Leica is revisiting the past and leading the future simultaneously. On June 26, 2025, the company celebrated 100 years of their groundbreaking Leica I, which they showed at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1925, with an absolutely breathtaking line-up of special editions, and achieved another significant milestone: the one millionth M Camera. Leica is taking back imaginations with vintage style and daring design. Normally, therefore here is a plunge into this history of legacy and making.
The significance of Leica I
Leica I brought about a revolution and broke all protocols. It became the first mass-produced 35 mm camera, and made high-quality compact photography available and gave rise to modern photojournalism. The camera was an imaginary time machine,before that anyone could arrest the moments of life, art, and history.
Wetzlar event: memorabilia & milestones
Leica proudly held a spectacular party in Wetzlar, Germany, where its headquarters are situated, on June 26, 2025. The highlight? The unveiling of anniversary editions and the presentation of Leica I 126 of 1925 and a one-millionth M Camera in the Leica Welt at Leitz Park. Imagine the ancient and the modern symbols together in one picture-there you have a powerful visual metaphor.
The special leica line 100YEARS OF LEICA
Leica published under the slogan of:
- M11 D Centenary Set (lenses)
- D Lux 8 compact
- SOFORT 2 instant camera
- Trinovid 10X40 binoculars
They all share the Leica style of form and function.
The stopper; M11 D Centenary Set
It is the Leica statement piece. It has all the high-end design: Brass top and bottom, genuine leather, nickel knobs and classic cross-knurl grip. It omits the back display found on the M11 D based on the original Leica I psychological minimalism.
Replica history: Leitz Anastigmat M 50 f/3.5
With a nickel anodized corpus and retractable M mount, this lens recalls the original 1925 model, but in modern faithful replica form.
Modern masterpiece: Summilux M 50 f/1.4 ASPH.
This fast and sharp lens offers smooth bokeh and sharp images from wide open. The anniversary version has a nickel finish and knurling with a vintage style, melding aesthetics and modern optical quality.
Design cues from a bygone time
Although the details are small, they connect this lens to its predecessors with like of: cross-knurling, brass plates, nickel knobs, “100” logo, no strap eyelets, leather texture, and the “Ernst Leitz Wetzlar” engraving.
Millionth M Camera: serial #6000000
One of the 100 M11 D limited editions, this camera bears the serial number 6000000—making it the millionth Leica M Camera to be made. This camera will be engraved “000”, and it will be exhibited next to Leica I #126—representing 100 years of storytelling.
Other limited editions: D Lux 8, SOFORT 2, Trinovid binoculars
- D Lux 8: a compact camera with nickel buttons, leatherette, and no red logo.
- SOFORT 2: a charm instant film camera finished in shiny black with nickel accents and a “100” logo.
- Trinovid 10×40: binoculars lined in leather with nickel cross-knurl, black housing, and only 100 made.
“100 Leica Stories”: the commemorative book
This book encapsulates 100 fascinating stories—from iconic images to breakthroughs in technology—marking Leica’s century of innovation as an instrument of storytelling.
Global cultural events
Leica hosted events, in addition to Wetzlar, in Dubai, Milan, New York, Shanghai and Tokyo, including exhibitions with Joel Meyerowitz, Édouard Elias, Jamie Cullum and sneak peeks of documentaries etc.
Availability and pricing
- D Lux 8: From €1,850 available from June 26, 2025
- SOFORT 2: From €495 available from June 26, 2025
- Trinovid: €2,750, only 100
- M11 D Centenary Set: Available in Spring 2026 in select Leica Stores
- 100 Leica Stories: €70, available from June 26 (Germany) and July 14 internationally
Why does this matter to everyone, not only collectors
It’s not only about rarity but celebrating the soul of photography. Leica is reminding the world that a camera is not just pixels, it’s a history, a connection to the past, the heart of humanity with the tool. Whether you are capturing scenes of everyday-life or preserving memories, Leica’s centenary will remind everyone that small, beautifully crafted tools can help revised how the world can be seen.
Conclusion
Leica’s 100th anniversary celebration is more than just a company recognition, it is a salute to a hundred years of telling stories visually. From the first groundbreaking Leica I to the millionth M Camera, Leica is signalling that heritage can coexist with innovation, with delight. Yes, these are special edition products. However, they are also an incredible time capsule of history made possible in luxe brass, nickel and leather that connects 1925 to today.
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