Leica's black-and-white-only full-frame compact — 47.3MP monochrome sensor with Summilux 28mm f/1.7.
The Leica Q2 Monochrom was released in 2021 as the monochrome variant of the Q2, replacing the colour Bayer-filtered sensor with a 47.3MP monochrome CMOS — no colour filter array. Without the CFA, all sensor pixels receive the full light spectrum, providing higher sensitivity and resolution than an equivalent colour sensor. The fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH lens and IP52 weather sealing are shared with the Q2 colour version.
The 47.3MP full-frame monochrome CMOS sensor captures only luminance — no colour information is recorded. IP52 weather sealing. BP-SCL4 battery. OLED EVF and rear LCD. Body weight approximately 734g with battery and card. Single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot.
The monochrome sensor without colour filter array provides practical advantages over post-conversion of colour Q2 files: the luminance per pixel is approximately twice that of a colour-filtered sensor at the same ISO, enabling cleaner high-ISO shadow detail; and the monochrome optical transfer function shows marginally higher resolution because the CFA mosaic pattern and demosaicing interpolation are absent. For photographers committed to black-and-white, the Q2M eliminates the colour-to-monochrome conversion step.
On the used market the Leica Q2 Monochrom commands a premium above the standard Q2 given the dedicated monochrome sensor. Condition checks: BP-SCL4 battery health (shared with Q2 colour and SL2-S), fixed Summilux front element for marks, OLED EVF quality, and IP52 sealing. The Q2 colour version enables both colour and monochrome output; the Q2M produces monochrome only. Fixed 28mm f/1.7 Summilux; no interchangeable mount.