Engineered exclusively for monochromatic work, the Leica Q3 Monochrom pairs a 60MP BSI sensor stripped of Bayer arrays and low-pass filtration with a fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens. The sensor's innovative triple resolution capability—selectable at 60, 36, or 18 megapixels—preserves luminance information with exceptional fidelity across the ISO 100–200,000 range, yielding pristine detail and minimal noise even in challenging lighting. Integrated macro functionality and contrast-detection autofocus provide flexible focusing options.
The Maestro IV processor and 8GB buffer memory sustain demanding workflows without compromise. Video capabilities reach 8K monochromatic resolution with LOG and HLG support—the highest output available from any dedicated full-frame monochrome instrument—complemented by Content Credentials for image verification, a world-first for monochrome sensors.
The articulating 5.76MP OLED viewfinder with precision optics facilitates exacting compositional control. The refined interface incorporates Leica's SL-System design language. Finished in restrained black with subtle grey accents and absent the iconic red dot, this meticulously crafted German camera features IP52 environmental protection, optical stabilization, and leaf shutter mechanism, establishing the benchmark for serious monochromatic digital capture.
Monochrome Sensor Benefits
2x Light Gathering Compared to an Equivalent Color Sensor: Leica Q3 Base ISO is 100, Leica Q3 Monochrom Base ISO is 200)
Lower Noise Output: Monochrom sensors naturally offer a higher signal to noise ratio than color sensors, due to the omission of the Bayer Filter. In addition, luminance noise is perceived as more pleasing and less distracting than color noise in an image.
Higher Sharpness and Detail: No debayering is required, preserving the native resolution of the sensor
Greater Dynamic Range: The camera only records values of luminosity, allowing for more tonal gradations to be captured. In addition, no extra processing or light transmission loss occurs with its omission of a Bayer Filter, resulting in cleaner and extremely malleable files.
Dedicated Black and White Sensor
The Q3 Monochrom features a 60 MP Monochrome sensor with Triple Resolution Technology, delivering remarkable sharpness, exceptional dynamic range and outstanding tonal depth — without a bayer filter and without compromise in detail. It records images at 60, 36 or 18MP across an ISO range from 100 to 200,000, and captures video in up to 8K, with LOG / HLG support.
The Fastest Lens on a Compact Full Frame camera
Equipped with the Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. wide-angle prime lens and integrated macro mode, the Q3 Monochrom delivers low-noise images rich in nuance and texture. Even in challenging lighting conditions.
Newly Designed User Interface
The new User Interface of the Q3 Monochrom comes with completely redesigned icons for improved usability and simplicity. Navigation has become faster and more fluid, with optimized readability, and a Control Center customizable to individual needs.
Thanks to reliable and comfortable connectivity to the Leica FOTOS app via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, and HDMI, the Q3 Monochrom can be seamlessly integrated into mobile workflows with secure and fast data transfer.
Highlights:
Dedicated 60 MP BSI Monochrom Sensor: Without a Bayer or Low Pass Filters, this camera only records values of light with the highest accuracy.
8K Monochromatic Video: Offering the highest resolution output from a dedicated monochrom full frame camera, with support for LOG & HLG.
Content Credentials: For the first time on a Q camera, and a world first for a camera with a dedicated monochrome sensor.
New UI: The highly acclaimed UI present in the SL3 cameras is now also available for the first time in the Leica Q3 Monochrom. A future firmware update will allow Leica Q3 and Leica Q3 43 customers to also experience the UI on their cameras (scheduled for end of 2025).
Distinct “Monochrom” Design: The Red Dot has been omitted, allowing the camera to showcase its stunning black and grey design elements.
Features:
Based on Q3 functionality with a Summilux 28 f/1.7 lens, integrated macro mode and contrast based autofocus.
Dedicated BSI CMOS sensor with triple resolution technology 60/36/18 MP without color and low-pass filters delivering impressively sharp, detailed, and low-noise images even at high ISO
Maestro IV Processor with 8GB of Buffer Memory
Monochrom Design Black paint finish on housing and lens hood, subtle black and gray engravings, “Monochrom” engraving on the top cover and elegant leatherette
Extended ISO range High sensor sensitivity from ISO 100– 200.000 Tiltable display
5.76 Megapixel OLED Viewfinder with precision-engineered eyepiece
With the Q3 Monochrom Leica introduces the highly acclaimed UI of the SL-System Cameras to the Leica Q3 Family (Q3 & Q3 43 will follow via FW update end of 2025)
Content Credentials Authenticate and protect your images at the moment of capture
8K Monochromatic Video with support for LOG and HLG
HDMI and USB-C Support for high bitrate video recording, high speed data transfer and charging
Optionally approx. 1.25x (equivalent to 35 mm), approx. 1.7x (equivalent to 50 mm), approx. 2.7x (equivalent to 75 mm), or approx. 3.2x (equivalent to 90 mm)
Image stabilization
Visual compensation system for photos and video recordings
Aperture range
F1.7 to F16 in 1⁄3 EV increments
Viewfinder/Display
Viewfinder (EVF)
Resolution: 5,760,000 dots, 120 fps, magnification: 0.79x at aspect ratio: 4:3 / 0.76x at aspect ratio: 3:2, frame coverage: 100%, exit pupil position: 20.75 mm, setting range -4/+2 dpt, with eye sensor for automatic switchover between viewfinder and LCD panel, time delay 0.005 s
Mechanical central shutter or optional electronic shutter
Shutter speeds
Mech. shutter: 60 min to 1⁄2000 s Electro. shutter function: 60 s to 1⁄16000 s Flash Synchronization: up to 1⁄2000 s
Shutter button
Two-stage (1st stage: Activation of the camera electronics including autofocus and exposure metering, 2nd stage: Taking the picture)
Self-timer
Delay time: 2 s or 12 s
Drive Mode
Single, Continuous Shooting, Interval Shooting, Exposure Bracketing, Multi-ShotContinuous shooting: 2 B/s, 14 Bit, AF - 4 B/s, 14 Bit, AF - 5 B/s, 12 Bit, AF Mech. or electr. shutter Automatic settings (exposure settings in operating modes P/A/S, automatic white balance and autofocus) are implemented individually for each frame. 7 B/s, 14 Bit, AF - 9 B/s, 12 Bit, AF - 15 B/s, 12 Bit, AF Electr. shutter Automatic settings (exposure settings in operating modes P/A/S, automatic white balance and autofocus) are implemented for the first frame, and are then applied for each subsequent frame in the same picture series.
Focusing
Focus range
30 cm to ∞ With macro setting: from 17 cm
Focus mode
Automatic or manual With manual setting: optional magnifying glass function (Auto Magnification) and edge marking (Focus Peaking) available as focus assist
Autofocus system
Contrast detection
Autofocus modes
Intelligent AF (automatically refocuses as soon as something changes in the scene), AFs, AFc, AF setting can be saved, optional Touch AF
Autofocus metering methods
Spot (can be shifted), Field (can be shifted and scaled), Multi-field, Zone (can be shifted and scaled), Eye/Face/Body Detection, Animal Detection (Beta), Tracking
Autofocus metering fields
315
Exposure
Exposure metering
TTL (exposure metering through the lens), with working aperture
Metering principle
Exposure metering is done by the image sensor for all exposure metering methods (in Live View mode and in rangefinder mode)
Program AE mode (P) Aperture-priority mode (A): manual aperture setting Shutter-priority mode (S): manual shutter-speed setting Manual (M): manual setting for shutter speed and aperture Various fully automatic variants (Scene Mode): AUTO, Digiscoping
Exposure compensation
±3 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
Automatic bracketing
3 or 5 frames, graduations between shoots up to 3 EV, in 1⁄3 EV increments additional optional exposure compensation: up to ±3 EV
ISO sensitivity range
Foto: Auto ISO 200–ISO 200 000 Manual: ISO 100–ISO 200 000 Video: Auto ISO 100–ISO 200 000 Manual ISO 100–ISO 200 000
Dual Basis ISO settings
Foto: Low Basis-ISO ISO 100–ISO 560 High Basis-ISO ISO 640–ISO 200 000 Video: Low Basis-ISO ISO 100–ISO 560 High Basis-ISO ISO 640–ISO 200 000
Flash
Flash unit connector
Via the accessory shoe
Flash sync time
1⁄2000 s, slower shutter speeds available. High-speed shutter times between 1/2500 s and 1/16000 s are available only via the electronic shutter. Shorter shutter speeds, however, are only available via the mechanical shutter.
Flash exposure metering
Using center-weighted TTL pre-flash metering with Leica flash units (SF 26, SF 40, SF 58, SF 60, SF 64) or with system-compatible flash units, remote controlled flash SF C1
Flash exposure compensation
SF 40: ±2 EV in 1⁄2 EV increments SF 60: ±2 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
Equipment
Microphone
Stereo
USB Audio
Compatible RØDE USB audio devices include: VideoMic GO II, VideoMic NTG, Wireless GO II, Wireless ME, and other supported USB microphones.
Speaker
Mono
WLAN
WLAN function for connecting to the Leica FOTOS app. The Leica app is available from the Apple App Store™ or the Google Play Store™ Maximum output (e.i.r.p.): <14 dBm, encryption method: WLAN-compatible WPA™/WPA2™/WPA3™
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.0 LE: Channel 0–39 (2402–2480 MHz), maximum output (e.i.r.p.): 10 dBm
GPS
Not available everywhere due to country-specific legislation; can be added via the Leica FOTOS app. Data is written to Exif header of the picture files.
Menu languages
English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean
Power supply
Rechargeable battery (Leica BP-SCL6)
Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, rated voltage: 7.2 V (DC); capacity: 2200 mAh (min.), 302 shots (based on CIPA standard), 1535 shots (based on CIPA standard with adapted shooting cycle*) Manufacturer: Panasonic Energy (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Made in China*Cycle 1: Switch on, 1st shutter release after 5 s, one shot every 3 s, the camera switches off after 10 shots (Auto Power Off) and switched back on after a waiting time of 5 min. *Cycle 2: Switch on, 1st shutter release after 5 s, one shot every 3 s, the camera s witches off after 50 shots (Auto Power Off) and switched back on after a waiting time of 5 min. These cycles are repeated alternately until the battery is empty.
USB-C power adapter (Leica ACA-SCL6) (optional)
Input: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.25 A, automatic switchover; Output: DC 5 V/9 V, 3 A; Manufacturer: Salom Electric (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., Made in China
Charger (Leica BC-SCL4) (optional accessory)
Input: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.25 A, automatic switchover; output: DC 8.4 V 0.85 A; manufacturer: Salom Electric (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., Made in China
USB-C DC Coupler (Leica DC-SCL6)
Input: DC 9 V/3 A (min.), Output: DC 9 V (with ACA-SCL6), supports USB PD 3.1, Manufacturer: Salom Electric (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., Made in China.
Charging via USB
During operation: 9 V/3 A (min. 27 W) With camera switched off: 5 V/1500 mA (2.5 W or greater)
Wireless Charging
Optimal performance with 9 V chargers (10 W Charging Pad required)
Rated values for input voltage/power
7.2 V 2.3 A (battery), 5 V 3.0 A / 9 V 2.5 A (USB)
