Leica is commemorating the 70th anniversary of its M rangefinder camera by offering an exclusive gift valued at $22,995, intended for only 250 affluent individuals. The luxurious Leica M Edition 70 set comprises a platinum-plated Leica M-A 35mm film camera equipped with a Leicavit fast winder, a matching 50mm APO-Summicron-M f/2 lens, and a metallic film container containing a roll of black-and-white film. The film container itself is also platinum.
This special edition pays tribute to the Leica M3, the first M camera released in 1954. Leica often honors the M3 and its legacy whenever possible. In 2014, Leica introduced the M Edition 60 to celebrate the M3’s 60th anniversary. That model made a bold statement by being the first digital M camera to eliminate the rear LCD, offering a more film-like experience. This feature later became available in standard models, such as the M-D (Typ 262), M10-D, and most recently, the M11-D.
The M Edition 70, with its limited production run, revisits the Leica M-A film camera, which has been available since 2014. A notable feature of this anniversary edition is the inclusion of the Leicavit, a classic accessory from the era of film rangefinders, which has not been in use for years. The Leicavit serves as an alternative bottom plate for the camera, containing a hidden lever that allows users to advance the film with the left hand, promoting a faster and slightly more discreet operation.
There is speculation that the M Edition 70 might serve as a test to reintroduce the Leicavit as a standard accessory, much like how the M60 was a precursor for screenless digital cameras and the M9 Titanium experimented with LED-illuminated frame lines. Regardless of its intent, the M Edition 70 remains a stunning yet extravagant offering. It provides Leica with an opportunity to generate significant revenue from its wealthy customer base while potentially funding future innovative projects.
