Leica has introduced the Q3 43 Formula 1 Edition through a licensing partnership with Formula 1, bringing motorsport-inspired materials and detailing to its full-frame compact camera. Announced on 21 October 2026, the special edition is listed at RM40,290 on Leica’s official Malaysian store.
It builds on the existing Q3 43 with a coordinated camera-and-accessories set, black Microvelour covering and red controls inspired by racing steering wheels. There is also an exclusive Formula 1 Leica Look, extending the collaboration into the way JPEG photographs are rendered.
Carbon fibre where you hold the camera
The carbon-fibre details are concentrated around the camera’s handling points. The wireless charging handgrip has a carbon-fibre shell, the thumb rest carries a matching insert, and the soft-release button combines a carbon inlay with a red rim.
Leica says these carbon-fibre parts are manufactured and tested in Germany. Their placement gives the motorsport connection a practical setting: the areas where your hand supports the camera and reaches its controls.
The body is covered in black Microvelour, with a non-slip texture modelled on racing steering wheels. Together, the materials establish a darker, more tactile visual identity for this edition.
Red controls and Formula 1 detailing
The red accents draw on the colour-coded controls of a racing steering wheel. On the camera, they appear on the soft-release button and the right-hand function button in the thumb rest, making those controls visually distinct.
Official F1 branding appears on the top plate and lens cap. A rope carrying strap bearing both brands’ logos completes the set, along with specially designed packaging featuring a red inlay.
The Q3 43 imaging foundation
The Formula 1 Edition retains the Q3 43’s core imaging specifications: a 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, Maestro IV processor and fixed APO-Summicron 43 f/2 ASPH. lens.
Leica describes the 43mm lens as offering a perspective close to natural human vision. For an everyday photography setup, that focal length suggests street scenes, environmental portraits and documentary-style images that keep people connected to their surroundings.
Triple Resolution Technology lets you choose 60MP, 36MP or 18MP images in JPEG or DNG format, using the full sensor area at each setting. The camera also includes hybrid autofocus and video recording up to 8K. These capabilities carry over from the Q3 43 platform.
An exclusive Formula 1 Leica Look
A notable addition is the Formula 1 Leica Look, developed specifically for this edition. It uses stronger contrast and richer saturation to give JPEG images a rendering inspired by the atmosphere of the racetrack and paddock.
The Look is transferred to the camera through the Leica FOTOS app and can be previewed while shooting. Photographs and videos can then be transferred to a mobile device through the same app.
For photographers who enjoy sharing JPEGs with a defined colour style, this adds a creative reason to explore the edition alongside its materials and branding.
A matching accessory set
The Malaysian listing includes the wireless charging handgrip, thumb rest, soft-release button and carrying strap, together with the battery, USB-C cable, lens hood and lens cap.
Wireless charging works through the handgrip when used with a compatible charging pad; Leica highlights its Drop XL Wireless Charger. The charging pad is not listed among the supplied items, so it should be treated as a separate accessory.
Malaysia price and availability
Leica announced availability from 21 October 2026 through Leica Stores, its online store and specialist retailers. As checked on 3 November 2026, the official Malaysian store lists the Q3 43 Formula 1 Edition at RM40,290. The official US store lists it at US$9,950.
