Leica Q (Typ 116) Digital Camera, Silver Anodized {24.2MP} 19022

Leica Q Typ 116: full-frame 28mm f/1.7 in one fixed package.

The Q pairs a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor with a fixed 28mm f/1.7 Summilux ASPH lens, and that combination is the whole argument for this camera. The Summilux resolves well even wide open at the edges, and the out-of-focus rendering at f/1.7 holds together in corners where many wider primes fall apart. Optical image stabilization adds roughly 2.66 stops of real-world benefit, meaning shutter speeds around 1/8 sec are usable with careful technique. The electronic shutter reaches 1/16000 sec for shooting at f/1.7 in bright light without neutral density filters, and the leaf shutter design means no shutter shock and near-silent operation.

The 3.68-million-dot EVF covers 100% of the frame and makes this a serious tool for precise composition, not just a point-and-shoot exercise. Single-point contrast-detect AF is fast and accurate across a wide range of light conditions, competitive with phase-detect systems in good-to-moderate light. Manual focus is a genuine strength here: the focus ring has mechanical damping with hard stops, a locking tab, and on-sensor peaking and magnification confirmation. Shoot in DNG than JPEG to get the most from the 24MP sensor, where color and dynamic range hold up well with careful exposure. The silver anodized finish, milled aluminum top plate, and magnesium alloy lower body make this one of the more deliberately constructed compacts in the proven large-sensor category.

Who It's For

Street photographers working at 28mm get a quiet leaf shutter, 10 fps burst capability, and f/1.7 in a body that reads as understated. Travel photographers who want one lens and no bag full of glass benefit from optical stabilization and ISO up to 50000 for dim interiors. Documentary shooters will appreciate the direct aperture ring and shutter speed dial controls, plus a 3.68M-dot EVF for precise framing. Photographers who prefer manual focus over autofocus get a damped, mechanically coupled focus ring with hard stops that rivals anything in the mirrorless category.

Key Features

• Full-frame 24MP CMOS sensor with Maestro II processor
• Fixed 28mm f/1.7 Summilux ASPH lens resolves edge-to-edge
• Optical image stabilization provides 2.66 stops of hand-holdability
• 3.68-million-dot electronic viewfinder covers 100% of frame
• Electronic shutter reaches 1/16000 sec for bright daylight f/1.7 shooting
• Single-point contrast-detect AF with 49 points, accurate in low light
• RAW capture to DNG with good color and dynamic range when exposed carefully
• Leaf shutter design eliminates shutter shock and enables near-silent operation

FAQ

Does the Q's optical stabilization really work for handheld 28mm shooting?

Yes. Testing shows 2.66 stops of real-world benefit, which means you can reliably hand-hold at 1/8 sec with careful technique. For a 28mm lens, that's usable in most indoor and low-light conditions without pushing ISO.

Should I shoot JPEG or RAW on the Q?

Shoot RAW (DNG). JPEG color rendering skews green in skin tones, and there's no in-camera correction. RAW files give you good color response and dynamic range if you expose carefully. The trade-off: RAW write times are slow even with fast SD cards.

How fast is the autofocus in low light?

Single-point contrast-detect AF is competitive with phase-detect systems in good-to-moderate light. In dim conditions it remains accurate, though phase-detect will pull ahead in very low light. For a fixed 28mm compact, it's reliable across most real-world shooting.

Can I use the Q for video?

Technically yes, up to 1080/60p. Practically, no. You get almost no exposure control during recording, can't see what settings the camera is using, and the touchscreen and controller don't work for focus. Video mode is afterthought functionality.

Is manual focus on the Q actually good?

Among compacts with fixed lenses, yes. The focus ring has mechanical damping, hard stops, and a locking tab. Combine that with focus peaking and magnification confirmation, and manual focus is genuinely precise and tactile. It's a strength, not a workaround.

What's the build quality like for a compact?

Milled aluminum top plate, magnesium alloy lower body, metal buttons and dials that are laser-engraved. It's deliberately constructed-not a plastic consumer camera. The silver anodized finish and overall heft put it in a different category than most point-and-shoots.