We’ve shot hundreds of thousands of photos over the years on dozens of different camera systems, and there is something about shooting with a Leica that feels different. The weight of the body, the balance of the lens, the quality of the glass and the way the camera slows you down just enough to think about the frame all create a unique shooting experience.
So when Leica and Formula 1 announced a collaboration, the pairing made sense. Both brands are built around precision, engineering and the pursuit of small details that can make a big difference.
The Leica Q3 43 Formula 1 Edition, brings the visual language of motorsport into Leica’s compact full frame camera system. Built on the Leica Q3 43 platform, the special edition adds carbon fibre components, racing inspired controls and an exclusive Formula 1 Leica Look through the Leica FOTOS App.
The camera debuted at the Leica Store and Leica Gallery in Los Angeles, where Formula 1 presenter Ariana Bravo and 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button introduced the collaboration. The event also featured 26 motorsport photographs by Italian photographer b, whose work focuses on Formula 1 and racing culture.
The Formula 1 influence is found mostly in the details. Genuine carbon fibre covers the wireless charging handgrip, thumb rest and soft release button, with Leica manufacturing and testing the components exclusively in Germany. A black Microvelour covering references the texture of racing steering wheels, while red accents draw from the colour coded controls found in racing environments.
The camera retains the Leica Q3 43’s core specifications, including the APO Summicron 43 f/2 ASPH. lens, full frame BSI CMOS sensor and Leica Triple Resolution Technology with 60, 36 and 18 megapixel options. It also includes hybrid autofocus, video capabilities and the new Formula 1 Leica Look, which increases contrast and colour saturation for racing inspired imagery.
Priced at $9,950 USD including tax, the Leica Q3 43 Formula 1 Edition is available through Leica Stores, the official Leica online store and authorised specialist retailers. It is a camera built around two brands that share a focus on precision, bringing Formula 1 materials and design references into one of Leica’s existing photographic systems.