The Leica Q2 is a camera that has been on my radar for a couple of years now, but I recently decided to pull the trigger and purchase one. The hype over the Leica Q and Q2, and potentially upcoming Leica Q3, has been on the rise recently, and I’ve read numerous reviews and watched many YouTube videos about it. Most of them concluded that the Leica Q2 is a wonderful camera.

At first, I didn’t think I needed one, since I already owned the Hasselblad X camera system and shot with the Ricoh GRIII for some of my documentary projects where I need a small, portable, and lightweight camera. However, after a few weeks with the Leica Q2, I need to admit that it didn’t replace my Hasselblad or Ricoh GRIII, but fits comfortably somewhere in the middle. I use it when I can carry a little bit more than the Ricoh GRIII but can’t afford to take my whole Hasselblad X setup with its wonderful, but heavy lenses. The Leica Q2 is such a neat camera to have with me.

Build Quality

The build quality of the Leica Q2 is amazing, and the camera feels incredibly solid in the hand. It’s made with precision and attention to detail, and the camera’s metal construction is of high quality. The Leica Summilux 28/1.7 is a wonderful lens, and the camera’s menus and overall workflow are flawless from my perspective.

Image Quality

The quality of files and over 47 megapixels of the sensor deliver more than anyone will ever need from a full-frame sensor camera. The lens performs excellent even wide open, and I intend to use it with wide apertures – that’s the ultimate reason for getting the Summilux lens, after all. The built-in image stabilization works wonders as well and really helps in low-light situations. I could get good results up to 3200 ISO, which is more than enough for me.

FOTOS App

I also love the FOTOS app and its seamless integration with the iPhone and Adobe Lightroom app. I have similar apps for the Ricoh GRIII and Hasselblad X, but the Leica app is so much better executed, in my opinion.

Handling

The camera works great in most situations, and I actually like the 28mm lens. I’ve used the Q2 in various environments so far and had no issues. My only complaint could be the grip ergonomic, but I quickly fixed it by acquiring the thumb support mounted on the flash shoe and a case with a grip. Now it all works great.

Cold Weather Shooting

One thing I noticed when I worked in the Arctic shooting some photos was that the metal housing can get pretty cold, making it almost painful to hold the camera in cold weather conditions. However, thin gloves fixed that issue quickly. On the other hand, even in very cold conditions, the Q2 kept working flawlessly, and the battery life was excellent, allowing for over 200 shots with the display screen on for most of the time.

Weather Sealing

The camera is sealed, and I didn’t notice any issues working in the rain. As a precaution, I taped over the microphone to prevent moisture and dust from getting in, as I don’t intend to use that feature for videography at this moment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with the Leica Q2. It has become a trusty companion on my photographic journeys, and I can’t imagine leaving the house without it. It’s a camera that has found a comfortable spot in my arsenal, neither replacing nor overshadowing any of my other gear. Instead, it complements them perfectly, offering a versatile, reliable, and beautifully crafted option for when I need something in between.

Of course, owning a Leica Q2 does come with a few quirks. The camera is expensive, the lens is fixed, and the ergonomics take some getting used to. But when you consider the stunning image quality, the ease of use, and the sheer joy of shooting with it, those quirks seem like small prices to pay.

In the end, I can confidently say that the Leica Q2 is more than just a camera. It’s a work of art, a conversation starter, and a great excuse to take more pictures. And if you’re considering getting one, my advice is simple: go for it. You won’t regret it, and you’ll have a blast along the way. Plus, think of all the Instagram likes you’ll get from that iconic Leica logo…