The New Leica Q3 43mm Has Arrived: Hands-On Impressions From Camera West

Editor’s Note: This post on the new Leica Q3 43mm from Ben Carpenter, Director of Marketing at Camera West, appears in a longer version on the Camera West blog. 

Today, Leica announced the Leica Q3 43, a highly anticipated addition to their popular Leica Q series. At Camera West and Leica Store San Francisco, we’ve long been hoping for a longer focal length in the Q lineup, and many of those that we meet through our stores have expressed the same. It’s exciting to finally see this come to fruition with the release of the Q3 43mm.

The Leica Q3 43mm offers a “sweet spot” focal length between 35mm and 50mm. This seemingly odd focal length isn’t new for Leica—past cameras like the Minilux, CM, and CL featured a 40mm focal length, which have their own dedicated fan base. While the original 28mm Q lens has its enthusiasts, the 43mm provides a more compressed field of view that some photographers may prefer. Both the Q3 43mm and the Standard Q3 (28mm) share the same internal components, including the 60MP BSI sensor, autofocus system, and OLED viewfinder, but the standout feature of the Q3 43 is its 43mm f2 APO-Summicron ASPH lens, which delivers superior microcontrast and precision thanks to Leica’s advanced optical design.

Details At A Glance – The Leica Q3 43mm

• APO-Summicron 43mm F2 lens contains 4 aspherical elements and a leaf shutter just like its predecessors
• ISO Range of 50-100k 
• 60mp BSI Sensor with triple resolution technology (18/36/60MP) and 8k video recording
• IP52 Rated – Ideal for changing weather environments
• Faster connectivity to Leica Fotos (similar to Leica SL3) and also includes a new “Leica Chrome” look via the Leica Fotos app.
• Support for RODE Microphones via USB-C
• Priced just a touch higher than the “Standard” Q3 at $6895 due to the advanced optical design.

Before the official launch, we had the opportunity to test the Q3 43mm alongside the Standard Q3, comparing their performance in typical use—everyday carry and walk-around photography. Carlo Velasquez put the cameras through their paces, and we found that while both are outstanding tools, they serve different purposes. Some of us even felt that both Q3 models could work well together in a kit, offering versatility across a wide range of focal lengths.

While the 43mm doesn’t replace the 28mm, it’s a fantastic option for those who favor a slightly longer focal length or the distinct rendering of Leica’s APO optics. Deciding between the 28mm Summilux and the 43mm APO-Summicron comes down to your individual preferences and shooting style. We encourage you to try both to see which one resonates with you.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be releasing an in-depth review of the optical characteristics of the Leica Q3 43’s APO-Summicron lens. This lens has truly impressed us, especially considering Leica typically reserves its APO formulations for the more premium end of its SL and M system optics.

For a full gallery of images from our initial comparison between the Standard Q3 and the Q3 43, check out our blog. We’re excited to see what photographers will create with this camera, and you can order yours from Camera West here.