Leica celebrates 70 years of Leica M

Leica is set to celebrate 70 years of its M-System, with (surprise, surprise) a limited edition camera.

The Leica M Edition 70 is a "homage to the history of the M-System" and, at the same time, "an investment in the future of analogue photography," according to Leica.

The Leica M mount was first introduced in 1954 with the Leica M3, and has been a constant in Leica's product line to today, where it is used by the film Leica M-A and digital Leica M11 cameras.

Image: Leica
Image: Leica

But back to the limited edition model. It's unashamedly a photographic collector’s item, with each of the 250 sets worldwide including a Leica M-A, a Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH., a Leicavit M fast winder and a film container with a 35mm black-and-white film.

No local pricing has been announced so far.

In addition, Leica has also announced a number of new accessories to celebrate the 70-year milestone. They include a 250-page "Leica M" book, and an M exhibition which will be held at Leica Camera AG’s headquarters in Wetzlar starting on 6 November.

The exhibition will showcase historic M-Cameras, prototypes, original documents, iconic photographs and more. 

You can find out more about the 70-year anniversary products and events here.