Leica Q (Typ 116)

The Leica Q (Typ 116) is a compact full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, a fixed 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens, an electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage, a 1/16000s maximum shutter speed, up to 10fps burst shooting, built-in image stabilisation, Wi-Fi, a 3-inch touchscreen, and Full HD video at up to 60fps — all in a body weighing 640 grams.

Key Specifications

• Sensor: 24MP full-frame CMOS, ISO 100–50000, crop factor 1.0
• Fixed lens: 28mm f/1.7 Summilux (built into the camera)
• Shutter: 30s–1/16000s (electronic shutter reaches the maximum speed)
• Burst shooting: Up to 10fps
• Autofocus: 49 AF points with contrast-detection
• Viewfinder: Electronic, 100% coverage
• Screen: 3-inch touchscreen, 1,228,800 dots (non-articulating)
• Video: Full HD 1080p at up to 60fps
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, HDMI, Micro-B USB 2.0, hot shoe (Leica TTL flash)
• Body: 640g, SD card storage, built-in microphone, image stabilisation

What makes the Leica Q (Typ 116) special?

In a market full of interchangeable-lens systems, the Leica Q bets everything on a single, extraordinary optic. That fixed 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens is the reason most people fall for this camera — it's exceptionally sharp wide open, renders backgrounds with a smooth quality that's hard to replicate, and the leaf shutter built into the lens is virtually silent for mechanical shooting, while the electronic shutter takes over for completely silent operation and reaches the 1/16000s maximum speed.

The full-frame sensor behind it gives you real depth-of-field control even at 28mm, something you simply don't get from smaller-sensor fixed-lens compacts. With a maximum ISO of 50000 and image stabilisation on board, low-light shooting is a realistic option, not just a spec-sheet checkbox.

Compared to the Leica Q2, the Typ 116 trades the Q2's higher resolution and weather sealing for a lower used price — a worthwhile deal if you don't need those upgrades. The Leica Q-P is essentially the same camera without the red dot, favoured by street photographers who want a lower profile. Against the Fujifilm X100VI, the Q offers a larger full-frame sensor and the Summilux optic, while the Fuji gives you a zoom equivalent and APS-C portability. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II is a comparable fixed-lens full-frame rival worth considering if you want a 35mm focal length instead of 28mm.

As a mirrorless compact, the Q sits in a class of its own within the Leica lineup — it's not a rangefinder, not an interchangeable-lens system, just a thoughtfully designed tool that gets out of your way and lets you shoot.

Who is the Leica Q (Typ 116) for?

This camera is built for photographers who've made peace with a single focal length. The 28mm field of view is wide enough to capture environmental context in street and travel shooting, but tight enough that you're still making deliberate compositional choices rather than just pointing and zooming.

Street photographers love the near-silent shutter, the compact form factor, and the unpretentious look. It doesn't scream "professional gear" — it looks like a thoughtful enthusiast camera, which means subjects are less guarded.

Travel photographers appreciate the all-in-one nature: one camera, one lens, no bag full of glass to worry about. The 640g weight is manageable for full-day shooting, and the electronic viewfinder handles bright outdoor conditions well.

Portrait photographers working at environmental distances — think lifestyle or documentary portraits rather than tight headshots — find the f/1.7 aperture gives them enough subject separation at closer focusing distances.

It's probably not the right pick if you shoot sports or wildlife (49 AF points and contrast-detection have limits), or if you regularly need longer focal lengths. But if 28mm speaks to the way you see, the Q delivers that vision with full-frame quality in a pocketable-ish body.

Buying a used Leica Q (Typ 116)

Buying a used Leica Q is a smart move — these cameras are built with materials and tolerances that age well, and the used market offers real savings over new prices. That said, a few things are worth checking before you buy.

The lens is everything. Because you can't swap glass, inspect the 28mm Summilux carefully. Look for dust, fungus, or scratches on the front element, and check that the aperture blades look clean. Even minor lens issues will affect every single photo you take.

Shutter count matters less here than on DSLR bodies because the electronic shutter is available and many Q owners use it frequently — but ask for the mechanical shutter count if possible.

No weather sealing means you should check for signs of moisture damage, particularly around the controls and hot shoe. The build quality is excellent and the camera feels solid, but it's not waterproof.

Battery life is modest, as with most mirrorless compacts, so check that the included battery holds a charge and that the charger is included — sourcing a spare Leica battery is a worthwhile habit for any full-day shoot.

Every used Leica Q (Typ 116) on Camera-tweedehands.nl comes with a minimum of 12 months warranty and is individually photographed and inspected before listing. The actual warranty period per item is shown on the variant listing. You're buying a pre-owned camera with the confidence of knowing what you're getting.