Leica Q2 Monochrom Digital Camera (Demo)
Merging two of their most unique series, the Leica Q2 Monochrom is a full-frame compact camera fitted with a 47.3MP monochrome sensor, which is used for the sole purpose of recording vivid and rich black-and-white imagery.
Compared to a standard CMOS sensor, this specialized monochrome sensor omits the color filter array to enable recording of just luminance values in order to achieve greater visual depth and clarity, along with improved sensitivity to ISO 100,000 and reduced noise levels to suit working in difficult lighting. The sensor's design also sees the omission of an optical low-pass filter, and inclusion of an updated microlens array, which helps to produce sharper, higher resolution imagery.
The Leica Q2 Monochrom
47-megapixel monochrome sensor
Capture expressive black and white images with outstanding depth and sharpness.
Impressive Performance
Capture images with finest details even at high sensitivities up to ISO 100,000.
Easy handling
Experience intuitive operation with the Leica User Interface and touchscreen.
The legendary Leica look in black and white
The Leica Q2 Monochrom produces brilliant, exceptionally sharp images.
This is due to the new specialized sensor developed exclusively for this camera.
Unlike its chromatic counterparts, the monochrome sensor features no color filter array – with no interpolation required, only the pure light levels are captured and rendered sharper.
Furthermore, the sensor’s 47.3 megapixel resolution is more than capable for even extreme cropping to be an extra tool in the photographer’s arsenal. Digital zoom provides simulated focal lengths of 35, 50 and 75 mm for the JPEGs while the DNG file of the original image is always preserved at full sensor resolution.
Additionally, this unique sensor also boasts significantly broader dynamic range and extremely low image noise, even at high ISOs up to 100,000.
Outstanding performance in any light
The built-in Summilux 28 f/1.7 ASPH. prime lens is distinguished by both the razor-sharp details and exceptionally soft bokeh it renders. As the fastest lens in its segment, it is perfectly suited to the sensor of the Leica Q2 Monochrom, and delivers outstanding results even in the darkest and most difficult light.
Eleven lens elements, including three elaborately constructed aspherical elements, ensure the highest image quality possible so textures and details can be seen like never before in tones and shades of crisp and contrasty black-and-white.
Always in control
To ensure photographers have full control over their compositions, the Leica Q2 Monochrom sports an OLED viewfinder with a resolution of 3.68 megapixels. See each and every bit of depth even within the darkest of black levels to ensure the photo is composed exactly as desired.
An eye sensor automatically activates the viewfinder, which displays the scene or subject with precision, continuity and no detectable lag.
The diopter wheel on the rear of the camera is elegantly designed with a retractable dial to avoid accidental changes. The Q2 Monochrom’s viewfinder technology provides a better overview, higher contrast and exceedingly clean rendition of the viewfinder image while consuming minimal power for maximum battery life.
Brave any weather and shoot anywhere
Harsh environmental conditions and even the risk of rain will not faze this versatile camera.
Equipped with dust and splash protection (rated IP52*), the Leica Q2 Monochrom is always ready to capture that perfect interplay of light and shadow even through equally dramatic weather.
* Ingress Protection, class 52: Protected against dust in damaging quantities. Protected against dripping water when the camera body is tilted at an angle of up to 15°.
Fast and simple operation
The straightforward operation of the Leica Q2 is renowned and appreciated by photographers around the world. The same perfectly thought-out concept can also be found in the Q2 Monochrom. The physical dials and rear touchscreen provide a simple overview and direct access to the main shooting parameters.
The streamlined menus have also been pared down further thanks to the omission of all color settings. No unnecessary distractions. Just the “decisive moment.”
Extraordinary black and white videos
In combination with the outstanding Leica Summilux, the Leica Q2 Monochrom captures black and white videos imbued with a stunning aesthetic. A dedicated overview menu for video mode delivers ease-of-use and fulfils even the most demanding requirements.
For brilliant, razor-sharp footage, the camera offers 4K and Cine4K modes with respective frame rates of 30 and 24 fps. Videos can also be recorded in full-HD format at 120, 60, 30 or 24 frames per second.
Dedicated to perfection
Superior quality and excellent design are core values of the Leica brand. The Leica Q2 Monochrom is produced in Germany using state-of-the-art construction methods and high-quality components, such as its full magnesium all-metal build.
The result is a unique compact camera that lives up to these intrinsic values in every way, including further down the road through developments of ongoing firmware updates.
Unlock more with Leica FOTOS
The Leica Q2 Monochrom can be connected quickly and easily to an iPad or smartphone via the Leica FOTOS app. This enables photographers to share images instantly and from any location.
Leica FOTOS also allows the camera to be operated via remote control from the mobile device. A seamless integration of Adobe Lightroom supports the subsequent editing and organization of the captured images, even on the go.
Filter effects – an analog reminiscence
Three new, specially developed E49 color filters complement the Leica Q2 Monochrom as the perfect kit.The yellow, green and orange screw-on lens filters open up new possibilities for the creative exploration of contrast and light.
Each filter modifies and tweaks the colors and contrast of our visible light spectrum when recorded as grayscale values on the sensor. As a result, landscape and portrait shots can be imbued with unique visual aesthetics for more punchy or subdued contrast from the moment the shutter button is pressed. The multilayer coating of these specialized filters reduces reflections and ensures high light transmission without vignetting, for maximum image quality.
