Key Features
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.
Beyond its Monochrom distinction, this version of the Q2 follows a familiar path of quick and robust performance and intuitive handling. The sensor pairs with a Maestro II image processor to offer fast shooting operation up to 10 fps, support for both DCI and UHD 4K video recording, and reliable autofocus performance. This camera also features the same beloved Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. wide-angle prime lens, which has been matched to the sensor design for exceptional resolution and clarity.
The Q2 Monochrom also retains the cherished sleek and compact design that makes it ideal for street and travel shooting, and this Monochrom version even sports a more inconspicuous matte black finish without the Leica red dot. Its magnesium alloy body is weather-sealed for working in trying environments and it uses the same battery featured in the flagship SL-series of mirrorless cameras for longer battery life. A high-resolution 3.68MP OLED electronic viewfinder is featured for fluid and clear eye-level monitoring and a rear 3.0" 1.04m-dot touchscreen LCD also affords straightforward playback and settings control. Built-in Bluetooth LE and Wi-Fi permit wireless sharing and remote camera control from a linked mobile device via the Leica FOTOS app.
Monochrom
Distinguishing itself from the standard Q2, the Q2 Monochrom is the first black-and-white-only model of this compact full-frame camera. Based on the standard edition, this distinct version features the coveted design elements of the Q2 system but adds a 47.3MP monochrome without a color filter array or low-pass filter, in order to record only black-and-white imagery with greater sharpness and detail. Beyond the unique imaging characteristics and image quality, the Q2 Monochrom also features a monochromatic exterior design, with white and gray engravings on the body and a clean top plate appearance.
47.3MP B&W Full-Frame CMOS Sensor and Maestro II Processor
Featuring a truly unique imaging system, the Q2 Monochrom incorporates a high-resolution 47.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor, which pairs with the Maestro II image processor to deliver a wide dynamic range with notable tonal rendering, as well as enhanced sensitivity to suit working in a variety of lighting conditions. The sensor's design features an updated microlens array and omits an optical low-pass filter in order to achieve greater sharpness, resolution, and clarity. Additionally, differentiating itself from typical sensor designs, the Q2 Monochrom sensor omits a color filter array (CFA), which offers the ability to solely record monochromatic imagery using only luminance values for enhanced clarity, depth, and resolution. By removing the CFA, this camera also achieves a higher sensitivity range of ISO 100-100,000 than the color-enabled Q2 camera, along with reduced noise to suit working in difficult lighting conditions and a broad 13-stop dynamic range.
The Maestro II's processing capabilities also afford fast shooting performance, up to 10 fps at full-resolution with a mechanical shutter, along with an especially quick autofocus system. Stills can be recorded as 14-bit DNG files and JPEGs. The added resolution also enables unique digital zoom capabilities to simulate working with different focal length lenses: 30MP images can be created using a 35mm field of view, 15MP images with a 50mm field of view, and 7MP with a 75mm field of view.
In addition to stills, and unique among Monochrom cameras, this Q2 supports both DCI 4K24p and UHD 4K30p video recording, along with high-speed Full HD recording at up to 120p.
Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens
Key to the popularity of the Q-series is the incorporation of a fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 wide-angle prime lens. Blending Leica's optical know-how with a design perfectly matched to the image sensor, this lens incorporates three aspherical elements to control distortion and spherical aberrations for sharp and accurate rendering. Its fast f/1.7 maximum aperture also excels in low-light conditions and offers improved control over depth of field. Extending its versatility, a dedicated macro focusing position can also be used for working with subjects as close as 6.7" away. Additionally, optical image stabilization helps to compensate for the effects of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting.
Body Design
Imaging
Sensor Resolution | Actual: 50.4 Megapixel Effective: 47.3 Megapixel (8368 x 5584) |
Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
Sensor Type | Full-Frame CMOS |
Image File Format | DNG, JPEG |
Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Lens
Focal Length | 28mm |
Digital Zoom | 2.7x Maximum |
Maximum Aperture | f/1.7 |
Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
Focus Range | 11.81" to Infinity / 30 cm to Infinity Macro 6.69" to Infinity / 17 cm to Infinity |
Optical Design | 11 Elements in 9 Groups |
Filter Size | 49 mm |
Exposure Control
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100 to 100000 |
Shutter Speed | Mechanical Shutter 1/2000 to 60 Seconds Electronic Shutter 1/40000 to 1 Second |
Metering Method | Center-Weighted Average, Multi, Spot |
Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
Exposure Compensation | -3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps) |
Continuous Shooting | Up to 10 fps at 47.3 MP |
Self-Timer | 2/12-Second Delay |
Special Options | Fireworks, Landscape, Miniature Effect, Night Portrait, Panorama, Portrait, Sports, Sunset |
Video
Recording Modes | H.264/MP4 DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 24.00p UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 24.00p/29.97p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24.00p/29.97p/59.94p/119.88p |
Broadcast Output | NTSC |
Audio Recording | Built-In Microphone (Stereo) |
Audio File Format | AAC |
Viewfinder
Type | Built-In Electronic (OLED) |
Resolution | 3,680,000 Dot |
Coverage | 100% |
Diopter Adjustment | -4 to +3 |
Monitor
Size | 3.0" |
Resolution | 1,040,000 Dot |
Display Type | Fixed Touchscreen LCD |
Flash
Built-In Flash | No |
External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) |
Wireless | Wi-Fi Bluetooth |
GPS | No |
Physical
Battery Type | 1 x BP-SCL4 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1860 mAh (Approx. 350 Shots) |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.1 x 3.1 x 3.6" / 130 x 80 x 91.9 mm |
Weight | 1.6 lb / 734 g (With Battery) |
Packaging Info
Package Weight | 4.805 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 8.8 x 8.5 x 6.6" |