Q2 Reporter Workmanship

[bobtodrick]

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1 hour ago, pgh said:

 

I do appreciate aesthetics (that translate into function) in camera design, otherwise I'd never own a Leica. It's the only area they exceed other manufacturers, and until very recently (with digital), they have actually been notably behind them in basically any other measurable trait.

I'll sorta disagree with you here.  Are Leica 'cameras' any better than other manufacturers...well, maybe, maybe not.

But it is quite generally conceded that their lenses are the best their are...no questions asked.

The camera is just a box...the lenses are what I'm looking for.

Edited September 28, 2022 by bobtodrick

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[LocalHero1953]

10 hours ago, hdmesa said:

If the black Q2 finish was like the finish on the SL2/SL2-S, then I'd have been ok with it.

It's worth pointing out that I've seen more complaints (from different people) about the finish of the SL2/SL2-S than I have about the finish of the Q2 Reporter. There's a thread about wear from the finger nails on the inside of the grip. I still haven't seen many individuals (plenty of posts) complaining about fraying of the Q2 Reporter cover.

....

On a different tack, I have no problem with people explaining that they pick their camera for function over aesthetics, that their sole criterion for purchase is how the camera works, not what it looks like, and they would not customise/personalise the looks of their own camera and accoutrements. I find it irritating when they feel the need to justify their choices by denigrating the choices of others. It actually is possible (IMO) to choose a camera because it does what you want it to, and because it looks nice to you and you can personalise it with an attractive strap/case/whatever.

These things aren't mutually exclusive. Unless you choose your life partner solely on the criteria that they can bear healthy babies, support you in the way you are accustomed, look after you when you are ill etc.

[hdmesa]

6 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

It's worth pointing out that I've seen more complaints (from different people) about the finish of the SL2/SL2-S than I have about the finish of the Q2 Reporter. There's a thread about wear from the finger nails on the inside of the grip. I still haven't seen many individuals (plenty of posts) complaining about fraying of the Q2 Reporter cover.

....

On a different tack, I have no problem with people explaining that they pick their camera for function over aesthetics, that their sole criterion for purchase is how the camera works, not what it looks like, and they would not customise/personalise the looks of their own camera and accoutrements. I find it irritating when they feel the need to justify their choices by denigrating the choices of others. It actually is possible (IMO) to choose a camera because it does what you want it to, and because it looks nice to you and you can personalise it with an attractive strap/case/whatever.

These things aren't mutually exclusive. Unless you choose your life partner solely on the criteria that they can bear healthy babies, support you in the way you are accustomed, look after you when you are ill etc.

I was comparing the black finishes, not the cladding. The SL2/S has a semi-matte textured surface, at least compared to the regular black Q2, which to me is semi-gloss. As for cladding, I think the regular black Q2 and SL2/S are pretty similar. The problem with the cladding on the SL2/S is the angle and size of the grip allows some people’s fingernails to dig into it, causing damage. To me, the Q2 monochrome’s cladding is the best (after the M).

As for the Reporter paint, it’s tougher than the regular Q2 paint for sure. I wish they had painted the entire camera, including the lens, in the green paint. The paint on all the Q2 lenses chips as easily as hard candy

 

Edited September 28, 2022 by hdmesa

[pgh]

10 hours ago, Al Brown said:

I beg to differ. Two areas they are actually world leaders in manufacture and innovation is - they make the best rangefinder cameras in the world (not spoken as a fanboy but pure facts) and they make the best analog 35mm cameras in the world (because they are the only company on this planet that still makes and sells analog 35mm cameras brand new).

 

Your Hasselblad looks retro out of the box. It is probably the least functional, least practical and least usable digital medium format camera out there but man it looks great with all the details. I am sure you do not use it for its functionality but because it looks good for you.
I like my cameras customized and personalized. They are worn from use, so the brassing on a BP M10-R is just one minor accent that is there for me, contrary to your claim above that Leica is perhaps best known for being seen with as opposed to actually photographing with. That was the point of my paragraph above. I do not want to wait 40 years for my digital black paint camera to brass. I do not expect it to last that long in my hands. Besides, my brassing is not emulating wear, but adding aesthetics to the wholesome gestalt with the gorgeous golden brass/black paint marriage. Call it silly all you like. You are welcome to do so.

You are forgetting Leica is a really small company compared to any Japanese manufacturer, covering just a very small percentage of camera market share. What they do, what they have acheived considering their size borders on the incredible though. I tolerate zero QC glitches but obviously there will be more duds coming out of their factory in Germany and Portugal than from any Japanese assembly line. It is logical.
It does piss you off when you pay 10K$ for a camera and get a lemon. But eventually they do fix most of their mistakes.

And I'll beg to differ still. Sure, if you want to go the rangefinder route, yes, Leica made the best because they are basically the only game in town. Hard to be bad if you're the only one. On any other digital imaging metric, notably the full frame sensor (you'll recall I cited their digital cameras from the get go - the analogue argument is moot here, for me - I'm in agreement), they were behind until basically the M10R. If you feel better making a photo with an artificially brassed camera, that's fine - but my point is that this is a purely psychological thing - which is different than using a camera because of size/buttons/layout/output for a use case - which is different. (And why I chose a 907x for particular work).

So, respectfully, I got my 907 for a specific use case, and it really is the most functional for that use case. I've been using WLF medium format cameras for a long time (V system and rolleis) because of function, not looks, and while I appreciate the aesthetics of the hasselblad - the size and the form work for the use case I got it for. There's no other reason I spent more money for the same sensor and color that I could have gotten in an X1d - so yea, you can project all you like but I'll determine why I use a camera. Going by pure aesthetics I'd actually prefer an X1D but I didn't get that for a reason. 

And to the last point - I mean, I still shoot mostly with Leicas, so I agree they make something worth using (and even great, sometimes), but my point was that the assumption that they have it together enough to nail every design implementation or even get proper legal clearances was something I find a little specious given the flaws they've had in their digital chapter. I'm not saying they're not good, but the only reason I can get away with using them is because I make my own hours for my own projects now and only take the commissions I want and on my own terms - I am quite fortunate in this sense - if I were still shooting assignment work full time there's no way I would rely on them, nice as they are to use, and this is a big reason they have a smaller market share. Lots of documentary shooters and photojournalists I know would love to use a Leica instead but the job demands too much of it. The flaws, the slow service network, the hiccups in new products - too much of a liability for day to day use.  

 

[bobtodrick]

25 minutes ago, pgh said:

And I'll beg to differ still. Sure, if you want to go the rangefinder route, yes, Leica made the best because they are basically the only game in town. Hard to be bad if you're the only one. On any other digital imaging metric, notably the full frame sensor (you'll recall I cited their digital cameras from the get go - the analogue argument is moot here, for me - I'm in agreement), they were behind until basically the M10R. If you feel better making a photo with an artificially brassed camera, that's fine - but my point is that this is a purely psychological thing - which is different than using a camera because of size/buttons/layout/output for a use case - which is different. (And why I chose a 907x for particular work).

 

You seem to be saying the the psychological thing is bad.

Not so...no matter what the endevour you will perform better if you mesh psychologically with the equipment.  For example, I know I can drive my Alfa Romeo Spider faster around a race track than our Jetta.  On paper the Jetta should beat my 40 year old Spider hands down...but I am faster in the Alfa because  psychologically I mesh with it (and yes, I raced Formula Ford years ago so this not just a 'feeling'.

Same with my Q.  For years I tried various fixed lens compacts as I now wish to travel light and concentrate on the people/things in front of my lens.  Tried various Sony's, the GR and others...I meshed with the Q the moment I picked up and that translates to better pics.

You mesh with your 907x...fine...but it does seem you like to point out Leica's 'shortcomings' any chance you can.

[Phil1066]

On 9/26/2022 at 7:04 AM, Al Brown said:

You are laughing now, but wait until "under the influence of UV light, the armour will gradually develop the same colour as the camera's top and base plate" - for it will be then that the frayed, scruffy, faded kevlar-clad Reporter will reach unimaginable astronomical prices second hand... 😁

Surely it’ll have the reverse effect??? Not that I’m an expert, and I’ve heard of old cars fetching more if they have that barn find patina lol, but a newish camera, ageing prematurely? 

 

Maybe Leica should have bundled a tanning bed we could all put our cameras on, to get that perfect look haha

[Genoweffa]

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1.Dealer told me to stay away from 'reporter' editions

2.Leather is leather...car seats-leather, sofas-leather, purses/bags-leather, shoes-leather etc etc.... 

3.Hint for Leica....you want a cool look+practical ---> use carbon fibre

[liggy]

24 minutes ago, Genoweffa said:

1.Dealer told me to stay away from 'reporter' editions

2.Leather is leather...car seats-leather, sofas-leather, purses/bags-leather, shoes-leather etc etc.... 

3.Hint for Leica....you want a cool look+practical ---> use carbon fibre

 

Maybe your dealer doesn't have any Reporters they can sell you and carbon fiber is the next Limited Edition. 

 

How many folks here actually have a Reporter that are having issues? 

I keep waiting for mine to fade a little bit and it's been about a year.  It's seen 4 different countries in the meantime and has never been in a case - either it's in a bag or around my shoulder.  Holding up pretty well.  A little fraying on the Kevlar around the edges but not much in the way of patina otherwise.

[Genoweffa]

23 minutes ago, liggy said:

 

Maybe your dealer doesn't have any Reporters they can sell you and carbon fiber is the next Limited Edition. 

 

How many folks here actually have a Reporter that are having issues? 

I keep waiting for mine to fade a little bit and it's been about a year.  It's seen 4 different countries in the meantime and has never been in a case - either it's in a bag or around my shoulder.  Holding up pretty well.  A little fraying on the Kevlar around the edges but not much in the way of patina otherwise.

Looks like that dealer cares more about potential negative feedback from his clients than pushing premium priced special edition

If you like frying kevlar no one can stop you liking it...some people rip their jeans because its cool....

10-4

[liggy]

4 minutes ago, Genoweffa said:

Looks like that dealer cares more about potential negative feedback from his clients than pushing premium priced special edition

If you like frying kevlar no one can stop you liking it...some people rip their jeans because its cool....

10-4

The only negative feedback that I've seen that really concerns me is the lugs detaching. 

That is a catastrophic failure and is obviously beyond skin deep.  It has seemingly affected Q2s regardless of their livery.

Frying kevlar?  Is that directed at me? 

I have no idea of what you are on about.

[shinshoryuken]

3 hours ago, Genoweffa said:

1.Dealer told me to stay away from 'reporter' editions

2.Leather is leather...car seats-leather, sofas-leather, purses/bags-leather, shoes-leather etc etc.... 

3.Hint for Leica....you want a cool look+practical ---> use carbon fibre

Did your dealer give an explanation on why you should stay away from the reporter edition? 

I had a reporter edition briefly, but I too was wondering how it is more robust than a standard model.  The Kevlar is fine, but it gets quite ugly when it's starts fraying on the sides. Not a big fan of it becoming a deconstruct styling.  The paint is also no more durable than the standard model, it's just more matted and textured. 

 

[Genoweffa]

13 hours ago, liggy said:

The only negative feedback that I've seen that really concerns me is the lugs detaching. 

That is a catastrophic failure and is obviously beyond skin deep.  It has seemingly affected Q2s regardless of their livery.

Frying kevlar?  Is that directed at me? 

I have no idea of what you are on about.

Directed at you?..personally?....no...its been posted that kevlar has its weakness, I added my 2cents 

11 hours ago, shinshoryuken said:

Did your dealer give an explanation on why you should stay away from the reporter edition? 

I had a reporter edition briefly, but I too was wondering how it is more robust than a standard model.  The Kevlar is fine, but it gets quite ugly when it's starts fraying on the sides. Not a big fan of it becoming a deconstruct styling.  The paint is also no more durable than the standard model, it's just more matted and textured. 

 

Dealer implied indirectly that original q2 models have better finish and look 

[northtosouth]

(where's the yawn emoji?)

I think some people would call this a "first world problem", but ok.

I'd suggest the OP just cover the body with gaffer tape, thats how a lot of "pros" roll.

[Maxpilot]

As a newbie to Leica and the Q2 I chose the reporter for the lack of badging to prevent unwarranted eyes from identifying my camera as an expensive Leica.   What I also noticed picking the reporter and black Q2's up side by side, is the reporter with its matte finish and kevlar finish did not feel as heavy.  I was assured by the dealer they were the same weight and when looked closer I think I summoned the reason why.  The shiny smooth black is slippery with hand oils/sweat.  This reminded me of why I love my Sony A7's and Ricoh GRX III.  They are all matte finish.  Matte finish is grippier, never slimy feeling and this was the final reason for my reporter...or green/cloth covered choice for Q2.  I am glad I did not find this forum first as I may have shied away from the reporter but even with the comments of fraying etc, I love the tactile-ness of the matte finish.  I built Kevlar sails in the past for boats (80's) and though fraying is an issues due to the high fiber count, it rarely defeated integrity or wore out. Kevlar is some tough stuff to cut and would actually dull scissors quickly.

Edited December 8, 2022 by Maxpilot

[Herr Barnack]

Maybe next time around, Leica should consider using Spectra cloth rather than Kevlar.

[Genoweffa]

On 9/25/2022 at 11:07 AM, Guest said:

Normal wear and tear to me. Just saying. 

yep

you sound like customer service at premium brand car dealership when they try to deny obvious faults on the just released model

[shinshoryuken]

I switch the reporter to the new cowhide variant.

The way I see it, the reporter is like some yeezy 350 mesh type shoes. Less durable vs some leather shoes.  

They should had used carbon fiber or forged carbon. 

 

[humerc]

I got the Kevlar on my Q2MR replaced by Leica as my lens had also to be changed. The new Kevlar seems to be more robust than the first one, especially on the edges. No real wear to see. The first one had a lot of wear in a short time. So maybe the changed something.

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[Kamera Klutter]

That’s encouraging. Seems like they’ve been paying attention. How long did it take for the service to take place? If I did anything I’d wait until after early February. There’s the backlog from the holidays to consider. 

Edited December 18, 2022 by Kamera Klutter

[Kamera Klutter]

Yep, copyright-protected name and all that. Leica’s legal team was certainly asleep at the wheel. And the tatters and wear marking the Reporter models certainly didn’t give Kevlar a good name.