To this day, black and white photography continues to exude a unique fascination, mystery and beauty. Compared with colour photography, it is the most authentic manifestation of "painting with light". With its dedicated monochrome sensor, the Leica Q2 Monochrom give photographers direct access to this captivating form of visual expression.
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.
Camera type | Digital 35 mm compact camera, fixed focal length |
Picture format / aspect ratio | 24 x 36 mm / 2:3 |
Lens | Leica Summilux 28 f/1.7 ASPH., 11 elements in 9 groups, 3 aspherical elements |
Digital frame selector (digital zoom) | 28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm |
Image stabilization | Optical compensation system for photo and video recordings |
Aperture range | 1.7 to 16 in 1⁄3 EV increments |
Picture sensor / resolution | Full frame black-and-white CMOS sensor, 50.4/47.3 million pixels (total/effective), without color and low-pass filter |
Dynamic range | 13 Aperture Stops @ ISO 200 |
Bit depth | 14 bit |
Photo capture format | Selectable: DNG, DNG + JPEG, JPEG |
DNG/JPEG resolution | JPEG: Zoom 28 mm: 47 megapixels (8368x5584 pixels), 24 megapixels (6000x4000 pixels), 12 megapixels (4271x2848 pixels) Zoom 35 mm: 30 megapixels (6704x4472 pixels), 15 megapixels (4800x3200 pixels), 8 megapixels (3424x2288 pixels) Zoom 50 mm: 15 megapixels (4688x3128 pixels), 8 megapixels (3360x2240 pixels), 4 megapixels (2400x1600 pixels) Zoom 75 mm: 7 megapixels (3136x2096 pixels), 3 megapixels (2240x1496 pixels), 2 megapixels (1600x1072 pixels) DNG: 46,7 megapixels (8368x5584 pixels) |
Video recording format | MP4 (C4K / 4K / FullHD) MP4: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC (Audio Format: 2ch 48 kHz/16-Bit,AAC) |
Video resolution/ frame rate | 4K: 30 oder 24 B/s C4K: 24 B/s Full-HD: 24, 30, 60 oder 120 B/s |
Sound recording format | AAC |
Microphone | Stereo |
Speaker | Mono |
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. Recommendation: UHS II memory cards |
ISO range | Automatic, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO 6400, ISO 12500, ISO 25000, ISO 50000, ISO 100000 |
JPEG settings | Contrast, sharpness (5 steps each) Color tint: Sepia, blue, selen (2 steps each – low / high) / OFF |
Focusing range | 30 cm to ∞, with macro setting from 17 cm |
Focus setting | Automatic (autofocus) or manual focusing, option of magnifying function and edge marking (focus peaking) available for manual setting |
Autofocus system | Contrast-based autofocus system |
Autofocus modes | AFS (shutter release only after successful focusing), AFC (shutter release possible at any time), AF setting can be saved |
Autofocus metering methods | Single zone (225 fields), multi-field, face recognition |
Exposure modes | Automatic program, aperture priority, shutter speed priority and manual setting |
Exposure metering methods | Multi-field, center-weighted, spot |
Exposure compensation | ±3 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments |
Automatic bracketing | 3 or 5 exposures in graduations of up to 3 EV, can be set in 1⁄3 EV increments |
Shutter type | Optionally mechanical, electronical or hybrid |
Shutter speeds | 60 s to 1⁄2000 s with mech. Shutter, 1 s to 1⁄40000 s with electr. shutter, in 1⁄3 increments, flash synchronization up to 1⁄500 s, Linear flashes with all shutter speeds less than 1⁄ 500 s possible (with HSS-enabled SCA 3002 standard flash units) |
Picture series | Selectable: 10/5/3 fps (H/M/L) |
Self-timer | Delay time either 2 s or 12 s |
OLED Viewfinder | Resolution: 1280 × 960 pixels x 3 colors (=3.68 MP), image field: approx. 100%, aspect ratio: 4:3, eye distance: 21mm adjustable -4 - +3 diopters, with eye sensor for automatic switching between viewfinder and monitor |
Monitor | 3" TFT LCD monitor with approx. 1,040,000 pixels, touch control possible |
WLAN | Satisfies IEEE 802.11b/g/n standard (standard WLAN protocol), channel 1-11, encryption method: WLAN-compatible WPA™/ WPA2™, access method: infrastructure mode |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth LE |
Power supply | Leica BP-SCL4 lithium ion battery, rated voltage 7.2 V DC, capacity: 1860 mAh |
Charger | Rated voltage 8.4 V DC, capacity min. 1860 mAh, charging time: approx. 180 min., Battery charger: 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz 0.25 A with adapters |
Shots / Battery | Approx. 350 (according to CIPA-standard) |
Body | Made of lightweight and robust magnesium construction |
Lens filter thread | E49 |
Tripod thread | A 1/4 DIN 4503 (1/4") |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 130 × 80 × 91.9 mm (5.12 × 3.15 × 3.62 in) |
Weight | Approx. 734/652 g / 25.3/22.5 oz. (with battery/without) |
Scope of delivery | Camera, carrying strap, lens hood, lens cap, accessor y shoe cover, battery, spare battery charger, power cable (EU, US, local power cable) |
Software | Leica FOTOS App |