Leica's Q2 Monochrom Reporter, a camera that only shoots in black & white

(Image credit: Leica)

Following the successful launch of the Leica Q2 Reporter, a black and white variant of the camera is now also available: the Leica Q2 Monochrom Reporter.

With its particularly robust exterior, the model continues a long tradition of cameras that were specifically developed for press and reportage photographers – ensuring complete reliability, even in the most adverse conditions and you can now pick up this new Monochrom camera for £5,250 either at Wex or Leica UK. If you happen to be in Australia, this camera will set you back AU$9,090 direct from the Leica Store or for a touch less from Aussie retailer DigiDirect – available for pre-order right now.

Instead of the customary leather trim, the Q2 Monochrom Reporter is equipped with a ‘body armor’ made of Kevlar – a synthetic fibre also used in the production of protective clothing. The remaining areas of the camera are protected by a specialist, dark green paint with particularly abrasion-resistant properties. Over time, the Aramid fibers of the Kevlar weave will develop a slightly lighter tone through exposure to natural UV light and become slightly raised for an even more secure grip on the camera.

Thanks to the absence of the red dot, and the omission of color inlays for the engravings on the camera and lens, the Q2 Monochrom Reporter allows for an unobtrusive way of working without drawing undue attention.

The grayscale sensor of the Q2 Monochrom Reporter offers an enormous resolution of 47 megapixels. The absence of a color filter array leads to an unparalleled detail rendition and increased sensitivity – enabling the camera to cope with any shooting situation.

It’s extremely robust construction and high-grade environmental sealing makes this full-frame compact camera (equipped with a permanently-mounted Summilux 28mm f/1.7) a perfect all-time companion.

Externally, the Q2 Monochrom Reporter differs from the Leica Q2 Reporter, which will continue to be found in the Leica product catalogue, only by the laser-engraved "Monochrom" script on the lower edge of the display.

The Q2 Monochrom Reporter is available from either Leica's London store or Wex from today with an RRP £5,250.00, while you can pick it up from the Melbourne Leica Store in Australia or from DigiDirect where it's open to pre-order now for AU$9,088. In the US it can be pre-ordered from B&H for $6,295.

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For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and holds a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since his film days using a Nikon F5. He saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still, to this day, the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, the British Equestrian Writers' Association.

He is familiar with and shows great interest in 35mm, medium, and large-format photography, using products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2, shooting Street/Documentary photography as he sees it, usually in Black and White.

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