Leica Announces the Q3 Monochrom

Today, Leica has announced the Q3 Monochrom, the latest in the line of Monochrom variations of the Leica Q lineup.

The Q3 Monochrom comes with the excellent 61MP BSI-CMOS sensor and the same Maestro IV processor from the color version of the Q3. However, the Monochrom version does not get the phase detection from the Q3, instead relying on what seems to be Panasonic’s contrast and depth of defocus auto focus system.

The Q3 Monochrom features an updated interface and a new icon set, and the new UI will also be made available in an upcoming firmware patch for the Q3 and Q4 43. The Q3 Monochrom offers embedding of CAI content credentials, something the Q3 did not have.

Also like the M11 and other Q3-series cameras, the 60MP sensor in the Q3 Monochrom enables the use of Triple Resolution Technology. This unique pixel binning process allows photographers to select 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP output, with each resolution making use of the full sensor area and providing rich 14-bit imagery and a wide dynamic range.

The lens is supposedly the same between the Q2 and Q3, which is a Summilux 28mm F1.7 ASPH. It appears as if the lens has three aspherical elements and an internal focus group. This is the actual diagram from the Q2 specifications; it’s the same as the Q3 (I have verified), but the image in the Q3 specifications is horrendous. The irony.

Otherwise, the Q3 Monochrom is a significant step up from the Q2 Monochrom in terms of features and price.

Why Monochrome?

A regular Bayer sensor is made up of RGB pixels, and those are demosaiced into full color images by a RAW converter either in the camera or your favorite RAW conversion tool. As such, each pixel is an approximation. The pixels surrounding the one being calculated are used to determine the missing color information of that pixel. With Monochrom, you have none of that. Each pixel measures the luminance, and there is no demosaicing, resulting in images with much finer details. Of course, these images will have no color. Though it is possible to create color images, if you use three color lens filters and stack the images, that’s another story.

For the most part, if you were into B&W film, there’s an attraction to this style of photography and the simplicity of its image processing.

Key Features

• 60MP Full-Frame B&W BSI CMOS Sensor
• No Color Array or Low Pass Filter
• Leica Content Credentials Technology
• Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens
• 8K30, 4K60 & 4:2:2 10-Bit, FHD ProRes HQ
• Contrast-Detection AF & Optical IS
• 5.76m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
• 3″ 1.84m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• ISO 100-200000, Up to 15-fps Shooting
• SD UHS-II Slot; USB-C and HDMI Ports

Pre-Order the Q3 Monochrom

Leica Q3 Monochrom Digital Camera $7790

Press Release

New: Leica Q3 Monochrom

The second monochrome generation of the Leica Q family featuring a dedicated black-and-white sensor

Teaneck, November 20th, 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 color. 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 – thanks to the omission of a bayer filter and low pass filter. It captures images at resolutions of 60, 36, and 18 MP across an ISO range from 100 to 200,000, and records monochromatic 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.

The design of the Leica Q3 Monochrom stays faithful to the contemporary Q family while embracing the unmistakable monochrome aesthetics. 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 gray, 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.

With digital zoom ranging from 28 to 90 mm and a whole host of video features, the Leica Q3 Monochrom 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-organized, intuitive user interface with a distinct separation between photo and video functions; a new UI design originally introduced with the release of the Leica SL3. Each follows its own color 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 broaden the creative possibilities and enable personalization 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 matching leatherette covering, a red filter, and a selection of carrying straps.

The Leica Q3 Monochrom will be available worldwide starting November 20th, 2025, at Leica Stores, in the Leica Online Store, and from authorized dealers. The retail price is $7,790.00.

Specifications of the Leica Q3 Monochrom

Image Gallery