The Leica Q3 43 Review highlights the latest evolution in Leica’s Q-series, featuring a 43mm f/2 lens that takes the compact camera to new heights. With its exceptional image quality, innovative design, and versatility, the Q3 43 sets a new standard for those seeking both performance and portability in a high-end compact camera.
A Fresh Perspective on Photography
The Leica Q-series has long held a unique place in the camera market as the only fixed-lens full-frame models available. The original Q3, featuring a 28mm f/1.7 lens, was widely praised for its performance, cementing its place as a favorite among compact camera enthusiasts. However, not all photographers prefer the 28mm focal length. Recognizing this, Leica has introduced a variant equipped with a 43mm f/2 lens: the Leica Q3 43.
This focal length may seem unconventional, but it is purposefully chosen. Measuring approximately the diagonal of the full-frame sensor, 43mm offers a “perfect normal” perspective. Many photographers value this focal range for its ability to produce images with a natural and unforced sense of depth. Historically, lenses in the 40-45mm range have appeared on numerous iconic cameras, including the Leica CL’s 40mm f/2 and classic film cameras like the Canonet QL19 and Olympus 35SP.
A Fresh Perspective on Photography
The introduction of the 43mm lens changes the kinds of subjects the Q3 43 excels at compared to its 28mm predecessor. The Leica Q3 43 is well-suited for environmental portraiture, street photography, and capturing family moments. In contrast, the original Q3’s wider focal length remains ideal for landscapes, architecture, and travel photography.
Priced at $6,895 (€6,750.00), the Leica Q3 43 targets photographers who demand top-tier quality. While alternatives like the Ricoh GR IIIx or Fujifilm X100VI offer lower-priced options with similar focal lengths, they fall short in terms of full-frame capability and overall performance.
The Lens: A Technical Marvel
The standout feature of the Leica Q3 43 is undoubtedly its lens. The APO-Summicron 1:2/43 ASPH lens incorporates 11 elements arranged in 8 groups, including seven aspherical surfaces. This construction ensures unparalleled sharpness across the frame while minimizing chromatic aberration.
In its standard mode, the lens focuses down to 60cm. For close-up photography, a Macro mode reduces the minimum focusing distance to 27cm, making the camera versatile for various shooting scenarios. The lens also features optical image stabilization (OIS), which activates automatically at slower shutter speeds to ensure sharp results.
The lens design extends 5mm further than its 28mm counterpart, resulting in a slightly heavier camera at 772g. Despite this, Leica has optimized the design with a shorter lens hood, maintaining the portability that the Q-series is known for.
Shared Features with the Original Q3
Apart from the new lens, the Leica Q3 43 shares many features with the original Q3. It houses the same 60MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor, which delivers extraordinary resolution and image quality. The camera allows shooting at full resolution or scaled-down options of 36MP or 18MP, depending on the user’s needs.
The Maestro IV processor powers the camera’s impressive capabilities, including a standard ISO range of 100-100,000, burst shooting at up to 15fps, and 8K video recording at 30fps. Autofocus is bolstered by phase-detection elements, supporting subject recognition for people and animals.
Shutter speed options range from 1/2000sec using the mechanical shutter to 1/16,000sec with the electronic shutter. In addition, the camera offers a ‘T’ mode for long exposures, simplifying the process of capturing extended shots.
Build Quality and Handling
The Q3 43 maintains Leica’s reputation for excellent craftsmanship. Its all-metal body is robust and weather-sealed to an IP52 standard. At 130 x 80 x 98mm, the camera feels solid yet comfortable to handle, thanks to its curved edges and well-thought-out controls.
The camera’s control layout strikes a balance between traditional and modern. Users will appreciate the analog dials for shutter speed and aperture, complemented by a customizable electronic thumb dial. The menu system remains streamlined, offering quick access to essential settings without unnecessary complexity.
The 43mm Lens in Action
The optical performance of the 43mm lens is nothing short of exceptional. Even at its widest aperture of f/2, the lens produces sharp, detailed images across the frame. Stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8 achieves peak sharpness, while diffraction only slightly affects smaller apertures.
The lens performs admirably in Macro mode, offering sharp results even at close focusing distances. Bokeh is smooth and pleasing, especially when shooting close-up with distant backgrounds. Leica has also integrated effective optical stabilization, allowing sharp shots at shutter speeds as low as 1/10sec.
Advanced Features for Creative Shooting
Leica has equipped the Q3 43 with features that enhance creative flexibility. The camera includes a digital zoom feature, offering cropped focal lengths equivalent to 60mm, 75mm, 90mm, 120mm, and 150mm. While resolution decreases with each step, the results remain impressive.
Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enables seamless integration with the Leica Fotos app. The app supports remote shooting, image transfer, and access to Leica’s ‘Looks,’ a series of creative color profiles. These profiles, which include styles inspired by Kodachrome and Fujichrome Velvia, add a unique touch to JPEG output.
Image Quality and Video
The Q3 43 delivers outstanding image quality, making full use of its 60MP sensor. Raw files exhibit excellent detail and dynamic range, with minimal noise up to ISO 1600. The JPEG engine, while functional, benefits from Leica Looks for enhanced creative output.
Video capabilities are robust, with options for 8K, 4K, and Full HD recording. However, the camera lacks a dedicated microphone port, limiting its appeal as a primary video tool.
Conclusion
The Leica Q3 43 redefines compact perfection. Its 43mm lens strikes an ideal balance between natural perspective and versatile performance, making it a compelling choice for various photography styles. While its premium price restricts accessibility, those who invest will find a camera that delivers in every aspect.
For photographers who demand the best in design, performance, and image quality, the Leica Q3 43 stands as a testament to Leica’s craftsmanship and innovation.
Verdict: The Leica Q3 series has always stood out for its quality and innovation. With the addition of a 43mm f/2 lens, the Leica Q3 43 takes an already excellent camera to a new level. Its combination of remarkable design, advanced features, and exceptional image quality positions it as one of the most desirable compact cameras available—albeit at a premium price.