I’m not a photographer who collects gear. Years ago, I sold all of my 2 cameras - a Fuji X-T100, and a Canon 6D. I also managed to accumulate several L series lenses for my Canon. The Canon sat in a closet along with the accessories, and only the Fuji saw the light of day.
After a workshop in New York City, the Leica Q popped on my radar. I spent a considerable amount of time researching this camera, but despite all the specs, something was missing. I needed to hold it, and I needed to shoot with it. That emotion eventually paved the way for a rental period that spanned a long holiday weekend.
To this day, I remember the separation anxiety I was feeling as I boxed the camera to overnighted it back to the camera dealer. I didn’t want to give it up, and what gave me solace was the premonition I would someday own this camera, but only when I sold all my other camera gear. I priced all my equipment to sell because I didn’t want to prolong the sell-off period. I can honestly say if felt great to unload it all. When the proceeds of my equipment sales were within $500 of the price of a new Q, I pulled the trigger.
Many years later, I find myself in a similar boat. This time the culprit is the Leica Q2 Monochrom, yet there are plenty of differences between then and now. First and foremost, I already have a Leica Q, and secondly I have no place to go while Covid-19 cases surge in the United States and Europe. Until I’m vaccinated, I’ll be lying low. I don’t expect to be out in public shooting close-up images of humanity until next summer or next fall. It also means I won’t be rushing into this next purchase for many months which is good for my head, but even better for my pocket.
Once I’m vaccinated, I plan to make up for lost time whether that includes the Leica Q2 Monochrom or not, but like before, I now have a premonition.