Q2 Sealing & Finish

[WigertP]

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Numerous discussions both here and on various forums delve into concerns regarding dust affecting the Q2's EVF and sensor. Personally, I've observed a noticeable accumulation of dust around the dials during typical, everyday use.

My decision to opt for the Q2 was specifically motivated by the desire to eliminate concerns about light rain or dust infiltrating the camera housing. However, I now find myself feeling uneasy when out and about with the camera, using a cross-body strap over my jacket — a practice I've comfortably employed with my X100V for years without encountering any issues. The worry stems from the possibility of dust or light rain making its way into the camera body. Moreover, the Q2's finish appears to be prone to scratches and easily takes on a greasy appearance.

Having been the camera's owner for a mere two weeks as the second in line, I'm interested in learning about others' methods of carrying their Q2.

I'm aiming to avoid turning it into a "bag queen," excessively shielding it, while still seeking ways to extend its overall longevity. How do you personally carry and protect your Q2?

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[stephenmick]

See this…

 

 

[Marc B-C]

I have had my Q2 for at least two years now and carry it on a strap, in a bag, in my hand and have no problems (yet perhaps) with scratches, dust or dirt. I do use a small make up brush (from Amazon) to remove dust from around the various nobs and crannies every so often, but not fanatically so.

Please do not baby it. It is a great piece of kit and is there to be used.

[bobtodrick]

I’ve had my Q (which doesn’t have the sealing the Q2 has) for over four years,

The one thing I’ve done is tape the mic/speaker ports,

It gets carried nearly daily and has been to numerous photo trips to the Alberta Badlands…a very dusty environment.  As well, though I am a bit careful it doesn’t get put away when light rain hits,

No problems so far 🤞

[David Wien]

5 hours ago, bobtodrick said:

I’ve had my Q (which doesn’t have the sealing the Q2 has) for over four years,

The one thing I’ve done is tape the mic/speaker ports,

It gets carried nearly daily and has been to numerous photo trips to the Alberta Badlands…a very dusty environment.  As well, though I am a bit careful it doesn’t get put away when light rain hits,

No problems so far 🤞

Are you certain that Leica didnt guard against significant dust ingress on those ports? They seem to think of most things!

David

[hdmesa]

1 hour ago, David Wien said:

Are you certain that Leica didnt guard against significant dust ingress on those ports? They seem to think of most things!

David

They did on the Q2. It was the original Q that had people worried, but I never got any dust in my original Q, either. Taping is unnecessary.

8 hours ago, WigertP said:

Numerous discussions both here and on various forums delve into concerns regarding dust affecting the Q2's EVF and sensor. Personally, I've observed a noticeable accumulation of dust around the dials during typical, everyday use.

My decision to opt for the Q2 was specifically motivated by the desire to eliminate concerns about light rain or dust infiltrating the camera housing. However, I now find myself feeling uneasy when out and about with the camera, using a cross-body strap over my jacket — a practice I've comfortably employed with my X100V for years without encountering any issues. The worry stems from the possibility of dust or light rain making its way into the camera body. Moreover, the Q2's finish appears to be prone to scratches and easily takes on a greasy appearance.

Having been the camera's owner for a mere two weeks as the second in line, I'm interested in learning about others' methods of carrying their Q2.

I'm aiming to avoid turning it into a "bag queen," excessively shielding it, while still seeking ways to extend its overall longevity. How do you personally carry and protect your Q2?

Use it like you stole it and don't worry about anything other than having it exposed to driving rain or holding it upside down in the rain. The Q2/Q3 weather resistance is better than nothing, but it's not up to the same level as the SL cameras, which also are sealed against ingress of water from multiple directions.

The regular anodized Q finish has always been prone to chipping – I've jokingly said it's about as durable as hard candy. You'll stress yourself out trying to protect it – the first chip will be annoying, then after a few, it's just the look of the camera.

 

[bobtodrick]

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1 hour ago, David Wien said:

Are you certain that Leica didnt guard against significant dust ingress on those ports? They seem to think of most things!

David

No...this was a well documented issue that dust could enter through these ports and end up on the sensor.  It was one of the things they specifically addressed on the Q2.

[Etcherman]

I wouldn’t worry too much about dusk getting into your Q2. Mine fell into a stream and was submersed for a couple of seconds before I could pull it out. This happened four months ago and the camera is still working like the day I got it.

[jaapv]

If we just consider the way a speaker or microphone is constructed ( a closed membrane), it is clear that dust or water ingress into the camera by that route is highly unlikely. 

[bobtodrick]

1 hour ago, jaapv said:

If we just consider the way a speaker or microphone is constructed ( a closed membrane), it is clear that dust or water ingress into the camera by that route is highly unlikely. 

I know we all like to think Leica is perfect 😁, but I'm sure all these posts  are not just faerie dust  https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=leica+q+dust+issue#ip=1

Edited December 2, 2023 by bobtodrick

[David Wien]

5 hours ago, jaapv said:

If we just consider the way a speaker or microphone is constructed ( a closed membrane), it is clear that dust or water ingress into the camera by that route is highly unlikely. 

Very unlikely to get into the speaker or microphone, yes; but their working membranes are not usually attached directly behind the holes in the body: there  is a gap that needs to be taken account of.

David

Edited December 2, 2023 by David Wien

[LocalHero1953]

I don't use neck straps with any camera. I carry them in a shoulder bag unless they are in use or being held ready for use. Out of the bag I use a wrist strap (Q2, MP) or hand strap (SL2-S).

Since the Q2 is in a bag a lot of the time, it doesn't get exposed to a lot of continuous rain, but I don't particularly shield it from the rain, other than to keep it off the lens (for optical, not protection reasons). I have the Q2 Reporter and although I can see a couple of tiny chips on edges, the finish seems fairly durable to me, including the aramid fibre front cover. If I slung it round my neck from a strap, I guess it might be at greater risk of scratching from zips and buttons.

Edited December 2, 2023 by LocalHero1953

[jaapv]

1 hour ago, David Wien said:

Very unlikely to get into the speaker or microphone, yes; but their working membranes are not usually attached directly behind the holes in the body: there  is a gap that needs to be taken account of.

David

Possibly. But has anybody ever seen the way Leica mounted them? 

[hdmesa]

14 hours ago, bobtodrick said:

I know we all like to think Leica is perfect 😁, but I'm sure all these posts  are not just faerie dust  https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=leica+q+dust+issue#ip=1

Dust on the sensor was mainly an original Q issue that was addressed by Leica early in production. Dust with the Q2 is usually due to Leica accidentally leaving a piece of dust inside the body at the time of assembly, and the piece of dust works its way onto the sensor during shipping or in use (or into view in the EVF). I had a Q2 Reporter that had a piece of dust appear in the EVF once, but a few mild shakes of the camera and the dust disappeared from view never to be seen again

 

[ianforber]

I always carry my Q2 cross body and haven’t had any problems with dust - it picks up plenty by rubbing on clothing but none has entered the camera and I just blow it off occasionally. I’ve used the camera in heavy rain, including carrying in using a peak design capture clip attached to a rucksack strap while hiking. I only put it back in the bag when the rain was so heavy I thought I might fall walking on rocks and injure it and myself! Of course, I wiped it dry when back in the dry and my bag always has silica gel packets in it. No probs so far.