Leica’s ton-up celebrations

Celebrate 100 years of the Leica 1 by splashing out on some stunning anniversary editions

Leica is marking the 100th anniversary of its first camera – the legendary Leica I – with a host of special editions, unique camera sets and beautifully finished kit designed to honour a century of photographic excellence.

The celebrations centre on a series of exclusive 100 Years editions, including special versions of the compact D-Lux 8 and Sofort 2 instant camera, as well as a collector-grade M11 Wetzlar Edition and the remarkable M11-D 100 Years of Leica Centenary Set. Each release channels Leica’s design heritage, meticulous craftsmanship and iconic engineering.

The new Leica M11 Wetzlar Edition is a German-only release, engraved with “Wetzlar Germany” and limited to just 100 units. Priced at €9500, it features silver-chromed controls and a distinctive black paint finish that will patina over time – just like the Leica M cameras of old. Even small details nod to Leica’s past, like the leatherette covering and the engraved “100” hot shoe cover. Upcoming Wetzlar Editions will follow in Shanghai and Tokyo, again in country-specific runs of 100 units.

Special sets on sale

Taking things even further is the Leica M11-D 100 Years of Leica set – a bold, brass-bodied M11-D camera finished in high-gloss black and stripped of the red Leica dot, just like the original Leica I from 1925. It’s paired with two unique lenses: a reimagined version of the 1925 Leitz Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 (now updated with an M mount), and a Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens finished in nickel and adorned with classic-style knurling. Matching anniversary numbers are engraved on all pieces, and serial number 000 belongs to camera no. 6000000 – Leica’s six-millionth M body – which will be displayed at Leitz Park in Germany.

Also included in the centenary set is a handcrafted cognac leather protector, strap and SD card case, housed in a bespoke glossy black wooden presentation box. This is true collector territory – only 100 sets will be made, and they’ll be available from spring 2026.

Celebrate for (a bit) less!

But you don’t need to spend five figures to join the celebration. Leica’s D-Lux 8 100 Years edition (£1600) has also been refreshed with anniversary detailing, including vintage styling cues and a distinctive nickel finish. The updated Sofort 2 instant camera (£425) also gets the treatment with a sleek all-black finish and elegant metal trim, again with the “100” logo engraved on top.

Alongside all this hardware comes something for the bookshelf: the “100 Leica Stories” book. At £50, it’s a fascinating tribute to Leica’s impact across photography, technology and visual culture – told through the lens of the photographers and stories that shaped its journey.

With more limited editions planned and cameras landing soon in stores, 2025 is shaping up to be a huge year for Leica fans – whether you’re a collector, shooter or simply a fan of legendary camera design.