Leica and System 1 have mixed their experience for a special-edition digicam that brings the visible language of motorsports to premium images. The Leica Q3 43 System 1 Version marks the start of a licensing partnership between the 2 manufacturers, pairing Leica’s established digicam know-how with supplies, textures, and particulars impressed by the racing cockpit.
Primarily based on the present Leica Q3 43, the digicam focuses on tactile finishes and motorsport-inspired styling. Its black exterior encompasses a non-slip Microvelour protecting modeled on the feel of a System 1 steering wheel. Real carbon fiber seems on the wireless-charging handgrip, rear thumb relaxation, and soft-release shutter button, introducing a fabric extra generally related to high-performance racing automobiles than Leica cameras.
The carbon fiber elements are manufactured and examined solely in Germany. Their uncovered weave provides texture and visible depth to the predominantly black physique, whereas purple accents on the shutter launch and a operate button reference the color-coded controls discovered on racing steering wheels. System 1 branding seems on the highest plate and lens cap, and the bundle features a co-branded rope strap and customized packaging with a purple inlay.
The included wireless-charging handgrip provides sensible performance to the design. An identical thumb relaxation and soft-release button full the coordinated set, giving the digicam a extra distinctive bodily identification with out altering its elementary photographic capabilities.
Beneath the special-edition exterior, the Q3 43 retains its 60-megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor and stuck Leica APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. lens. The focal size provides a natural-looking perspective suited to avenue images, portraits, journey, and documenting the environment round a race weekend. Leica’s Triple Decision Expertise additionally permits photographers to seize nonetheless photographs at 60, 36, or 18 megapixels.
A hybrid autofocus system and intensive video capabilities spherical out the imaging bundle. The digicam is due to this fact suited to greater than motorsport lovers trying to doc automobiles and circuits; its compact, fixed-lens format additionally appeals to photographers preferring a devoted digicam for on a regular basis visible storytelling.
Essentially the most notable software program addition is an unique System 1 Leica Look, developed particularly for this version. Accessible by means of the Leica FOTOS app, the profile produces greater distinction and richer colour saturation to replicate the visible character of the racetrack and paddock. Photographers can apply the look whereas taking pictures and preview its impact within the viewfinder, relatively than relying solely on post-processing. The app additionally transfers pictures and movies to cellular units.
The collaboration was unveiled at an occasion at Leica Retailer and Leica Gallery Los Angeles, hosted by System 1 presenter Ariana Bravo and 2009 System 1 World Champion Jenson Button. A show of 26 motorsport pictures by photographer Callo Albanese accompanied the launch. Accessible from October 21, 2026, by means of Leica shops, the Leica on-line retailer, and specialist retailers, the Q3 43 System 1 Version is priced at $9,950.
