Leica has announced a new à la carte version of the M240 which offers the innards of the M-P (including 2GB buffer) and a range of finishes and technical tweaks. The camera body comes in either black, silver chrome or black enamel and a top plate with or without the Leica red dot. As well as standard black trim, the new options include eleven full-grain cowhide options in a range of colours from grey to khaki, red, green or dark blue. It is also possible to specify embossed lizard- or ostrich-effect leathers.
Customers can choose whether or not to have the frame-selection lever (which is standard on the M-P but missing from the M240), video or no video and a choice of standard Gorilla Glass rear screen or the more scratch resistant sapphire glass of the M-P. Futhermore, the top plate can be engraved to choice, on top or back. Leather straps to match the trim are also available.
The M240 à la carte programme will be available from Leica Stores and UK Boutiques (which, very surprisingly, excludes some of the foremost Leica retailers such as Red Dot Cameras) at the end of this month. Prices range from £5,100 to £6,050 depending on the specification and the leather strap will cost £70.
Leica Press Release
Leica M à la carte: the made-to-measure rangefinder camera
19 November 2015
Leica Camera has expanded its successful Leica à la carte programme, offering a complete range of personalisation options for the Leica M (Typ 240) digital rangefinder camera. Leica photographers can choose from a selection of customisable features and combinations, to create a bespoke camera that is unique to them.
In addition to all the technical features of the Leica M (Typ 240), the Leica M à la carte camera comes with a two gigabyte buffer memory, delivering twice the capacity of the standard model.
The Leica M à la carte programme includes various finishes for the camera body itself, with the choice of black or silver chrome, or black enamel. Customers can also select a top plate featuring a Leica logo, or a classic version without the ‘red dot’. As well as the standard black leather trim, the programme offers a further eleven high quality, full-grain cowhide options in colours from an elegant grey to richer colours such as khaki, red or dark blue. The portfolio also includes classic variations embossed with distinctive lizard- and ostrich-effect patterns.
Furthermore, customers can personalise the technical specifications of their camera, including a frame selection lever, with which bright-line frames for six different focal lengths can be simulated in the viewfinder. The camera can also be selected with or without video recording mode. A further custom option is the type of glass for the cover plate of the LCD monitor screen, with the choice of scratch- resistant Corning®Gorilla®Glass or an almost unbreakable protective sapphire glass cover.
Personalised by hand in Germany, the Leica M à la carte can be finished with the ultimate individual touch, with fine engraving on the top and back of the top plate. For example, the user can opt to have their own signature added, or some special text or markings unique to them.
A choice of camera carrying straps completes the Leica M à la carte portfolio, available in colours and materials to match the camera’s leather trim.
An online configurator that allows customers to select and view all potential à la carte variations is available now on the Leica website at www.leica-camera.com. Examples of cameras illustrating the different options can also be seen at official Leica Stores and Boutiques.
Pricing and availability
The Leica M (Typ 240) à la carte programme is scheduled to be available in the UK from Leica Stores and Boutiques from the end of November 2015. The price for camera body is from £5,100 – £6,050 including VAT. The leather carrying strap is £70.00 including VAT.
Additional information can be found at uk.leica-camera.com.