Leica has announced the Q3 43 mirrorless camera, a new variation of its Q-series successor that launched last year. This model features an updated lens, the APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH, instead of the original model’s 28mm fixed lens.
The newer camera retains the same core features of the original Q3. To be more specific, it comes equipped with a 60-megapixel full-frame sensor and a phase-detect autofocus system, offering the same ISO range of 50 to 100,000. Users will also find the familiar 5.76 million-dot OLED viewfinder and a tiltable three-inch touchscreen on the rear. Additionally, the camera continues to provide IP52-rated water and dust protection, ensuring durability in various shooting conditions.
While the internal features of the Q3 43 are unchanged from the original model, Leica has introduced an external design change. This variant sports a grey-tone leather finish, differentiating it from the black leather of the original.
The highlight of this model is the new APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 lens. Leica claims it to be one of its finest, with the capability of delivering realistic, distortion-free images that closely replicate the natural perception of the human eye. The lens also includes a macro mode, activated via a dial, allowing for close-up focus at distances between 26.5 and 60 centimetres. Without the macro mode, the lens can focus at 60 centimetres.
Leica adds that the lens’s optical design features 11 elements arranged into eight groups, including four aspherical elements to ensure sharp, high-contrast images in various lighting conditions. Its aperture range spans from f/2 to f/16, with adjustments available in 1/3 EV increments. In simpler terms, you can expect pleasing bokeh as well as crisp details when snapping portrait-style photos with the APO-Summicron 43mm f/2.
As expected, the Leica Q3 43 won’t be cheap. Despite just featuring a new lens and colourway, it will cost you a whopping RM34,990, which is over RM12,000 more than the original Q3. If you’re cool with that, you can now get the new camera via Leica Malaysia’s official website, its store at Avenue K, as well local authorised retailers in Malaysia.
(Source: Leica Malaysia press release / official website)
