Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
Leica and Formula 1 launch $9,950 special-edition camera
Leica and Formula 1 have announced a global licensing deal covering the sport, not one racing team.
Their first joint product is the Leica Q3 43 Formula 1 Edition, a limited-edition camera priced at $9,950.
It goes on sale Oct.
20 through Leica stores, its online shop and specialist retailers.
The camera uses carbon-fiber details and design cues from F1 cockpits, including red controls and a covering modeled on racing-car steering wheels.
It also has an exclusive Formula 1 setting that increases contrast and color saturation, with the effect available while shooting.
The camera shares its main technical features with the existing Leica Q3 43, including a 43mm lens and a full-frame sensor.
The partnership extends F1's business into luxury products and events, as the sport seeks to build on growing mainstream interest.
Leica will unveil the camera at its Los Angeles store, and the deal also includes events at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Leica and Formula 1 have announced a global licensing deal and a special-edition camera priced at $9,950.
The Leica Q3 43 Formula 1 Edition uses carbon-fiber details and design elements inspired by F1 cars and steering wheels.
It includes a “Formula 1” photography setting designed to boost contrast and color saturation.
The camera is available from Oct. 20 through Leica stores, Leica’s online shop and specialist retailers.
The partnership also includes a Los Angeles gallery show and events at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
- Who
- Leica and Formula 1.
- What
- They announced a global licensing deal that includes a $9,950 special-edition camera.
- When
- The deal was announced on Tuesday; the camera became available beginning Oct. 20.
- Where
- The camera is available through Leica stores, its online shop and specialist retailers. The launch event was held at Leica’s Los Angeles store and gallery.
- Why
- Leica’s North America president cited a synergy between people who collect cameras and cars, and shared interests in craftsmanship and preparation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Leica and Formula 1 announced a global licensing deal.
Leica introduced the camera at its Los Angeles store and gallery, and the camera became available for sale.
The partnership is set to include events at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
- Camera
- Leica Q3 43 Formula 1 Edition
- Price
- $9,950
- Availability
- Beginning Oct. 20
- Lens
- Fixed 43mm APO-Summicron f/2
- Sensor
- Full-frame; shoots at 60, 36 or 18 megapixels
- Launch exhibition
- 26 racing photographs by Callo Albanese
3 sources
What people are saying
There is such synergy between people who collect cameras and people who collect cars
Both photography and racing depend so much on preparation
While Formula 1 goes at incredible speed, and it may be really hard to stop the moment, photography helps someone who loves that craftsmanship and excellence stop the moment, so that it can be examined, remembered, celebrated.
It’s heritage, but it’s not heritage for heritage’s sake