The Art of Speed
At Leica and in Formula 1®, teams of engineers work with the utmost precision for months to achieve that decisive fraction of a second. This shared passion for precision and technology has given rise to the Leica Q3 43 Formula 1® Edition – a tribute to the art of speed.
This special edition features handcrafted carbon fiber parts, non-slip Microvelour and official F1® branding. With a focal length of 43 mm, it captures even the most adrenaline-fueled moments as faithfully as the human eye perceives them.
Born from German Engineering, driven by the Spirit of Racing.
Unmistakable Down to the Last Detail
From the engraved top plate and matching lens cap to the rope strap bearing both brands’ logos: the F1® and Leica details incorporated into the material give this exclusive special edition a distinctive character all of its own.
F1® Form Factor
The Leica Q3 43 Formula 1® Edition features motorsport-inspired materials in areas that are particularly important for touch: the body is covered in black Microvelour for a grip on the housing similar to that found on racing steering wheels. Additionally, carbon-fiber parts, which are specially manufactured in Germany, have been fitted to the hand grip, thumb rest and soft-release button. Not only were the carbon fiber elements precisely shaped for this purpose, the intricate surface finish also creates an elegant link to the world of motor racing.
The ‘Formula 1®’ Leica Look
As part of this special edition, a matching rendering has also been developed to create a holistic racing experience. The exclusive ‘Formula 1®’ Leica Look captures the atmosphere of the racetrack and brings it directly into the finished image, with greater contrast and saturation. This look can be transferred to the camera via the Leica FOTOS App and applied immediately. This effect can be applied to JPEGs, which can then be transferred to a smartphone via the app in a matter of seconds and shared straight away.
Always Ready in a Flash
Developed specifically for the Leica Q3 43 Formula 1® Edition, the wireless charging hand grip is a striking design feature inspired by motorsport. Instead of the classic leatherette covering, the hand grip is made of carbon fiber for greater camera control. This is particularly useful when shooting with one hand; a wrist strap can also be attached for added security.
The Arca-Swiss mount enables quick mounting of the camera on a tripod, while the grip can be removed at any time. Thanks to the integrated charging function, the camera starts charging as soon as it sits on the Drop XL Wireless Charger charging pad.
Based on the Leica Q3 43
The Leica Q3 43 fulfills a desire among users for a longer lens, with a 43mm fixed focal length lens. Now in its third generation, the compact fullframe Leica Q3, with a fixed focal length of 28mm, inspires people all over the world. In addition to the unrivalled standards of design, workmanship, image quality and operation, the success of the Q-Family is especially attributed to its close dialogue with its users.
At the heart of the Leica Q3 43 is a unique, newly developed lens. The APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH not only joins the family of legendary Leica APO lenses, renowned among the best lenses in the world, but also distinguishes itself within Leica’s own lens portfolio. The focal length closely mirrors the natural perception of the human eye, enabling the creation of realistic, distortion-free images through the high-resolution OLED viewfinder. This makes the versatile 43mm focal length ideal for both for street photography and portraits. Like its sister model, the Leica Q3, the Leica Q3 43 also features an integrated macro mode for detailed close-ups and a leaf shutter for high-speed flash photography.
The Leica Q3 43 creates extraordinarily sharp, high-contrast images in any lighting condition thanks to its complex construction of the apochromatically corrected optical design, which includes four aspherical elements, while maintaining its compact, lightweight design.
The APO lens delivers superior performance at its maximum aperture of f/2 making it possible to separate subjects from the background with a harmonious bokeh. Combined with its outstanding ISO performance, the APO lens enables short exposure times, even in low light. Photos and videos can be taken at the 43, 60, 75, 90, 120 and 150mm focal lengths by using the frame lines displayed in the 5.76MP OLED viewfinder, or on the touch friendly tiltable monitor.
