Leica has today announced a very special limited edition of its classic 35mm rangefinder system camera: the Leica M7 Edition Hermès. As the successor to the Leica MP Edition Hermès launched in 2003, this is the second series of cameras created in co-operation with Hermès, the Paris-based company renowned throughout the world for its exclusive products.

The strictly limited Leica M7 Edition Hermès comes in silver chrome with a choice of two striking calfskin leather finishes – orange and étoupe – supplied by Hermès. Just 100 of each colour will be made available, and each individual camera will have a special sequential serial number between 001/200 and 200/200.

To complement the design of the camera, the special Leica M7 Edition Hermès set includes a silver anodised Leica Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. wide-angle lens, a matching classic round lens hood in silver anodised metal – manufactured specifically for these models – and a Leicavit M rapid winder in silver chrome. A real leather carrying strap, handcrafted by Atelier Hermès to match the colour of each camera, provides the finishing touch. Each set is delivered in a linen-covered, silk-lined box.

The Leica M7 Edition Hermès camera has a number of distinct features compared to the standard Leica M7 model. For example, the top plate is engraved with the Leica name in classic script: the red Leica logo has been omitted to preserve the colour harmony of the leather covering. All control elements of the Leica M7 Edition Hermès have been manufactured exclusively in metal, and the back of the camera is finished in silver chrome. Furthermore, the red colour of the engraved auto and 7 settings on the shutter speed dial has been replaced by the specific shade of the camera’s leather. The technical specifications of the special edition set are otherwise identical to the standard model.

The Leica M7 Edition Hermès will be available in the UK from December 2009 and is priced at an impressive 8500 Pounds.

UPDATE: We managed to get our hands onto some better images, as well as the second colorway of the camera. More views after the jump.

When it comes to cameras we have a pretty specific taste, which combines high quality and of course also design. Usually we stick to the Canon G line, Ricoh, Panasonic Lumix and in case money is not an issue you of course go for a Leica. Today the German company, maker of high end cameras, has announced the M9 and the X1. The M9 is the upgrade to the M8, which turned one of their most iconic cameras into a digital one. The X1 will be priced lower and unites lots of features in compact format. We always felt like there was a huge gap between the M9 and other cameras of its category and hopefully the X1 can close that gap, at least in terms of price. The M9 will go for around 7′000 USD and comes out in September. The Leica X1 will go for 2′000 USD and will only start shipping in January. Do the quality of the cameras, the design or the functionality justify the price? Probably not.

Take a detailed look at both the Leica M9 and the Leica X1, both beautiful pieces of hardware, both made in Germany,  after the jump.

The Panasonic Lumix range has been a favorite of ours for many years, next to the Ricoh line-up and of course the offering of Leica. With the GF1, Panasonic once again introduces an interesting new camera that you should have a closer look at. Just like with former G-series models, also the lenses of the GF1 can be exchanged, probably one of the most interesting features of this very compact camera.

“Though small in size, the LUMIX GF1 does not compromise in advanced features. The LUMIX GF1 thoroughly optimizes the advantages of a system camera to ensure high performance, whether capturing photos or HD video. The LUMIX GF1 also comes fully-equipped with a built-in flash and a large, 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle and a 460,000-dot resolution.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1 will be available in early October 2009 with the option of two kits – both with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95. One kit option includes the newly-announced LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH, a compact and lightweight “pancake” lens, while the other kit features the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. The optional Live View Finder DMW-LVF1 has an SRP of $199.95; while the DMW-MA2M and DMW-MA3R both have an SRP of $249.95.”

The camera will come in a series of colorways from October 2009.

The Leica C-Lux 3 digital camera comes in a special collaborative version with Parisian artist Andre and colette. The camerca comes in black and white and features an illustration by the artist on the front. Each colorway is limited to only 30 pieces and will be available soon in the colette online store.

More detailed images of the Leica x Andre x colette C-Lux 3 follow after the jump.

Leica has been come out with multiple interesting special edition versions of their popular cameras. The D-Lux 4 recently came in a Titantium Edition and the M8 in a White Edition and Safari Edition. Now they present the D-Lux 4 as well in a Safari Edition, featuring a military green case, with silver metal details and of course red Leica logo. The D-LUX 4 Safari Set will be delivered with a dedicated khaki-colored system case that matches the feel of the camera. The system case offers space for optional accessories like the handgrip, viewfinder or flash unit. It is made of water-resistant heavy duty material that is used in manufacturing in the automobile industry. The case also comes with a rain cape made of nylon. The camera will be released in August and will go for 995 USD. Via Dalephotoanddigital.

A while ago Leica released the limited Safari Edition of their flagship M8 model. In time for summer they will be releasing the white edition of the classic beauty. So far the price and release date have not been announced yet, but apparently numbers will be extremely limited on this one, according to Luxist.

We will keep you posted!

Leica has come out with a beautiful Safari limited edition version of their M8.2 camera model.

“It comes bundled with a 28mm F2.8 Summicron lens and a matching canvas and leather camera bag. The 10.3-million-pixel M8.2 is an updated version of the original M8, the firm’s first digital rangefinder camera, the prototype for which was auctioned off last summer. The Safari model features a matte green vulcanite finish body combined with brushed silver accents and a saddle leather strap.” Via Luxist.

Only 500 pieces of the Safari edition will be made and they go for 10′000 USD. Have a more detailed look at the Leica M8 Safari Edition after the jump.

The Panasonic Lumix range has been interesting since its inception, bringing high quality Leica lenses into the mass market and thus making a quality camera more affordable. Their latest model to release is the DMC G-1, which is the first larger size camera to come from them, bringing the functionality of a big reflex camera, the G-1 gives you the choice between the two at all times. Also it is very light and still compact.

Now, what does this have to do with Busy “P”? Well, we were asking ourselves the same question. The DJ and producer took the G-1 to the Justice tour and the 200 pictures that he took are preloaded on each camera! It is now available for 850 Euros at colette.

More detailed images of the Panasonic DMC G-1 Lumix follow after the jump.

It has just been confirmed that Leica will be releasing a limited edition version of their popular D-Lux 4 model. The camera will come in a titanium casing with matching Leica leather pouch. The technical specs are the same as for the regular D-Lux 4 and luckily it also seems like the price will be the same in the US. But there will only be 500 pieces of this precious machinery, so good luck finding one!

“The new LEICA M8.2 is an exciting upgrade of Leica Camera AG’s German-made M series digital rangefinder camera for professionals. Improving on important LEICA M8 attributes such as discretion, intuitive work and robustness , the new model retains the key characteristics of the Leica reportage camera such as the compact shape, the exceptional image quality in connection with Leica M lenses and the unique picture composition with the Leica rangefinder that show it to be a genuine M camera. The LEICA M8.2 complements the M8, and many elements of the M8.2 can be integrated into the M8 if desired. With this parallel marketing, Leica Camera AG is underlining yet again the full system compatibility and high value retention of its M series.” (via Image Insider).

We always loved the Leica M8 and now it has gotten even better. If you have some spare cash, than you should definitely consider it.