Leica Camera AG celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Leica M-System this year. 1954 marked the beginning of a new chapter in photography history with the debut of the Leica M3 – the first M-Camera from a system that remains successful to this day. With its unique rangefinder, it set benchmarks and continues to inspire with its hallmark features. These include its distinctive image quality, optical precision, an iconic, unmistakable product design, and an operating concept that lives up to the Leica brand promise of concentrating on das Wesentliche (the essential). To mark the anniversary, the World of Leica in Wetzlar – the production site and home of the Leica brand – presents a one-of-a-kind exhibition in the Leica Gallery from 6 November. It offers insights into the history of the Leica M and shows why the camera has become an essential companion for generations of photographers.
The exhibition at the Leica Gallery Wetzlar is a homage to the Leica M-Camera and the photographers who use it to capture the world from their own unique perspective. It spotlights major landmark moments and product milestones over the past seven decades and presents the technical development of the Leica M-System from the M3 to the latest M models. Historical cameras and documents highlighting the system’s innovative spirit are on show alongside special models, prototypes and anniversary editions. Cameras from the Leitz family’s private collection are also on display, including Ernst Leitz II’s M3 and Dr Ludwig Leitz’s M5. A rare M2 Blackpaint from a small-scale series will also be presented on loan from the Leitz Photographica Auction in Vienna.
The “70 years of Leica M” exhibits are on display in the Leica Gallery Wetzlar until 1 March 2025, seven days a week, from 10 am to 6 pm. Entry is free.
The “Leica M” book is also available now to mark the anniversary. It tells the story of the Leica M-System over more than 250 pages – featuring informative essays, great shots by legends and newcomers, rarely seen archival material, and an overview of M-Cameras manufactured to date.
Early 2025 will also mark the special edition “Leica M Edition 70”. Available in a strictly limited edition of 250 and featuring a platinum-plated surface, it combines classic elegance with precision craftsmanship and the iconic design of the legendary Leica M3 with cutting-edge technology from the Leica M-System. This edition features a Leica M-A, a Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH. that is among the best in its class, a Leicavit M fast winder and a film container including film. It is a wonderful tribute to the history of the Leica M-System and a perfect investment in the future of analogue photography. The retail price for the “Leica M Edition 70” is £21,000 including VAT.
Find more information on “70 years of Leica M” exhibition at:
leicawelt.com/en/exhibitions/70-jahre-leica-m-in-der-leica-galerie-wetzlar
Please find further information at:
Leica Camera UK
UK PR Coordination
E-Mail: pr.uk@leica-camera.com
Website: www.leica-camera.com/en-GB
About Leica Camera
Leica Camera AG is an international premium manufacturer of cameras, lenses and sports optics products with over 150 years of company history. As part of its growth strategy, the company has expanded its business to include mobile imaging (smartphones) and the manufacture of high-quality eyeglass lenses and watches and is represented in the home cinema segment with its own projectors.
Headquartered in Wetzlar (Germany) and with a second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão (Portugal), Leica Camera AG has a global network of its own sales companies with over 120 Leica Stores. The company employs 2,400 people and achieved a turnover of 554 million euros in the 2023/24 financial year.
The Leica brand stands for excellent quality, German craftsmanship and industrial design combined with innovative technologies. An integral part of the brand culture is the promotion of the culture of photography with around 30 Leica Galleries worldwide, Leica Academies and international awards such as the Leica Hall of Fame Award and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA).