Leica Celebrates 100 Years of Photographic History with Special Editions and Global Events
Leica is marking a century since the launch of its first 35mm camera, the Leica I, with a global celebration and a host of new special edition products. The anniversary honours both a technical milestone and the legacy of Ernst Leitz II, who made the bold decision to mass-produce Oskar Barnack’s invention, transforming photography forever.
At the heart of the centenary is a range of commemorative releases including special editions of the D-Lux 8, Sofort 2, and Trinovid 10x40 binoculars. There is also a limited-edition M11-D Centenary Set, alongside the Leica M11 "Wetzlar Germany" edition.
Each item nods to the original Leica I in both design and spirit, using materials and details that connect past and present. The D-Lux 8 and Sofort 2 both feature retro styling and subtle nods to Leica’s heritage, while the Trinovid binoculars come with premium leather covering and elegant nickel accents.
The Leica M11-D Centenary Set is particularly notable, combining a brass-bodied M11-D with a pair of historically inspired lenses: a modernised Leitz Anastigmat-M 50mm f/3.5 and a Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. One of these cameras carries the landmark serial number 6000000, representing the millionth M camera Leica has ever made. This camera will be displayed at Leica Welt alongside the very first Leica I model.
To complement these launches, Leica has published 100 Leica Stories, an illustrated hardback book celebrating the brand’s role as a visual witness to history. The book includes iconic images from legendary photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Ilse Bing and Sebastião Salgado, along with personal anecdotes and contributions from the global Leica community.
Visitors to Leica's Wetzlar headquarters can explore several exhibitions over the summer. The Ernst Leitz Museum hosts a major retrospective of American street photographer Joel Meyerowitz, while the Leica Gallery shows work by photojournalist Édouard Elias and musician-photographer Jamie Cullum. These exhibitions run until 21 September 2025.
Leica's centenary events are also taking place in cities around the world including Milan, New York, Dubai, Shanghai and Tokyo, each one highlighting the enduring appeal of Leica cameras and the stories they help tell.
Leica 100th Anniversary Product Prices and Availability
Leica D-Lux 8 100 YEARS OF LEICA: £1,600, available from 26 June 2025.
Leica Sofort 2 100 YEARS OF LEICA: £425, available from 26 June 2025.
Leica Trinovid 10x40 100 YEARS OF LEICA: £2,350, available from 26 June 2025.
100 Leica Stories Book: £50, on sale in Germany from 26 June 2025 and internationally from 14 July 2025.
Leica M11 "Wetzlar, Germany" Edition: €9,500, available now from Leica Stores in Germany.
M11-D 100 YEARS OF LEICA Set: Available in spring 2026 via select Leica Stores.
