Camera manufacturer Leica has unveiled a new addition to its range in the form of a pair of limited edition cameras called the Leica M-P or Panda Edition, that will be manufactured in a limited edition run of just 60 units.
The new camera will feature the same German construction as you would expect from the manufacturer but has been inspired by the panda and features both white and black elements that “echoes past Oriental artistry” and features the words “CHENGDU CHINA” engraved on the rear under the image of a panda.
The Leica M-P will be available in two versions with 30 units of each being manufactured and offering either a Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH lens, or a Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens depending on your preference.
Leica explains more in its press release :
Leica cameras’ century-old brand history devotes each set of these extraordinary and unique limited products to the photographer and collector as an indispensable part of their collection.
Leica M-P “Panda Edition” digital rangefinder camera uses a special combination of black and white color design. The metal part of the body is colored with a special white paint coating, matched with high-quality black leather trim, and on top of the machine’s operating dial, shutter button, and each key, are an all-black design.
The rear of the camera body is engraved with a distinctive black and white panda logo. Under the logo, the word of “CHENGDU CHINA” is also engraved. This special edition is not only a camera with the premium quality, but also valuable to any collection.
Leica M-P “Panda Edition” consists of the Leica M-P (Typ 240) and is accompanied by a Leica Summicron-M 28mm f / 2 ASPH lens or a Leica Summilux-M 35mm f / 1.4 ASPH. Both silver lenses are made with metal and the lens’ red dot features an extremely rare black design, so this special edition has a unique, simple, and elegant exterior design.
The front end of the two special edition lenses are equipped with a full metal hollow design, retro round hood, and a special bond spin-tunnel installed in the lens which encourages the use of filters. The lens cover is also made from metal; every detail of the product highlights Leica’s meticulous use of materials and the pursuit of the most sophisticated production processes. German advanced technology coupled with the highest quality materials with meticulous craftsmanship, not only to ensure the quality of products, but also increases the product’s durability.
This special limited edition is offered in two different sets, with either a Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH lens or Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens. There are only 30 sets for each edition, and will only be available at the Leica Store in China, Hong Kong and Macau. The recommended selling price in Hong Kong is HK$ 110,000 and HK$ 120,000. The same camera and lens special edition features the same technical specifications as the normal versions.
Source: Leica Rumors