Leica Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee

Leica Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee Summary

Boasting a unique design with extremely limited production run, the Leica Q2 ‘Ghost’ by Hodinkee is a distinguished compact Leica camera, based on the original Leica Q2. The design is both elegant and unobtrusive with a light grey paint finish, which is inspired by the legendary Rolex Submariner ‘Ghost Bezel,’ with its very rare grey bezel.

The camera body also features unique grey armouring in full grain cow hide, reminiscent of other special edition cameras, such as the Leica Q2 Reporter. This armouring gives a natural texture and special coating to protect the compact against environmental effects. A carrying strap woven round from grey thread with sturdy key ring binding is another unique component of the Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee, setting this edition apart from any other models.

While the exterior is entirely unique, the underpinnings are identical to the original Q2, offering impeccable image quality from a 47.3 megapixel full-frame sensor, which is paired with a class-leading low light Leica Summilux 28  f/1.7 ASPH lens. Robust materials are used throughout so you can shoot 4K video and high-res images whatever the conditions.

Key Leica Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee Features

• Unique limited edition camera inspired by the legendary Rolex Submariner ‘Ghost Bezel’
• Elegant light grey paint finish
• Robust grey armouring in full grain cow hide with natural texture and special coating
• Light grey woven rope strap
• 47.3 megapixel full frame sensor with built-in crop modes
• 4K 30fps movies with full-HD format with 120 fps
• Weather resistant IP52 protective sealing against dust and water
• Bright Leica Summilux 28  f/1.7 ASPH lens with digital zoom of up to 75mm
• Bright 3.68 megapixels OLED viewfinder
• Extreme IP52 protective sealing against dust and water
• Made in Germany

Leica Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee Special Edition Camera in More Detail

High resolution 47.3MP sensor and digital zoom

The Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee features the same highly effective 47.3 megapixel full frame sensor from the Q2, with richly detailed photographs and brilliant 4K video, at ISO sensitivities up to 50,000. The combination of the Leica Summilux 28  f/1.7 ASPH lens which is the fastest in its class and high resolution extends the flexibility for creating beautiful images. A digital zoom enables you to choose subject framing to focal lengths of 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 75 mm thanks to the zoom feature and you can also preserve the original 47.3 megapixel image from the full sensor in DNG raw format.

IP52 weather sealing

The Leica Q2 (including this Ghost by Hodinkee special edition) is the only compact camera in its class to feature IP52 protective sealing against dust and water spray (aside from its Leica stablemates). This means that you can brave unfavourable conditions with ease and shoot without concern, paying attention to the task of getting the perfect picture.

Class-leading Leica lens with digital zoom

The wide f/1.7 maximum aperture on the Summilux 28mm lens is ideal for capturing the world around you, with incredible sharpness on your subject and beautiful background blur. You can also achieve outstanding performance in even the most difficult lighting situations thanks to the class leading aperture. With a digital zoom of up to 75 mm, the Leica Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee Limited Edition makes an excellent companion for street photography as well as architecture, landscapes, portraits and documentary.

An integrated macro mode dial on the lens reduces the close-focus distance down to just 17 cm to capture close-up shots with razor sharp results. A locking focus ring also delivers instantaneous switching between manual and auto focus modes for yet nice versatility.

4K video and high-speed shooting

The autofocus system of the Leica Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee focuses sharply on the subject within milliseconds, making it one of the fastest cameras in its class. Improvements to its new processor from the Maestro II family have enabled a high continuous burst shooting rate with an impressive 10 frames per second from the mechanical shutter, even at maximum resolution. The Leica Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee adds 4K UHD and Cine4K video recording to its arsenal of features, with frame rate options across 4K and 1080p.

In combination with the Leica FOTOS App, the camera’s integrated Wi-Fi module makes it possible to quickly and easily share pictures and video via social media, and thanks to Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) a permanent connection can be established between camera and smartphone. Now users can even remotely wake the camera and connect any time when in range.

High-resolution OLED Viewfinder

The Leica Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee features a newly developed high-resolution OLED viewfinder, which offers a lag-free high refresh rate and faster auto-switching between the rear display and EVF. The high resolution of 3.68 megapixels in the viewfinder provides the clearest vision of the user’s composition to perfectly and accurately frame subjects. OLED panels, known today for being utilised in the highest quality smartphone and TV screens on the market, are superior to LCDs as they control each pixel’s brightness independently – this yields a better colour depth and quality for a more pleasing experience every time the camera is raised to the user’s eye.

Refined ergonomics and handling

The design of the Leica Q carries forward the Leica tradition of reduction to the essentials. The ‘Made in Germany’ seal of quality guarantees that only the finest and most resilient materials are employed in its construction. The distinctive thumb rest of the new Leica Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee Limited Edition and the sophisticated diamond pattern of its leather trim ensure optimum grip and highlight the symbiosis of function and form. Also new is the camera’s uniquely intuitive handling concept, following refined design language cues established from its brethren in the Leica M10 and Leica CL families – such as the single-stage On/Off switch, simplified three-button interface on the rear of the camera and programmable button within the thumb wheel dial. A new highlight of the Leica Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee layout is the push-button diopter compensation dial on the back of the camera that locks and prevents inadvertent changes to the user’s desired setting. Every refinement, both large and small, pushes Leica’s design forward without losing sight of the core philosophy of the camera.

Hodinkee New York

Founded by Benjamin Clymer, Hodinkee is a New York City based watch site, which is known as an influencer with both new and vintage wristwatches for sale. Their influence has seen articles published across The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Esquire, Gear Patrol, GQ, HighSnobiety and many more publications. Their reputation is for being one of the most trusted timepiece and accessories platforms for consumers and enthusiasts, which makes a natural fit for legendary camera manufacturer Leica.

This camera is based on the faded, or ghost bezel, caused by a defect in the bezels produced by Rolex on popular watches, which include the Submariner. This rare and now highly desirable defect is caused by ageing depending on the time spent in the elements and simply being used for what it was intended. This mirrors Leica’s belief that their camera equipment improves with age, built to withstand harsh conditions, yet enjoyed out in the field.

Wide range of compact camera accessories

A comprehensive range of optional accessories is also available for the Leica Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee. These include matching camera protector cases and carrying straps in premium-quality classic black and brown leather.

The accessory selection also includes technical equipment for the Leica Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee such as the Leica SF 40, SF 60 flash unit, the SF C1 remote flash control unit and an additional add-on thumb rest and handgrip. All accessories are functionally designed for easy handling, perfectly matching the quality and design of the camera and are manufactured from only the finest materials to ensure reliability for a lifetime of use.

• Sandisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDHC Card 280MB/s UHS-II Class 10 U3 – High performance to keep pace with 10fps burst and 4K video recording
• Leica BP-SCL4 Battery – Essential spare Q2 battery
• Leica Filter UVa II 49mm Filter Black – Protection and cuts down ultraviolet light
• E49 Green Filter
• E49 Yellow Filter
• E49 Orange Filter
• Capture One Pro for Leica cameras – A professional editing solution with beautiful results as your starting point

What’s in the box

• Leica Q2 Ghost by Hodinkee Limited Edition Camera
• Grey rope strap
• Battery
• Lens hood
• Lens cover
• Hot shoe cover
• Charger and cables
• Quick start guide

Leica Q2 Ghost By Hodinkee Specifications