The Leica M is the epitome of a rangefinder camera. The iconic M-System has successfully merged tradition and innovation since 1954. It has inspired generations of photographers, shaped the culture of imagery, and set new standards time and time again. From the legendary M3 to the latest digital model, every Leica M embodies pure photographic perfection.
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’.
Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and majority owner of Leica Camera AG
Since its inception, the Leica M has been the preferred tool of trend-setting photographers. Henri Cartier-Bresson, Elliott Erwitt, Mary Ellen Mark, and modern luminaries like Matt Stuart have trusted and continue to trust the M-System to take their visionary pictures. Spanning over 250 pages, the Leica M book presents an exciting cross-section of this work – from the legends of photographic history to the exciting newcomers from recent years.
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© Matt Stuart
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© Stephen Dupont
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© Sarah M. Lee
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© Jasper Doest
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© Matt Draper
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.
Matt Stuart, street photographer
An icon of photography: The M3 from 1954 set standards with its unique rangefinder and was continuously developed over the following decades. The M6 added integrated exposure metering, the M9 was the first digital full-frame rangefinder camera, and special editions like the M Monochrom revolutionized black-and-white photography.
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.
Mark Shipard, Head of Design, Leica Camera AG
70 years of Leica M
In addition to publishing the book, we are also celebrating 70 years of the M-System with an extensive exhibition in Wetzlar, an exclusive M special edition set featuring an elegant platinum-plated finish, and a special anniversary photo contest on the innovative Picter platform. Learn more about the campaign celebrating 70 years of M here.