In this latest installment of Thumbprints & Signatures we dive back in to the continued lore and legacy of the Leica 40mm focal length, learn what makes the new lens on the Leica Q3 43 special, and follow up on a few questions raised from our 28mm vs 43mm Q3 Video.
The Leica Q3 43 introduces a brand new 43mm f2 Apo-Summicron ASPH lens, a huge departure from the longstanding 28mm f1.7 Summilux ASPH lens first introduced in the Q system (2015). This new lens features APO (Apochromatic) corrections, typically reserved for Leica’s top-tire optics in the SL and M systems. You might be wondering…why 43mm? Why not 40mm or even more common/popular focal lengths such as 35mm or 50mm? While 43mm might sound like a odd or random number for a focal length, it is also referencing the exact diagonal measurement of the full frame sensor. The 43mm’s lens construction is optimized to use 100% of the high resolution sensor’s coverage resulting in maximum image quality. 43mm is also a nod to Leica’s history with the 40mm focal length, typically found in the compact line of film Leica Cameras.
What makes the 40mm focal length so special?
The 40mm focal length is often referred to the closest in mimicking the human eye. The 40mm focal length requires precision when composing because not as close in depth as a 50mm yet not as wide as a 35mm, it falls in a sweet spot that feels natural and comfortable. Rotating the camera portrait or landscape orientation also works really well for this focal length. However, if you have been use to the 28mm f1.7 Summilux ASPH lens on the Q system, it can be a bit jarring and feel narrow.
Apo-Summicron or Summilux?
Both Apo-Summicron and Summilux are held in high regard and are Leica’s top tier performing optics. Apo-Summicron optics prioritizes image quality and offers a contemporary/corrected lens signature while Summilux optics accel in low light situations and often have a dreamy yet sharp lens signature. Since both the Q3 and Q3 43 are the same camera both internally and externally, with the exception of their respective lenses, they utilize the same 60mp BSI sensor and Maestro IV Processor. So which Q3 is the one for you?
A few questions that arose from our 28mm vs 43mm Leica Q3 video were:
- Is f/2 more than enough or do you need the extra stop of light?
- Do you value maximum image quality or better low light capabilities?
- 28mm or 43mm?
In the film era, f2 optics were viewed as versatile and practical choices suitable for most occasions whereas f1.4 optics can achieve everything a f2 lens can, but had a huge advantage in low light situations. Since then, modern sensors have made great advancements with wider dynamic range, optical and in-body stabilization, and improved high ISO capabilities upwards to 100,000, the difference of one stop of light from f2 to f1.4 is almost negligible. In the digital era, options have become limitless. In regards to Leica’s optics, f1.4 and f2 are on almost equal yet hold their respective advantages over one another. F1.4 still has the low light advantage yet has become more of a stylistic choice if you are looking to shallow depth of field and f2 now has APO corrections effectively maximizing image quality. There is certainly a level of intentionality, whether stylistic or practical, expressed when choosing between an Apo-Summicron (f2) and a Summilux (f1.4).
However in the case of the Leica Q3 and Q3 43, it is unfair to properly compare these two optics as they are two different focal lengths with different lens constructions and characteristics, and ultimately cater to different needs and styles of photography. It would be more fair to compare the M Apo-Summicron and M Summilux counter parts.
Continuing the Legacy of the Leica 40mm Line
In 2022, we officially kicked off the Thumbprints & Signatures Series on our Youtube channel to serve as a optics resource ranging from the legendary to the obscure where we explore the history of vintage and contemporary optics. The first two episodes featured the Leica 40mm f2 Summicron-C (1973-1977) and the 40mm f2.4 Summarit last seen in the Leica CM (2003-2006). These two lenses would be the unintentional start of an ongoing interconnected series that connects the dots between different eras of Leica’s optical engineering history, ie: Mandler or Karbe era.
I also want to note, we are not including the Leica 45mm Elmarit-S lens and 40mm f1.4 Summilux Cinema mainly because they were designed with different formats in mind.
These building blocks are the key in understanding the innovation and general lore behind corner stone optics such as the many iterations of the 50mm Noctilux, Pre-ASPH Summilux’s, or even early Leica thread mount optics. As for the Leica Q3 43, Leica has revived a classic and updated it to meet todays photographic standards. I believe the 43mm f2 Apo-Summicron is perfect for photographers searching for a contemporary look, focusing on details and tighter compositions, wanting to maximize the 60mp sensor, and enjoying the legacy of Leica’s 40mm focal length.
