Leica’s latest M-P special edition is coated in raised red nubs normally seen on a table tennis bat. Designed by artist and Leica photographer Rolf Sachs, the M-P “grip” features the red knobbly skin to improve handling. It also has a number of design cues to harmonise with the overall appearance.
The Ralf Sachs “grip” will be supplied in a black hard case with a Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH, an SF40 flash unit and a cotton carrying strap. You even get a special brush to clean the knobbly trim as well as a luxurious brush and cloth to keep the camera clean. Only 79 copies of this knobblesome masterpiece will be available worldwide.
The rear of the top plate features a Ralf Sachs logo while some of the top dial engravings have a red infill instead of the normal white.
Ralf Sachs, born in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1955 has had a long association with Leica, most recently his “Camera in Motion: from Chur to Tirana” project.
The Leica M-P “grip” by Ralf Sachs should be available in Leica Stores and selected Leica dealers in the UK from November. The cost will be £12,500 including VAT. No word on how many of the 79 sets will settle in Britain but I do not imagine Leica will have any trouble in moving the lot during the first week or so.
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This is just plain ugly, IMHO. Obviously there are far more Leica M camera "special edition" collectors than Leica M photographers, so there is a market for abominations like this "ping-pong" design, but as long as Leica Camera Wetzlar is doing fine, I am fine with that, too. Anyway, I definitely prefer the regular black leather model. 😉
Oh dear, like go-faster stripes in an Aston Martin!
Leica must surely be reaching the end of the line on this model and are looking for ways to monetise the product further. This kind of thing gives the brand a bad name in many quarters as just being male jewellery and not for serious photographers. I have no idea who this Rolf guy is or what value his name adds. As a collector’s item I see this as a ‘shot in the dark’ investment. You buy this and then put it in a safe for a few years and hope that it’s value appreciates. As a user purchase it makes absolutely no sense.
I’ll take your word for it that this will be snapped up.
William
So Mike, it looks like I have got a really good buy with my M-P….
Function generally beats form in my book, but when the "form" costs c £5K for the addition of an old ping pong bat, there is no further discussion.
Oh I say…
Anyone for wiff waff?
At last! The camera for me! Not so sure about the knobbles though.