Like the Color Black? You’ll Love These New Leica Cameras

The 100-year celebration of Leica has become quite exciting over the past few months. From launches such as Leica MONOPAN 50 to M11-P Safari Special Edition, the company has launched a few exceptional devices for its users. It now appears that this fun is not yet over, with the company launching a plethora of new cameras today. This includes versions of the M11, the Leica D-Lux 8, and even a new photo book. Let’s take a look at what is in store for us.

Leica M11 100 Years of Leica “WETZLAR GERMANY”

Since Leica is celebrating the centennial of Leica I, the first 35mm camera to be produced for the masses, the company is honoring the tradition with the launch of M11 100 Years of Leica. The camera is the fourth special edition device launched after Dubai, Milan, and New York Editions.

The M11 Special edition, in every way, is a collector’s item. It features a special engraving on the top of the plate, which features “Wetzlar” in the company’s traditional script. However, its insides are the same as the Leica M11, which was launched in 2022. The camera has a glossy black paint finish, inspired by other M series cameras, and which continues to be loved by many. That’s because the patina that is created over time is what people buy the gloss finish Leica for. There are also a silver-chromed finish for dials and other buttons on the camera.

This time, the red, iconic Leica logo is replaced with a black screw, while the ht show has the number “100” mentioned on it, which indicates the anniversary. In fact, only 100 models with serial numbers 001 to 100 will be available, and each will have an authenticity certification. The retail price is 9,500 euros or $11,027.

The M11-D Centenary Set

In addition, the company is also launching two different sets of Leica M11-D specifically for this celebration. For this set, Leica is pairing the M11-D with two iconic lenses: Leica Summilux-M 50 f1.4 ASPH and Leitz Anastigmat-M 50 f3.5. The M11-D itself pays homage to Leica I, which was originally launched in 1925. The camera also features a black gloss finish, and it incorporates the iconic camera’s cross knurling. There is also a conical collar on the shutter button, and there is a leather covering on the front. Like the M11, the M11-D also has the “100” logo on the hot shoe cover, with “Ernst Leitz Wetzlar” embossed on the shutter circle. This camera will also be numbered up to 100, with 000 being the designated serial number 6000000. The lenses, too, will have similar bearings.

Speaking about the lenses, the Leitz Anastigmat-M 50 f3.5 was once a fixed lens, and was manufactured 150 times before the Elmax lens took its place. And now, a century later, the lens is relaunching and will feature the same characteristics of the original, including the retractable design. The exterior is made of aluminum, which is a first for a lens of this nature. This was done so as to retain the nickel-coloured finish of the original. The Leica Summilux-M 50 f1.4 ASPH is designed to provide soft bokeh and has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm. The lens is like its predecessor, featuring nickel color, with an aluminium base. Along with the lenses, you also get an SD card case, a carrying strap made from leather, a glossy black wooden box.

This entire set will be available in spring 2025.

The D-Lux 8 100 Years of Leica

Just like the M11 and M11-D anniversary variants, the D-Lux 8, too, will feature cross knurling and a “100” logo on the camera. However, on the inside, the D-Lux 8 is just like the original, launched in 2024. It will feature a 17MP 4/3 CMOS sensor, a 24-75mm lens equivalent lens but with nickel-coloured accents, and a leaf shutter. This version is far more budget-friendly, only costing $2,150.

The SOFORT 2 100 Years of Leica

A hybrid instant camera, the SOFORT 2 is exactly like Fujifilm’s Instax Mini. The camera has a 5MP 1/5-inch sensor, a 28mm equivalent lens, and a 3-inch 460,000-dots LCD. The camera runs on, microSD/microSDHC card, and also has 10 Filmstyles and 10 Lensstyles. The 100-Year edition is entirely black and features the same logo as on the other camera. You can purchase this for $499.

100 Leica Stories Book

The photo book showcases the role Leica played in capturing the most important moments in the history of humanity. The book looks at photographs, documents, snapshots, and series from legendary photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Alexander Rodchenko, Ilse Bing, Yevgeny Khaldei, Joel Meyerowitz, Robert Lebeck, and many more. The book not only pays homage to the cameras they created, but also their distinctive role in immortalizing these moments. The book also includes personal moments, behind-the-scenes, and a detailed appendix that looks at the company’s legacy. The book will be available from 14 July for just $70.