Discover the Leica Q3 Monochrom: a 60MP monochrome sensor, Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens, 8K video, IP52 build, and Content Credentials. Specs, features, price.
© Leica
Leica has unveiled the Q3 Monochrom, a monochrome take on its compact full-frame Q3. The release carries forward the brand’s long-running commitment to cameras built solely for black-and-white photography, a path Leica started in 2012 with the M9 Monochrom.
At its core, the Q3 Monochrom uses a 60‑megapixel monochrome sensor that records luminance only, without color filters. The result is imagery with heightened detail, crisp microcontrast, and a broad tonal range. Triple Resolution is on board, letting users switch between 60, 36, and 18 MP. The ISO span runs from 100 to 200,000, and video capture goes up to 8K—specs that signal a focused tool for those who live in greyscale.
The camera pairs that sensor with a fixed, fast Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH lens, well suited to low light. A macro mode brings the minimum focusing distance down to 17 cm, which adds practical flexibility without complicating the setup.
On the outside, the design mirrors the Q line but with a fully monochrome treatment. The body is metal with textured leather trim; every visual element, down to the engravings, stays within black and gray. In keeping with Leica’s other monochrome models, the familiar red dot is absent. The camera is made in Germany and carries an IP52 rating for protection against dust and splashes—an understated exterior that fits the concept.
Key features include a 5.76 MP OLED viewfinder, a tilting touchscreen, and hybrid autofocus. Digital zoom covers equivalent focal lengths from 28 to 90 mm. Connectivity options span Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, USB‑C, and Micro HDMI, with full compatibility with the Leica FOTOS app, which should make remote control and transfers straightforward.
Leica says the Q3 Monochrom is the first in the Q series to support Content Credentials, adding a CAI digital signature to every image to verify authenticity. The company also introduced a refreshed interface with separate photo and video menus; this update is slated to arrive on the Q3 and Q3 43 via firmware by the end of the year—a practical nod to cleaner workflows.
The new model supports all accessories made for the Q3. Alongside it, Leica is releasing a wireless handgrip, a red filter, and new straps. Sales begin on November 20, 2025, with a recommended price of €6,750—a clear signal that this is a niche instrument for those who value monochrome at its source.