Edit 11/25/2025: TLDR: this is fake/counterfeit product. don't buy it.
I started this thread because this post didn't quite fit in any of the existing ones and hopefully this provides some interesting information. If you're on the camp of "i don't put protection filters on my lenses" please move on to the next thread.
I was looking for the slim Leica clear/UV filter for the Q3 43 on the oft chance that _maybe_ Leica has one but i kinda knew at the time that they don't (I have the JJC one) and found this on that popular auction site through some Chinese seller. They have other official Leica accessories that appear to be legit (including the packaging) at a lower price...and saw their listing for an official slim Q3 43 filter. It's a few dollars more expensive than the JJC so i figured i'll buy it along with the Leica thumb grip (because I'll be damned if i'm paying that much through the official channels)
They arrived yesterday and I have an unboxing video somewhere on the "YouTubes" which I won't link here since any form of self-promotion is frowned upon here (for mostly good reasons).
A few thoughts:
- it came with what appears to be a legit Leica packaging and the box even has that shiny Leica seal sticker (I have other Leica accessories and comparing the box they seem to be legit)
- it also came in a plastic case that is branded with Leica, which again looks legit.
- The Leica product number is the same as the Leica UVII regular filter, which i thought was odd.
- Unlike the JJC, it didn't come with any tool to install the filter and the filter itself didn't have any channels for it anyway, only a somewhat rib-textured ring to latch your fingers on mostly by friction
- it fits without any play.
- it kinda looks high quality and while the E49 looks to use the Leica font, the "Leica Camera Weltzar" does NOT. it's not always a red flag though...because there are some lenses in the Leica line-up that does not use the font (like some of the made-in-Portugal Summarit M lenses)
Again, note that as of this writing this filter does not appear in any of the Leica product listing nor is it available on any Leica store.
In conclusion I still think this is not legit product although there are some indications that it may be...there are some details that makes you go "hmm.."
yeah I'm almost positive it's counterfeit. but they went to great lengths to make it pass as original. what made me not 100% sure is the box which I couldn't tell apart from the other Leica accessories boxes I have including the shiny Leica sticker. maybe they somehow able to source the boxes...
the thumb grip I ordered with is in a Leica box but did not come in a pouch. but dang it's _awfully_ close, even the "made in Portugal" stamp...and the fonts are correct...it even has warranty card (in Chinese) and a instruction manual.
but lol the QR code for warranty goes to a WeChat website...
ok I can now definitely confirm it's fake. oh man they really did a good job in the counterfeiting..the packaging on a quick glance looks authentic...even the shiny Leica sticker seal. but I compared the shiny sticker closely with the really Leica I have...it's very very similar, but not really...like depending on the angle, the sticker would show Leica or a slightly open lens aperture mechanism...the real one has a clear transition between the two images...the fake one doesn't. also the aperture mechanism on the fake one is slightly different. and I compared this against all the other Leica boxes I have and yeah...it's different. but holy dang counterfeiting is very good.
