Leica M Anniversary Edition

A full-frame camera, with one of the sharpest lenses in the market

In 1914, Oskar Barnack constructed the very first Leica, the Leitz camera, marking the birth of 35 mm photography. A hundred years later, celebrating its anniversary, Leica has released a version of its legendary rangefinder camera with the top plate engraved with a ‘100 years of Leica’ logo. It comes in silver chrome and black versions and is technically identical to the current model of the Leica M. The anniversary edition is limited to 500 units.

The Leica M is a mix of state-of-the- art digital technology and the decades of experience that Leica has in making cameras. The camera comes with a 24 megapixel full-frame Leica Max CMOS sensor that works with both the M and the R lenses. Its viewfinder shows you the action outside the actual frame, letting you compose with more direct interaction with your subject. There is also a Live View feature on its scratch resistant, high resolution 3-inch screen that helps you get a better exposure.

If you want more control over your pictures and want to zoom in while you focus, Leica M has an additional electronic viewfinder, Visoflex EVF2, that lets you zoom 5x to 10x into the image, and a multifunctional handgrip with an integrated GPS module that lets you expand the camera as you go along. You can also add a microphone adapter set for some great sound recordings.

At less than 42 mm depth, a quiet shutter, and 500 shots on a single charge, the Leica M is an ideal partner for travel as well as candid photography. It also boasts one of the sharpest lenses in the market. Intuitive controls and a simplified menu let you concentrate on capturing great pictures instead of losing you to complex technology. No wonder that some lensmen call the Leica M the best system built for photographers.

The price of this limited anniversary edition hasn’t been announced, but you can make a rough estimate— the standard Leica M camera comes for $7,995 and more.

cameraLeica MOskar Barnack