Leica MP "Edition Hermès"

35mm MF film rangefinder camera • Discontinued • Collectible

  • Announced:
  • · October 2003
  • Production type:
  • · Small-batch production: 500 (five hundred) units
  • Availability:
  • ● Sold out
  • Country of design:
  • · FRG (Federal Republic of Germany)
  • Order No.:
  • · 10307 - body with SUMMICRON-M 35/2 ASPH.
  • System:
  • · Leica M (1954)

Specification

Format:
35mm full frame
Film type:
135 cartridge-loaded film
Leica M [27.8mm]
Shutter:
Type:
Focal-plane
Model:
Mechanical
Speeds:
1 - 1/1000 + B
Exposure:
Exposure metering:
Through-the-lens (TTL), stop-down
Exposure modes:
Manual
Rangefinder and Viewfinder:
Rangefinder:
Built-in, combined with viewfinder
Viewfinder:
Built-in, combined with rangefinder
Finder magnification:
0.72x
Actual rangefinder base:
69.25mm
Effective rangefinder base:
49.86mm
Bright-line frames:
28mm & 90mm, 35mm & 135mm, 50mm & 75mm
Parallax compensation:
Yes
Physical characteristics:
Weight:
<No data>
Dimensions:
138x77x38mm

Manufacturer description #1

03 - 10/2003 - LEICA MP Edition Hermès

Leica Camera initiates a series of limited annual editions with 500 cameras

With the elegant “LEICA MP Edition Hermès” cameras, Leica Camera AG of Solms, Germany is initiating a series of strictly limited annual editions of its legendary Leica rangefinder cameras to be issued on special occasions. The “Edition Hermès” is a special edition of 500 silver-chrome LEICA MP cameras covered with exquisite Barenia calfskin supplied by the famed Parisian high-fashion house Hermès.

The processing of Barenia leather, which has a very fine, natural grain, gives it its unmistakable luxurious “feel”. In order to achieve optimal quality, it is tanned in a time-consuming process that is periodically interspersed with “rest phases” for the material. The naturally brown leather harmonizes particularly well with the silver chrome finish of the camera. Along its edges it is discreetly decorated with a fine seam line that is meticulously applied by hand.

In addition to a 35 mm f/2 LEICA SUMMICRON-M ASPH. lens that is also finished in silver chrome, this special edition includes a camera carrying strap that is handcrafted by Hermès, using the same exquisite Barenia leather. The lens hood, the camera body cover as well as the front- and rear covers of the lens are made of solid brass and they too, are finished in silver chrome. Details such as the silver-chrome finger rest on the lens and the special serial numbers from 001/500 to 500/500 engraved on the lens and on the camera round out the differences from regular production models. The cooperation with Hermès is indicated by a fine embossing on the back of the carrying strap that reads “Hermès – Made in France”.

“In this special edition we are combining the ‘savoir-faire’ of Hermès in the field of leather craftsmanship with the know-how of Leica in the field of high-end camera and lens manufacturing”, says Stefan Daniel, manager of the System Cameras Business Unit at Leica Camera AG. “The special edition emphasizes the fact that the partnership between Hermès and Leica Camera AG is based on mutual values of precision craftsmanship, love for detail and longevity.”

Hermès and Leica Camera AG have been joined in partnership since December 2000. Active in 14 lines of business at the highest level of fine craftsmanship, the Hermès Group has acquired a 31.5% participation in the legendary camera and optics firm in the German state of Hesse. The ‘LEICA MP Edition Hermès’ is the first product-based cooperation of the two companies.

The LEICA MP was introduced in the spring of 2003 as a tool for professional photographers and serious amateurs. The purely mechanical rangefinder system camera is tailored entirely to precise manual control of the relevant photographic parameters of exposure time, aperture and plane of sharpness. The photographer is not subjected to any assistance or distraction caused by automatic features and options. When the photographer estimates the shutter speed and the aperture him- or herself, work can be performed completely independently of batteries. Focusing and exposure metering functions have been further optimized and they take place with the highest precision. All the functions of the LEICA MP are designed for absolute robustness and longevity. Like all Leica system cameras, they are assembled by hand in Solms, a town in the German state of Hesse.

The ‘LEICA MP Edition Hermès’ will be supplied in a fabric-covered case. Light brown velour pouches for the lens and the camera and a Certificate of Authenticity complete the outfit. The special edition will be available at selected authorized Leica dealers beginning in October 2003.

Manufacturer description #2

This year, Leica Camera is launching a series of exclusive yearly edition models. The renowned French company Hermès is the partner for the initial edition.

Specifically, it is a LEICA MP with silver chrome finish, lined with a fine Barenia calf leather which was delivered by Hermès. This Barenia leather is characterized by a very fine and natural surface structure. The leather’s treatment results in its unique “feel”. In order to achieve the best possible quality it is tanned in a very lengthy process that is repeatedly interrupted to allow the material to ‘come to rest’. The leather is a perfect match for the camera’s finish with its natural brown color. Around the edges, it is adorned by a fine, hand-made filet.

Also part of the yearly edition is a LEICA SUMMICRON-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. in silver chrome finish and a hand-made carrying strap, again in Barenia calf leather. The lens hood as well as the lens front and rear caps and the camera body cap are all made of solid, chrome-plated brass. Details such as the lens’ silver chrome finger grip and the engraved special numbers from 001/500 to 500/500 conclude the lens’ and camera’s deviations from the serial models.

The cooperation with Hermès is indicated by a finely embossed “Hermès Paris – Made in France” on the back of the strap. “With this year’s edition we are combining Hermès’ savoir-faire in leather craftsmanship and Leica’s capabilities in the design of cameras and lenses.” explains Stefan Daniel, the head of Leica Camera AG’s System Cameras Division, and continues by pointing out that the partnership between Hermès and Leica is based on the belief in the same values of precision craftsmanship, love of details and longevity.

Other Leica MP special editions (18)


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