As Leica celebrates a century of defining photographic imaging this year, of course the Leica I comes naturally to mind as the first mass-produced 35mm camera that defied convention & transformed this particular creative field. That pioneering spirit still endures in the brand’s monochrome cameras, with a steadfast commitment to pure black-and-white photography, and deliberately bold choice to renounce colour. They embody a mindset of going beyond the familiar to explore new visual frontiers, enduring as much now as they did back then 100 years ago. Entirely dedicated to the art of composing with light & shadow alone, the Leica Q3 Monochrom now marks a new chapter in the evolution of compact mirrorless full-frame cameras.
Being just the Q family’s second monochrome evolution, the Q3 Monochrom sublimates photography into its purest form, with a dedicated black-and-white sensor capturing nothing but brightness data. Yet its 60 MP monochrome sensor with Triple Resolution Technology produces incredible sharpness, versatile dynamic range & exceptional tonal depth, without colour filters or compromising on detail. It’s capable of capturing images at 60, 36 and 18 MP resolutions spanning an ISO range from 100 to 200,000. Especially when paired to the fast, wide-angle Leica Summilux 28 f/1.7 ASPH fixed focal length lens, the images it delivers are consistently low in noise yet richly nuanced & textured, performing admirably even in challenging lighting conditions.
Its overall design remains faithful to the contemporary Q family while embracing that unmistakable monochrome aesthetic, exemplifying functional beauty in its form and superb German craftsmanship in its materials’ finely tactile quality. The all-metal body & lens hood are finished in black, with engravings including the top plate “Monochrom” lettering understatedly rendered in black or grey. Finally, Leica’s signature red logo is intentionally omitted to further underscore the Q3 Monochrom’s minimalist design.
A 5.76 megapixel high-resolution OLED viewfinder, rapidly precise hybrid autofocus, and tilting touch display further enhance this Q3’s impressive performance capabilities. It even offers dedicated black-and-white users maximum creative freedom with the ability to switch effortlessly into macro mode at a close 17 cm focus distance of 17 cm, or swap between automatic or manual control.
On top of that, with digital zoom ranging from 28 to 90 mm alongside an extensive suite of video features, even in everyday creative practice the Q3 Monochrom provides wide-ranging possibilities to capture black-and-white imagery of exceptional quality. Users who find themselves shooting in more storied conditions need not worry either, as this durable IP52 rated camera is protected against dust or splashes of water.
Further broadening the Q3 Monochrom’s functionality & creative possibilities, it is fully compatible with the Q3’s range of optional accessories. Especially celebrating the Q3 Monochrom however, Leica will also introduce a handgrip with wireless charging & coordinated leatherette covering, red filter, and a range of carrying straps. It’s already globally available at Leica Stores, in the Leica Online Store as well as from authorized dealers, with a recommended retail price of EUR 6,750 inclusive of VAT.
