70 years of the M-System: Leica rangefinder camera celebrates its birthday

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Seven decades ago, the Leica M3 with its rangefinder was launched on the market, a unique system to date, in 1954. Since then, the M-System has continued to evolve. Models such as the Leica M6 introduced integrated light metering, while the M8 was the first digital full-frame rangefinder camera. The M (Typ 240) added a CMOS sensor to the portfolio. With the Leica M Monochrom, a camera was created exclusively for digital black-and-white photography, and the M-D was the first to do without a display. The current M11 offers, among other things, a triple-resolution sensor, which can reproduce three sensor resolutions.

The special edition "Leica M Edition 70"

To mark the anniversary, Leica is presenting the "Leica M Edition 70", a special edition limited to 250 units. It combines classic elegance with state-of-the-art technology. The set includes an analog Leica M-A camera, an APO-Summicron-M 1:2/50 ASPH. lens and a fast-winding Leicavit M. Equipped with a platinum coating, the edition is aimed at collectors and lovers of analog photography. It will be available in selected Leica Stores at the beginning of 2025, at a price of 22,500 euros.

High-speed Leicavit M

Parallel to the special edition, Leica is launching the quick-winding Leicavit M in three additional color variants: black, glossy black and chrome-plated silver. A quick winder makes it possible to quickly transport the film in analog 35 mm cameras without taking your eyes off the viewfinder. It is mounted in place of the base plate and is designed to enable photographers to take up to two shots per second. To accomplish this, a stop lever is folded out of the base, which the photographer pulls up and allows to spring back before releasing the shutter. The Leicavit M is compatible with the analog models Leica M-A, MP, M6, M7, M6 TTL, M4-P and M4-2 and will be available from the first half of 2025 for 1,050 euros.

The "Leica M" anniversary book

The anniversary book, entitled "Leica M", celebrates the first 70 years of the M-System on over 250 pages with essays, photographs and archive material. It is intended to pay tribute to the Leica community and photographers and will be available from November 5, 2024, for 49 euros.

The special exhibition in Wetzlar

From November 6, 2024, Leica will also be hosting a special exhibition on the history of the Leica M at its headquarters in Wetzlar. The exhibition will provide insights into the history of the M-System and show historical models and production documents.

(cbr)