Leica. The name itself sounds like something you’d want to have on your shelf – not just for its prestige, but for the history it carries. In 2025, the German photography pioneer celebrates the 100th anniversary of his iconic Leica 1 camera, which forever changed the way we see and capture the world in 1925. It was the first successful mass-produced 35mm camera, laying the foundation for modern photography.
To honor this milestone, Leica is launching a special edition of its top model M11, named 100 Years of Leica, celebrating six cities: Dubai, Milan, New York, Wetzlar, Shanghai and Tokyo. Each city will receive its own limited edition of 100 unique cameras – and, of course, all the enthusiasts are already rolling their eyes because we know we'll have to pay a fortune for these gems.
From Leica 1 to the M series: a brief history of an icon
The Leica 1 was the beginning. But it wasn't until 1954, when Leica introduced its M series, the brand has truly cemented its status as a photographic legend. Leica M3, the first model in this series, was a game-changer – combining the iconic M mount, binoculars and viewfinder in a single, elegant package. This camera has become synonymous with street photography and capturing moments that tell a story.
Leica has remained a faithful storyteller ever since. Its cameras have been in the hands of the greatest photographers, from Henri Cartier-Bresson to Robert Capa. And now, with the release of 100 Years of Leica, the brand proves once again that history can also be contemporary.
M11 100 Years of Leica: a tribute to the city and tradition
What exactly is special about this limited edition M11? Like all Leica creations, it combines timeless aesthetics and the latest technology.
The camera is based on the standard model M11, which boasts:
- 60 MP BSI CMOS sensor,
- technology Triple Resolution for extreme resolution flexibility (60, 36 or 18 MP),
- large optical viewfinder and distinctive handheld design.
Visually, the 100 Years of Leica edition is something special. It is covered in an elegant black gloss paint reminiscent of the classic models, enriched with chrome details and wrapped in black cowhide leather for a retro touch. The name of the city represented in this edition is engraved on the top of each camera, along with the serial number. (xxx/100)And if you think you missed the red screw above the lens – don't worry, it's here in black only.
Six cities, six editions
With this series, Leica wanted to capture the spirit of six world capitals that have marked the history and modernity of photography. Here is the list of cities and the release dates of each edition:
- Dubai – already issued,
- New York – May 2025,
- Milan – June 2025,
- Wetzlar – July 2025,
- Shanghai – August 2025,
- Tokyo – September 2025.
Each edition will only be available in the country whose city it represents, which will certainly increase the exclusivity and, let's be honest, also the frustration of collectors.
Price and availability
Although the price is not yet known, we can expect it to be significantly higher than the base M11 model, which already costs $8,995 (€8,600)Leica doesn't make cheap toys, it makes masterpieces. So if you're a fan or collector, it's time to start thinking about selling your estate or kidney.
Leica and a century of inspiration
Leica is not just a camera; it is a tool that creates stories. A century after the Leica 1 changed the rules of the game, the M11 100 Years of Leica pays tribute to the heritage and future of photography. It is a symbol that in a world dominated by phones, there is room for art, craftsmanship and innovation.
While the price of this limited edition may put you on edge, it's still nice to know that cameras like this still exist—and that photography continues to tell stories that no algorithm can truly replicate.
