Leica Q3 43

The Leica Q3 43 is a full-frame compact camera with a 60-megapixel CMOS sensor, a fixed 43mm lens, 8K DCI video recording, 315-point autofocus, weather sealing, and a Maestro IV processor — all in a 772g magnesium body.

Key Specifications

• Sensor: 60MP full-frame CMOS (9520 × 6336 pixels), ISO 50–100,000
• Fixed Lens: 43mm focal length, f/2 maximum aperture, 49mm filter thread
• Triple Resolution: Shoot at 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP via in-camera crop
• Video: Up to 8K DCI (8192×4320), H.264 / H.265 / ProRes, in MP4 or MOV
• Autofocus: 315-point AF system, minimum focus distance 0.27m
• Burst Speed: Up to 15 fps
• Viewfinder: 100% coverage, 0.79× magnification, −4 to +2 diopter adjustment
• Display: 3-inch articulating touchscreen, 1,843,200 pixels
• Stabilisation: Built-in image stabilisation
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C with Power Delivery, micro-HDMI, hot shoe (Leica TTL)
• Battery: BP-SCL6, 2200mAh, rated ~350 shots
• Weather Sealing: Yes — magnesium body, weather sealed (note: dust sealing is not specified)

What makes the Leica Q3 43 special?

The Q3 43 is the lesser-known sibling of the Leica Q3, and the focal length difference is the whole story. Where the standard Q3 shoots at 28mm — a classic street and documentary perspective — the Q3 43 gives you 43mm, a focal length widely regarded as the closest match to natural human vision. That single change transforms how the camera feels to shoot with: subjects look undistorted, proportions stay true, and portraits don't require the careful framing gymnastics that wide lenses demand.

Under the hood, the sensor is the same 60MP full-frame CMOS unit found — according to multiple independent sources — in the Sony Alpha 7R V and Sony Alpha 7CR, consistently rated among the highest-performing sensors for dynamic range and colour accuracy. Leica pairs it with the Maestro IV processor, which handles everything from 15fps bursts to ProRes 8K video. The Triple Resolution Technology lets you switch between 60MP, 36MP, and 18MP in-camera, effectively giving you a built-in digital zoom without touching a physical ring.

The fixed 43mm f/2 lens is clinically sharp corner-to-corner at full aperture, with excellent contrast retention even in backlit situations. That last point matters more than it sounds — many fast lenses go soft and hazy when the sun is behind your subject; this one doesn't.

Compare it to the Fujifilm X100VI and the gap in sensor size and resolution is immediately obvious — the Q3 43 uses a full-frame chip versus the X100VI's APS-C, and 60MP versus 40MP. The Fujifilm GFX100RF enters the conversation at the top end, offering medium-format resolution, but it's physically larger and the lens ecosystem is locked to that format. The Leica Q2 is the direct predecessor worth mentioning for used buyers: it shares the Q-series DNA but predates the 8K video, ProRes codec, articulating screen, and 315-point AF of the Q3 43.

Who is the Leica Q3 43 for?

Portrait photographers will find the 43mm field of view immediately comfortable. It reproduces facial proportions naturally without the exaggerated perspective of a 28mm or the compression of an 85mm — you can shoot environmental portraits in tight spaces and still get a flattering result. The minimum focus distance of 0.27m also means you're not constantly stepping back to fill the frame.

Street photographers who prefer a more cinematic, life-like rendering over the dramatic wide-angle look will appreciate 43mm here too. The camera is compact enough to carry all day, and the weather sealing means it handles unexpected rain without drama.

Travel photographers get a compact, single-lens kit that covers a huge range of situations — from candid people shots to food and interior photography, where the natural perspective of 43mm avoids the distortion that makes wide-angle travel shots look unnatural. The articulating screen and USB-C charging add real-world convenience on the road.

Videographers working in documentary or travel formats benefit from ProRes recording, 8K resolution, and H.265 compression — all in a body small enough to use handheld. The built-in microphone and HDMI output (micro Type D) support basic run-and-gun setups. Keep in mind there is no headphone jack and no microphone input, so monitoring audio or using an external mic requires a workaround.

If you're exploring compact full-frame options and want full-frame quality in a carry-everywhere form factor, the Q3 43 sits in a very small group of cameras that genuinely deliver it.

Buying a used Leica Q3 43

Buying a second-hand Leica Q3 43 makes sense for one straightforward reason: Leica bodies hold their build quality exceptionally well. The magnesium construction and weather sealing mean that a used example showing minor cosmetic wear is very likely still mechanically and optically sound.

When inspecting a pre-owned Q3 43, focus on a few key areas. Check the lens element for cleaning marks — even faint circular scratches from improper cleaning can affect flare and contrast in backlit shots, which is exactly where this lens shines. Test the articulating screen hinge for smooth operation with no play or resistance. Run through the autofocus across the full 315 points in both bright and dim light. Confirm the weather sealing hasn't been compromised by checking around the lens mount and port covers for signs of impact or forced entry.

The battery (BP-SCL6) is rated at ~350 shots per charge — if a used unit is delivering significantly fewer, that's a signal the battery has been through heavy cycles and may need replacing. USB-C Power Delivery charging means you can top it up from a power bank, which softens the impact of a degraded battery for travel use.

Every used Leica Q3 43 sold through Camera-tweedehands.nl comes with a minimum 12 months warranty, and each item is individually photographed so you can see the exact condition before buying. Returns are accepted within 14 days.