aik kian photography+: Leica Q: Hands-On, Impression & Sample Images

I'm always keen to try out different cameras or lenses whenever possible. Very often, an upcoming holiday would be the perfect "reason" to get that new camera or lens. Some may say that it's a sign of GAS - Gear Acquisition Syndrome, a common disease that plague photographers. I hope not, but who cares.

This isn't another camera review that goes into technical details from innovation to resolution. In any case, I am neither qualified nor interested to do so. There are tons of well-written and technically competent reviews on the internet, which would have covered every possible pixel.

Hence, in the name of my casual photography + travel blog, below are some sample images taken with one of my most favourite cameras - the Leica Q (Typ 116) during a few recent short trips to Malaysia.

There is no long travel stories like in my other posts here. Since it's supposed to be a camera review, everything below is all about Leica Q - its impression and sample images.

Hope this helps.

The Leica Q (Typ 116) is a relatively small camera considering its full-frame sensor. It's still larger and heavier than the Sony RX1 series but I find it's dimensions and weight well-balanced, fitting nicely in my hands. Its 49 focusing points can be selected via the four-way joystick controller easily, which was placed on the iconic red dot in the above photo (the double-image is due to the mirror).
Leica Q, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/60th sec., ISO640, Macro Mode.

The Leica Q is an excellent camera for capturing quick portraits with it's bright aperture, sensible ergonomics, and compact form factor.

Orang Asli Village, Kuala Woh, Cameron Highlands.

Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/80th sec., ISO160.

Orang Asli Village, Kuala Woh, Cameron Highlands.

Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/80th sec., ISO320.

It would be nice to have an articulated/tilting LCD screen. However, low angle shots are still possible with its bright 3" 1.04 million dot LCD. Do note that focusing points cannot be selected using the touch-screen LCD. Focusing points are selected via the four-way joystick controller.
Kuala Woh, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/320th sec., ISO100.

Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.

Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/320th sec., ISO100.

Sunset from Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/8, 1/800th sec., ISO100 (converted from Raw).

Sunset from Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/8, 1/800th sec., ISO100 (off camera JPEG).

Razor-sharp lens ensuring every fine wire and rust is captured.
Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/500th sec., ISO100.

Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/80th sec., ISO100.

Spa Village, Cameron Highlands Resort, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/250th sec., ISO100.

Lata Iskandar, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/1600th sec., ISO100.

The camera delivers vivid yet natural colours under challenging lighting condition.
Coffee shop at Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/60th sec., ISO320.

Tandoori chicken, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/60th sec., ISO800.

Tandoori chicken, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/60th sec., ISO160.

The camera is very snappy to use. Its autofocus is fast and accurate, even in low light condition.
Playful cat, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/60th sec., ISO1600.

My glass of red wine to give some warmth in the cold night.

Copthorne Hotel, Cameron Highlands.

Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/60th sec., ISO1250.

Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/2500th sec., ISO100 (converted from Raw).

Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/2500th sec., ISO100 (off camera JPEG).

Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/2500th sec., ISO100.

The Leica Q offers electronic shutter speed up to a maximum of 1/16,000 sec. Hence, it's possible to take advantage of the shallow depth of field at f/1.7 in bright sunlight condition.
Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/10000th sec., ISO100.

Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/60th sec., ISO125.

Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/800th sec., ISO100.

Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands.

Leica Q, 28mm, f/2, 1/800th sec., ISO100.

A macro mode is available with a simple turn of a dial on the lens, which enables the camera to get close to its subject within 17cm. Once the dial has been turned to macro, the largest aperture available would become f/2.8 automatically.
Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/60th sec., ISO125, Macro Mode.

Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/2500th sec., ISO100, Macro Mode.

Kea Farm, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/1250th sec., ISO100.

Land Rover at Kea Farm, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/640th sec., ISO100.

Kea Farm, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/2, 1/2500th sec., ISO100.

Kea Farm, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/640th sec., ISO100.

Barracks Café, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/60th sec., ISO320, Macro Mode.

Barracks Café, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/60th sec., ISO400, Macro Mode.

Curry Maggie Soup, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/60th sec., ISO125, Macro Mode.

Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.

Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.8, 1/60th sec., ISO200.

Famous Charcoal Steamboat, Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.

Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/80th sec., ISO100.

Famous Charcoal Steamboat, Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.

Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/100th sec., ISO100.

Strawberries in a cup, Cameron Highlands.

Leica Q, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/60th sec., ISO2000, Macro Mode.

My favourite breakfast destination - Restoran Xing Ho.
Gelang Patah, Johor.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/5.6, 1/400th sec., ISO100.

A highly satisfying breakfast - Kuey Tiao Soup.
Gelang Patah, Johor.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/160th sec., ISO100, Macro Mode.

The compact body allows quick and non-intimidating shots of people.
Gelang Patah, Johor.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/1.7, 1/500th sec., ISO100.

Despite its compact size, the Leica Q's full-frame sensor produces beautiful depth of field even at 28mm focal length.
Gelang Patah, Johor.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/2, 1/1000th sec., ISO100.

Fresh and hot from the deep fryer.

Gelang Patah, Johor.

Leica Q, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/1000th sec., ISO100, Macro Mode.

Gelang Patah, Johor.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/2, 1/1000th sec., ISO100.

An old photo processing shop.

Gelang Patah, Johor.

Leica Q, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/250th sec., ISO100.

An old provision shop.
Gelang Patah, Johor.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/60th sec., ISO125.

The famous Kluang Rail Coffee café located within Kluang Railway Station.
Kluang Railway Station, Johor.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/5.6, 1/60th sec., ISO640.

Their mouth-watering kaya butter bun.
Kluang Railway Station, Johor.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/80th sec., ISO100, Macro Mode.

Focusing in Macro Mode is fast and accurate. The camera's excellent ergonomics also allow one-hand operation easily.
Kluang Railway Station, Johor.
Leica Q, 28mm, f/4, 1/60th sec., ISO250, Macro Mode.