Leica Camera is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its iconic M-System, which was launched in 1954 with the Leica M3 and continues today, the most recent release being the Leica M11-P.
Front view of the Special Edition Leica M-A camera and Leica APO-Summicron-M50 f/2 ASPH. lens. (Source: Leica Camera.)
Establishing a new chapter in the history of photography, the M-System has set the standards for rangefinder cameras since its launch. The legendary Leica M6 featured integrated exposure metering; the Leica MP models were specially tailored to press photography; the Leica M9 was the first digital full-frame rangefinder camera; and the M (Typ 240) was the first to use a CMOS sensor and also the first model without a window for illuminating the viewfinder frames. The Leica M-Monochrom revolutionised digital black and white photography, while the Leica M-D was the first digital M to dispense with the monitor display. The current M11 features a Triple Resolution sensor covering 60, 36 and 18 megapixels.
The anniversary will be commemorated with the limited release of 250 sets worldwide of a special platinum-plated collector’s edition containing a Leica M-A camera, Leica APO-Summicron-M50 f/2 ASPH. lens, a Leicavit M fast winder and a film container including film. It will be available in selected Leica Stores from early 2025 at a RRP of AU$39,990. Also on offer is a special ‘Leica M’ anniversary book covering the history of the M-System, which can be purchased from the Leica online store and selected dealers from 6 November 2024 for AU$85 (RRP). Click here for more information on 70 years of Leica M.
