By David Farkas Leica Store Miami
While the focus of this
Photokina has been clearly centered around Leica’s professional products, the
entire product range was being shown to show-goers. Product managers for other
systems besides the S and SL were also in attendance and holding meetings. I
had the opportunity to sit down for a quick interview with Peter Kruschewski,
who is the product manager for the Q and compact camera line. There were no new
product announcements for the Q and it’s clear that no one from Leica is
talking about any future cameras, or even future product ideas. I still felt it was worthwhile to try to get
an idea as to the current state of the Leica Q and at least ask about what the
future holds.
DF: The Leica Q has been
wildly popular and been doing extremely well in the market. Would you have
predicted this kind of demand?
PK: We are very pleased
with how the market has received the camera. It is amazing that we are still
experiencing shortages over a year after the launch. It is really unprecedented.
Why do you think the Q has
been such an unbelievable success for Leica?
First of all, it is a
combination of the imaging performance, the design, and the excellent 28mm
lens. Few photographers expected a concept like this: full frame sensor, f/1.7
wide angle lens, high-res built-in EVF, high speed operation, manual controls.
I personally love that the
controls are all very M-like and intuitive.
The whole concept wasn’t
to get too close to the M, but to incorporate as much of the Leica M DNA and
infuse it into the all-in-one camera and lens system of the Q. And this combination
is what has been so appealing. It really is a fantastic camera.
I agree. The Q feels like
a “real” camera to me.
Yes, and very simple and
fun to use.
I also have to say that
one of my favorite features is the macro mode. It really adds another dimension
to the wide angle lens.
Yes, absolutely! The macro
functionality has been very well received. And, the whole thing is just so
cool. I really love how we were able to create the mechanical change to the
macro mode. It is so unique and one of our
favorite little design touches, for sure. We always hear how much the users
like this feature as well.
Is it safe to say that
given the success of the current Q, that Leica is committed to the Q system for
the foreseeable future?
Yes. Without a doubt, the
Q has a strong future at Leica. We are fully committed to the system.
What about firmware
updates? Leica has been consistent about continually refining the camera with
updates. What more can we expect?
Within the life cycle of
the Q we will make as many improvements as we can. We listen closely to the
market and users to see where we can make meaningful changes. But quite
honestly, the Q is already really performing on a very high level.
I have to ask. Is there a
new Q in the works?
The Q is now 15 months
old, which is actually quite young. In product management, we are naturally
thinking already about future concepts and next steps, but it isn’t’ time to
talk about replacing the Q any time soon. Right now, we are focusing on keeping
up with the continued demand for the camera.
Of course, there is a good
chance that there will be a successor in the future, which obviously makes
sense with any camera, or really any product for that matter.
What are your thoughts on
offering other focal lengths for future Q offerings? Some have requested 35 or
50mm lens options.
Unfortunately, I’m not at
liberty to discuss any possible future models.
Of course, we really love
how passionate our users are and take their feedback very seriously. We always
like to hear from them and see what we can do to address their needs. Some of
these concepts might not make sense for the Q, but others could be quite
interesting.
Thanks so much for talking
with me today. I look forward to see how the Q develops.
My pleasure. Enjoy the
rest of the show.
heck out my full review of the camera here:
________________________________________________________________________________________
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