One year with the Leica Q2 

Thank you for making the Leica Q2 review. You made the statement, “the camera is not for everyone.” I own it: waited in the que for it. Used it for almost two years. The camera on my iPhone is the only other camera I use. So, who am I? I am someone who believes a good photographer with a creative eye can capture the moment, so to speak, using only a single focal length lens; and does need a zoom or an assortment of interchangeable lenses. I am someone who realizes one cannot take every picture; rather, I am satisfied with the one I did take. I am someone who is distracted by anything which breaks my concentration when I explore a scene. I am someone who has already lived with a single focal length lens, and perfectly content with either 28mm or 35mm (full frame equivalent). I am someone who in the past owned several generations of the Fujifilm X100 series and the Ricoh GR series. I am the photographer who has made great pictures using a single focal length, non-interchangeable lens camera. So, one might ask, why were not the other aforementioned cameras satisfactory? Simply, they did not have the features I needed; the Leica Q2 did, as follows: a viewfinder; in-body image stabilization; weather sealing (per an industry standard); a macro mode (.24X); and adequate megapixels to crop for a 35mm angle of view (I find the 50mm angle of view too narrow for my photographic style). And yes, the Q2 is relatively expensive, but over the years I have already spent three times as much for cameras and lenses which stayed at home: distractions, distractions, on what to take and what not to take. I am someone who values a simple user interface and higher quality equipment. The Q2 is for me.

Great review! Love the story telling around your photos.

Man this was a really nice review. I love how it felt like we were just having a chill conversation on a sofa about the Q2 together. Thanks and keep up the good work! I own this camera as well and I really love it and like you the thing I love the most is the simplicity. I sold all my Fuji gear to consolidate to this camera but now I’m saving to get a SL2 cos I miss interchangeable lenses.

I just love your channel and your photography. You're a great communicator who makes the learning experience very enjoyable and accessible. Thank you 🙂

Really enjoy your videos man. Thanks for all the time and energy you're putting into these. Really appreciate it. Best from Amsterdam

Man, I love your work so much. And appreciate your kind of philosophical approach of photography. Made my day beautiful. Subscribed immediately

That last “meat and potatoes” cracked me up haha, awesome video, subscribed

I really enjoyed your style and vision. Thank you very much. And..it is really amazing what you managed to pull-out from Q2. Thanks to your videos I now know what it is best in.!

Now that's what I'm talking about, a real user review after a year of regular use. Legit. Thank you!

I have not been able to load images on my phone after my first 3 months of ownership. I agree with your summary. For me the most important thing about the camera is that it is a joy to use. I love taking it out where ever I go. If you can only own one camera in your lifetime, it would be a Q2.

Nice review, Ben! I just got my Q2 a couple of weeks ago and I couldn’t agree more with your comments. Your cons, such as they are, perfectly mirror my own thoughts in that I simply don’t care about a flip screen or the lack,of ports. As for the Wi-Fi, it works for me pretty much as I expect. Bottom line, like you I also tend to churn my cameras, but the Q2 is definitely a keeper.

wow what a great review and channel , your thoughts are exactly what I believed this camera to be, starting to save to get one, wanted the monochrome but your Alaska video made me rethink this, the colours are so beautiful... great videos, thanks a lot.

Thanks for an enjoyable video. I like your easy conversational style, and there are some remarkable photos along the way. One reason I went with the X100V instead of the Q2 (aside from the huge price of the Q2) is the built-in flash. Fill-in flash is often a necessity in people photography, I find.

The Q2 is one of the most solid cameras out there, love mine. v much

Just recently found your channel. I don’t own a Leica and, as a teacher with teenagers, can’t afford one. But I subbed because of your enthusiasm, stellar work and just general positive kick ass vibe. Props and keep up the great content.

Awesome channel with great information about the camera. Also amazing photography. I’m looking forward to getting my Q2 after taking ages to decide to take the plunge. Personally I’ll use my Ricoh GRiii for low light as it seams to do the job perfectly, everything else will be done streetwise using the Q2.

YT algo brought me here. Thanks for sharing your personal thoughts around the Q2. I really also enjoy your conversational style. For some stupid reason, the electric guitar strums and tom strikes in your edits make me smile every time it happens. 🎸👍 (edit: incidentally, it sounds like they took your "con's" list to the word for the design of the Q3! 😆)

Ben, again, a simply magnificent video! Both informative and well-structured, it is also very easy to digest and with the gorgeous pictures a lust for the eye. I own a Q2 from roughly around the same time as you and entirely agree with your analysis. I am always shooting DNG + hi-res JPG, and although the WiFi does seem to work, I therefore do not tend to transfer photos other than through a Mac adaptor for my fast Sony Extreme cards. Leica, I hope you are listening and indeed take away some limitations via the next firmware update. Thank you Ben, for illuminating and lightening up our lives in gloomy times! Bart

Medium format is awesome! Such a nice addition to one’s photography! I got a hasselblad and it freaken rocks...a little slow but still, great lenses

That's a GREAT review!!!! One quick question, I'm planning on getting a q2, what are some reliable sources that I can get one?

You’re freaking awesome dude! The meat and potatoes 😂 love it. So last week your brother George up north in rural WA drove to the Leica store in Bellevue Square Mall (felt like a caveman headed to civilization after a year away from any big city lol) and... YES BIUGHT THE Q2!! Regardless of my screaming CC, I fell in love with this toy right away. And man you should have seen how the guys at the store presented it to me in super fancy bag with a red gift stripe and a Leica key! The visit, experience, and my first shoot up in the Cascade Mountains were freaking awesome! Excellent review, short and sweet. Couldn’t agree more with you! Bring your Q2 and head up north for a visit! Cheers man!

Thanks for your videos. I’ve been for so long watching reviews and all kind of videos giving rounds and rounds about getting a q2. Yo made me take the finial decision and I will have my q2. Thanks!

I like this camera bro. Keep the videos coming!!!

I loved the review man! Jose from Puerto Rico saying hi. I think you'll get an SL2. The Q2 will be a nice backup camera or an everyday carry around camera. I believe they use the same battery, so there you go!

Over the last 50 years ive owned tons of leicas i purchased the Q2 when it was first released prior to that i was using and still am the nikon coolpix model a what a great little camera i take it on street work in rough areas. Don't want to loose my Q2.

Ben, thanks for this video and for sharing your experience with Leica Q2. How tough is the 28mm front glass? Is a cotton cloth enough to clean it after rain and grime without smearing? I have one on order and wondering if I should order an extra battery. Can you go a whole day on a full charge?

Excellent Ben, keep it up - you really really really like these two-nanosecond photo reveals! but it's ok, it fits the overall style :-) :-). Can't wait for your editing videos, I really like what I see in your B&White images, plus the Leica Q2 (or "Laika Qu Zwai" as they say in Wetzlar) may be coming to a theater near me very soon, so... Best regards!

So funny, you made me laugh! Thanks for sharing your experience with the Q2. It seems like it is a great travel camera which is what I am looking for.

Good review! A point of view of the camera and how it works for you is appreciated versus all those tech spec and over analysis reviews. THANK YOU

Ben - love your channel, the work and the artistic commentary! You've got me thinking about the Q2. What set up do you use to film the shots talking to the camera? Thanks.

Hey I'm looking to buy a q2 and I'm fine with all the pros and cons but the only problem is after buying it I won't have enough money left to buy a powerful computer to edit and I've talked to some photographers who edit their q2 images on ipad pro and honestly that's about all the computer I can afford to buy after q2 so my question is would an ipad pro plus q2 combo work if I want to do business with it ? (just initially I'll upgrade eventually)

I never comment on RU-vid videos ever, but I loved this review and your energy, so thank you 🙏

Thanks! Great review! I may have to do it! Do you think they will improve the app?

Great review! Tempting me to get one. I love my SL2 but often don’t have it with me because it bulky. I end up missing a lot of great photo opportunities.

To hell with the camera. Your work is freaking fantastic. Thank you for sharing.

Great vid, i got mine 4 months ago. one con i would add is the auto focus, it always tends to go to f1.7 regardless of available light at that moment. not sure if that's how it is or somethings wrong with my camera. its a great addition to a film camera. youd have alot of both worlds. i ordered a leica MP last week. i think id be covered for a very long time with those two cameras. is that a thorsten overgard lense hood?

That cricket in Macro, superb!

Hey this is a great review! I own an M240 but looking at a q2 as really want the weather sealing and robustness for multi day hiking trips. It looks like the Q2 will do that. I'm also keen on doing a few short videos when I'm out, but am hesitating with the lack of sound recording other than the camera mic. Do you know any ways to improve this? Thanks for a great video 😊

Thanks for the video looking forward to the editing one. I got my Q2 a few weeks back after moving away from the Sony A7RII and Various G Master lenses. What would you say to a different focal length on the fixed lens? It would mean a size and balance trade off perhaps but would a 35mm be better? Do you find you lose background separation to counter the focal length horizontal compression effect of a 28mm on objects such as people?

Funny you mentioned the Q2 monochrome, because they came out with it. Did you or are you going to get it? I’m saving up for one. I don’t need it, but damn, I can’t resist.

Hi . Thanks for all the very very interesting and useful informational videos. I would need advice; (I have a Sony a7III with sigma 85mm 1.4 and a Tamron 24-70 2.8) I need a second camera body for wedding documentary and I'm undecided between Leica Q2 or a Sony A7RIII with 35mm 1.4 GM ... what would you choose and why? I hope you answer me :) thanks again

The shutter issue is easy to solve in the sitting . I had it once when I wanted to make long exposures.you cannot use a very long shutter speed if you are using the electronic shutter, so the shutter must be on mechanical then you can go up to two minutes. Please someone corrects me if I am mistaken

I've only had mine for a few days. So far, the WiFi connects but it takes longer to connect that with my Sony A7. It's not been flaky, though, just slower. I use the WiFi everyday so let's see in a month.

Great job. What lens hood do you have on the camera (size 49mm..yes?) and make? thanks.

Hi Ben. Loved your review. Is that a special lens hood you have on there - different from the stock Q2 lens - why do you use that one instead ? Do advise make and model and keep up the great work

hi there thank you for sharing your opinion about Q2. I'd like to ask you that Q2 is suitable for filming. cuz I wanna buy Q2 to not only pic also video.. it's so hard to make a decision wisely.

Enjoyed your user review. You made me want one.

Excellent video. Thank you very much for your feedback on Q2. What can you tell us about the leica D Lux / ?

Good to see you again brother.

I bought this camera in January 2020 but I cannot find what you show on your display at 14:55. Please tell me how to get there. Thanks!

Thank you! My Wi-Fi connection iPhone 13max pro connects fine. I just must use small jpgs to achieve acceptable transfer speed. Enough for viewing or IG.

very helpful - thank you!

Hey this is an awesome channel. And also I love your photographs too. I was wondering . Where did you buy your Ventilated lens hood from?

Thanks for a great review!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts so honestly. I see you also work with the M 11. What kind of camera do you prefer/enjoy more? - I also work with dancers together for portraits and like to choose which Leica would fit. Kind regards, Marco

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am thinking about a Q2, but have typically shot 35-50mm and I'm not sure how quickly I could get used to the 28mm. Were you accustomed to that focal length when you bought it? Loving your videos. I really appreciate your no-nonsense style. Matt

Very, very accurate review. I've had my Q2 for a short time now and fully agree with each and every one of the pros and cons that you covered here. I feel that the low light capability is very limited and I have no idea how you were able to pull out the performance that you did. Phenomenal. Awesome review. How to make it better? Improve its low light performance. Funny that you mentioned wishing for a Q2 Monochrome. I'm new to your channel. Did you get it?

Good review, magic photos! I am so close to buying one of these and have been taking photos for 40 years so am no beginner. Sure a very long way from your level though. For various reason I always shoot JPEG. Would appreciate any comments on the value or otherwise of the Q2 used this way. Stay well all!

Nice video. Just got a Q2 and love it. It was a toss up between the M-P 240, or the Q2... pretty sure I made the right choice. 1 Con (apart from high ISO) for me, is no ability (that I've found) to centre the focus point. Unless I've just not found out how to do that yet?

Ben, I enjoyed your "everyday, real world use" review. Your pros and cons resonate with me much more than "typical " reviews. I did notice you have a slotted hood. Can you tell me why you are using it rather than the stock one; who makes it; and, where did you get it. Thanks, Mike

You have great videos and I prefer them as resource to make my own decision for my first Leica. May I know why or what made you choose the Q2 but not the M range finder system. Thank you for sharing.

As I got my Q2 the SL2s had an offer where you pay a bit more and get it with a lens I guess it was 24-70mm but the size of the set was too big that I believe if one want to keep the low profile it won't work out with the SL2s.

Thanks a lot for the great video! It finally got me to buy the Q2 back in November 2022. I still have my Nikon Z6, which I've used with the 35mm 1.8S lens for the last year, so the move to 28mm is a not an issue to me (I still have more pixels after cropping to a 35mm frame size), The simplicity of the menu is one of the things I like most about the Q2. One thing I don't like is the lens shade and the fact that it's not possible to use it together with a filter. I've noticed you use a different shade, can you tell me the model and if it's possible to use it with a filter?

Fun watching this video this late. Q2 Monochrome is released and Leica SL2-S what are your thoughts on those cameras bought the monochrome yet? I have bought the SL2-S even though I'm not into video but I don't need another big megapixel camera.

…I love my Q2…your review is spot on…now are we going to invest in the S3? 😉

as per your plan for medium format camera I'd highly recommend Bronica RF645. Amazing camera. Has only three lenses available. But it is just magic!

The issue with connection is very popular. I have it as well also with the latest firmware. I try many times to use my phone as the tilt screen nut it is very frustrating because by the the time you achieve that the model is bored :(

So! Now that a Q2 Monochrom is available! What are your Thoughts about it?! Did you buy one?!...Best Helmut

Hey Ben, great rythm inyour review, I enjoyed it! Btw, looks like they listen to you about the Q2 monochrome... Are you going to sell the colour one to get the monochrome version? And you're right, this little camera is very tempting, especially that it's probably the cheapest Leica camera you can get, body and lens included, and very stylish... Could be seen as an enhanced and stylish version of the Fujifilm x100v or even the Ricoh GRIII...🤔

Is your Q2 on the latest firmware? I did it recently and it corrected my WiFi issue

Great review. Thx a lot for sharing.

You said wait for it, and you delivered. Appreciate this review as it solidifies my want-need to add this to my quiver. A couple things: I'm like you, mostly shooting in manual, for so long that I fail to realize how fast and great the af tech has gotten lately. Have you done a head to head test in street shooting in manual and auto to compare speed and accuracy/quality? With your eye in the EVF and cam set to auto, are you able to drag your thumb around the touchscreen to pinpoint your focus? I'm starting to use this method more with my Canon R. At the end of the day, manual still wins. But if I have that moment to compose and explore the scene with my EVF, I love the feature.

I get the Leica q2, noticed that it has a strange sound when I turn it on, as an engine kept going inside the camera, have you also noticed it?

Totally agree with you about the WiFi, very fiddly and inconsistent. Also agree that its size is great for traveling.

Great video, also love my Q2. Also have the spotty wifi issues

What kind of SD card you use, as far as speed and capacity?

Hi, you must be really happy that Leica will introduce the Leica Q2 monochrom in November 2020!

Yeah, a Q2 monochrom! Good, useful review. I've only borrowed a Q2, and therefore wasn't able to use it under any harsh environments. But I need a camera for that, and it's good to know it actually can handle being outside in all kinds of conditions. You just never know from regular reviews.

And just like that a monochrome Q2 comes out... Great video, I LOVE my Q2! It's the only camera I own.

That riff between segments 🎸

Hey Ben, Commented before and love your stuff, love your 'Never Mind The Bollocks' delivery and I'm also knocked-out by my Q2. I too have enormous hands but I'm curious as to the way you wave the camera around and it's strapless! Do you actually use your Q2 strapless??? Mine has the grip but even so if I let mine slip over a cliff???😱😱😱

enjoyed the review, just wondering if you noticed in the recent software upgrade the change to the limitations on the thumbwheel and button. before one could use the button and thumbwheel to control the ISO in both manual mode and auto mode. Now it only works in auto mode and when I change to manual it doesn't function as I set it up to. I always shoot in manual this is why I bought the camera....IMO_ I find auto no fun... I mean why bother if you don't shoot manual. I am trying to find a fix for this but nothing yet, I hope Leica fixes this with a new update. BTW I too love this camera...

Agree with all you said but despite what people say I quite like the digital zoom, firstly its ideal to crop for social media as well as giving me an idea/example of what I was wanting when taking the shot and its only on the Jpeg but having the full DNG image too. No problems sending images to my iPhone 11pro, quick and easy. No in camera battery charging is a pain when travelling and having to take charger with you, but I'll get over it. Nice review and love your images thanks..

Do u need ND filter when shooting in the sun ? or it has built in nd's ?

I’ve gotta agree. Resolution is just a race the industry succumbed to and dragged customers with it. I still have the original Leica M-E...the cheap version of the M9. It has 18 MP and is just fine. I just need to zoom with my feet. But hey...who wants perfect images anyway? It’s the imperfections that make it real! Cool video, realistic review...I like it. Thank you, Ben.

Thanks for your review. I started at 15 with a Kodak Retina that took awesome pictures. Over the years with so much tech, I always yearned for that simple camera that can take amazing pictures and yet be the camera to fit in your back pack or coat pocket. I think Leica has finally made the product that reverts simplicity and excellence into a digital camera. I’m excited again to re-energize my photo passion in something easy to use with consistently excellent returns.

How many pictures you can take before recharge the battery?

what do you use to quick edit the photos on your phone when you transfer jpg for social media on the fly?

Hey man, did you end up buying (or at least being tempted by buying) the Q2 Mono?

Q2 has the image stabilization, right? Why would you need to go above 1600 ISO in low light when you can simply shoot 1/8 handheld???

I love my Q2M - had the original Digilux 1 which was a 4MP brick, and an M240 and an original M Monochrom but the Q2 is just a blast compared to them

Where can I purchase the lens hood you are using?

which ventilated lens hood are you using? Cheers.

Great stuff! So - did you get yourself the Q2 Monochrom? :-)

Hi, great video. Can you please tell why you prefer a non standard sun cap on the q2? Thx.

Good review, but I’ll stick with my XT4. I can buy the body and lenses for the same amount I’m paying for one camera in Leica. The nice thing about the XT4, is you can put the simulation in black and white, or acros.

Loved your review! I am so lusting after the Q2, but the same old story... I can't afford it. :o(

Where I can get the lens hood that you using ? what is the size? TIA.

No WiFi problem here. I connect with an iPhone XS and an iPad. I also edit most of my raw DNG pictures on the iPad nowadays. I have small hands but still hate the ergonomics. For me the grip is a necessity. Lack of ports is not a trade off. Many cameras have ports and amazing weather sealing.

It’s interesting what photographers think of their equipment. I’m not a photographer - once upon a time I toyed with the idea, won a national competition but building my own home, kids and life got in the way, a year ago I also bought a Q2 - ( I also bought a Gibson es335 ) because I thought I would take up the two things that I had to drop from my life. My thoughts with the Leica was that well the lens should be good? It’s superb, I tend to buy to keep, so I thought well 47 mega pixels should last a fair while in quality standings, and I think if you have quality that can help forget certain drawbacks with the one fixed lens etc - because I think the only thing that stops a person taking an excellent picture every time is the user definitely not the Q2. Their are a lot of Leica haters out there but I would recommend this camera every time - I think it’s a heirloom camera that will stand the test of time as what it is - a very high quality reasonably discrete camera that can produce images that are superb in the right hands in the right moment. I enjoy your videos, would like to see more of your work. Loved your outside studio video - very cool!