The Virgin Leica M

Or virgin Leica? This one-of-a-kind variant of the M Typ 240 is a clinically clean design by and true to the style of Apple’s chief designer Jonathan Ive.

Designed by Ive and Marc Newson, this purist Leica M will be given to the highest bidder this November in New York at Sotheby‘s “Jony and Marc’s RED (HIV) Auction.”

They’re auctioning off “icons of design” and a “unique Leica Digital rangefinder camera, which is, in and of itself, a feat of extraordinary engineering.” Despite the eye-catching brushed aluminum shell and rounded accents and despite Newson’s last attempt at camera design, the awkward Pentax K-01, this M is still a Leica, with the 50mm APO as the icing on the cake.

The purist Leica M by Apple chief designer Jonathan Ive.
The purist Leica M by Apple chief designer Jonathan Ive.

It might miss some items, such as hotshot and therefore EVF port, microphone and lens focus tab, but well, this being minimalism at its perfection not designed by a photographer, this virgin is all about the tool with its laser-machined aluminum body and an anodized aluminum outer shell.

Or don’t like post-modern design? Pretty tough to screw up a strap lug? Nevertheless a nice benefit gesture from Leica and Apple.

We learn that tooling and manufacturing took 55 engineers and 2,149 hours. A total of 561 models and nearly 1,000 prototype parts were made during the 85 days it took to create of this unique camera.

Yes, I’m sure it comes with extended warranty.

The beauty's back...
The beauty’s back…
... and top.
… and top.

Search eBay for other rare Leica treats.