One year with the Leica Q2

I've had this little camera for a whole year. This is my "Meat and Potatoes" review featuring my top 5 pros and cons after using the camera exclusively for an entire year.

[roxyschiavone]

Thank you for making the Leica Q2 review.
You made the statement, “the camera is not for everyone.”
I own it: waited in the que for it. Used it for almost two years. The camera on my iPhone is the only other camera I use.
So, who am I? I am someone who believes a good photographer with a creative eye can capture the moment, so to speak, using only a single focal length lens; and does need a zoom or an assortment of interchangeable lenses. I am someone who realizes one cannot take every picture; rather, I am satisfied with the one I did take. I am someone who is distracted by anything which breaks my concentration when I explore a scene. I am someone who has already lived with a single focal length lens, and perfectly content with either 28mm or 35mm (full frame equivalent). I am someone who in the past owned several generations of the Fujifilm X100 series and the Ricoh GR series. I am the photographer who has made great pictures using a single focal length, non-interchangeable lens camera. So, one might ask, why were not the other aforementioned cameras satisfactory? Simply, they did not have the features I needed; the Leica Q2 did, as follows: a viewfinder; in-body image stabilization; weather sealing (per an industry standard); a macro mode (.24X); and adequate megapixels to crop for a 35mm angle of view (I find the 50mm angle of view too narrow for my photographic style). And yes, the Q2 is relatively expensive, but over the years I have already spent three times as much for cameras and lenses which stayed at home: distractions, distractions, on what to take and what not to take. I am someone who values a simple user interface and higher quality equipment. The Q2 is for me.

[HatefYaminiOnline]

Now that's what I'm talking about, a real user review after a year of regular use. Legit. Thank you!

[GordonWebster]

I just love your channel and your photography. You're a great communicator who makes the learning experience very enjoyable and accessible. Thank you 🙂

[echike]

Man this was a really nice review. I love how it felt like we were just having a chill conversation on a sofa about the Q2 together. Thanks and keep up the good work!
I own this camera as well and I really love it and like you the thing I love the most is the simplicity. I sold all my Fuji gear to consolidate to this camera but now I’m saving to get a SL2 cos I miss interchangeable lenses.

[jjDemir]

The Q2 is one of the most solid cameras out there, love mine. v much

[torvcarlsen]

Nice review, Ben! I just got my Q2 a couple of weeks ago and I couldn’t agree more with your comments. Your cons, such as they are, perfectly mirror my own thoughts in that I simply don’t care about a flip screen or the lack, of ports. As for the Wi-Fi, it works for me pretty much as I expect. Bottom line, like you I also tend to churn my cameras, but the Q2 is definitely a keeper.

[JS-shim]

I have not been able to load images on my phone after my first 3 months of ownership. I agree with your summary. For me the most important thing about the camera is that it is a joy to use. I love taking it out where ever I go. If you can only own one camera in your lifetime, it would be a Q2.

[ElRobin]

That last “meat and potatoes” cracked me up haha, awesome video, subscribed

[alekseykasatkin]

I really enjoyed your style and vision. Thank you very much. And..it is really amazing what you managed to pull-out from Q2. Thanks to your videos I now know what it is best in.!

[squiddah]

Just recently found your channel. I don’t own a Leica and, as a teacher with teenagers, can’t afford one. But I subbed because of your enthusiasm, stellar work and just general positive kick ass vibe. Props and keep up the great content.

[spektrograf]

YT algo brought me here. Thanks for sharing your personal thoughts around the Q2. I really also enjoy your conversational style. For some stupid reason, the electric guitar strums and tom strikes in your edits make me smile every time it happens. 🎸👍

(edit: incidentally, it sounds like they took your "con's" list to the word for the design of the Q3! 😆)

[gusroams]

Medium format is awesome! Such a nice addition to one’s photography! I got a hasselblad and it freaken rocks...a little slow but still, great lenses

[adamlorrimer]

I never comment on YouTube videos ever, but I loved this review and your energy, so thank you 🙏

[rodolphemuller]

Man, I love your work so much. And appreciate your kind of philosophical approach of photography. Made my day beautiful. Subscribed immediately

[robnich]

Thanks for an enjoyable video. I like your easy conversational style, and there are some remarkable photos along the way. One reason I went with the X100V instead of the Q2 (aside from the huge price of the Q2) is the built-in flash. Fill-in flash is often a necessity in people photography, I find.

[butterylight]

Great review! Love the story telling around your photos.

[alexgriffioen]

Really enjoy your videos man. Thanks for all the time and energy you're putting into these. Really appreciate it. Best from Amsterdam <3

[heresiarh]

To hell with the camera. Your work is freaking fantastic. Thank you for sharing.

[josemanuelinfiesta]

Thanks for your videos. I’ve been for so long watching reviews and all kind of videos giving rounds and rounds about getting a q2. Yo made me take the finial decision and I will have my q2. Thanks!

[michaellutherdavies]

Over the last 50 years ive owned tons of leicas i purchased the Q2 when it was first released prior to that i was using and still am the nikon coolpix model a what a great little camera i take it on street work in rough areas.
Don't want to loose my Q2.