Leica

Q2 Monochrom (Black)

Fixed Lens Black-and-White Compact Digital Camera

Combining the coveted design elements of the Leica Q2 with a specialised monochrome sensor, the Leica Q2 Monochrom (Black) is a premium compact digital camera designed specially to record vivid and rich black-and-white imagery.

The Q2 Monochrom is fitted with a high-resolution 47.3MP full-frame CMOS monochrome sensor that is redesigned and omits the colour filter array, thus achieving black-and-white imagery with greater depth, detail and sharpness. Paired with an Maestra II image processor, the Q2 Monochrom provides a wide 13-stop dynamic range with notable tonal rendering, low noise, and a higher sensitivity range of ISO 100-100000 than the standard Leica Q2. Furthermore, the powerful processing capabilities of the Maestro II enables fast shooting performance of up to 10 fps at full resolution with a mechanical shutter and a very fast autofocus system. Stills can be stored as 14-bit DNG files and JPEGs. Additionally, the high resolution in this camera enables enhanced digital zooming capabilities, which are expressed in a series of unique Crop Modes that simulate working with various focal length lenses: a 35mm field of view to create 30MP images, 50mm field of view to create 15MP images, and 75mm field of view to create 7MP images. As with the Q2, Q2 Monochrom users have the choice to create DCI 4k24p, UHD 4k30p or high-speed Full HD video at up to 120p.

This black and white camera features a fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 wide-angle prime lens with three aspherical elements to minimise distortion and spherical aberrations for remarkable resolution and clarity. In dimmer conditions, its fast f/1.7 maximum aperture also performs well and enables greater control over depth of field. The versatile lens even offers a dedicated macro focusing position for working with subjects as near as 17cm. Optical image stabilisation adds to image sharpness and clarity, especially during handheld shooting, by compensating for the effects of camera shake.

The Q2 Monochrom is physically distinguished with a 'monochromatic' outlook of a more inconspicuous matte black finish without the Leica red dot, with white and gray engravings on the body, and a clean top plate. Otherwise, retaining the revamped Q-series classic sleek profile of the Q2 in general, the Q2 Monochrom is just as suited for street and travel shooting. Its lightweight magnesium alloy body is dust and moisture sealed (IP52-rated) for use in harsh and trying environments. The BP-SCL4 battery featured in the flagship SL mirrorless camera for longer battery life translates to an increased 350 shots per charge in this monochrom. The physical battery incorporates a rubber gasket, which adds to the overall weather sealing. Also realistic and clear eye-level monitoring can be achieved with the addition of a high-resolution 3.68MP (1280 x 960) OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) that virtually has no lag due to high refresh rate. An improved eye sensor offers more rapid automatic switching between the EVF and the rear 3.0" 1.04m-dot LCD touchscreen that provides for straightforward playback and settings control.

In conjunction with the Leica FOTOS app, built-in Bluetooth LE and Wi-Fi support wireless sharing and remotely controlling the camera from a linked mobile device. The Q2 Monochrom also features mechanical shutter capable of flash sync speeds up to 1/500 sec and a 49mm filter thread diameter is incorporated on the lens for attaching optional filters. The camera has one SD-type memory card slot and supports the UHS II protocol. Last but not least, like the color-enabled Q2, the Q2 Monochrom is designed with enhanced touch interaction features, including a distinctive thumb grip, a dedicated On/Off button, a three-button rear control set, a programmable button built into the thumb-wheel dial and a push button diopter adjustment.

The Leica Q2 Monochrom comes with a battery, battery charger, lens hood, lens cap, carrying strap, and an accessory shoe cover.