Leica is releasing a limited-edition hammertone edition of the Leica M-A film rangefinder.
The Leica M-A Hammertone is being released alongside an M-11 Hammertone edition digital rangefinder.
Leica said in a press release: “The distinctive texture and aesthetic of both cameras come courtesy of their striking hammertone finish. Combined with the Leica M’s minimalist design language, the result is two exceptional camera models whose character is deeply rooted in the brand’s history.
“Since the 1930s, the hammertone finish has symbolised the combination of durability and technical aesthetics. This distinctive texture is formed during the drying process when metal pigments and special additives create subtle variations in surface tension.”
Leica said the hammertone finish was widely used in German industrial design but very rarely by Leica, making hammertone-finished cameras very rare.
“The Leica M-A Hammertone is based on the standard model’s specifications and is aimed at photographers wanting to experience analogue photography in its purest form,” Leica said. “As a completely mechanical M-Camera, it is entirely dedicated to manual operation: the aperture, ISO sensitivity of the film used and shutter speed are all controlled manually.
“With their distinctive finish, both variants draw inspiration from rare Leica special editions, including the 1964 Leica MD Hammertone, the 2003 MP LHSA, the 2011 Leica M9 Hammertone and the 2016 Leica M-A Vienna Edition.”
The Leica M-A Hammertone is available from 12 November and costs £5,700/€6,700 including VAT.
The Hammertone edition is one of a number of special editions Leica releasing in the wake of the 100th anniversary of it releasing its first camera, the Leica 0-Series, in 1925.
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