The Leica Q is my first introduction to the Leica brand and oh what an introduction this is! When I first heard about the Leica Q and its full frame sensor, I knew immediately this was a camera I had to have. I now know why everyone raves about the performance of Leica cameras and the Leica Q most certainly lives up to Leica’s reputation.
The Leica Q is the perfect travel companion because of its size and versatility. Since getting the Leica Q I have found no reason to carry any other camera when shooting street photography or on a reportage assignment. The Q’s size and design means you can shoot discretely at short distances and few people will realise you are capturing their image. Similarly with reportage work, the Q’s size means you can carry it all day long and shoot without worrying about intimidating your subject like you would with an SLR.
The Q’s perfect 28mm focal length allows you to capture the environment your subject is in but gives you the opportunity to get close to the action and take those intimate shots. The Q’s built-in 28mm Summilux lens can focus at 0.3 meters and with one simple rotation of a ring built into the lens itself, you can engage macro mode that allows you to focus at 0.17 meters. Easy access to all the controls and functionality without the need to go deep into the menu provides you with an abundance of freedom to decide within seconds how you would like to capture the image.
On a recent trip to a remote island in Fiji, the Leica Q performed like the best of any reportage camera. The Q’s size, functionality and ease of use allowed me to focus on engaging with my subjects rather than confronting them with a huge intimidating lens and fiddling with camera settings trying to adjust to the changing environmental conditions. The built-in electronic viewfinder gives you the versatility to shoot traditionally and with its ultra fast autofocus, I rarely missed a shot.
When it comes to the quality of the image I think they speak for themselves. The Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH is obviously purpose built for the Q. The sharpness of the image and the dynamic range captured by the full-frame sensor stands this compact camera apart from all the rest.
I’d like to thank the people of Yaro Village on Malolo Isalnd for opening up their homes and allowing me to get an insight into life on a remote Fijian island.
Peter Tsipas is a lawyer, director and mentor. He likes to learn, grow and contribute. Photography plays a key part in giving Peter a medium to express his creative outlet. You can see his images on this website, follow him on Instagram and learn more about Peter on his personal website.
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