Leica Q - Review of the Leica Q (typ 116) - Image Samples and Hands-On First Impressions / June 13, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

The new Leica Q (product image via Leica Camera)

The new Leica Q is here, and I am planning on taking it out for a thorough evaluation this weekend... Sample images will be posted right here soon, as well as my impressions of the camera and how it works. The first image above is from Leica Camera, the rest are my own and may not be used or reproduced without my written permission. The Leica Q was borrowed from Leica Store Miami for this review, but all opinions expressed here are my own and I am not paid or endorsed by anyone to write this review.

The Leica Q has a 28mm fixed lens with 3 aspherical elements, f/1.7 lens, full-frame sensor, and a very nice built-in EVF (electronic viewfinder). Those are the most important specs, but I will elaborate in my review when I finish it.

The Q uses an existing battery from the V-LUX so you won't have trouble finding extras once you get the camera. Leica accessories are notoriously hard to come by, even months after a new camera comes out. At least you'll have a battery, but don't hold your breath for the half case, grip, or other add-ons. The grip is very nice, by the way, and I've been using it most of the time.

I will also include a comparison to other cameras, both from Leica and from other camera brands (looking at you, Sony RX1/R)

Below is the first sample image I'm posting from the Leica Q, and I think it speaks volumes about the capabilities of this camera. Very little was done to this file in Lightroom 6, honestly I spent about 30-45 seconds on it. I have personally shot with the new Monochrom, and the original Monochrom (one of my favorite cameras of all time in terms of image quality), and I think this file looks pretty good considering it's a conversion from color rather than a b&w raw file like the Monochroms produce.

Leica Q raw file converted to b&w in Lightroom 6 - Image ©2015, Benjamin Traves

This is a jpeg of the same image above, unprocessed and straight from the camera.

Above is the jpeg straight out of the camera (SOOC) for those of you interested in that. I always shoot raw (which is DNG format for most Leica cameras) but it is interesting to note that the Q, unlike the M and S, only offers RAW + JPEG mode, no mode with only DNG files, so if you are a raw shooter, you will get some bonus jpegs in there as well. No way to change that yet, but maybe a firmware update in the future will allow it (I'm just speculating about that, no idea if they will or not). Doesn't really bother me, but worth noting. In Lightroom, when you import you can just select the DNG files.

I found myself converting many of these test shots to black & white, and I definitely think the Q sensor is great for B&W.

And the lens can get quite close to your subject (especially compared with Leica M lenses which are generally 2.5-3 ft. minimum focus distance)

This was taken by my friend when I handed him the camera to have a look at it. He likes the macro mode. Raw file processed in Lightroom. This was shot handheld at 1/40th of a second, f/2.8 and ISO 400.

** This is a "rolling review" so I'll be adding new thoughts / impressions / opinions and of course more images as soon as I have time.

Lots of image samples coming soon...

Here are some low-light test images...

First one is at 12,500 ISO, with very minimal noise reduction done in Lightroom:

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Below are some "mobile uploads" via WiFi which is built into the Leica Q

All images below are jpeg transferred directly from the camera to my iPhone, processed in VSCO Cam and uploaded to my blog post, also from the phone.

Leica Q transfer via Wifi to my iPhone, then used VSCO Cam app and posted it to my blog from my phone... While eating amazing gelato from the new place next door.

Leica Q test image... Sent via Wifi to my iPhone and edited with VSCO Cam app, then posted from phone.

New Leica Monochrom is here! Officially known as the "Leica M Monochrom (typ 246)" / April 30, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

I have had my hands on a prototype of the new Leica M Monochrom (typ 246) and it is fantastic!

Officially, it is known as the "Leica M Monochrom (typ 246)" but the internal code name of the camera in development at Leica (before it was announced today) was "Elliott" after the legendary photographer Elliott Erwitt.

Leica has posted information and some incredible sample images by photographer Ragnar Axelsson.

Long story short, it is the same body as the Leica M-P (typ 240) but with a black chrome finish similar to the previous Monochrom camera. There is a sapphire crystal protecting the rear LCD, as with the previous Monochrom and the current M-P 240. No markings on the body, which is different from the engraved top plate of the M-P, but similar to the previous Monochrom. Sensor is the 24 megapixel CMOS from the M-P but without an RGB color layer, hence the "monochrome" images, even for the raw files (the raw file format is DNG for all Leica M cameras, in case you're new to Leica). All accessories from the current M/M-P should be compatible with the new Monochrom (typ 246).

If you want to read a very in-depth review of the camera with lots of great sample images by David Farkas, check it out on Red Dot Forum

Another great interview (and photos) with Ragnar Axelsson on the official Leica Camera Blog

You can pre-order the new Monochrom at Leica Store Miami

I will be shooting with the new Monochrom (typ 246) and posting sample images (and video) soon!

Leica M Monochrom with flash / April 12, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

Behind the scenes at a fashion show - Leica M Monochrom and flash

I wanted to test out the Monochrom with flash so I rigged up a sync cable to the Leica SF-58 along with a bracket I already owned from a previous camera system. Worked quite well although I was in fully manual mode, no TTL due to the sync cord being from a different manufacturer. Skin tones take on a silver look, similar to the old days of black and white film. I really enjoyed using this combo.

Look at the hands of all the models. They are just about to go out on the runway so they are at their most nervous.

Review of the new LEICA D-LUX (typ 109) / November 25, 2014 by Benjamin Traves

I just had the opportunity to test out the new Leica D-LUX (typ 109) and here are some of my thoughts on it, along with sample images below. This is not an in-depth review, just a quick preview and a few images.

LEICA D-LUX (typ 109)

So, the long wait for a new D-LUX camera is finally over. Leica managed to sandwich a Micro 4/3 sensor into a camera scarcely larger than the previous version. I am told the new sensor is five times larger. Luckily, it doesn't cost five times more for the camera, although it has increased from around $800 for a D-Lux 6 to just under $1,200 for this new version. Considering the new sensor and many other major improvements, especially a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), it is a rather modest increase in price. The manufacturer warranty has also been increased to 3 years, and as with all Leica cameras, this one includes Adobe Lightroom 5 software. That being said, I used Lightroom 5 to adjust all RAW images to my own preferences.

If you currently own a D-Lux 6 and are wondering if there is enough difference to justify the upgrade, I can honestly tell you it is a completely different camera except for the name and a familiar silhouette. This is not just a sensor upgrade (although that by itself would be enough of a reason to swap, in my opinion). The lens is new as well, as it had to be designed to accommodate the much larger sensor in this version. This is only a quick preview of the camera so I won't go into depth on the optical design, but in actual use it works great. You can click any of these sample images to enlarge them and see what you think.

The new electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a big help here in Florida, where the merciless sun beats down on photographers struggling to use their LCD screens to compose an image. The fact that it is by far one of the best EVFs currently built into any compact camera is nice too, but the main point is that this has one, it's easy to use, and it's a great help in certain situations. It's automatic, just hold the camera up to your eye and it will turn on as the rear LCD turns off.

The metal body feels quite nice, cool to the touch and very solid. A big upgrade from the rather plastic body of the D-Lux 6. A small bit of rubber where your right thumb would be is perfect for keeping a good grip on the camera. As you can see, there are several neat buttons on the back. Most are self-explanatory (like "WiFi" or "ISO" or the universal red dot which means "record" for video, and the triangular playback symbol) but others like "QM" (Quick Menu) and "WB" (White Balance) are less obvious. Still, it's very easy to pick up this camera and go take great photos.

Inside the Perez Art Museum in Miami. Settings: f/3.2 and 1/125th, ISO 200

The handling and controls are great, very intuitive as it is set up just like the flagship Leica M series, with an aperture ring on the lens and shutter speed dial on top. Unlike the M, this one has autofocus and the option to let the camera select the aperture in addition to selecting the ISO and shutter speed. It is great to have physical controls when you need them and also automatic modes for just walking around.

Operation is incredibly simple: if both controls are set to "A" then the camera is in Program mode. Shift either of the dials and you will be in Aperture priority or Shutter priority mode. Shift both, and you are in Manual mode. Essentially this gives you instant manual override of either critical function, Aperture or Shutter Speed, or both. Perfect, it just works.

In addition to the Shutter Speed dial on top, there is an Exposure Compensation dial for quick adjustments of +/- 3 EV in thirds of a stop. Very convenient and easy to reach with your right thumb. You can use that to control exposure (brightness) without having to change your other settings. Overall, I'm quite pleasantly surprised by the features and functions of this camera, as well as the image quality.

Settings: f/4 and 1/125th, ISO200 — Settings: f/4 and 1/125th, ISO200

What strikes me as I review these sample images is that they really are substantially better than I expected. I probably should have mentioned at the beginning of this review that I am not a fan of most compact cameras. Every camera I have owned in recent history has been full frame, and I rarely take other cameras seriously. The results from this camera actually made me sit forward in my chair while I was editing images.

When I talk to people about what camera to get, I tell them what matters most is that they enjoy using the camera and of course that they love how the images turn out. If you like what you see, then clearly the new lens and the new sensor have made a difference. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below and I'll do my best to answer.

Sample Images:

Perez Art Museum, Miami. Settings: f/5.6 and 1/200th, ISO 200

Settings: f/5.0 and 1/125th, ISO200 — Settings: f/5.0 and 1/125th, ISO200

Inside the Perez Art Museum, Miami. Settings: f/2.5 and 1/125th, ISO200 — Inside the Perez Art Museum, Miami. Settings: f/2.5 and 1/125th, ISO200

Settings: f/5.6 and 1/160th, ISO200 — Settings: f/5.6 and 1/160th, ISO200

Perez Art Museum, Miami. Settings: f/5.6 and 1/320th, ISO200 — Perez Art Museum, Miami. Settings: f/5.6 and 1/320th, ISO200

Settings: f/5.6 and 1/250th, ISO200 — Settings: f/5.6 and 1/250th, ISO200

An elevator at the Perez Art Museum in Miami. Settings: f/5.6 and 1/1250th, ISO 200

Thanks for reading and be sure to check back soon for more reviews!

Test with NEXT model Hugh / April 13, 2014 by Benjamin Traves

I did a quick test with Hugh from NEXT Miami and I'm happy they chose 3 images for his book. I definitely liked these for my own portfolio and I'm working on more portraits in this style soon. Images were made with a LEICA M MONOCHROM and 90mm f/2 APO-SUMMICRON lens provided by Leica Store Miami.