The Leica Q3 43 introduces a 43mm lens designed to balance street photography, portraits, and general versatility. It’s a fresh take for those who found the previous Q series’ 28mm lens either too wide or too limiting, and it's paired with a powerful camera behind it.
Coming to you from Justin Mott, this insightful video explores the Leica Q3 43’s strengths and challenges, particularly its lens and usability. Mott emphasizes the shift to a 43mm focal length, which strikes a middle ground between the more traditional 28mm and 50mm options. He explains how this change can encourage better composition and flexibility, particularly in environments where precision is crucial. This lens feels natural for both street photography and environmental portraits, making it a practical choice for users seeking an all-in-one solution.
The camera's lens quality is one of its standout features. The 43mm Apo-Summicron lens boasts exceptional sharpness and advanced apochromatic correction, minimizing color fringing and ensuring accurate color reproduction. This level of quality elevates the Leica Q3 43 beyond its predecessors, delivering professional-level performance for photographers who demand sharpness and vibrant tones. Mott notes that the lens feels more intuitive and rewarding for framing scenes, especially compared to the 28mm lens many found challenging.
Key Specs
- Sensor: 60.3 MP full-frame CMOS with optical image stabilization
- Lens: 43mm Apo-Summicron, f/2 maximum aperture
- ISO Range: 50–100,000 (manual), 100–100,000 (auto)
- Shutter Speed: 1/16,000 to 120 seconds (electronic and mechanical options)
- Video Recording: 8K and 4K resolutions, H.264 and H.265 codecs, with ProRes support
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Leica FOTOS app integration
- Weather-Sealing: Designed to withstand tough conditions
Despite its strengths, the camera is not without drawbacks. Mott points out that, while video capabilities like 8K recording are included, the lack of a 3.5mm mic jack and a fully articulating screen make it less appealing for serious video creators. Additionally, the camera's $6,895 price tag may feel steep, especially when compared to other options within and outside the Leica ecosystem. However, the weather-sealing and autofocus give it an edge over some M series cameras, particularly for users who need a hybrid setup for stills and occasional video.
The 43mm lens is particularly useful for photographers who prefer versatility without carrying multiple lenses. Its ability to crop in-camera extends its functionality to mimic tighter focal lengths like 50mm or 75mm, though resolution decreases with each crop. Mott appreciates how this focal length pushes photographers to be more deliberate in their compositions, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their skills. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Mott.
