Yesterday, someone bought my Leica Q2, which I acquired on Dec. 31, 2019. But my Leica journey started in May 2017 with the original Q, which I initially regretted selling. I preferred the smaller sensor (24 megapixels vs 47.3 for the successor), the look of the images produced, and the ability to switch from single to continuous shooting by flicking a switch set around the shutter button. Besides, the Q was my first Leica love—a feeling that didn’t carry forward as I had expected.
Day before yesterday, a doctor and sculptor bought Q2 Monochrom, which I acquired in December 2020. Turns out I don’t have an eye for black-and-white photography. I got good value from the camera but nowhere near what was hoped. Surely the new owners will do better.
I love Leica but it’s time to move on. If you can guess anything from buying timing of the other Qs, end of year is when I typically change things up. This morning, I ordered Nikon Zf from the manufacturer, along with a couple of lenses—and still thousands of dollars remain from my used Leica sale. The Nikon isn’t an overly expensive kit, and I hope to keep the Zf for at least as long as the Q2.
I seriously considered one of the premium six colors but opted for black, which better suits the traditional styling and expectations about how I might feel about the appearance after a few years usage.
I return to a 24MP shooter and interchangeable glass. I’ve shot fixed lens for a long time and look forward to the change. I also miss the sound heard when making the shot. The Q series uses a leaf shutter inside the lens that is essentially silent, which is a huge benefit for stealth shooting. Can you say Paparazzi?
I am sentimental about the regular Q2, having used it for so long. I love Leica, but we are parted. I couldn’t afford the Q3 or the Q3 43mm but can get good-enough similar—and maybe better—benefits spending lots less on Nikon Zf.
I used the Q2 to shoot the Featured Image on Jan. 4, 2021. Vitals, aperture manually set: f/1.7, ISO 1600, 1/125 sec, 28mm; 4:08 p.m. PST.