Favourite accessories for the Leica Q3
I know, why spend more money on an already expensive camera? Well, because in my opinion it is impossible to include everything in one package. Be assured though if you buy a brand new Leica Q3, the only thing you really need to buy is a great quality SD card. That's all, everything else is in the box already: camera, strap, battery, charger. This article is for those, who would like to have some accessories that might make your photographer life a bit easier. Of course this list is based on my experiences and choices, but I'm sure many will find it useful. At least I hope.
Backup charger
Yes, I know, there is a charger in the box and alternatively you can charge the Q3 via USB-C easily. But when I'm out shooting for long hours I almost never switch off the camera, even barely it is able to be in standby mode. And if I know the next day will be the same, I might need to charge multiple batteries at once. With having a backup charger I can charge 3 batteries simultaneously. Two in chargers one in camera. It might be overkill for many.
Oberwerth half case
I did my research online even before receiving my Q3. I love the original design and in my opinion the front grip is not necessary. But I want great protection to my camera and this half case is perfect for that. Not only it protects the camera perfectly it is also very, very comfortable. The two flip doors on the bottom let's you access the battery and the SD card slot easily. You can hide a small Apple AirTag into the battery flip door in case someone steal your camera. The craftsmanship is outstanding. By default the case is not compatible with a tripod plate but the manufacturer provide an additional screw that let's you use any camera plate you like. One little quirk though, if you have the additional screw in, you cannot access the SD card slot, but you still have access to change the battery if needed. As a workaround I usually have an ArcaSwiss plate that holds the Oberwerth screw attached to it. This way I can quickly screw in the ArcaSwiss plate if I need it. As an attention to detail Oberwerth also gives you a small screwdriver thingy in the package.
Check it out at Oberwerth.
Thumb grip
For additional safety and comfort I almost always use a thumb grip. The camera is already comfortable without it, but shooting in portrait mode with one hand is much more comfortable if you have the grip attached. As the original Leica grip is really expensive I tried to test a few alternatives, but at the end I didn't find any that is so perfectly fits to the camera. After a few tests I bit the bullet and bought the original one. It fits perfectly and it is very comfortable. There's also buttons for the two function buttons and it works perfectly.
Check it out at Leica.
Lens cap
Yes, as soon as you buy the camera you'll have the original Leica lens cap which is great. But I find it another solution which is even better if you'd like to quickly take off or on your lens cap. The Otect lens cap. It looks like a flat plate with two small nail on the top and the bottom. Out of the box it is a bit stiff but after a week or so it is so fast and secure to use. I like the original Leica design better, but from a practical and speed point, the Otect wins.
Check it out at Otect.
SD cards
I know it sounds strange but as I read a lot about how cheap SD cards not working well, I felt the need to mention this. The Leica Q3 is a camera that is capable of recording 8K video, can shoot in burst mode with its 60 megapixel sensor. So you shouldn't buy cheap, slow, budget SD cards to use it with the camera. I generally use Sandisk, Angelbird and Lexar cards. Only the fastest models: V90 II U3. If you use any reputable brand and buy these fastest types you'll never have a problem.
Polarpro Slate II SD card holder
Speaking of cards, once you have them, you should protect them. These cards have all your precious photos on them until you load them into your computer. Call me overly protective but I use this holder because it is weatherproof, shockproof, crushproof. The company tested it in the desert, tortured it in various conditions. It might be overkill for me but I love it. It's made of crushproof aluminium, has a shockproof storage tray and has a weatherproof silicon gasket seal. You can have it in different versions to store SD or CFexpress cards, or you can even order different trays to make your own custom layout.
Check it out at Polarpro.
Battery case
I used a few models until I find the perfect fit. The Peter McKinnon battery case. Not too big, just perfect fit for up to 3 batteries, the magnetic closing is great and comfortable. Not that batteries need that huge protection but this case is just enough so any spare won't be dangling in your bag. It comes with some stickers to mark which battery is empty but I don't use those. I have my old and trusty method. Any used battery I put upside down into the case. If you see the battery's top, it is fully charged, if you see the bottom, it is empty. The case is made by Nomatic and it is really high quality.
Check it out at Nomatic.
Strap
I like the original leather strap from Leica but found it a bit too long for my taste. So I bought a shorter rope strap from RocknRoll straps and one from Cooph. Nothing fancy, a black rope strap with leather endings and a protective leather patch that goes under the ring so your camera body will stay scratch free. I use this for a good 8 months now and it still looks like new. Heavy duty even under demanding conditions. I'm really protective with the camera, but not with the strap. I use it to protect the camera when I put it close to water or the ground. When it gets dirty, simply wash it with warm water and soap, dry it and you're good to go.
Check it out at RocknRoll straps and Cooph.
This is it, my small list of favourites. Hope you find something you’ll like or find it really useful.