Leica Q or Q2. Need some advice

[qilpesen9]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I've been into photography as my hobby for many years. I've been through a lot of camera and gears from Canon 550D to 5D Mk3 with full range of lens and latest were Sony A7II with full range of lens. Lately, I am noticing that the only lens that I carry was the 35mm F1.4 with A7. I was using just one lens for nearly everything. It was the perfect focal length for street to a holiday trip. (I don't do wedding or event photography.) The biggest problem is with the weight and the size of the camera. So, I've decided to switch to something simple, small, but still retain the quality of the image and the magical shallow DOF and low-light capability of a wide aperture lens. I came across Leica Q and it seems to be the perfect (along with Sony RX1R, but Leica Q is....Leica). Leica Q will be my first Leica if I decided on it. However, I have a few question before ordering one.

1. Leica Q or Q2? I am perfectly fine with 24MPx (which is the same as my A7II.) The only concern I have is the weather sealing which is my next question. So, rather than the resolution and weather sealing. Are there anything much much better on Q2 than on the Q?

2. How is the weather sealing in Leica Q? I know that Q2 has an IP52 rating while Q doesn't. I do not plan to shoot in the rain, but will it survive shooting in a humid environment (rain forest, beach, etc.) or even a light rain or snow.

3. Are there any major issues with Leica Q or Q2? Like M9 sensor corrosion or something major.

4. Is there anything concerning about buying a second hand Leica Q ? Anything to look for especially?

5. Black or Silver? It is so hard to decide. Black looks formal while silver looks classy. But I heard that black color was paint and easily chipped off while silver does not as it is anodized.

[harmen]

I’m sure some others will be able to provide info based on a larger sample size.  My personal experience has been with my wife’s Q and my Q2M.  I’m certainly more comfortable taking mine out in the rain, but we’ve never had any dust or other issues with hers despite living in the tropics.  I would like to suggest one additional factor into your list, which is the comfort of the viewfinder.  While I’m okay using hers to focus and frame, I’m distinctly more at ease with mine.  Somehow the quality of light from the display in the viewfinder is better.  Have fun choosing.  Both are wonderfully liberating thanks to their limitations.

[mike3996]

I shot the Q (bought preowned) for a year and a half, sadly haven't been able to touch a Q2(M).

Re (1) the viewfinder tech is completely different between the models. Both have super optics and resolution, you won't find a problem there, but if you just don't like LCOS then you won't like Q that much. But it's a great viewfinder still.

Re (2), I've heard reports (=stories) about Q2's sealing failing. It's really difficult to interpret what that means. The exact events and conditions are never specified in these reports. If one exposed Q and Q2 to the same elements at the same time it's a given that Q2 survives better but perhaps the margin of win is not as great as people think about weather sealing.

Re (3)+(4) the sensor dust issue is probably the major one. Most people naturally won't get any dust but the ones who do are loud about it. I don't know if it can be cleaned sensibly. Inspect carefully whichever copy you are eyeing at.

Re (5) black Qs are anodized too I think. Definitely not going to brass like some Ms do.

I sometimes regret selling my Q. If I wanted a nice snapshot/vacation camera all in one, I'd really want to go for Q again.

[marchyman]

The Q2 may be a better camera.   However, if so it is not better enough for me to upgrade from the Q.  The Q is my most used camera since the end of 2015.  I've never worried about using my Q in a wet environment.  Since I never shoot video with the Q I did put a dot of black gaffers tape over the speaker and microphone ports to help keep dust out.  Don't know if that was necessary, but it made me feel better.

Were I buying today I'd probably get the Q2 unless I found a mint Q at a very reasonable price.   

[antigallican]

I’ve used a Q to shoot a wedding in an absolute downpour with no problem. I do keep the holes in the body taped - i don’t shoot video and therefore don’t need sound. I’ve never felt the need to upgrade to Q2 though I’m sure it would be fine too.

[Ba Erv]

I had the Q and now the Q2M.  I think the virtues of the different models are self-evident in the specifications.  For me personally, the improved EVF was worth the price of admission.

[FredU]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hello,

You ask  familiar questions and your equipment history, need for smaller camera system and quality requirements match mine very closely. I went through the exact process as you. I had 6 beautiful Canon L Glass and Zeiss Lenses for my Cano 5D. The camera was great but when I packed everything up my kit bag was the size of my view camera kit bag and darn heavy. I decided to sell the entire system and purchase  a used Q2 and am very happy with that choice. To answer one question Q over Q2 I would say Q2 would be your choice. Main reason when you want to use a different lens (longer than 28mm,you have that option with Q2 and plenty of pixels to accommodate) . At 47.3 megapixels you can use the 35mm or 50mm or 75mm crop and still have high res files.. the Q cannot come close to that with 24Megp . Weather proofing on the Q2 is significantly better than the Q, another reason to pick 2. I have not used or worked with the Q. So I cannot comment on performance comparisons. The final point I will make is the images captured using the Q2 (quality) is superior to anything I have used or owned. The small form factor allows me to put it over shoulder and forget I am carrying it. I print a lot of my stuff. From Silver gelatin from medium and large format film, ,platinum/palladium and ink jet and from both digital and film . Any file I print from the Q2 is extremely sharp. The prints have a unique crispness to them that other DSLRs can not  achieve. You are on the right path. Get the Q2 and relax. It is a game changer

[hdmesa]

On 8/27/2021 at 11:19 PM, qilpesen9 said:

...Leica Q or Q2?...

To add to what's already been said: With the original Q, you will hate the shadow recovery. With the Q2, you will hate the highlight recovery. I prefer the color and overall image aesthetic produced by the original Q. Original Q is not weather sealed, but remember there is no lens mount that needs a seal – so in bad weather, shield the top of the camera from heavy rain, and you'll be fine.

Check any used Q for sensor dust: Ask for an f/16 DNG of nothing but sky and max out Dehaze and Clarity and check for spots.

 

[Chris W]

I have a Q and have never used a Q2.

I do have other HQ cameras to compare. The images that the Q produces are outstanding, gorgeous. I can't imagine anything being better. The only Q2 advantage for me would be the ability to crop. I prefer 35mm to 28mm, which is my only negative on the Q.

I have also taped over my mic and speaker ports.

[jaapv]

Well, that rather depends on which part of the world you live in.

[qilpesen9]

On 8/28/2021 at 9:19 AM, qilpesen9 said:

I've been into photography as my hobby for many years. I've been through a lot of camera and gears from Canon 550D to 5D Mk3 with full range of lens and latest were Sony A7II with full range of lens. Lately, I am noticing that the only lens that I carry was the 35mm F1.4 with A7. I was using just one lens for nearly everything. It was the perfect focal length for street to a holiday trip. (I don't do wedding or event photography.) The biggest problem is with the weight and the size of the camera. So, I've decided to switch to something simple, small, but still retain the quality of the i vshare mage and the magical shallow DOF and low-light capability of a wide aperture lens. I came across Leica Q and it seems to be the perfect (along with Sony RX1R, but Leica Q is....Leica). Leica Q will be my first Leica if I decided on it. However, I have a few question before ordering one.

1. Leica Q or Q2? I am perfectly fine with 24MPx (which is the same as my A7II.) The only concern I have is the weather sealing which is my next question. So, rather than the resolution and weather sealing. Are there anything much much better  https://omegle.onl/ on Q2 than on the Q?

2. How is the weather sealing in Leica Q? I know that Q2 has an IP52 rating while Q doesn't. I do not plan to shoot in the rain, but will it survive shooting in a humid environment (rain forest, beach, etc.) or even a light rain or snow.

3. Are there any major issues with Leica Q or Q2? Like M9 sensor corrosion or something major.

4. Is there anything concerning about buying a second hand Leica Q ? Anything to look for especially?

5. Black or Silver? It is so hard to decide. Black looks formal while silver looks classy. But I heard that black color was paint and easily chipped off while silver does not as it is anodized.

issue got solved!!

[qilpesen9]

On 8/28/2021 at 9:19 AM, qilpesen9 said:

I've been into photography as my hobby for many years. I've been through a lot of camera and gears from Canon 550D to 5D Mk3 with full range of lens and latest were Sony A7II with full range of lens. Lately, I am noticing that the only lens that I carry was the 35mm F1.4 with A7. I was using just one lens for nearly everything. It was the perfect focal length for street to a holiday trip. (I don't do wedding or event photography.) The biggest problem is with the weight and the size of the camera. So, I've decided to switch to something simple, small, but still retain the quality of the image and the magical shallow DOF and low-light capability of a wide aperture lens. I came across Leica Q and it seems to be the perfect (along with Sony RX1R, but Leica Q is....Leica). Leica Q will be my first Leica if I decided on it. However, I have a few question before ordering one.

1. Leica Q or Q2? I am perfectly fine with 24MPx (which is the same as my A7II. vshare ) The only concern I have is the weather sealing which is my next question. So, rather than the resolution and weather sealing. Are there anything much much better on Q2 than on the Q?

2. How is the weather sealing in Leica Q? I know that Q2 has an IP52 rating while Q doesn't. I do not plan to shoot in the rain, but will it survive shooting in a humid environment (rain forest, beach, etc.) or even a light rain or snow.

3. Are there any major issues with Leica Q or Q2? Like M https://omegle.onl/  9 sensor corrosion or something major.

4. Is there anything concerning about buying a second hand Leica Q ? Anything to look for especially?

5. Black or Silver? It is so hard to decide. Black looks formal while silver looks classy. But I heard that black color was paint and easily chipped off while silver does not as it is anodized.

issue got solved!! 

[harmen]

And which one did you choose?