Leica Q2 Monochrome: Technical Specifications

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Technical Specifications Leica Q2 Monochrome

Camera type	35 mm digital compact camera, fixed prime lens
Format / aspect ratio	24 x 36 mm / 3:2
Lens	Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH., 11 elements in 9 groups, 3 aspherical elements
Digital zoom	28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm
Image stabilisation	Optical shake compensation system for still picture and video exposures
Aperture range	1.7 to 16 in 1⁄3 EV increments
Image sensor/resolution	Full frame monochrome CMOS sensor, 50.4/47.3 million pixels (total/effective)
Dynamic range	13 stops at base ISO 200
Colour depth	14-bit
Photo file formats	Selectable: DNG, DNG + JPEG, JPEG.
DNG/JPEG resolution
Video recording formats	MP4 (C4K/4K/Full HD)
Video resolution/ frame rate	4K:30or24fps.C4K:24fps.FullHD24,30,60or 120 fps
Audio recording format	AAC
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage media	SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards Recommended: UHS II memory cards
ISO settings	Automatic, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO 6400, ISO 12500, ISO 25000, ISO 50000, ISO 100000
White balance	Automatic, presets for: daylight, cloudy, shade, incandescent, electronic flash, grey card, manual colour temperature selection
Colour spaces	sRGB
JPG settings	Contrast, sharpness (in 5 steps each)
	Tint: sepia, blue, selen (high/low/off)
Focusing
Working range	30 cm to ∞, close focus distance 17 cm in macro mode
Settings	Automatic (autofocus) or manual focusing. Loupe function and edge highlighting (focus peaking) in four colours available as focusing aids in manual focusing mode.
Autofocus modes	AFS (shutter release only after successful focusing), AFC (shutter release possible at any time), AF setting can be saved.
Autofocus metering modes	Single field (moveable metering point), multi-field (49 fields), face recognition, subject tracking, optional setting/shutter release by touching the monitor screen.
Exposure modes	Programme AE, aperture priority, shutter speed priority and manual setting
Scene modes	Automatic, sport, portrait, landscape, night portrait, snow/beach, fireworks, candlelight, sunset, digiscoping, miniature effect, panorama and HDR
Exposure metering modes	Multi-segment, centre-weighted, spot
Exposure compensation	± 3 EV in 1/3-EV increments
Automatic exposure bracketing	3 or 5 exposures in steps of up to 3 EV, can be set in 1⁄3 EV increments
Shutter type	Choice of mechanical, electronic or hybrid
Shutter speeds	60 s to 1⁄2000 s with mechanical shutter, 1 s to 1⁄40000 s with electronic shutter, in 1/3 increments, Flash synchronisation up to 1⁄500 s, linear flash with all shutter speeds faster than 1⁄500 s (with HSS-capable SCA 3002 flash units).
Continuous shooting	Choice of 10/5/3 fps (H/M/L)
Self-timer delay	2 or 12 seconds
OLED viewfinder	Resolution: 1280 x 960 pixels x 3 colours (= 3.68 megapixels). Viewfinder image: approx. 100%, aspect ratio: 4:3, eye-relief: 21 mm. Adjustable between -4 and +3 dioptres, with eye-sensor for switching between viewfinder and monitor screen
Monitor screen	3" TFT LCD monitor screen with approx. 1,040,000 image dots, touch control capability
WLAN	IEEE 802.11b/g/n compliant (standard WLAN protocol), channels 1-11, encryption method: WLAN-compatible WPATM/WPA2TM encryption; access mode: infrastructure mode
Bluetooth	Bluetooth LE
Power supply	Leica BP-SCL4 lithium-ion battery, rated voltage: 7.2V, capacity: 1860 mAh
Charger	Rated voltage 8.4 V; capacity at least 1860 mAh (according to CIPA standard): ca. 400 exposures; charging time: approx. 180 min.; battery charger: 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.25 A, with adapters
Exposures per battery charge	Approx. 370
Body	Robust, lightweight magnesium alloy construction
Lens filter thread	E49
Tripod bush	A 1/4 DIN 4503 (1/4" thread).
Dimensions (W x H x D)	130 mm x 80 mm x 91.9 mm
Weight	734g / 637 g (with / without battery)
Package includes	Camera, carrying strap, lens hood, lens cap, accessory shoe cover, battery charger, mains power cable (EU, US, local power cable), USB cable.
Software:	Leica FOTOS App

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[RobM]

"Colour spaces sRGB" - what do they mean by that if there is no colour array? Enlighten me if I am misunderstanding something, please. 

[SrMi]

6 minutes ago, RobM said:

"Colour spaces sRGB" - what do they mean by that if there is no colour array? Enlighten me if I am misunderstanding something, please. 

Good question.

Discussed here:

 

[marchyman]

3 hours ago, RobM said:

"Colour spaces sRGB" - what do they mean by that if there is no colour array? Enlighten me if I am misunderstanding something, please. 

Also, some editors (Hello Capture One, and others) can not process grayscale files.  When I scan B&W negatives I have to use 48-bit RGB instead of 16-bit gray if I want to post process the scanner output.  Perhaps Leica thought about that when deciding the color space.  Just a guess.

Edited November 13, 2020 by marchyman

[RobM]

Thanks for your responses!

[Guest]

I believe WB settings are not applicable for mono sensors. I.e. small error in spec sheet. 

[piran]

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Other spec sheet issues:-

"face recognition" - possibly but how can it be reliable or consistent without colour? One oval of grey in a sea of other grey patches...

"subject tracking" - no... AFAIK that really does need 'colour'

"...60 s to 1⁄2000 s with mechanical shutter..." :: have seen 60  and  also 120 seconds specified. Perhaps it all depends on the funky long exposure 'noise reduction' algorithm kicking in or is the latter other spec sheet issue?

Still no in-the-field charger capability manufacturer-supplied for the Q2M (eg using 12VDC - USB-C - Lightning). Is this really too much to ask here in the latter stages of 2020? May have to get a small DV-to-AC invertor for use in the car. Yes, Leica want to sell me more spare battery blocks at a wholly inordinate profit margin. But I can still ONLY charge one-up at any one time, at 3hrs a pop, without buying a completely separate charger for each separate battery. Grief:-/ Got to get myself back to base just to charge up the battery and possibly wait around for 3hrs when I could be out taking pictures (Covid-19 notwithstanding). Have asked Leica UK to supply or explain why not.

Q2M still 'flagged out of stock'. Will check above issues for myself when Leica UK so allows me to purchase/unbox mine:-)

[nwphil]

3 minutes ago, piran said:

Other spec sheet issues:-

"face recognition" - possibly but how can it be reliable or consistent without colour? One oval of grey in a sea of other grey patches...

"subject tracking" - no... AFAIK that really does need 'colour'

"...60 s to 1⁄2000 s with mechanical shutter..." :: have seen 60  and  also 120 seconds specified. Perhaps it all depends on the funky long exposure 'noise reduction' algorithm kicking in or is the latter other spec sheet issue?

Still no in-the-field charger capability manufacturer-supplied for the Q2M (eg using 12VDC - USB-C - Lightning). Is this really too much to ask here in the latter stages of 2020? May have to get a small DV-to-AC invertor for use in the car. Yes, Leica want to sell me more spare battery blocks at a wholly inordinate profit margin. But I can still ONLY charge one-up at any one time, at 3hrs a pop, without buying a completely separate charger for each separate battery. Grief:-/ Got to get myself back to base just to charge up the battery and possibly wait around for 3hrs when I could be out taking pictures (Covid-19 notwithstanding). Have asked Leica UK to supply or explain why not.

Q2M still 'flagged out of stock'. Will check above issues for myself when Leica UK so allows me to purchase/unbox mine:-)

check out nitecore for an in-the-field charger - you will need a suitable battery pack ( I have been using Anker for other batteries and devices charging duties with no problems)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074XG46SB/?coliid=IL54U8H4SREUO&colid=J52MJ1CQCY39&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

[piran]

Earlier I had researched that nitecore charger.

Found what might've been several trolls seemingly seriously declaring an 80% max charge issue... Do you have any information that could de-bunk that issue?

OTOH 80% is better than a dead battery at a photo opportunity.

I then filed an enquiry at Leica UK.

Edited November 23, 2020 by piran
PostEdit: added URL to illustrate the point

[nwphil]

no,  but I can believe it, as after all it's an aftermarket product, and they might not have been able to fully decod or reverse engineered the battery- heck Leica might even had a role on it 

as you say, 80 or 90 percent is better than nothing. It's a compromise, and I can live with it, as I use tthe nitecore on the road and backpacking

I would contact Nitecore too.....

Edited November 23, 2020 by nwphil

[piran]

2 hours ago, nwphil said:

...as you say, 80 or 90 percent is better than nothing. It's a compromise, and I can live with it, as I use tthe nitecore on the road and backpacking

Thank you for the positive view of your own NITECORE.

Small DC-AC inverters can be (?are?) somewhat unreliable - hazardous even. Higher output units are too big and awkward to install in my small sports car.

I already travel about with a small handbag-sized solid-state NOCO battery starting pack (squeezed behind/under my car seat) which includes a USB outlet. The NOCO starts a 8 litre petrol or a 6 litre diesel engine. Enough juice to top up even the likes of an official Leica Q2M battery - gold-plated as they must be (judging by their sale price).

Your peer review is really helpful, my thanks. Looks like a compromise (or few) in the offing.

Now if only Leica R&D/manufacturing could see sense or wake up and smell the roses (as it were) so as to ever-so-slightly improve the technical specifications on offer.... what are the chances eh? It's not rocket science. 

[nwphil]

43 minutes ago, piran said:

Thank you for the positive view of your own NITECORE.

Small DC-AC inverters can be (?are?) somewhat unreliable - hazardous even. Higher output units are too big and awkward to install in my small sports car.

I already travel about with a small handbag-sized solid-state NOCO battery starting pack (squeezed behind/under my car seat) which includes a USB outlet. The NOCO starts a 8 litre petrol or a 6 litre diesel engine. Enough juice to top up even the likes of an official Leica Q2M battery - gold-plated as they must be (judging by their sale price).

Your peer review is really helpful, my thanks. Looks like a compromise (or few) in the offing.

Now if only Leica R&D/manufacturing could see sense or wake up and smell the roses (as it were) so as to ever-so-slightly improve the technical specifications on offer.... what are the chances eh? It's not rocket science. 

I have also a NOCO - GB40, but actually they offer a 400A/4L gas(petrol) version too(BG20. I have it to use on a v6 - 3.6L, so it's more than enough

Leica seems to believe all their gear users are mostly city dwellers, or urban travelers, hence being always in reach of a wall outlet - and they are not alone. I have Olympus and Canon camera and I have to use aftermarket chargers when outlets are a far sight. Aftermarket batteries are a scary business, and I have been lucky one specific brand.

In all they make more money selling an extra battery (R&D is done) than investing in creating an on-the-go solution and selling it, so I would say we are out of luck -0 it's a industry trend, and I believe Sony did offered a camera with onboard charging, but had a huge caveat - while charging,  you could not operate the camera.

Risking some bigotry speech, stay away from most Chinese brands, and buy from well established brands. Yes, lithium batteries have/can have a lot of issues, and so their chargers. Maintenance and diligence handling them it's a must.

[SrMi]

17 hours ago, piran said:

Other spec sheet issues:-

"face recognition" - possibly but how can it be reliable or consistent without colour? One oval of grey in a sea of other grey patches...

"subject tracking" - no... AFAIK that really does need 'colour'

"...60 s to 1⁄2000 s with mechanical shutter..." :: have seen 60  and  also 120 seconds specified. Perhaps it all depends on the funky long exposure 'noise reduction' algorithm kicking in or is the latter other spec sheet issue?

Still no in-the-field charger capability manufacturer-supplied for the Q2M (eg using 12VDC - USB-C - Lightning). Is this really too much to ask here in the latter stages of 2020? May have to get a small DV-to-AC invertor for use in the car. Yes, Leica want to sell me more spare battery blocks at a wholly inordinate profit margin. But I can still ONLY charge one-up at any one time, at 3hrs a pop, without buying a completely separate charger for each separate battery. Grief:-/ Got to get myself back to base just to charge up the battery and possibly wait around for 3hrs when I could be out taking pictures (Covid-19 notwithstanding). Have asked Leica UK to supply or explain why not.

Q2M still 'flagged out of stock'. Will check above issues for myself when Leica UK so allows me to purchase/unbox mine:-)

Face detection seems to work fine on Q2 Monochrom, as tested on TV . I assume subject tracking is AF-C, which also seems to work just fine.

Slowest adjustable shutter speed is 120 sec (Technical Specification document is wrong), but auto-metering can use 30 sec max.

[piran]

12 minutes ago, nwphil said:

I have also a NOCO - GB40, but actually they offer a 400A/4L gas(petrol) version too(BG20. I have it to use on a v6 - 3.6L, so it's more than enough

Leica seems to believe all their gear users are mostly city dwellers, or urban travelers, hence being always in reach of a wall outlet - and they are not alone. I have Olympus and Canon camera and I have to use aftermarket chargers when outlets are a far sight. Aftermarket batteries are a scary business, and I have been lucky one specific brand.

In all they make more money selling an extra battery (R&D is done) than investing in creating an on-the-go solution and selling it, so I would say we are out of luck -0 it's a industry trend, and I believe Sony did offered a camera with onboard charging, but had a huge caveat - while charging,  you could not operate the camera.

Risking some bigotry speech, stay away from most Chinese brands, and buy from well established brands. Yes, lithium batteries have/can have a lot of issues, and so their chargers. Maintenance and diligence handling them it's a must.

Mine is apparently a GB70 2000A/8L petrol/6L diesel engine boost starter jobbie. The item came recommended by some whose provenance I trust. Only has to stir a flat four 2.5L petrol so there should be PLENTY left for a Leica or few:-) 

Agree fully with the rest of your comments. Yes, may be an industry trend but doesn't Leica place itself as an intensely vertical and highly specialised market? So why not buck the trend and fully design their technical specifications to fit in-the-field use?

In addition I believe it is a bit 'off' that Leica effectively force us into the hands of non-compliant manufacturers due to Leica's own profiteering requirements. Yes, I will fund Leica's profit margins by buying official Leica batteries but I must insist that Leica provide me with an official Leica charger whose energy source is operational in-the-field eg 12Vdc. 

The 'difficulty' in design may be the narrow step change from 12Vdc to the Leica battery fully charged voltage 8.4Vdc (probably higher during charging). DC-DC conversion still has to obey physics it's not magic! Likely to be the 'reason' for the apparent 80% max of the after market stuff, whereas the mains powered Leica charger achieves 100%. Using mains there's more potentially (no pun intended) available. May not be anything more 'coded'. YMMV

[nwphil]

11 minutes ago, SrMi said:

Face detection seems to work fine on Q2 Monochrom, as tested on TV . I assume subject tracking is AF-C, which also seems to work just fine.

Slowest adjustable shutter speed is 120 sec (Technical Specification document is wrong), but auto-metering can use 30 sec max.

120seconds uh? I might have to drag my star tracker after all. It's going to be cold and tough going - moonrise at 615pm and set at 330 am - maybe I can get something before 6pm

[nwphil]

33 minutes ago, piran said:

Mine is apparently a GB70 2000A/8L petrol/6L diesel engine boost starter jobbie. The item came recommended by some whose provenance I trust. Only has to stir a flat four 2.5L petrol so there should be PLENTY left for a Leica or few:-) 

Agree fully with the rest of your comments. Yes, may be an industry trend but doesn't Leica place itself as an intensely vertical and highly specialised market? So why not buck the trend and fully design their technical specifications to fit in-the-field use?

In addition I believe it is a bit 'off' that Leica effectively force us into the hands of non-compliant manufacturers due to Leica's own profiteering requirements. Yes, I will fund Leica's profit margins by buying official Leica batteries but I must insist that Leica provide me with an official Leica charger whose energy source is operational in-the-field eg 12Vdc. 

The 'difficulty' in design may be the narrow step change from 12Vdc to the Leica battery fully charged voltage 8.4Vdc (probably higher during charging). DC-DC conversion still has to obey physics it's not magic! Likely to be the 'reason' for the apparent 80% max of the after market stuff, whereas the mains powered Leica charger achieves 100%. Using mains there's more potentially (no pun intended) available. May not be anything more 'coded'. YMMV

I can see a trendy skin-tone matching charger-pack - Leica Q2M logo shaded in grey, onboard battery charger - slide cover to reveal location, and a couple usb ports - ins&outs. A simple package of 2in1 allowing to charge your other devices....would be selling like hot-cakes

[piran]

3 hours ago, nwphil said:

...would be selling like hot-cakes

Did say earlier "...what are the chances eh?" 😉

[piran]

[ '80%' NITECORE update ]

Q2M delivered. Also NITECORE in-the-field charger. Charged the barely-charged Leica battery in the Leica charger until the latter's 80% LED showed. Then put the 'known' 80% charged battery in the NITECORE. Within seconds the NITECORE was reporting END eg fully charged. That's all I wanted to know. No meters or science required or needed. QED YMMV

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[nwphil]

13 minutes ago, piran said:

[ '80%' NITECORE update ]

Q2M delivered. Also NITECORE in-the-field charger. Charged the barely-charged Leica battery in the Leica charger until the latter's 80% LED showed. Then put the 'known' 80% charged battery in the NITECORE. Within seconds the NITECORE was reporting END eg fully charged. That's all I wanted to know. No meters or science required or needed. QED YMMV

Thanks for the update - I will be getting the Nitecore soon too. If you don't know already, the battery itself needs at least three charging cycles (fully discharge while operating in camera and then charge to full(ish) with Leica's outlet charger) to effectively charge to 100%, be faster at charging and provide actuation numbers closer to specifications given in the manual

Edited December 4, 2020 by nwphil

[Leica Guy]

I wonder. I exclusively use the Nitecore charger. Have two batteries and it works great. Is there any evidence or experience that the Leica charger actually brings the batteries to a higher level of charge? Thanks. 

Edited December 5, 2020 by Leica Guy