Leica has just launched the Q2 Monochrom, a new addition to the much-beloved Leica Q line and the greater Leica Monochrom family. The new Monocrom is a black and white version of the Q2 and is the company’s first autofocus Monocrom camera. The camera features a designed-for-monochrome full-frame 47MP sensor that Leica claims should capture 2 additional stops of dynamic range over the Bayer version (13EV vs 11EV). The maximum ISO is 100,000, up from 50,000 on the Q2. In addition, the range of creative options available on the Q2 Monochrom has been expanded by the new video capabilities with 4K resolution.
Leica has streamlined the menu of the Q2 Monochrom and adapted it 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). Sporting a magnesium alloy body, this camera is built as well as one would expect from Leica and carries an IP52 rating for weatherproofing. Starting today, Leica is accepting orders for the Q2 Monochrom.