With the recent release of the gorgeous Hermés Limited Edition M7, I thought I’d post just a few of the special M series bodies that Leica has put out over the years. Some are just too slick for words, others are just silly gimmicks. These cameras definitely fall into the collector’s realm to be placed on a shelf behind glass under its own lighting.
There are many limited edition Leicas that are only differentiated by engravings on the top plate or an upgrade in the materials used for the custom hardware. They even produced a one-off M8 specifically made for Woody Allen.
For all the silliness involved in these special Leicas, put one of them in my hand and then ask me if I want it or not.
Here are a few notable limited edition M bodies:
M7 limited Edition Hermès
Available in a silver chrome finish and a choice of either orange or toupe calfskin leather. Includes a 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH Summilux, a matching classic round lens hood, a LEICAVIT M rapid winder and a leather carrying strap. Comes packaged in a linen-covered, silk-lined box.
Only 100 of each color have been produced and the current price is $12,950.
If you do purchase one, please purchase another for my friend Amanda and you will have her eternal gratitude. Then, she will leave the camera in her car when she goes shopping at Corte Madera.
Leica M7 limited Edition Hermès
Leica M7 limited Edition Hermès
All-White Leica M8
This is a standard M8 though the lens is a silver finished Elmarit 28mm f2.8 ASPH. At the time of release, price may have been $9,000 but it is available at $7,000 if you can find it. 275 units were made.
This one is my favorite.
Leica M8 White Edition
Leica Safari M8.2
500 of these M8.2s were released at a price of $10,000. Featuring a matte green vulcanite finish body combined with brushed silver accents and a saddle leather strap, the camera also comes with a 28mm F2.8 lens and a matching canvas and leather camera bag.
Leica Safari M8
Leica Safari M8
Leica Safari M8
Leica MP 0.72X LHSA 1968~2003 in Grey Hammertone Finish
Commemorating the 35th anniversary of LHSA, this MP was also paired with a 35mm Summicron ASPH with a matching hammertone lens hood.
LEICA MP LHSA 1968~2003 Grey Hammertone Finish
Top Plate of the LEICA MP LHSA 1968~2003 Grey Hammertone Finish
Leica M6 Sultan of Negeri Brunei Darussalam Silver Jubilee 24ct Gold Edition
At one point, this camera was famously featured on eBay for a price of $21,525. It comes paired with a gold-plated 50mm Summilux.
Leica M6 Sultan of Negeri Brunei Darussalam silver jubilee 24ct gold edition
Leica M6 Sultan of Negeri Brunei Darussalam silver jubilee 24ct gold edition
The top plate of this LEICA M6 Sultan of Brunei Silver Jubilee Edition
Leica M6 Sultan of Negara Brunei Darussalam Platinum Edition
I would love to see some of the Sultan’s photos though I am sure that he just pays someone to take photos for him.
150 units were made for this edition, paired with a platinum-plated 50mm Summilux and a brilliance-cut diamond in the top plate. His Majesty’s price? $93,499.
LEICA M6 Platinum Sultan of Brunei 50th Birthday Edition, 1995
The top plate of the LEICA M6 Platinum Sultan of Brunei 50th Birthday Edition
You know, without a doubt, that I would still drop this thing on any sidewalk.
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