Leica Opens Its Formula 1 Partnership With a $9,950 Carbon Fiber Q3 43

Leica kicked off its new licensing partnership with Formula 1 by unveiling the Leica Q3 43 Formula 1 Edition at its Los Angeles store and gallery on October 20. Formula 1 presenter Ariana Bravo and 2009 world champion Jenson Button hosted the event, which also featured an exhibition of 26 motorsport photographs by Italian photographer Callo Albanese.

The camera costs $9,950, compared with the $6,895 the standard Q3 43 carried at its 2024 launch. It is on sale at Leica stores, the Leica online store, and specialist retailers, from October 20 in Leica's release and October 21 in Formula 1's.

What the premium buys is mostly material and software. Underneath, the camera is a standard Q3 43, with a 60-megapixel full-frame sensor and a fixed 43mm f/2 APO-Summicron lens. The changes start with genuine carbon fiber, a material Leica does not traditionally use in its cameras, made and tested in Germany. It appears on the shell of a wireless-charging handgrip, the thumb rest insert, and a soft-release button with a red rim. The body wears black Microvelour modeled on the texture of Formula 1 steering wheels, and the package includes a co-branded strap and an F1-logo lens cap.

The software exclusive is a "Formula 1" Leica Look, delivered through the Leica FOTOS app, with higher contrast and richer saturation meant to capture the feel of the racetrack and paddock. It shows up in the viewfinder while shooting rather than only in post-processing. The edition works with existing Q3 and Q3 43 accessories. Variety frames the deal as the latest luxury tie-in riding Formula 1's surge in mainstream interest.

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Source: PR Newswire (Leica Camera)

Kyle Duford, Founder & Editor, BRNDWIRE. More from Kyle →