Leica has announced the new Q2 Monochrom, a full-frame compact camera with a dedicated black and white sensor. Monochrome version of the 47.3mp Leica Q2 features a newly developed full-frame 47.3 megapixel monochrome sensor, 4K video mode, fast 28mm F1.7 Summilux prime lens, precise autofocus and 3.68mp OLED viewfinder technology.
The camera has one-button cropping to 35, 50 and 75mm, with a drop in resolution with as you go. For those who want the unique look of black and white video, the Q2 Monochrom can capture both DCI and UHD 4K at up to 30p. The Q2 Monochrom is available now for $5995 at Adorama | B&H.
Key Features
- New 47.3 MP full-frame monochrome CMOS sensor
- No color array or low pass filter
- Maestro II image processor
- ISO range of 100-100,000
- Summilux 28 f/1.7 ASPH lens
- 4K video
- Monochromatic engravings & matte black paint finish
- Mid-grain leatherette (as featured on the M10 Monochrom)
- Weather sealing
- 3.68 megapixel OLED EVF
- Download: brochure | sample photos
Press release
Leica Q2 Monochrom: A New Level of Dedication to Black & White Photography
Leica Camera continues to demonstrate its commitment to the art of black and white photography with the introduction of the first-ever full frame compact camera with a monochrome sensor
November 10th, 2020 – Leica Camera makes unprecedented strides in its commitment to black and white photography with the launch of the Leica Q2 Monochrom, a new addition to the much beloved Leica Q line and the greater Leica Monochrom family. With a newly developed, full-frame monochrome sensor, a fast Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH. prime lens, quick and precise autofocusing, protective weather sealing and OLED viewfinder technology, the Q2 Monochrom encompasses the outstanding performance and features of its popular Leica Q2 brethren in a model focused solely on the art of black and white photography – delivering unprecedented image quality and creative focus.
Black and white photography is an unrivalled art form. Memorializing more than just the decisive moment – black and white photographs evoke the emotion and the essence of unforgettable and irreplaceable moments. The new Leica Q2 Monochrom is the newest chapter in the Leica Monochrom story, offering photographers the experience of making black and white photographs through the lens of a full-frame, compact camera dedicated to black and white photography in its purest form.
The Leica Q2 Monochrom features a newly developed 47.3 megapixel full frame sensor based on its sibling model, though in line with its Leica Monochrom forebears the sensor has seen the purposeful omission of the color filter array to give it added light gathering potential and increased sharpness in true black and white. With a maximum ISO climbing higher – up to 100,000 – the Q2 Monochrom can see and capture immense detail and tonality in settings that have barely enough light even for the human eye. The end result is a compact camera that while expanding the Monochrom offerings from Leica, and bringing another black and white imaging stalwart to the family, also yields the most accessibility to this acclaimed formula of black and white perfection – for use in any and all situations the user may want to create monochromatic wonder.
The autofocus system locks on in less than 0.15 seconds and makes it one of the fastest cameras in its class. Ongoing improvements to the processor from the Maestro family have enabled an impressive 10 frames per second burst shooting rate at even full resolution that ensures the truly wonderful moments in life will never be missed. The range of creative options has also been expanded by the new video capabilities with 4K resolution. Brilliant, black-and-white video recordings can be made in 3840 x 2160 resolution and frame rates of 30 or 24 fps or, alternatively, in the familiar full-HD 1080p format with 120, 60, 30 or 24 fps – all with manual creative control at the fingertips of the user.
The Leica Q2 Monochrom’s ‘Made in Germany’ seal of quality guarantees that only the finest and most resilient materials are used in its construction. The camera’s classically textured leatherette ensures an optimal interplay of form and functionality – with matte black paint, grey and white engravings, elegant ”MONOCHROM” lettering on the top and the omission of the red Leica logo for unobtrusive shooting. The unique, intuitive operating concept of the Leica Q2 has been maintained, helping newcomers and existing owners alike feel at home right away through its ease-of-use. The menu has been streamlined and adapted even further to the special features of a monochrome camera. All color settings have been omitted and the menu has only been supplemented with settings for toning black-and-white images (blue, sepia, selenium).
A range of premium leather accessories are also available for the Leica Q2 Monochrom, including camera protector cases, carrying straps, bags and wrist straps in a variety of different colors. Additional technical equipment accessories pair perfectly with the new camera such as the Leica SF 40, SF 60 flash units, the SF C1 remote flash control unit, an additional thumb rest and a new handgrip that perfectly matches the body. Three new E49 color filters in yellow, green and orange, for direct contrast control right from the lens of the camera, are available for purchase as well. And when on the go, the Leica FOTOS app keeps the photographer connected to the Q2 Monochrom for mobile sharing and uploading their black and white creations.
The Leica Q2 Monochrom is available for order at Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers for $5,995 starting today.
