Review | Leica Q3 43mm Lens

[@thommeyer6356]

Actually...I think some of us would really appreciate a totally B&W review of the Leica Q3 43. There are plenty of all, or partial, color reviews, but wouldn't it be nice to have one that focuses entirely on monochrome and high contract monochrome images AND (to keep us all in the mood) monochrome video. Just a thought!

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Thanks so much! We would love to do a full B&W review. We had so much fun making this. Hopefully, there is a lot more to come.

[@Lordsut]

I’m impressed by the nonchalance whilst walking around holding a £6k camera in one hand without a wrist strap.

[@WexPhotoVideo]

You need a little confidence in life ;) But it was for video only. I was holding on for dear life.

[@jpschumacher9830]

Was thinking the exact same thing.

[@marcp.1752]

I would wonder - what this Q3 43 could do into the hands of Allan Schaller....remember, it's never the gear, it's the person behind the lens. Allan is one of the best, if not the best nowadays, in terms of street photography, for real.

[@art_means_artificial]

alan is a rubbish photographer

[@marcp.1752]

@@art_means_artificial Only a silly freak would post such a mindless comment.

[@chutherock]

He is the best living black and white photographer right now

[@lelandfitz1762]

He has his own KZbin channel. And good relations to Leica. I guess he would have any chance to test it aswell.

[@davidmurray5926]

I agree, he’s brilliant. It’s just a shame he’s abandoned his KZbin channel that was doing so well without the courtesy of an explanation.

[@marcp.1752]

This new Leica Q3 43 does cost 6.750 EUR in germany. Honestly, you could create fine photographs with *any* camera, composition wise. My cheapest kit is fullframe, comes with a 40mm prime, and costed me less than 200 bucks together, into mint condition. A total difference, compared to it's original price, bought also back into the heyday - but it's always nice, to have a backup. No social insecurities - ever. 🙂

[@art_means_artificial]

don't cry

[@WexPhotoVideo]

You're absolutely right-great photos come down to composition, skill, and creativity, not just gear. Thanks for sharing your perspective.

[@tuubatuuba]

The Eiffel tower umbrella jump photo at 12:50 is by Elliott Erwitt, not HCB. His homage to Cartier-Bresson, I'm sure. Although this one seems to have the jumper facing the wrong way. :D

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

You radiate the beauty of an elegant mind. And you shoot good, too. I'd love to spend an afternoon at a street cafe just listening to what you have to say. No agenda. You are just a very good photographer and interesting. All the best for your continued success.

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words! We appreciate the support :)

[@daveed4475]

You’re the first reviewer I’ve watched that mentioned the significantly lighter weight. Enjoyed the this very good review.

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Thanks for watching!

[@webdesign6776]

She is wrong, it is the other way around, the new Q3 43 weighs more.

[@drumsticksusa]

You missed the shot at 4:39, I fear . . . (I do have a Q3 43 also, and I'm very sure I miss just as many shots. :-)

[@john3Lee]

A good review..... I use the Q3 which I'm very pleased with...

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Thanks for the feedback! Glad to hear you're enjoying the Q3-it's a solid choice! Appreciate you watching and sharing your experience.

[@ScottSpear-qn9uk]

I have read that the HCB photo of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero with the couple kissing and the guy jumping was actually staged. Still a great photo, but don't feel bad for staging your photos recreating his!

[@johnclay7644]

informative review thanks Wex.

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thommeyer6356]

Lovely review...and your point about an added grip taking away from the minimalist design is well taken. However, a simple wrist strap would give you much needed security. I am a Peak Design enthusiast and PD has several options from which to choose that would make holding and shooting that gorgeous Q3 34mm much safer, more stable and easier on your hand. Just sayin'.

[@WexPhotoVideo]

You are right... Peak Design products are definitely a favourite of ours and would help this :)

[@williamgoss4691]

A lovely film about the Leica Q3 43 and a young women in Paris who is willing to resurrect Cartier Bresson…

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was a fun challenge trying recreate the images of such a great!

[@WILMORENO]

I'm all for a b&w only review. Great video

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Thanks for watching!

[@JayJayNay]

The “guy” smoking is Camus. One of France’s Great writers. 😮

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Learn something new everyday! Thanks for that and for watching :)

[@thomashilmersen711]

Haha love it! Best Q3 43 review I have seen.

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Thanks! We appreciate that :)

[@HK-NYC]

Are all the videos taken with the Leica Q4 43 or another camera or phone? thanks

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Hello! All of the images are taken with the Leica Q3 43mm lens :) No other camera was used to photograph. The video is shot on the A7S III with the G master primes :)

[@HK-NYC]

@@WexPhotoVideo the videos from the A7S3 are so crisp. How’s the video performance from the 43?

[@WexPhotoVideo]

@@HK-NYC The video performance was good! I would say it's definitely more of a stills camera but perfectly suitable for videoing for fun or for socials

[@ahirschb]

@@WexPhotoVideo so why didnt you showed the video part of this camera in the review? a big miss. its video specs is very impressive.

[@J.AshleyNixon]

Nice work. Henri would love this. PS. Roberta Capa is attributed for saying “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.”

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Thanks for that!

[@noenken]

Not sure why my first comment from yesterday does not show up but there is an error in the video, I think. The new camera is not lighter than the normal Q3. It's the other way around.

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Hello! You are absolutely correct - it's 743g for the Q3 23 and 773g for the Q3 43! Thanks for the comment!

[@lelandfitz1762]

The hommage isn't exactly towards 1930s lenses. It's an hommage to the very first Leica which had 42mm.

[@WexPhotoVideo]

You're absolutely right! It’s a nod to Leica’s pioneering models. Appreciate your insight.

[@alandargie9358]

France has really strict rules about publishing photos of people without their consent, if they are recognisable in the photo. How did you do for this video?

[@WexPhotoVideo]

You're right-France has strict privacy laws regarding publishing recognisable photos of individuals without consent. For this video, we ensure compliance with local regulations by obtaining necessary permissions or filming in public spaces where consent isn't required under specific conditions. Thanks for watching!

[@markdodsworth5439]

Coming Monday thanks wex 🎉

[@watch_MrG]

Only thing bothering me of this camera is the design flaw of the hood. You can’t put the filter to protect this great lens with hood 😂

[@WexPhotoVideo]

That’s a great point! Sometimes design choices do have trade-offs. Thanks for the feedback!

[@victorcarmelo8606]

@@WexPhotoVideodid you use a filter? There are voices regarding vignettes when a filter is present, Mathphotographer has a video on the subject on YT. Did you notice this if you did use one. I got the vignettes on old filters with thick rims on my Q2 so I buy the slimmest possible. As for the hood on the Q’s I stored the original and bought a cut-out type to save cutting my fingers when using filters. Lovely video and love Paris, monochrome brings out the romance of that city, thanks for sharing.

[@art_means_artificial]

what about low light?

[@WexPhotoVideo]

The Leica Q3 performs impressively in low light, thanks to its fast f2 aperture and advanced sensor technology. The camera’s excellent high ISO performance helps capture detail and reduce noise, making it a solid choice for low-light situations.

[@tobefree3718]

God the cliche of cartier bresson. i thought photography was about artistry and creativity. Just going back to what has been a cliche is so dull.

[@WexPhotoVideo]

While his style may seem cliché now, it’s because he helped define street photography and photojournalism. Many of the techniques and approaches we see today stem from his groundbreaking work.

[@marcp.1752]

Who knows?! Perhaps the next camera introduction would get the cliche of Fan Ho, or Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans or Robert Frank ?

[@nickdual]

I subscribed

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Awesome!

[@VJ40000]

I will stick to my q2 .. It does not appeal to me. And who knows when it will be available. I waited for q3 28 for a year and gave up. Leica is deliberately creating shortages to keep the prices up.

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Totally understandable! The Q2 is an incredible camera, and many feel the same about availability and pricing with Leica’s recent models. Stick with what works for you-the Q2 is a classic!

[@ChrisLRobinson]

and the no strap! living dangerous!

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Haha, definitely living on the edge! A good strap is always a smart idea. Thanks for watching!

[@AndyRat]

How distracting to show photos with zoomed in borders of the shots. Dreadful.

[@WexPhotoVideo]

Thanks for your feedback! I understand that zoomed-in borders can be distracting. We appreciate your thoughts and will consider this for future presentations to enhance the viewing experience!

[@HaydenAndrewScott]

Feedback can be delivered without being rude. See?

[@davidmurray5926]

£6,000 for this is beyond obscene. More fool anyone drawn into the hype.

[@WexPhotoVideo]

We understand that high-end gear can seem costly, but the technology and craftsmanship involved often reflect the price. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@markdodsworth5439]

Why bother with digital zoom ?crop in post better image quality

[@WexPhotoVideo]

You're right-cropping in post generally provides better image quality since digital zoom often reduces resolution. Digital zoom can be convenient for quick framing!

[@smooth111012]

F2, not good for low light then

[@WexPhotoVideo]

While f2 isn't the widest aperture, it's still quite capable in low light. Pairing it with a good ISO performance can deliver impressive results.