Review: Leica Q3 43 Full-frame Compact Camera

The Leica Q3 43 is a variant of the Leica Q3, with one big difference: the lens. As the name implies, the Leica Q3 43 uses a 43mm f/2.0 lens, whereas the Leica Q3 has a 28mm f/1.7 lens. Otherwise, the Q3 43 is the same as the Q3. 

Although not exactly ‘compact’ in size, the Leica Q series appeals most to travel and street photographers. Even photojournalists will be interested in this camera. The discreet and minimalist design continues Leica’s design philosophy and provides a distraction-free, immersive shooting experience. This time with a different lens and perspective, but still quintessentially Leica. 

Watch our video review and read on for a deep dive into the Leica Q3 43’s specs, unique 43mm lens, 60-megapixel sensor, image quality and low-light performance. We compare it to its closest peers and help you decide which is best for you. 

Key Specs

• 60-megapixel full-frame sensor

• 43mm f/2 APO-submicron lens

• Crop modes of 60, 75, 90, 120 or 150mm equivalent focal lengths

• 8K video

• 5.76M dot OLED electronic viewfinder

Quick Verdict:

The Leica Q3 43 builds upon the success of the 28mm Leica Q3, replacing the lens with an exceptional 43mm f/2. While both cameras produce outstanding results, the Leica Q3 43’s focal length creates a distinctly different shooting experience. The Q3 43 maintains Leica's reputation for luxury cameras with exceptional image quality and premium build.

The Big Change: 43mm Lens

The Leica Q3 43’s focal length of 43mm might seem unconventional compared to traditional 28mm, 35mm or 50mm options. However, 43mm avoids both the wide-angle effect of 28mm and the mild telephoto compression of 50mm lenses, making the lens an intriguing compromise between the two. 

The 43mm lens choice makes the camera more versatile than a 50mm option, and offers a distinctly different view from the 28mm Q3. While photographers more familiar with 35mm might need a brief adjustment period, the 43mm lens quickly proves a ‘natural way’ to shoot. 

Like the Leica Q3, the Q3 43’s lens is its outstanding feature and main selling point. The 43mm lens offers exceptional sharpness across the board at all apertures, even wide open at f/2.0. We could detect little to no lens distortion, either. It really is a fantastic lens. 

The 43mm lens offers two minimum focus distances: a standard minimum focus of 60cm and a macro mode at 27cm, activated by twisting the macro dial. The optical stabilisation system cleverly engages only at slower shutter speeds. 

Design and Handling

The Leica Q3 43 retains the established Q3 body design, with the main distinctions being its grey leatherette finish and '43' markings on both the lens and hotshoe. The camera remains unmistakably Leica in its design language, even without the signature red dot.

The design of the Leica Q3 43 is all about a simple and distraction-free approach: a shutter speed dial, aperture ring (both featuring 'A' positions for automatic control), and a rear command dial with a customisable centre button. This minimalist approach keeps photographers focused on the fundamentals of photography, and existing Leica shooters will feel right at home here. 

Shooting Performance

Speed-wise, the camera offers decent shooting options. With autofocus enabled, it captures seven frames per second, while fixed focus mode pushes this to 15 frames per second. The generous buffer accommodates at least 60 RAW shots, which should be enough for most people. 

Crop Modes

One benefit of 60 megapixels is detail. The Q3 43 takes advantage of this by offering 50, 75, 90, 120 and 150mm crop modes, which equate to 31, 21, 14, 8, and 5-megapixel equivalent photos. This feature helps, especially as you’re restricted to one fixed lens. For most people, the lower resolution in these crop modes—particularly at 50mm or 75mm—won’t be that noticeable. 

Autofocus

The Leica Q3 43’s autofocus performance is notably quiet and responsive, and it was always impressive and speedy for a fixed-prime compact camera. While the autofocus system performs exceptionally well, we saw occasional challenges during fast shooting scenarios. One notable limitation is the lack of user-configurable autofocus point pre-selection within detection modes, which can complicate capturing candid multi-subject scenes.

The Q3 43’s subject recognition system presents a challenge. Without the ability to manually specify an initial autofocus point, the camera can unpredictably shift focus between subjects, particularly in scenarios with multiple people. 

Image Quality  

In terms of image quality, the Q3 43 competes with the likes of the Sony A7R V or Sony A7CR. For a deep dive, read our travel-focused Sony A7CR review.  

The Leica M11 is the Leica Q3 43’s rangefinder cousin, and it also opts for the 60-megapixel sensor. While 60 megapixels is a lot of resolution to pack into a full-frame sensor, the Leica Q3 43 produces extremely detailed images while performing very well in low-light situations. 

Lowlight Performance

The Leica Q3 43’s performance at ISO 100 is flawless. Even at ISO 800, image clarity holds up remarkably well during close inspection. While subtle softening of detail begins at ISO 1600, and noise becomes more evident at higher sensitivities, the camera still performs admirably. Even shooting at ISO 25,000 is a viable option with robust noise reduction in camera. This strong ISO performance makes the Q3 43 versatile across a wide range of lighting conditions.

RAW files from the Q3 43 are packed with detail and offer impressive dynamic range, particularly at lower ISOs. Shadow recovery is effortless in files captured at ISO 100 to 400, with minimal noise even after significant adjustments.

At higher ISOs, like 1600, you can lift shadows by two or three stops while preserving highlights. This level of adjustability makes it easy to fine-tune tonal values during editing without degrading quality.

One drawback of 60-megapixel RAW files is their large file sizes. However, Leica addresses this by allowing you to save files at reduced resolutions of 36 or 18 megapixels while retaining the benefits of RAW files. Even at 18 megapixels, the Leica Q3 43 produces detailed images, making this feature an excellent option for balancing quality and storage efficiency. 

Leica Q3 43 Sample Images

Leica Q3 43 Compared

With their quality, sensor size and price, the Leica Q3 and Q3 43 are in a league of their own. However, consider a couple of lower-cost compact camera alternatives. These cameras are far more affordable but have a smaller APS-C sensor.

The Ricoh GR IIIx features a 40mm (equivalent) lens but has significantly less resolution and the lens has a narrower aperture off/4.0. But, the GR IIIx is exceptionally small and much cheaper than the Leica. See why the Ricoh GR IIIx is named the pocket rocket in our Ricoh GRIIIx review. 

There is also the Fujifilm X100VI, which has a wider 23mm f/2 (35mm equivalent) lens, and a 40-megapixel APSC sensor, which comes closer to the Leica Q3 43’s 60 megapixels. The X100 series does have the advantage of a hybrid electronic-optical viewfinder, whereas the Leica Q3 43 has an electronic viewfinder only. 

Leica Q3 43 vs Leica Q3: Which One Should I Buy?

Because both cameras are essentially the same, what one you buy really comes down to what focal length you prefer or ‘how you see the world’. Do you prefer to get more of the scene in the frame, or maybe you want added context? Then, the original Leica Q3’s wider 28mm lens would suit that style of image more. 

The Leica Q3 43 allows for a more ‘regular’ view than a wide-angle and is traditionally more suited to portraits. The 43mm lens can produce even lovelier bokeh with organic-looking focus roll-off. 

We recommend checking out our full Leica Q3 review to help aid in comparing the two cameras.

Verdict: Is the Leica Q3 43 for you? 

After our enjoyable time with the Leica Q3 43, we can only surmise that it excels as a travel and street photography companion. It offers a pure, distraction-free shooting experience. Its 43mm focal length creates ‘natural-looking’ images that capture scenes more how you perceive them, making it ideal for documenting life's moments and street scenes with authenticity and the highest quality.

In conclusion, the Leica Q3 43 particularly appeals to two types of photographers: dedicated street and documentary photographers who want to travel light without compromising on image quality, and professional photographers seeking a more intimate, stripped-back shooting experience for their personal work. Its combination of simplicity, durability, and exceptional image quality makes it perfect for photographers who view their craft as an integral part of their daily life rather than just a hobby. The camera's streamlined interface and fixed lens eliminate the complexity of interchangeable lens systems, letting photographers focus solely on capturing moments rather than managing gear.

If you are an enthusiast or professional travel photographer, be sure to read our comprehensive travel photography guide. Similarly, if street photography is more your style, read our complete street photography guide. 

FAQs

What is the difference between Leica Q3 and Q3 43?

The main difference between the Leica Q3 and the Q3 43 is the lens. The Leica Q3 has a 28mm f/1.7 lens, and the Q3 43 has a 43mm f/2.0 lens. 

When was the Leica Q3 43 released?

The Leica Q3 43 was released in September 2024. 

Where is the Leica Q3 43 made?

The Leica Q3 43 is made in Wetzlar, Germany.

Is Leica Q3 43 weather sealed?

The Leica Q3 43 is weather-sealed, but we always recommend caution in this regard. No camera is completely weatherproof without further protection. 

Is the Leica Q3 43  bigger than the original Q3?

The Leica Q3 43 is bigger than the Leica Q3, but only due to the larger 43mm lens. 

How heavy is the Leica Q3 43?

The Leica Q3 43 weighs 743 grams.