Leica has today launch a Titanium special editor of the M-P with two of the latest lenses, the new 28mm Summicron and the acclaimed 50mm Apo-Summicron. At £17,500 the set is reasonably priced in relation to the cost of the standard components which total £13,300 if purchased individually. For the £4,200 premium you get the much sought-after titanium construction and the attraction of a boxed special edition which is limited to only 333 units globally. I suspect this edition will turn out to be a good buy when it goes on sale in mid October.
Leica press release
Distinctive. Timeless. Elegant.
Leica announces the Leica M-P ‘TITANIUM’ Set
Leica Camera has unveiled a very special limited edition of its classic rangefinder camera: the Leica M-P ‘TITANIUM’ Set.
The Leica M-P ‘TITANIUM’ is the fifth annual edition to be made from titanium, lending the camera and lens an exceptionally elegant and distinctive appearance. The set consists of a Leica M-P (Typ 240) digital camera and two lenses – a Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH. and a Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. – and will be strictly limited to 333 units globally.
With the Leica M-P ‘TITANIUM’ Set, the top plate, base plate and control elements of the camera are precision machined from solid titanium. This resilient, hard-wearing material reinforces the robust nature of the M camera and makes it approximately 90 grams lighter than the standard production model. Other distinguishing features include the classic Leica script engraved on the top plate, and a special edition serial number on the accessory shoe, indicating the camera’s position in the series. Furthermore, the camera body is finished with an elegant, full grain leather trim, which also ensures an outstanding grip. A matching leather carrying strap is included in the set.
The anodised titanium finish of the aluminium lenses is perfectly matched to the camera, and the focusing scale distances and focal length engraving are highlighted in red. In addition, both lenses feature a special serial number: on the Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH., this appears on the front element retaining ring, and on the APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH., it is engraved on the bayonet ring.
In all other respects, the technical specifications and performance of the camera and lenses are identical to those of the serial production products. The Leica M-P offers all the technical benefits of the iconic Leica M digital rangefinder system cameras, which are renowned for their robust and enduring qualities.
With its compact size and exceptional performance, the fast Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH. is an ideal wide-angle lens for reportage photography. Its outstanding speed makes it particularly versatile, producing brilliant imaging results even in challenging lighting conditions.
The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. offers the perfect combination of sophisticated design and precise construction, from its extraordinary optical properties to the meticulous manufacturing and finishing of the product, and is considered to be the reference lens among standard focal lengths, delivering unrivalled resolution and sharpness.
Pricing and availability
The Leica M-P ‘TITANIUM’ Set is scheduled to be available in the UK from mid October 2016 at a suggested retail price of £17,500 including VAT.
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Undoubtedly these are objects of great elegance and technical prowess. The sad thing about these special edition Leicas, for me, is how few are going to be used regularly as photographic instruments, relative to those which will remain in their presentation case and/or be placed in bank vaults to accumulate as pure investments.
Yes, this is a major problem: To preserve and, with luck, make a profit, or to use and enjoy. I haven’t checked the weight but there could be a useful saving over the standard equipment. If so, it could make sense to use.