The Leica Q (Typ 116) is a high-end small camera with a fixed lens, a full-frame sensor, and a 28mm F1.7 Summilux stabilized lens. It has a resolution of 24 megapixels. It was the first full-frame Leica camera to have an autofocus mechanism, and it marked the beginning of a new product line for Leica.
One of the most traditional of traditional camera manufacturers, Leica, has been pretty innovative in recent years, bringing us the luxuriously black medium-format S-series, the full-frame mirrorless SL, and the innovative, stylish (though not particularly likable) Leica T. Leica is known for being one of the most traditional of traditional camera manufacturers.
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- BESPOKE FIT – The MegaGear Premium Genuine Leather Camera Half Case with Battery Access is specifically tailored using high quality leather for the Leica Q-P, Q (Typ 116) models for precision fit and coverage.
- BESPOKE FIT – The MegaGear Premium Genuine Leather Camera Half Case with Battery Access is specifically tailored using high quality leather for the Leica Q-P, Q (Typ 116) models for precision fit and coverage.
- FUNCTIONAL ACCESSIBILITY – Designed for efficient photography and accuracy. You can access all peripheral ports, card slots, buttons, and the battery without removing your case, and attach it to a tripod with the case on!
- ENHANCED PROTECTION – Due to its rugged construction and tailored fit this case provides protection for your camera body against scratches.
- CONVENIENT – Convenience features allow rapid use of your camera when needed. Perfect for functional travel and outdoor use.
- STYLISH DESIGN – Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned, professional photographer, you will want these lightweight leather cases with exquisite, ageless leather style at your side.
The Q has a design reminiscent of the high-end rangefinders that are part of Leica’s M-series. Still, it also features a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and an LCD screen that is sensitive to touch.
The touchscreen of the Leica Q is optional. It works in conjunction with several conventional (physical) control points, in contrast to the Leica T, where Leica made the touchscreen completely vital to the experience of managing the camera. This blending of traditional and contemporary elements is at the heart of the Q, which deftly integrates manual control with technological aid in its ergonomic design.
The Q’s quick wide-angle lens and full-frame picture sensor are the two elements that stand out as being particularly noteworthy. The results of our testing indicate that when combined, they can produce images of an exceptionally high level of detail. It has also been discovered that shooting with the Q is a great deal of fun.
Focusing is a joy thanks to the camera’s wonderful mechanical manual focus ring, but if you’d like, you can use the camera’s quick and precise autofocus instead. Controlling the aperture and the shutter speed manually have individual dials, although they may also be left on the “A” setting to operate automatically.
An electronic viewfinder (EVF) incorporated into the camera provides a clear and detailed view of the scene being captured by the lens. In addition, images may be constructed on the back LCD if desired. Although the Q takes after the Fujifilm X100T in terms of its exterior style, the Sony RX1R II model most closely parallels it conceptually.
Leica Q (Typ 116) Features
Leica has a rich history and has earned a reputation for producing cameras and lenses of exceptional quality while adhering to more conventional design principles. As a result of a collaboration agreement with Panasonic, some models of Leica’s tiny cameras are now assembled in the same plant as Panasonic’s cameras, utilizing the same components.
The Panasonic LX100 and the Leica D-Lux (Type 109) illustrate this principle well. On the other hand, the Q (Typ 116) is manufactured in one of Leica’s factories in Germany. As a result, even though it has traditional controls and appears to be a slightly miniaturized version of the M, it also has a few contemporary features, such as autofocus, touchscreen control, and an electronic viewfinder (EVF).
As was noted previously, the camera is built on a full-frame (24 x 36mm) CMOS sensor with 24.2 million effective pixels; in addition, there is no optical low pass filter in this sensor, which helps to increase the detail resolution.
There is also a Leica Maestro II processing engine like the one in Leica’s medium format camera, which has been specially adapted for use in the Q, as well as a Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH lens, which is a good ‘walkabout’ lens and has plenty of scope for restricting depth of field. Again, these features have been specially adapted for use in the Q.
Even though this lens has a fixed focal length, digital zoom options are similar to 35mm and 50mm. These settings bring the image size down to 15.4 and 7.5 MP respectively.
Leica Q (Typ 116) Build Quality
In terms of appearance, the Q is a perfect match for Leica’s other rangefinder interchangeable lens cameras. It resembles the M series in its rounded sides, flat front and back, and straight top and bottom borders, and a flat front and back.
The construction also has a very similar feel to it. The new camera features a top plate made of machined aluminum and a body made of magnesium alloy with laser-etched marks. Both of these components have been engraved with markings. Everyone who is into photography I’ve shown it to has been blown away by its design and construction.
Although thinner and more slender than the Leica M-P Typ 240, the Q is significantly taller. It measures 130 millimeters in length, 80 millimeters in width, and 93 millimeters in height. It does not have the incredibly tiny construction of the Sony RX1 (113.3 x 65.4 x 69.6 mm), and it weighs around 150g more when the battery is fitted at 640g. However, the RX1 does not have a viewfinder built-in to the camera.
The front of the Q is completely flat, as is normal with Leica cameras, and there are no ridges to offer a grip; nonetheless, the coating is gently textured, providing a little traction. Although a little dip on the rear provides a natural resting area for your thumb, you won’t want to carry this camera for a long distance without a strap because it is rather heavy.
Without the inconvenience of a bulky neck or shoulder strap, the Peak Design Cuff allowed me to carry my camera securely on my wrist while eliminating the need for one. A grip is not included with the Leica but may be purchased separately at an extra cost.
Leica Q (Typ 116) Performance
The amount of fine detail seen in photographs taken with the Q is the first thing that stands out to anybody who sees them. It out-resolves the RX1R at every sensitivity setting and keeps an astonishingly high degree of detail even when the sensitivity is set to its highest possible value. The processing engine can handle the files well, and the sensor performs excellently.
When the sensitivity is turned up to its maximum, there is no evidence of banding, clumping, or smoothing, and the noise is finely grainy. Even the most minute features may withstand thorough inspection at 100% or higher.
The scale at which pictures may be presented is constrained by the degree to which the noise can be distinguished from the background. This characteristic changes according to the topic and the individual’s preferences. Images captured by the Q with an ISO setting of 3,200 or 6,400 won’t be considered disagreeable by most users.
They contain a great deal of detail. However, some noise is discernible in the areas with more profound, even tones. In addition, when you boost the ISO to 12,500, you will notice an increased chroma noise and colored speckling. However, photographs can still appear excellent when they are A4 (11.7 x 8.3 inches) or A3 (16.5 x 11.7 inches) size, even without noise reduction.
Leica Q (Typ 116) Specs
Body type | Large sensor compact |
---|---|
Body material | Magnesium alloy |
Sensor | |
Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
Other resolutions | 28mm: 4272 x 2848, 2976 x 1600 x 1200; 35mm: 4800 x 3200, 3424 x 2288, 2384 x 1592, 1280 x 856; 50mm: 3360 x 2240, 2400 x 1600, 1680 x 1120, 896 x 600 |
Image ratio w:h | 3:2 |
Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
Sensor photo detectors | 26 megapixels |
Sensor size | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) |
Sensor type | CMOS |
Processor | Maestro II |
Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB, ECI RGB |
Color filter array | Primary color filter |
Image | |
ISO | Auto, 100-50000 |
White balance presets | 5 |
Custom white balance | Yes (2 slots) |
Image stabilization | Optical |
Uncompressed format | RAW |
File format | JPEGDNG |
Optics & Focus | |
Focal length (equiv.) | 28 mm |
Optical zoom | 1× |
Maximum aperture | F1.7 |
Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
Digital zoom | Yes (1.2x (35mm equiv), 1.5x (50mm equiv)) |
Manual focus | Yes |
Normal focus range | 30 cm (11.81″) |
Macro focus range | 17 cm (6.69″) |
Number of focus points | 49 |
Focal length multiplier | 1× |
SportPortraitLandscapeNight portraits now/beachCandlelightSunsetDigiscopingMiniature effectPanoramaTimelapse | |
Articulated LCD | Fixed |
Screen size | 3″ |
Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
Touch screen | Yes |
Screen type | TFT LCD |
Live view | Yes |
Viewfinder type | Electronic |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
Viewfinder resolution | 3,680,000 |
Photography features | |
Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 sec |
Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
Exposure modes | ProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManual |
Scene modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
Built-in flash | No |
External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
Flash X sync speed | 1/500 sec |
Continuous drive | 10.0 fps |
Self-timer | Yes (2 or 12 secs) |
Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpot |
Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
AE Bracketing | ±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps) |
Videography features | |
Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p) |
Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone | Stereo |
Speaker | Mono |
Storage | |
Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Connectivity | |
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
HDMI | Yes |
Microphone port | No |
Headphone port | No |
Wireless | Built-In |
Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n |
Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
Physical | |
Environmentally sealed | No |
Battery | Battery Pack |
Battery description | BP-DC12 |
Weight (inc. batteries) | 640 g (1.41 lb / 22.58 oz) |
Dimensions | 130 x 80 x 93 mm (5.12 x 3.15 x 3.66″) |
Other features | |
Orientation sensor | Yes |
Timelapse recording | Yes |
GPS | None |
Leica Q (Typ 116) Verdict
Megagear MG1400 Leica Q-P, Q (Typ 116) Ever Ready Genuine Leather Camera...
- BESPOKE FIT – The MegaGear Premium Genuine Leather Camera Half Case with Battery Access is specifically tailored using high quality leather for the Leica Q-P, Q (Typ 116) models for precision fit and coverage.
- BESPOKE FIT – The MegaGear Premium Genuine Leather Camera Half Case with Battery Access is specifically tailored using high quality leather for the Leica Q-P, Q (Typ 116) models for precision fit and coverage.
- FUNCTIONAL ACCESSIBILITY – Designed for efficient photography and accuracy. You can access all peripheral ports, card slots, buttons, and the battery without removing your case, and attach it to a tripod with the case on!
- ENHANCED PROTECTION – Due to its rugged construction and tailored fit this case provides protection for your camera body against scratches.
- CONVENIENT – Convenience features allow rapid use of your camera when needed. Perfect for functional travel and outdoor use.
- STYLISH DESIGN – Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned, professional photographer, you will want these lightweight leather cases with exquisite, ageless leather style at your side.
The Leica Q is in a particular niche since it is a tiny camera with a full-frame 24-megapixel sensor and a fixed 28 mm, 1.7-millimeter lens. The Sony RX1 and RX1R are its most direct competitors today. These two cameras have the exact pixel count, but the lens on each of them is 35mm f/2.0, which means that it is neither as wide nor as brilliant as the lens on the Q. Both of these cameras, unlike the Q, do not come equipped with a viewfinder that is integrated right in.
Even though Leica does not produce inexpensive cameras, the Q has a price tag that, compared to that of the Sony RX1 and RX1R, is not too prohibitive, especially when the variations between the three models are taken into consideration.
The conventional design and construction of the Q belie its modern functionality, which includes automated scene modes that take precedence over the settings selected via the aperture ring and the shutter speed dial.
This is a camera that inexperienced photographers could use. Still, it is most appealing for experienced shooters who appreciate traditional controls, the benefits of a full-frame sensor, and Leica’s optical know-how. Although inexperienced photographers could use this camera, it appeals most to experienced shooters.
Leica Q (Typ 116) FAQs
How much is Leica Typ 116?
When it was first introduced in 2015, the Leica Q (Typ 116) carried a suggested selling price of approximately USD 4,250.
Is the Leica Q (Typ 116) suitable for street photography?
Because of its small dimensions, quick autofocus, high-quality lens, and full-frame sensor, the Leica Q (Typ 116) is a favorite option among photographers who specialize in street photography.