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The Leica M series of cameras is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time and has been used by many photography icons since it was first released in 1954.

70 years later, Leica is celebrating with a special edition and extremely limited platinum-plated Leica M set that includes a platinum Leica MA camera, a Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lensa new Leicavit M fast roller and a commemorative book that presents its long history as the photographer’s dream camera.

Used for everything from documentary and street to portraiture and fine art, the M Series enables users to capture stunning images while remaining engaged in the moment and prepared to capture the defining moment.

The Leica M3 marked the first of Leica’s M rangefinders when it was released in 1954, and since that time it has been used to capture countless culturally significant moments throughout history. The M3 represented a change for Leica introducing its then unique rangefinder and since then the M system has consistently evolved while maintaining its signature look and purpose.

The M series of cameras has always been at the forefront of innovative camera technology. The Leica M6 introduced integrated exposure metering, the Leica M9 was the first full-frame digital rangefinder, and the M (Typ 240) was the first to use a CMOS sensor.

The boundaries continued to be pushed into the digital age with the Leica M Monochrom revolutionizing digital black and white photography, and the latest model, Leica M11-P is the world’s first camera with the ability to verify authentic digital images through the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI).

Director of Design at Leica Mark Shipard says: “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 combine to create an experience that goes far beyond just taking pictures”.

The limited special edition is called “Leica M Edition 70” and includes the Leica MA camera specially designed to replicate the aesthetics of the M3, a Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens, a Leicavit M fast winder and a film container – all are platinum plated!

The published set is so limited that only 250 copies are available. The Leica M Edition 70 will be available in selected Leica stores from early 2025, for $25,000 / £19,000 (Australian pricing to be confirmed).

The set includes a new book with the title Leica M, which looks back at the past seven decades of the Leica M-System. It is more than 250 pages long and contains detailed essays, iconic photographs and a chronological account of the system to date. The resulting book celebrates the system’s perfect balance of intricate design and creative freedom, giving it a revered status.

“This book is also a big ‘thank you’ to all the people who worked with M and at M: photographers, employees, customers and friends of what we call the ‘Leica family,'” says Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG.

In addition to being included in the set, Leica M the book will be available at Leica Stores and Leica online store individually from 5 November for $45 / £45.

Check out our guides to best Leica camerasthe best Leica M lensand best Leica alternatives.