Leica's Q2 Monochrom model reportedly on the verge of being phased out

In the world of photography, Sebastian Oakley stands out as a versatile artist with a penchant for black and white imagery. With a rich background in equestrianism, Oakley's work has been internationally published and used by leading names in the equestrian industry.

Oakley, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and holder of a Master of Arts in Publishing, has a diverse arsenal of cameras, including cinema equipment from Sony, RED, ARRI, and others. However, when it comes to personal photography, Oakley prefers the Leica M-E or Leica M2 for street and documentary shots.

Leica, a renowned name in the photography industry, has a special place in Oakley's heart. He is also a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since his film days, but his affinity for Leica cameras is evident. Oakley is a member of BEWA, the British Equestrian Writers' Association, for an unspecified duration.

Leica's Monochrom line, known for its black and white-only cameras, has caught Oakley's eye. The full-frame Leica Q2 Monochrom, unveiled on November 10, 2020, has been a favourite of his. Despite production of the Q2 Monochrom reportedly ending, the camera is still available for purchase in shop windows and online.

The Leica Q3 Monochrom, rumoured to be in development, might inherit features from the M11 Monochrom, such as built-in memory, Leica Content Credentials, and enhanced file security. There is speculation about the lens that will be used in the Q3 Monochrom, with the 28mm f/1.7 Summilux and the 43mm f/2 APO Summicron being potential options.

However, it is currently unclear which company will likely take over the production of a new Leica Q3 Monochrom camera, and no announced release date for such a model exists so far. Leica Camera AG introduced the full-frame Leica Q3 in 2025, but there is no confirmed information on a Monochrom variant or its manufacturer.

As we await the potential release of the Leica Q3 Monochrom, it's clear that Oakley's affinity for Leica's black and white cameras will continue to shape his photography. The remaining stock of the Leica Q2 Monochrom will gradually disappear from retailers, but Oakley's work, captured through the lens of his Leica cameras, will continue to inspire.