having fun!✌️
Very nice review I had the Q2 since March 2019 for two years sold it to a friend and bought the Q2M, I recently bought my Q2 back from my friend and have both LOL!! Totally agree with you on all points. When we print is when you can really see what the camera/lens can do.
Thanks so much!!! Oh to have both!!!
I know I spoiled myself but I use them both all the time !@@paulreidphotography
Just recieved my q2 monochrome and I absolutely love it!!!! Quick question do you use any protective UV filters for the front element, or do you just run with the lens hood and only use colored filters to shift contrast? Keep up the great videos!!
I just use a uv filter! So glad you are enjoying the Q2 Monochrom
Oh boy, friggen STUNNING images man, I haven't seen anything like it! I just found your video while contemplating whether to keep or sell my Q2 mono and get the Sony A7CR instead. Now I'm not so sure anymore 😢 I will say this though; I have managed to get the same level of sharpness and detail with my A7RIII with a 50mm lens vs the Q2 mono cropped to 50mm (I shoot 40-50mm 99% of the time). At 28mm nothing will match the Q2M's micro contrast, sharpness, clarity and just overall detail. The other thing is it's low light performance is amazing, being able to bring back dark shadows with very low noise is absolute magic! I've just been struggling to bring out the Q2 mono for street/urban as I live in a country where cameras easily get stolen and it is NOT cheap
Thanks so much!! Yeah o know what you mean! Insurance is a must!! You’re right when you crop then you crop in on the grain and everything! I try my best not to have to!
Hi Paul, such a great review! I have been blown away from the quality of the images you showed!
First things first: big kudos to the photographer. It's not the camera that takes the pictures, it's the phographer, and I have seen in your video some of the best street photography shown in youtube. Again, my compliments.
About the camera: totally blown away by the quality, your observation and comparison with medium format are correct: lens and the three-dimensionality of the image are there.
Hope one day gettin a real BW sensor Q camera, for the moment I'm into the Leica Q first version and have a good starting point for BW conversion, maybe in 2 or 3 years Q2 monochrome will be under the 3k range and I will think about it!
I still think using the Q at base ISO could give comparable results when edited correctly to a monochrome sensor camera
@@paulreidphotography thanks, I've found the Q1 a truly fantastic camera. I'm catching as many tutorials as I can get for transforming in bw those files, if you have suggestions where to search, thanks in advance. 🎉
@@mikelecss I will see if I can put some kind of tutorials together at some point as well as some sort of preset that goes with the tutorials. I think why my editing is good isn’t through skill but a darkroom mindset.
@@paulreidphotography I like your point about the darkroom mindset! Exposing our mind to a process makes our perception goes in a specifi direction, it's so true!
By the way, if you think you can arrange a video on the topic with some starting point preset I think it will be userful to many, since the monochrome cameras are so few at the moment ahah and expecially many will still prefer the option for color.
Since I am the kind of person that goes all-in in something, I will not have the concern if I can choose ahah
Thanks Paul- I was interested in your reaction. I’m going to take some more time with the Q2M and really get to know it I also continue to compare it with the XT5, which is no bigger and like to Q3 I can shoot in both b&w and color! We’ll see! What options though! Geoff
There’s a bit of a learning curve with the Q2M! But it’s worth sticking with
Paul...Excellent video and very inspiring...I definitely want to buy a Leica q2 monochrome..I grew up shooting only B&W film and since the film industry completely went to digital along with iPhones..I've been looking for the right camera that I could shoot the best monochrome with a wide angle and would work in a range of situations ie fine art, landscapes and people...a camera that would elevate my work and simply inspire me to take better pictures...I'm sold on this Leica...now I have to work on how to pay for it..Thanks again for your video and your really awesome pictures..I live in Chicago..USA and there are so many stories and moments to photograph..especially in B &W with a Leica monochrome..
Fantastic!!! And thanks so much for watching the video and your kind comments
Thinking of buying a monochrome camera. Torn between Q2M or Use Leica M 241. I shoot more narrow focal lengths out on the street. Still doing research. In terms image quality are there major differences between the M and Q series sensors? I'd hate huge files (60mb plus). Appreciate your views and keep creating the episodes you do. Became a fan some months ago
There’s not a massive difference between M10M and Q2M. Less megapixels to play with on the 246. All in all though it all comes down to what will inspire you most
Thank you for what you do. I just bought this camera and am excited about getting back to an old genre. How and where can i buy the t-shirt you wore in this video?
Thanks so much for watching the videos! It means a lot. I will have this T-shirt for sale soon. I’ve just been doing quality testing on them! Namely washing them lots! Wearing them lots! And tumble drying the life out of them!
Could’t agree more. I have both Q2s and the M gets far more use. Fantastic photos - keep them coming.
So glad you enjoy your Q2M
Hi Paul, very intresting Monochrom Review ! Very nice presentation ! Lovely images ! You are my Philosopher of this rainy Day !
I have a question : The photos in this video, came they straight out of your Q2M ? Or was there a deviation by LR or C1 or ... ?
I still use my Q1, and more and more I switch towards B+W ! I have the feeling that I am not alone ;-)
I thank you very much ! I subscribed immediately to your channel. Greetings, take care, Roger, Antwerp.
Hi mate!! Thanks so much for watching. The photos are always edited in Lightroom from the RAW file. Thanks for subscribing!! I appreciate it
okay I am convinced and will start saving
Thanks so much for watching
Excellent. I love my monochrom too!
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoy your q2M
your photos are amazing
Thanks so much!!!!
Hi Paul - nice video and great images as always. Price aside, one of things that concerns me about monochrome cameras is lack of color channels to be manipulated in post. I have seen others having fairly flat images (not yours) coming out of the Leica monochrom cameras. Your images obviously have a good amount of contrast. Do you use filters or is it all done through lighting/in camera exposure and careful development in your post-processing. If filters, which ones? Thanks so much and keep up the inspiring work.
So coming from a film background I never had the luxury of colour channels for manipulation. These days Lightroom can mask anything so it’s very easy to develop an image without colour channels. The RAW files are flat. If they’re not edited correctly they will remain flat. I don’t use filters. It’s all post processing. Thanks so much for watching the video. I appreciate it
@@paulreidphotography Great to hear you can get these results without filters. I have no patience for them and that is one of the things holding me back from a monochrom camera. So will give a Leica monochrom some real thought.
Nice images and thoughtful review!
I truly regret selling my Q2 Monochrom camera. I’ll soon pick up a M11 Monochrom, but I could still see getting a Q2M again. The fact that it has a fixed 28 mm lens simplifies any photo session (you make it work instead of agonizing over which lens to use).
The camera’s built-in Macro capability is really quite handy. Additional macro capability is available with Leica’s screw-on macro “filter”.
The Q2 Monochrom also feels like an old-school film camera.
I've had a Q2M for almost two years. I love it. BUT... Last week I went to Tamarkin Camera in Chicago. I used an M11 Monochrom in the store for about 30 minutes. That camera is very, very special. I predict once you get that camera the Q2M will become I distant memory :)
I actually have for some time considered switching to an M11M! I just can’t quite pull the trigger on it
@@montysphotos Perhaps, but the Q2M felt just right in my hands. My M11 (color) is terrific, but has a different feel.
@@paulreidphotography WOW, I feel the same. I have added the M11M and the Summilux 35 steel rim to the B&H Cart many times only to delete it. Is this obsessive? Ive been shooting B/W and printing in palladium for 40 years. Stopped shooting film a long time ago. Decisions, decisions........have you added the M11M yet?
Hi Paul, I would love to hear your opinions in a follow up video for alternative cameras to the Q2 Monochrome, to almost replicate that Leica look. I am a disabled photographer and unfortunately for me I will never have the funds to purchase a Leica Q2 but I'm very interested in your thoughts regarding other options out there. Keep up the great work.
Thanks so much! Yeah so most modern cameras are actually amazing at the base iso!! Maybe up until 400 you could pull out detail without the old noise creeping in. I’m going to work on some Fuji stuff over the following weeks as I also own three Fujis of various generations. The oldest being an X PRO 1. I’m going to see what I can get from those cameras in comparison
excellent video, just one question... I saw that you develop one of your photos with developing chemicals... is that right? Or did you print the photo and then dip it in acid for a better finish?
It was absolutely developing chemicals. Check out my two videos about platinum palladium printing.
Yep this is a special one. I have this and got a Q3 later. I still prefer my Q2 Monochrom as lovely as the Q3 is.
So pleased you enjoy the Q2M. Thanks for watching the video
Beautiful
Thanks so much
I hope they make a Q3 Monochrome soon having the tilt screen for controlled hip level photographs. Well currently Leica even can’t produce sufficient Q3, the demand is obviously off the roof.
The flip screen does help indeed! I do love how sleek the Q2 and Q2M are without it though. Maybe if it was implemented better like say a Fuj flip screen it would be better
Can you do a vid on how to use focus on this camera? I get manual and use it but the autofocus is frustratingly bad as many have commented. Not sure how you use it effectively. I have tried all settings and find spot is the best with back button lock in. But that is a pain. It would be cool if it locked in when you depress the shuuter buton half-way.
That is a good point! I had to do a lot of messing about to get something that works
Paul, do you use filters with the Q2 Monochrome? I shot B/W film for years. I no longer have access to a darkroom so I sold all of the film stuff. On one of the Leica forums they were saying the Orange filter on the Q2 M is closer to a Yellow on film. I was never much of Orange or Red user. Also, do you use the Exposure compensation to lower the highlights? Thanks!!!!
So I don’t use any filters. I played with them for about a week. I do use my exposure compensation if any highlights that are being blown are relevant. If they’re not an area I wish to retain the info in the highlights I would just let them go
Paul + Leica appears to be the marriage made in heaven. My latest is a Nikon Z5, as I just seem to gravitate back to Nikon. I do love the Lumix GX9 as a fine smaller street shooter. I have set my Nikon to RAW+JPEG in B&W. My preference so far on the street still leans to the color. Will see if life changes. The main thing is finding those " YES! " moments, as Henri Cartier-Bresson called them. Story and composition first. Take care, Loren
Thanks for your comments Loren! I really appreciate you watching the videos
I'm holding off for the Lecia Q3 Monochrom, with the hopes they throw in that new "content authentication" chip from the M11p... but having said that, I've got 2 quick questions for you, if I may be so bold:
1 I've heard that the 28mm on the Q2 gives more of a 24mm field of view - any truth to that?
2 Do you use the Highlight Weighted Metering for your aperture-priority shooting, and if so, is it any good?
Thanks mate! Love the videos 😊
Thanks so much!! The 28mm question. That could be true. If it is then I guess I’m a 24mm shooter. It is pretty wide. I do use highlight weighted metering. However it’s not magic. I use exposure compensation quite a lot
@@paulreidphotography Aye, the exposure comp with the metering... but I guess with the spectacular dynamic range of the mono body, you can safely underexpose and still pull a ton of detail out of the shadows. My Nikon Z7ii has that metering mode; as you said, not magic, but on a busy street, the machine thinks faster than I do, so it's my crutch, and I'm thrilled to see Leica has it too.
Thought I'd ask about the 28mm lens though - you've got a shot at 6:15 of this video with a woman's hatted head in front of a poster with a circus girl on a swing, and there looks to be a smidge of that distortion/elongation one might expect from a 24. As an Alan Schaller fan, that's a plus for me. I guess I've got a year or so to hmm and haww about it... they haven't even announced the Q3 Mono yet, but we all know it's coming, and since the Q3 stuck with the same lens, I'm guessing the Q3M will too. Thanks for your response!
There’s something to be said for the consistent look of one’s work. The Q2M limits you to the 28mm lens and color, but the result is the beauty of simplification. No stressing over which lens to use. No fussing over color. I shoot a Fuji X-Pro3 with a 35mm f1.4 lens. I convert all my images to bnw. Thus, I’m thinking a lot about the Leica Q2M.
I really still think that at base iso on the Fuji you can get comparable results when edited with a monochrome mentality
When I obtained my M11, I seriously thought about selling my Q2M... But... I just couldn't let it go. so I just got a bigger bag to put both in!!!!
Ha haaa! Good plan!
Do you have to fuss with colour filters like back in film days or will the filter options in Lightroom give you the same changes in contrast like when you convert colour to black and white? I used silver FX when I converted colour to black and white and the results were good, would a purely monochrome image still give you flexibility in adjustments
Not quite the flexibility with using colours in post I’m afraid.
Oh man!! I was almost decided on the Q2, now, seeing your images, you got me inspired and thinking about the Monochrome. How could you do this to me?? ;-)
Ha haaaa! Sorry! The Q2M has a certain magic
I loved my Q2M but sold it as I found the BNW sensor too limiting.
Yeah I dabble with colour using film at the minute
Good post!
Glad you enjoyed it
Glad you enjoyed it
I used a friend's Leica Monochrom. It was nice! I love color but actually use film.. I prefer to desaturate!
I feel whatever gear helps your inspiration is the main thing
I got the reporter edition, the regular one not in monochrome but I shoot about 80% of my images in B&W. Since I use Leica I shoot way more in B&W and can’t put my finger on it.
Fantastic!!! I just love mine!!
There are only a handful of picked photographers as excellent as you, so you're worthy of the Leica. I'm a simple pensioner and I'll content myself with my 58 years oldie but goldie Vitomatic II 35mm film camera in matters of monochrome; some slrs will do the rest;-)) @philosimot
Thants very kind words!! I really appreciate your positive comments. I still love film today!!
Do you think you get the Q3 Monochrom when it comes out Paul?
I honestly just don’t know!! I think I’d be more likely to get an M11M
@@paulreidphotography I hope you'll be able to have both : )
that's what Leica hopes for !
@@paulreidphotography
You always inspire me to get my Q2M and shoot! 😃👍🏻
Thanks so much! That’s what this channel is really all about
Are these out of camera? If no estimate time of processing and software used?
None are straight out of camera. 5 mins?
Can I assume that you do any post editing in PhotoShop vs Lightroom?
All Lightroom with just contrast tools
Thank you.
@@paulreidphotography
What editing did you do?
Lightroom work. With only light to work with it’s all work with contrast, shadows, blacks and highlights and whites
I sold my Q2M : the images are quite special , but in general more susceptible to flat , low contrasty results !Moreover the highlights are easily blown out, which means , if you expose for the HL , you ‘look have to lighten up the shadows quite a lot , which creates more noise.Disadvantage is you loose the colour channels in post as well!I am happy now with my Nikon ZF!
I’m glad you love the Nikon. I’m from the darkroom days and the files made sense for me immediately. Although with film it was the opposite way round. You were better exposing for the shadows. The flat files is also similar to a film negative if it was printed without any manipulation. I guess sometimes a camera just makes sense to some and other cameras make more sense to others. That’s great because we have so much choice these days.
I want a “Monochrome Mad” t-shirt!!!
Ha haaaa! £24.99 when I actually sort out a shop on here
I would like one also
niche is fun, I feel different from the beginning of my life. I always used 28mm in my reportings.
I love 28mm
problem is that this limits you to a specific type of photography. You stop looking for interesting colour combination, you are looking for contrasts. And it is a fun exercise for photo walks, but you might find yourself missing shots because of that limitation. I shot an event once where all photos were shot in B/W (+RAW) and almost all photos stayed in B/W in my portfolio. But I found one photo that in B/W just made no sense - it begged for a vibrant colour palette. If that photo would be one of those 'decisive moment' ones, I would be pissed :)
Yeah I get that! I unfortunately get overwhelmed by colour and am a much worse photographer when I feel that way. It works for me. Not everyone. But it does for me
@@paulreidphotography over the years I found myself in similar mindset - after the first 2 years with digital cameras back in 2004-6, because of that sensory overload I realised I don't even know how to photograph anymore. So I bought an old Soviet Zenit with Helios 58/2 lens, a pile of film and spend the next year with that camera, analogue exposure calculator, notepad and pen, religiously writing down notes about each frame, the reasoning behind each exposure. It was so effective, that when I returned to digital photography, I didn't have to relay on electronics anymore - I just looked at a scene and knew exactly what exposure settings I need. I think everyone needs some sort of 'reset' and if for you it's reverting to b/w - good for you, glad you found your problem and a cure :)
Your work should be in a book.
Thanks so much! Some day!!
Like your programme and your photography. However, not many of us can (afford) Leicas.
That’s true indeed. And don’t worry if you can’t. Whatever camera you enjoy using is the camera to use. I’m using film too at the moment and those cameras cost much less. Digital wise, anything from the last 4 years is going to give incredible quality. Just pick one you love and use that.
I'm not being facitious nor sarcastic when I say this... There is far more color in monochrome images than in color images.... Details stand out in monochrome, that go unnoticed in color photos. So yes... If you think about it, there is far more to see in a monochrome image... Thus... More "color".
Agreed!!!! Thanks for watching the video
Great review Paul. The Q2M has tempted me many times (currently have a Q-P).
But, what’s better than your review, is your images. Seeing them all in one video really shows how talented you are. Keep up the great work.
Thanks so much!!! I really appreciate it. I do think I’d be ok with the QP you know.