Leica has introduced a limited “Snow” edition of the Leica Q in white. I’m told that previous white editions, including the M8, have been popular and that this camera will appeal to collectors who already have white cameras in their collections. With only 300 being made, there will probably be no shortage of buyers. Leica’s press office takes up the story:
Press information
Leica Q ‘Snow’ by Iouri Podladtchikov:
The Swiss Olympic gold medallist and dedicated Leica photographer designs a special edition of the iconic Leica Q
Wetzlar, 12 February 2018. Leica Camera AG presents a new version of its high-performance compact camera with full-frame sensor and fast prime lens: the Leica Q ‘Snow’ by Iouri Podladtchikov. This limited edition has been created in collaboration with Swiss Olympic gold medallist, World Champion snowboarder (halfpipe) Iouri Podladtchikov, whose own ideas inspired the design of the camera.
The Leica Q ‘Snow’ by Iouri Podladtchikov is based on the coloured version of the Leica Q with a silver anodised top deck and baseplate and controls on the top deck in silver. The design concept also features a new accessory shoe cover made from aluminium. The highlights of the special edition include the pure white trim in premium real leather that gives it its name. The edition is also strictly limited to only 300 pieces for the worldwide market, each of which bears a special serial number.
In the words of the dedicated Leica photographer: “As a brand ambassador, it’s a fascinating feeling to have inspired a special edition of a camera, but I also see it as an enormous responsibility”. Interestingly, his choice of the colour white doesn’t just relate to snow – perhaps the obvious choice for a snowboarder: “White, for me, also means ‘carte blanche’ – it’s up to you. It’s time to get creative” explains, Iouri Podladtchikov, who has already published two books of his photography and will soon be opening his own studio.
The Leica Q ‘Snow’ by Iouri Podladtchikov is presented as a set complete with a case in soft white leather and a colour-matched carrying strap and will be available from March 2018 for £4,300 (including VAT).
The technical specifications of the Leica Q ‘Snow’ by Iouri Podladtchikov are identical to those of standard model of the Leica Q. Thanks to its particularly fast Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, the camera is perfect for photography in low light, for street photography, architecture and landscapes. To allow for reliable control of subject composition, the Leica Q also features an integrated viewfinder with a resolution of 3.68 MP. Even the finest details of every exposure are displayed without any perceptible lag as soon as the camera is brought up to the user’s eye.
All functions of the camera are clearly laid out and logically placed to guarantee perfect ergonomics. Its clear and logical menu concept provides rapid access to all essential functions and enables users to programme personalised settings.
The Leica Q also delivers video recordings in full-HD quality. Depending on the scene and subject, users can choose between 30 and 60 full frames per second for video recording in MP4 format. The camera also features an integrated Wi-Fi module for wireless transmission of still pictures and video and remote control by WLAN from a smartphone or a tablet with the Leica Q App.
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I well remember the white M8. And as someone with a fair bit of Leica stuff old and new (including a Titanium Q) I’ve no real problem with this edition. But what puzzles me though is the credit that this is a camera ‘by Iouri Podladtchikov‘. I wonder how much Leica paid him to advise them to slap some white leather and matching accessories around a Q? Baffles me. The white M8, as I recall, was ‘by’ none other than Leica. I must be getting old…..
I also remain baffled. I was amused by the picture of the model on the mountaintop with a Leica Q round her neck. She is, perhaps, Leica’s fantasy of what a "boutique" customer should be. The reality, sad to say, is you or I standing on the same mountain top with a Leica round our necks. Not quite so photogenic, but definitely nearer the truth.
Extraordinary.
It certainly looks good, but I buy my cameras to use them, and not sure I would be comfortable walking around with this photographic eye candy on me.
I wonder if a Q2 might be coming given the number of recent special editions doing the rounds?
I just spotted a comment by another user in Steve Huffs forum, so went and had a closer look at the media images – it would appear from the images available that the so called Snowy Q, has a black back.. all of the media shots only show the front, top and sides.. But there is a hint of black on the back – if true, that is truly lazy by Leica..
I think you are right. I just checked the press pack and there is no picture of the rear of the camera, but the side shot appears to show that the whole of the back is black. I suppose this stands to reason since the white bit is simply the skin replacing the black of the standard camera. It would be feasible to have the plastic bits on the back presented in black.
Snow photography is not new to Leica. I wonder what Stefan Kruckenhauser, author of ‘Snow Canvas’, would make of this camera? His book of photographs taken in snow covered mountains in the 1930s is well worth reading, as it contains many wonderful photos, some of which were taken with the Mountain Elmar.
While I have a Mountain Elmar, I don’t have a Q, so this camera is not for me. I agree with Astolat about how such cosmetic editions give an impression of Leicas being jewellery rather than serious cameras. I also note what my friend Dunk says about value at auctions, but that would not encourage me to purchase as my collecting decisions are based my own preferences rather than possible profit.
William
The WestLicht Auctions have listed previous Leica ‘white; cameras (e.g. white M8) where they command a good price from collectors. A white Q is likely a ‘must have’ for some Leica enthusiasts – especially if they have previous ‘white’ editions.
Thanks for this, Dunk. I see Steve Huff made a similar comment. I’ve incorporated your information in the opening paragraph. I’d completely forgotten about the white M8.
I was referring to deteriorating eyesight for most over 60s in my previous post but there is no way of editing it!! Mike, please note!
Sorry, even I can’t edit comments (which is probably a good idea since it stops the temptation to fiddle alter the sense of others’ comments). If you want to post it again, in edited version, I will delete your original and the two resulting comments.
I so wish Leica could make up its mind as to whether it is a serious photographic company, as it used to be, or purveyor of fashionista trinkets to people with lots of money but no more interest in photography than in handbags or wristwatches. There are times when I ask myself whether I should continue to buy the products. I get the feeling that the company is thrashing around as RF photography must surely be dead in the water except for the die-hard fans. And, if they are anything like most of us over 60, they won’t be able to use them anyway. I suspect the M-range must be facing a severely declining market outlook because of this.