Black and white photography never gets old. No matter how vibrant or dynamic your colour pictures are, nothing compares to the simplicity and tradition of monochromatic photography. From a bygone era, when colour film was not even a possibility yet, Leica delivers the heritage and aesthetic of celluloid with a newly developed dedicated full-frame monochrome sensor. Introducing the Leica Q2 Monochrom, the next-generation model of the Leica Q line of cameras.
It’s difficult for anyone to deny the sense of drama and emotion that a quality black-and0-white photo can deliver. Following on from the Leica M10 Monochrom Digital Rangefinder, the next-generation model of the Leica Q is the only full-frame compact camera with a dedicated monochrome sensor. Stripping the camera of all its colour settings, all that is left are settings for tinting black and white images, i.e., blue, sepia, selenium.
The Leica Q2 Monochrom
Combined with the ultra-fast Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH. prime lens, ridiculously precise autofocus (focuses in less than 0.15 seconds), and an OLED viewfinder with a resolution of 3.68 megapixels, the Monochrom Q2 reminds us all why Leica is considered the most significant camera company in the world. Defining new quality standards for black and white photography, the exclusively developed 47.3-megapixel full-frame monochrome sensor captures both highly-detailed still pictures and 4K video at ISO sensitivities up to 100,000.
Sporting a monochrome design with a new leather covering, matt black paint, grey and white engravings, and MONOCHROM lettering on the top, the Leica Monochrom Q2 is not only elegant but seamlessly adaptable to any style and aesthetic. Maintaining a discreet design that intentionally omits the red Leica logo, this is one sleek piece of kit.
Ryan Williams, managing director of Leica Camera Australia, described the Leica Q2 Monochrom as “an attractive evolution of the Leica Q line of cameras, with newly developed features that take it to the next level, while also maintaining Leica’s characteristic, minimalist design. This new model not only extends the impeccable performance of the Q2, but it also defines new quality standards in black and white photography.”
Complete with a protective sealing against dust and water spray compiling to the IP52 Standard, the Monochrom Q2 can handle all kinds of conditions while ensuring exceptional imaging performance. Capable of shooting at an impressive ten frames per second at the full resolution of 47.3 MP, even sports photographers will love it.
Leica Q2 Monochrom Ambassador Knox Bertie calls it “the perfect camera to take anywhere. It’s lightweight; it’s fast, it’s silent, it produces high-quality images that rival any larger camera. I can’t see how there could be a better street photography camera than this.”
At the cost of € 5,990,00 as usual, it isn’t cheap. But if you want the best of the best for your black and white photography, then there’s nothing better than the Leica Q2 Monochrom.
