The Leica Q3 Monochrom was announced in Wetzlar this afternoon at 3 pm CET, almost 30 months after the arrival of the colour version of the 28mm camera. It follows the basic design and specification of the original Q3 but adds Content Credentials, pioneered on the Leica M11 and later extended to the SL3 model. However, the monochrome treatment is limited to the 28mm Q3 and is not yet available on the Q3 43.
Finished in matte-black paint, with a leatherette cover, the Q3 Monochrom features subtle black-and-grey markings to differentiate it from the standard Q3. The Leica red dot is absent, adding to the discreet image of the new camera.
Features
The latest version of the monochrome body introduces the new user interface, menus, and button layout which arrived with the Q3 in 2023. The full-frame back-lit CMOS sensor is a dedicated monochrome version of the Q3’s chip and features the proven triple-resolution technology which allows files to be saved in 18MP, 36MP and the 60MP maximum.
The familiar 28mm f/1.7 Summilux ASPH lens, with integrated leaf shutter and image stabilisation, plus the much-lauded dedicated macro ring, remains unchanged. The camera features the now-familiar tilting 3in display and 5.67MP OLED viewfinder. It offers fast and convenient connectivity with the Leica FOTOS app.
Content credentials
Apart from the black-and-white dedicated sensor, the Q3 Monochrom also introduces Content Credentials to the range for the first time. CC allows photographers to attach verifiable information about the image — including the creator’s identity, creation and editing history, device and software used, and to identify any AI used in the process.
The system provides enhanced transparency and trust for viewers, allowing them to see the provenance, authorship, and authenticity of an image.
Accessories
While all Q3 accessories, including the wireless charging handgrip and charging stand, can be used with the new model, Leica is introducing a range of dedicated accessories. These include rayon-and-leather woven and round-section carrying straps, ranging from £100-175 in price. A new version of the handgrip and charging station to match the Q3 Monochrom is available at a cost of £175. In addition, the range includes a new slim red filter which will sell for £135.
What’s in the box and how much
The new camera is supplied with the BP-SCL6 battery, USB cable, lens hood, lens cap, hot-shoe cover, and a carrying strap.
The Leica Q3 Monochrom is available from today in Leica stores and authorised resellers around the world. It retails for £5,800, including Value Added Tax, in the United Kingdom, which is £250 more than the standard Q3. The European price, which also includes VAT at around 20 percent, is €6,750, while the camera will retail for $7,790 before tax in the USA.
Leica announcement
New: Leica Q3 Monochrom
The second monochrome generation of the Leica Q family, featuring a dedicated black-and-white sensor
Wetzlar, 20th of November 2025 – “A century ago, the Leica I defied convention and transformed the field of photography by becoming the first mass-produced 35mm camera. This pioneering spirit endures in Leica’s monochrome cameras, defined by an unwavering commitment to pure black-and-white photography and the bold choice to deliberately renounce colour.
“The same is as true now as it was back then – these cameras embody a mindset of stepping beyond the familiar to explore new visual frontiers. With the arrival of the Leica Q3 Monochrom, a new chapter unfolds in the evolution of compact mirrorless full-frame cameras – dedicated wholly to the art of composing with light and shadow.
“As the second monochrome generation in the Q family, the Leica Q3 Monochrom distils photography to its purest form, capturing only brightness data with its dedicated black-and-white sensor. Its 60 MP monochrome sensor with Triple Resolution Technology delivers remarkable sharpness, impressive dynamic range and exceptional tonal depth – no colour filters means there is no compromising on detail.
“It captures images at resolutions of 60, 36 and 18 MP across an ISO range from 100 to 200,000, and records video with up to 8K resolution. Alongside the fast Leica Summilux 28 f/1.7 ASPH with its wide angle and fixed focal length, it delivers low-noise images rich in nuance and texture — consistently, and even in challenging lighting conditions.
Q-camera design
The design of the Leica Q3 Monochrom stays faithful to the contemporary Q family while embracing the unmistakable monochrome aesthetic. Made in Germany, it exemplifies functional beauty in its design and superb craftsmanship in the tactile quality of its finest materials.
“The all-metal body and lens hood are finished in black, with engravings – such as the “Monochrom” lettering on the top plate – rendered in understated black or grey, while the leatherette covering features a refined, stylish finish.”
“Finally, the intentional absence of the red Leica logo accentuates the camera’s minimalist design.”
“The high-resolution 5.76 megapixel OLED viewfinder, rapid and precise hybrid autofocus, and tilting touch display highlight the Leica Q3’s impressive performance capabilities.”
“The Q3 Monochrom offers maximum creative freedom to dedicated black-and-white photographers and filmmakers by allowing them to effortlessly switch to macro mode at a close focus distance of 17 cm and choose between automatic or manual control. With its IP52 rating, this durable camera is safeguarded against dust and splashes of water.
Exceptional monochrome images
The Leica Q3 Monochrom’s digital zoom, which ranges from 28 to 90 mm, and a whole host of video features provides extensive possibilities for capturing black-and-white imagery in exceptional quality throughout everyday creative practice.
“Thanks to reliable, user-friendly connectivity with the Leica FOTOS App via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, and Micro HDMI, content can be securely integrated into mobile workflows with exceptionally fast transfer speeds.”
“The Leica Q3 Monochrom features a well-organised, intuitive user interface with a distinct separation between photo and video functions. Each follows its own colour scheme and, combined with the carefully designed icons and menu navigation, allows for especially intuitive operation. Leica will introduce this new operating concept for Q-Cameras to both the Leica Q3 and the Leica Q3 43 through a firmware update at the end of the year.”
The Leica Q3 Monochrom also plays a pioneering role within the Q family through its innovative use of Content Credentials technology. It is the first Q-Camera to offer images with a digital signature compliant with the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), ensuring tamper-proof verification of their origin and any subsequent modifications.
Optional accessories
“Optional accessories broaden the creative possibilities and enable personalisation of the Leica Q3 Monochrom. The new monochrome camera is compatible with accessories designed for the Leica Q3, further enhancing its functionality.”
“Alongside the Q3 Monochrom, Leica is also launching a handgrip with wireless charging and a coordinated leatherette covering, a red filter, and a selection of carrying straps. The Leica Q3 Monochrom will be available worldwide from the 20th of November 2025 at Leica Stores, in the Leica Online Store and from authorised dealers. The recommended retail price is £5,800.00 / €6,750.00 / $7,790.00 including VAT.”
Leave a reply and join in the discussion
The comments section below every article is a friendly, non-confrontational space where you can air your views without fear of stirring the sort of hornets’ nest that is so often a feature of websites. We welcome your views on the content of our articles, and your opinions on all aspects of photography are a lifeblood for Macfilos. Please let us know, in the section below, if you agree or disagree with our authors’ opinions — and please have no hesitation in adding your advice if you think we’ve overlooked anything important.
I have a Q3 28 and I love it. It’s set on B&W almost all the time. This Q line is so much fun to use and easy to get around with. I did change out the strap as I like a wider one along with adding an aftermarket thumb grip. Both work beautifully with the camera. Looking forward to seeing photos.