Celebrate 70 Years of Leica M Series With This Limited, Screen-Less Edition Camera

Last Updated on 10/24/2024 by Chris Gampat

Some cameras leave an indelible mark on photography. The Leica M series is an example of this. The cameras not only feature excellent ergonomics and weather sealing, but they also create images that other devices cannot. They are a perfect match for photographers who want to capture their vision in the most wholesome way. On the 70th anniversary of the Leica M series, the company made a few notable announcements, including the launch of a new special edition camera!

All the images in this article are used with permission, courtesy of Leica.

Brief History of Leica M Series

Launched in 1954, the Leica M3 was the first camera to set a new standard at that time, which has been followed by many companies across the world. From there on, there was no looking back. The Leica M6 integrated an exposure meter, while the Leica MP models were designed specifically to meet the needs of press photographers. In 2009, the Leica M9 became the first digital full-frame mirrorless camera; for many, including us, it is also the best. The M (Typ 240) launched brought the CMOS sensor and also became the first mass-produced model without a window to illuminate the viewfinder frames.

With time, Leica introduced the M Monochrome, which produces only black-and-white images, and the M-D, the first M series camera to feature no rear display. The Leica M11 is a unique camera with a triple-resolution sensor with 60, 36, and 18 megapixels resolution. Similarly, the Leica M11-P became the first camera that could verify the authenticity of images, thanks to Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) certified tools.

Leica M Edition 70

To celebrate the anniversay of such an iconic camera, Leica has released the Leica M Edition 70. Deemed as a collectible, the camera has only 250 sets, each featuring a platinum plate, and paired with the APO-Summicron-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. What sets this edition apart is that it is designed using the features of two iconic M-System cameras. For instance,  the Leica M Edition 70’s body is inspired by the Leica M3 but is equipped with the features of the mechanical Leica M-A. It features no LCD monitor and comes with a Leicavit M fast winder and a film container that includes monochrome film. Just like the 60th edition, the 70th edition features an ISO selector and a viewfinder, but otherwise, you are entirely dependent on your skill set. As you can see, the device is not only an homage to the M-System but also a camera that pushes digital photographers to try analaogue all over again.

As unique the camera is, so is its price tag. The Leica M Edition 70 will be available next year at an MRP of $22,995. If you are wondering whether it is worth the price, Well, think about it this way: do you want unique images that can’t be recreated easily and a device that can easily handed down from one generation to the next? Then yes, it is worth every penny. We have mentioned in the past that Leica cameras are devices that you buy for a lifetime. The company takes complete responsibility and helps you repair the cameras decades after they have broken down. Furthermore, a Leica never really loses its value in the market. If you get bored, there is always someone to buy the camera from you, and certainly at a much higher price.

Leica M Series Gets an Immersive Experience

In addition to a new camera, Leica is also celebrating this milestone with a new book and exhibtion. Titled Leica M, the book has over 250 pages of essays, photographs, and archival material that give you an idea about the history of the camera till date. As for the exhibition, the company will display the historical Leica M models in Wetzler, Germany, which will also include photographs created using these devices. The Leica M book will be available from November 5 for purchase at $50 from Leica stories and the website. The exhibition will open on November 6.

As history shows, the Leica M series has truly shaped the world of photography. It not only propelled camera makers to do better but also urged photographers to showcase some magical moments from our daily lives. Overall, the Leica M series has touched humanity in innumerable ways.

For more information, visit Leica’s website.