Press release:

70 years of Leica M: Tradition, Perfection, and Innovation – Leica Camera celebrates the anniversary of the Leica M-System

Teaneck, October 24th, 2024. Iconic and more vibrant than ever: The introduction of the Leica M3 exactly seven decades ago, marked the beginning of the M-System, a milestone in the history of photography that continues today. Launched in 1954, the Leica M3 set new standards with its unique rangefinder, since then the M-System has continuously evolved over the following decades. The legendary Leica M6 featured integrated exposure metering; additional Leica MP models were specially tailored for press photography; the Leica M9 was the first digital full-frame mirrorless camera; and the M (Typ 240) was notable for having a CMOS sensor and for being the first series-produced model without a window for illuminating the viewfinder frames.

The Leica M Monochrom revolutionized digital black-and-white photography, and the Leica M-D was the first digital M to offer a genuine analog experience with the removal of the back display. The current model, the Leica M11, allows direct access to the battery and features a Triple Resolution sensor with a resolution of 60, 36 and 18 megapixels. The Leica M-System has remained both highly compatible and future-proof; for example, the Leica M11-P is the world’s first camera capable of verifying the authenticity of digital images thanks to the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). This focus on essential features, combined with Leica’s impeccable craftsmanship, ensures quality and consistency – values central to the brand’s core identity. “The quality and craftsmanship of the materials, the sense of precision in every movement, the soft click of the shutter release and the visual clarity of the viewfinder all combine to create an experience that goes far beyond just taking pictures”, says Mark Shipard, Head of Design, Leica Camera AG.

The Leica M camera has long been a favorite among esteemed photographers, who use it for more than just photojournalism and documentary work. In fact, an M is always described as a medium for expressing artistic freedom and individual vision. Countless significant moments have been captured thanks to the Leica M, and their poignancy has been highlighted through powerful, culturally influential photographs. Leica Camera is honored to celebrate seven decades of the Leica M, a tool that is deeply woven in the history of humanity.

“The beauty of the Leica M is that it is so small and therefore discreet and handy to use. Even when people see me using it, they don’t get scared. They don’t see me as a paparazzo – they see me as an artist”, says street photographer Matt Stuart, who was born in London, England.

The limited special edition: “Leica M Edition 70”

The “Leica M Edition 70” was produced as an exclusive special edition to mark the anniversary. This is a unique collector’s item – not just for discerning purists. With a limited release of only 250 sets, the platinum-plated special edition combines classic elegance with precision craftsmanship. It features the iconic design of the legendary Leica M3 created with the manufacturing standards of today. Equipped with a Leica M-A camera, Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH. lens, a Leicavit M fast winder and a film container which includes monochrome film, the “Leica M Edition 70” is not only a wonderful homage to the history of the Leica M-System, but also a perfect investment in the future of analogue photography. The combination of timeless design and tried-and-tested craftsmanship, and luxurious platinum coating makes the edition set a coveted item for discerning photographers and collectors.

The “Leica M Edition 70” will be available in selected Leica Stores in 2025. The retail price is $22,995.00.

The anniversary book: “Leica M”

The “Leica M” book is being published in honor of the first 70 years of the Leica M-System. The history of the Leica M-System is presented over more than 250 pages and features insightful essays, legendary photographs, rarely seen archival material and an overview of the Leica M- Cameras produced to date. The result is an impressive homage, that vividly portrays the complexity and many layers of the Leica M-System’s development over 70 years.

“This book is also a huge ‘thank you’ to all the people who worked with the M and on the M: photographers, employees, customers, and friends of what we call ‘the Leica family,’” sums up Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG.

The “Leica M” book will be available globally in Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, the LFI (Leica Fotografie International) Online Store, and select authorized dealers starting on November 5th, 2024. The retail price is $50.00.

The anniversary exhibition

The Leica M-System has been inspiring photographers for seven decades with its exemplary aesthetics, compact design, manual operation, precise optics and unique image quality. On November 6th, 2024, an extensive special exhibition opens to the public at Leica Camera AG’s headquarters in Wetzlar, featuring historic Leica M-Camera models and exciting insights into its production history with original documents and iconic photographs. Visitors will be able to experience the history of photography and enjoy an impressive presentation of the Leica M- System’s path from 1954 to the present day.

For more information on “70 years of Leica,” visit: leica-camera.com/70-years-m