The Kevlar-protected Leica Q2 Reporter camera is launched today at a cost of £4,950 (in the UK, including tax). This is just £275 more than the standard Q2, making it something of a steal for customers who make a study of used values over time.
A monochrome version, the Q2 Monochrom Reporter is already listed on the Leica Mayfair site at £5,250, only £245 more than the Q2. We understand, however, that the Reporter Monochrom will not be available until the Spring.
In general, I’m not a great fan of special editions — especially those linked to fashion icons rather than serious photographers — but the Reporter is an exception. It is very appealing, with its olive-green metalwork and Kevlar trim, yet costs little more than the standard camera. It will certainly attract a premium on the second-hand market for many years.
This is a cosmetic make-over, of course, and the performance and technical specifications are identical to those of the standard Leica Q2.
So if you are in the market for a Q2, this Reporter rendition is the one to go for, presuming you don’t mind spending the extra couple of hundred. When you come to sell you will more than recoup the extra initial cost.
What do you think?
Does the Kevlar/matte green design hit the right spot for you? Would you buy the standard Q2 if you can get a Reporter for a couple of hundred more?
PRESS RELEASE
Leica Camera Announce The Leica Q2 Reporter, A New Ultra-Robust Product Variant with Kevlar Armour
Wetzlar, 9th December 2021. On November 4, as part of the Celebration of Photography in Wetzlar, Leica Camera AG announced a product variant of the full-frame compact camera Leica Q2 which is available now. The Leica Q2 Reporter continues a long tradition of Leica cameras that are specifically geared towards the challenging working environments of reportage and press photographers – offering maximum precision and reliability even in the most adverse conditions.
Instead of the traditional leather trim, the Leica Q2 Reporter is equipped with a ‘body armour’ made of Kevlar, a synthetic material widely used in the production of high-grade protective clothing. This is perfectly complemented by the camera’s matte-green finish, achieved with a particularly scratch and abrasion-resistant paint. The result is an exterior that is both hard-wearing and discreet.
The Kevlar trim, which is characterised by a distinctive weave pattern, effectively protects the camera against mechanical, chemical and thermal hazards. Although the fabric is initially near black, exposure to natural UV rays will gradually change its tone, until it closely matches the camera’s paint finish. In addition, the Kevlar fibres become slightly more raised over time, which further improves the photographer’s grip on the camera.
The camera’s overall design shows that a strong emphasis has been placed on an unobtrusive appearance: the red Leica logo on the front has been omitted; the engravings and operating elements are discreetly inlaid, so that neither their purpose – nor the camera’s true value – are immediately apparent.
The Leica Q2 Reporter is now available at Leica Store Mayfair, 64-66 Duke Street, London, W1K 6JD for an RRP of £4,950.00.
The camera is also available from all Leica retailers in the UK
There is a Dad’s Army LE coming in khaki canvass and signed by Captain Mainwaring on the top plate. Private Walker has sole distribution rights…
And Private Godfrey would be a dab-hand with the viewfinder.
I must confess this does look rather swanky – and if money was no object I would buy one.
I do think Leica missed an opportunity though – they should sell it with a pair of binoculars, a kevlar body armour set, a kevlar helmet and a webbing belt – just in case there is the odd combat veteran out there that wants to dress up and hide in bushes with it.
Looks nice! I wonder if the handgrip and thumb rest are also in green or standard black?
Looks gorgeous to be very honest. It is $5,995 in the US or $300 more than the standard Q2.
I would expect a two-year-old Reporter to sell for up to $400 more than a standard Q2, so it is definitely the sensible choice unless you really hate that green. But look what happened to Bundeswehr Eigentum Ms over the years…
Is a parachute listed as an accessory for when I jump behind enemy lines ?
Certainly, a set of combats would make you look the part.