| Leica MP Edition Hermès 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.      
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About
Oskar Barnack's genius idea of creating the small format 35mm camera created a revolution in photography in 1925, paving the way for the birth of the Leica Legend. His diminutive, lightweight LEICA A offered a new, undreamed-of freedom in reportage and artistic photography. From that point to the present day, Leica has had a profound influence on our view of the world we live in.
What was started in 1914 with the Ur-Leica quickly turned into a lasting success. In 1932, around 90,000 cameras were already in use. By 1961, the number had increased to a million. Milestones in the development include the rangefinder cameras such as the legendary LEICA M3 in 1954 and the M6 in 1984. The R-System commenced in 1976 with the LEICA R3 - the first electronic Leica. In 1989, the first compact point-and-shoot model entered the market. 1998 also saw the launch of the first digital camera - the LEICA DIGILUX. Without exception, all developments are focused on the requirements of the user and are characterized by the highest quality, focus on essential functions, and comfortable user-friendly controls.
