Leica Q2 vs Fuji X100VI: A Street Photographer’s Perspective

In the world of fixed-lens cameras, the Leica Q2 and Fuji X100VI stand as two remarkable options. While they share similarities, they also differ in ways that significantly impact the creative process. Rather than rehashing their technical specifications or listing pros and cons—which have been covered exhaustively—I want to focus on how these cameras influence the artistic decisions a photographer makes.
As someone who primarily shoots street photography with a sprinkling of travel, cityscapes, and architectural shots, my insights are rooted in real-world use. Let’s dive into the nuances of these two cameras, exploring how their features shape creative expression.

Focal Length: A Divergence in Perspective
The most striking difference between the Leica Q2 and Fuji X100VI is their focal lengths. On paper, the Q2’s 28mm lens and the X100VI’s 35mm lens seem close, but the practical difference is significant. In reality, the Q2’s lens is often considered closer to 26mm.
For street photographers who like to get close to their subjects or shoot from the hip and crop later, the Q2’s wider focal length can be a game-changer. Its 47 MP sensor allows substantial cropping while maintaining excellent image quality, providing flexibility to frame the shot you envision. Conversely, the X100VI’s 35mm equivalent lens offers a tighter perspective, which may suit photographers who prefer maintaining a bit of distance from their subjects.
However, it’s worth noting that Fuji offers two conversion lenses (28mm and 50mm equivalents) for the X100 series. While some, like myself, find these lenses bulky and disruptive to the camera’s balance, others incorporate them seamlessly into their workflow. Third-party options also make this more accessible for those willing to experiment.

A candid portrait taken very close

Depth of Field: Control and Creativity
Depth of field (DoF) is another area where these cameras diverge subtly. The Q2’s f/1.7 lens paired with its full-frame sensor offers beautiful bokeh and subject isolation. Meanwhile, the X100VI’s f/2 lens, when translated to full-frame terms, is closer to f/3 in terms of light-gathering and DoF.
However, depth of field depends not only on aperture but also on focal length and sensor size. The X100VI’s longer equivalent focal length naturally creates a shallower DoF compared to the Q2. If your style involves getting up close to your subjects, both cameras will deliver impressive background separation. But the Q2’s ability to get physically closer to subjects gives it a slight edge in this area. Or you might be an f/8 shooter and it could make no difference whatsoever for your creative process.

A good subject isolation even with 28 mm lens

LCD Display and Compositional Flexibility
One of the X100VI’s standout features is its tilting screen. This design allows for more versatile framing options, whether shooting from low or high angles. It’s particularly useful for photographers with less-than-ideal knees or those who want to shoot discreetly by looking down at the camera instead of holding it to their eye.While the Q2 lacks this feature, Leica addressed the demand for a tilting screen in the Q3. However, Fuji’s implementation of the tilt mechanism remains sleek and functional, making it a joy to use in various shooting scenarios.

ND Filter and Image Stabilisation
The X100VI includes a built-in ND filter, a feature that becomes even more useful with the addition of in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) in the latest model. This combination allows photographers to achieve creative slow-shutter shots, even in bright daylight, without external accessories. I particularly use slow shutter speed to bring drama, sense of speed or confusion to my captures, I find it very useful.
The Q2’s lens features optical image stabilisation (OIS), which provides about one stop of advantage. While effective for most shooting scenarios, it’s not as robust as Fuji’s IBIS system, which excels in stabilising motion for both stills and video.

It was not going to be very difficult to get this result without IBIS

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Manual Focusing: The Experience Matters
One area where the Leica Q2 truly shines is manual focusing. Leica is renowned for crafting lenses that deliver a tactile, intuitive focusing experience, and the Q2 is no exception. Its focus ring is beautifully dampened and precise, making it a joy to use for those who enjoy manual control. Combined with the Q2’s high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF), manual focusing feels effortless and engaging, especially for pre-focusing in street photography scenarios.
In comparison, the X100VI’s manual focus system is serviceable but lacks the same level of refinement. Its focus-by-wire mechanism doesn’t provide the same feedback as the Q2’s lens. However, Fuji compensates with excellent autofocus performance, which many street photographers rely on in dynamic environments. I find Q2's auto focus performance as unreliable.

If my memory serves right, I used manual focusing for this shot but I am not 100% sure.

Weather Sealing: Durability in the Elements
When it comes to weather sealing, the Leica Q2 takes the lead with its comprehensive protection against dust and moisture. This robust sealing makes it a reliable companion in challenging weather conditions, whether you’re caught in a drizzle or shooting on a dusty street.
The X100VI, on the other hand, offers limited weather resistance, requiring the addition of an adapter and filter to seal the lens. While this solution works, it adds an extra layer of complexity. I must say that even though weather resistance kit added, I experienced issues with my previous X100V, the OVF box steamed up once when there was just a little rain but it did not cause further issues and recovered after a few hours.

I took this shot with neither of the cameras, but I had no problem taking my Q2 out in this weather. However, I can’t say the same for the X100VI.

Final Thoughts
Both the Leica Q2 and Fuji X100VI are exceptional cameras, but their differences might cater to distinct photographic approaches. The Q2 offers unparalleled image quality, a wide and versatile perspective, and a luxurious manual focusing experience. Meanwhile, the X100VI excels in portability, compositional flexibility, and stabilisation, making it a strong choice for those seeking a more compact and feature-rich camera.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your shooting style, creative priorities, and the compromises you’re willing to make. For me, the Q2 edges out slightly due to its wider field of view and superior weather sealing, but the X100VI holds its own with features that make it a joy to use.

I didn’t include a cost comparison, as it shouldn’t influence the creative process. However, weight and form factor could play a role in certain creative processes. I’ll keep this in mind, as I plan to create a YouTube video with this material. In the video, I’ll include a comparison of weight and size.

Thanks, David.

The electronic ND filter mimics a reduction in exposure by 4 stops, similar to a physical ND filter. It’s up to the user to decide how to configure the camera. Personally, I mostly use it to reduce the shutter speed and create motion blur. I know some people use it to avoid relying on the electronic shutter.
An ND filter is particularly important for video shooters since the shutter speed cannot be raised to reduce exposure. In such cases, reducing the sensor’s exposure with an ND filter is often necessary to maintain the desired depth of field.
The Q3’s AF should be better than the Q2’s due to PDAF and a newer processor, but I haven’t used it long enough to make a thorough comparison with the Q2.

The reported 26 mm focal length of the Q2 has more to do with the native focal length to establish a FOV to have enough data outside the 28 mm frame to support the interpolation for the S/W corrections to be accomplished. That can easily be seen in raw files (at least on Capture One) compared to those with the lens corrections applied. The Q2 is not a light weight. It is a well made and for its volume it can feel like a "brick." On the other hand it is no heavier than my Leica M4. Leica does not produce lightweight.

I have the Q2 M and am quite partial to it because well it is monochrome and has the advantages of a true monochrome camera, more light on sensor (no CFA) and no interpolation to produce an image so higher resolution. Since I a mostly only interested in B&W photography, it is my choice for the street and some other things.

The Fujifilm X100V/VI are great cameras, but since my interest in B&W not of a lot of interest to me. But I suspect for those that prefer color, the questions between the Q2 and X100VI is a bit more subtle.

Daneland et al. This is an outstanding thread. It's the kind of quality we want to have prominent in the new layout of Dprevived being developed.
PS. I don't have time to do it now but I'd like to add consideration of the Sony RX1 series into the discussion. It was the camera that I feel Leica copied with their Q series and I still think the RX1 stands up well today. Rumours abound that Sony is bringing out a new version.
An extra note to tprevatt. Are you interested in helping to get a B&W discussion group going here? If so, let me know and I'll contact you via the personal messaging.