To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the legendary Leica M system, this is the Leica M Edition 70

It’s been seven decades since German photography pioneer Leica Camera introduced the M-Series, a compact camera that quickly became the tool of choice for photojournalists around the world.

Leica is now celebrating this 70th anniversary with 250 editions of the “M Set”, along with a new Leicavit M quickwinder and a special anniversary book celebrating the camera itself and the work of the many photographers who loved it over the years have.

First, the new camera itself. The centerpiece of the “Leica M Edition 70” special edition set is this platinum-plated MA camera, whose external design is derived from the Leica M3, but contains modern technology inside. The scope of delivery includes the APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH lens, a Leicavit M quick-winder and a film container.

The M3 was introduced in 1954 and sold until 1966. Nearly a quarter of a million of these highly collectible cameras were manufactured during this time, with key elements such as the frame counter, rear film type indicator wheel and advance lever becoming visual shorthand for the SLR type camera. With the Leica M9 in 2009, the company brought the M-System into the digital age.

Celebrating 70 years of this classic design with a traditional film camera follows the current trend for old-school analog film. Furthermore, the tactile quality of film has shaped the Leica image even in the digital age.

“The quality and craftsmanship of the materials, the feeling of precision with every movement, the smooth click of the shutter and the visual clarity of the viewfinder come together to create an experience that goes far beyond just taking photos,” says Leica head of design brand Shipard.

The accompanying 250-page Leica M contains not only a visual overview of the entire M system since its beginnings in the 1950s, but also works by contemporary photographers that highlight this compact camera’s agility in low light and tightly framed subjects.

“This book is also a big thank you to all the people who worked with and on the M: photographers, employees, customers and friends of the so-called ‘Leica family’,” says Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Member of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG.

Leica M Edition 70 set, £19,000, Leica M anniversary book, £45, Leica Camera.com, @Leica_Camera