The Leica Q series of full-frame compact cameras have been supplied with the same 28mm f/1.7 lens since their release in 2015. The Leica Q3 43, unveiled today, is almost identical to the well-known 60-megapixel Q3, except for the gray leatherette finish and a new fast “portrait” lens with a focal length of 43 mm and a maximum aperture of f/2. In addition, the camera has become more expensive – its price is $6895, while the standard Q3 costs $6295.
Image source: Leica
Apart from the new fixed APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 lens with aspherical lenses, the Leica Q3 43 differs minimally from its predecessor. It uses the same back-illuminated sensor with an ISO range of 50 to 100,000, a hybrid autofocus system, and the same leaf shutter. The camera can shoot 8K video at up to 30 frames per second, with higher frame rates and improved color subsampling available at 4K resolution.
The controls and their layout are also unchanged, as is the flip-out 3-inch display. As with all previous models in the Q range, the Q3 43 has a dedicated button for digital cropping, but due to the new focal length, cropping is available at 60mm, 75mm, 90mm, 120mm and 150mm equivalents.
The new addition to Leica’s Q line comes shortly after the announcement of the M11-D rangefinder camera, which ditches the screen in favor of a more “pure” analogue experience. What makes these new products similar is the lack of a charger included, which is positioned as an “additional accessory.” Previously, all Q3, Q2 and Leica SL camera models costing over $6,000 came with it.
The Leica Q3 43 appears to be a natural evolution of the Q line of cameras. Leica fans have wanted a 50mm version of the Q since the original’s release. The 28mm lens was then chosen by the manufacturer to balance size, speed and cost. Now Leica engineers have managed to create a 43mm lens that is only 5mm longer. Fans of the brand get the camera of their dreams without sacrificing too much in terms of size or maximum aperture.
