Leica’s $23,000 Platinum Film Camera is a Collector’s Treasure

Leica is commemorating the 70th anniversary of its M rangefinder camera by releasing a limited edition set that is priced at $22,995, catering exclusively to 250 affluent individuals. The Leica M Edition 70 set features a platinum-plated Leica M-A 35mm film camera paired with a Leicavit fast winder, a 50mm APO-Summicron-M f/2 lens, and a metallic film container that includes a roll of black-and-white film, with the film container also crafted from platinum.

This anniversary edition marks the debut of the Leica M3 in 1954, which was the first M camera. Leica frequently celebrates its M3 and its brand’s rich heritage. In 2014, the company released the Leica M Edition 60 to commemorate the M3’s 60th anniversary, which stood out as the first digital M camera to forgo a rear LCD screen, offering a quasi film-like experience. This feature later became available in standard editions like the M-D (Typ 262), M10-D, and most recently, the M11-D.

The M Edition 70 edition appears more conservative, with a limited production run and a reinvention of the Leica M-A film camera, which has been available since 2014. A notable inclusion is the Leicavit, a classic accessory from the era of film rangefinders that has long been out of production. The Leicavit functions as an alternate bottom plate for the camera, incorporating a hidden lever that allows for film advancement using the left hand after a shot.

Though the Leicavit was designed to provide a faster and slightly more discreet alternative to using the traditional film advance lever, it was not widely adopted. Nevertheless, Leica enthusiasts appreciate these niche innovations. The introduction of the M Edition 70 might be an experiment to reintroduce the Leicavit as a standard accessory, much like the M60’s role as a precursor to screenless digital cameras, or the M9 Titanium’s exploration of LED-illuminated frame lines.

Ultimately, the M Edition 70 stands as both an impressive and extravagant piece, providing Leica an opportunity to generate significant revenue. The edition serves not only as a testament to Leica’s unique legacy but also as a showcase of the company’s ongoing pursuit of creative ventures.

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