Leica has announced the release of special versions of the MA and M11-P cameras, the design of which is made in a rare style for the brand – with a hammertone coating. This finish is very rare for modern Leica cameras. It has already been used in the past, for example in the Leica MD camera, part of the Leitz Reprovit system, or in the extremely rare Leica MD model, released in 1964 in an edition of ten copies.
Image source: Leica
According to Leica, the unveiled special versions of the MA and M11-P cameras take inspiration from rare Leica limited editions such as the Leica MD Hammertone (1964), MP LHSA (2003), Leica M9 Hammertone (2011) and Leica MA Vienna Edition (2016).
The company reported that for these special versions the coating process was improved, which made it possible to achieve a uniform texture over the entire surface of the camera. The peculiarity of this coating is that the method of its application makes each camera unique.
For models MA and M11-P, the top and bottom panels are covered with hammer enamel. The body is made from solid brass, the controls are cross-checkered, and the shutter release button has a shiny silver finish. The cameras also feature a black vulcanite faux finish with white engraving.
The Leica M11-P Hammertone features rounded edges on the top and bottom panels in a classic style that complements the hammer enamel texture. In addition, there is a new screw on the front of the camera with a silver-chrome finish.
“Since the 1930s, hammered enamel has become a symbol of the combination of durability and technical aesthetics. The characteristic texture is formed during the drying process: metallic pigments and special additives create subtle differences in surface tension. In industrial design – especially in Germany – this coating has become the epitome of functionality and reliability,” said a Leica representative.
The Leica MA Hammertone and Leica M11-P Hammertone cameras will be available on November 12th. They will be available for purchase in Leica brand stores, in the Leica online store, as well as from authorized dealers. The Leica MA Hammertone retails for $8,000, while the Leica M11-P Hammertone retails for $10,950.
Leica previously released the MA Hammertone Limited Edition camera to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Leica store in Ginza, Japan, limited to 100 units.
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