Leica Q3 43 camera, Formula 1 Edition

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 fibre parts, non-slip Microvelour and official F1® branding. With a focal length of 43 mm, it captures even the most adrenaline-fuelled 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-fibre 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 fibres precisely shaped for this purpose, the intricate surface finish also creates an elegant link to the world of motor racing.

Focus Comes in Colour

The high-visibility colours on the racing steering wheel play a vital role in helping you track hand movements, even when you’re only seeing them out of the corner of your eye. This allows you to keep your focus on the race. This special edition incorporates the same principle for the soft-release button and the right-hand function button in the thumb rest, both of which are finished in Formula 1® red to ensure every grip is spot on. This lets you keep your focus on the subject.

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.

No Compromises on Technology

The Leica Q3 43 Formula 1® Edition is based on the Leica Q3 43 model. It retains the original model’s outstanding image quality and intuitive operation, combining them with an exclusive design inspired by the world of motorsport.

Top Performance at a Glance

Developed specifically for the Leica Q3 43, the fast APO-Summicron 43 f/2 ASPH. is part of the legendary family of Leica APO lenses, which are renowned for producing exceptionally sharp, high-contrast images.
At the maximum aperture of f/2, subjects are isolated from the background with a harmonious bokeh effect, even in low light. The built-in macro mode captures close-up subjects with impressive detail. Despite its sophisticated design featuring seven aspherical surfaces, the lens retains the compact form factor for which the Leica Q series is renowned.

The Leica Q3 43’s full-frame sensor enables you to select 60, 36 or 18 megapixels at any time in either JPEG or DNG format. Regardless of the selected resolution, the camera always utilises the entire sensor area. The ISO range of 50 to 100,000 provides flexibility in challenging lighting conditions.
Processing is handled by the Maestro IV chip with L² technology. This ensures the camera runs quickly and reliably, even at the highest resolution for both stills and video.

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 fibre 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 is placed on the Drop XL Wireless Charger charging pad.

Driven by Excellence

Great partnerships always stem from a shared ethos. Leica and Formula 1® are united by a tradition of innovation, uncompromising craftsmanship and the pursuit of the highest levels of technical precision. They also share the courage to spend months fine-tuning components that can make the difference when it comes down to fractions of a second. This shared commitment has given rise to a collaboration whereby different worlds bring their strengths together on the starting grid. This is instantly recognisable at first glance.

Leica Q3 43 Formula 1® Edition in hands

For over 100 years, Leica has embodied precision, craftsmanship, timeless design and instruments that enable people to see the world differently.

Formula 1 traffic lights

Formula 1® has been breaking boundaries in terms of performance, technology and innovation for 75 years. It has also become a global symbol of excellence, luxury and culture, extending far beyond the world of racing.

Eyes on the Pole Position

The Leica Q3 43 Formula 1® Edition was born from a shared pursuit of excellence. This powerful, compact full-frame camera with a motorsport-inspired design is always at the ready thanks to its focal length, which comes close to human vision. It captures even the most fleeting moments with complete authenticity. Every detail combines the spirit of Formula 1® with Leica’s design language and ‘Made in Germany’ craftsmanship.