Press Release:

Leica presents an exclusive special edition of the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium. A further premium quality camera edition in an elegant finish. The LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium now joins the special titanium limited editions of the LEICA M7 and LEICA MP and a titaniumcoloured LEICA M6 TTL as the first Leica digital camera with the satin finish of anodised titanium. This special version of the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium is limited to only 10,000 cameras worldwide. From January 2009, the camera will be available in a set together with a premium quality, titanium-coloured leather case.

The silver-grey of the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium has an unmistakeably exclusive look that makes this special edition an elegant collector’s piece with its own particular expression of luxury. The camera body of the titanium edition has a particularly luxurious look and feel, but still remains light and extremely resilient. Thus, the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium has a metal body that has been constructed with the same precision and attention to detail as the standard models, and the exclusive use of the highest quality materials in its construction guarantees users absolute reliability in every situation.

The technical features of the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium are identical to those of the standard models. For instance, the wide range of accessories for the LEICA D-LUX 4, such as the handgrip, the auxiliary finder or the LEICA CF 22 compact flash unit (available from February 2009) are all fully compatible with the titanium edition.

From Leica:

Leica Camera AG honored Woody Allen, director, comedian, actor, photographer and musician, with a special LEICA M8.2 camera bearing the serial number of 3,555,555. The camera was presented by Leica Chief Executive Officer Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, to Mr. Allen at a private reception in New York City on November 3rd, 2008.

“Woody Allen represents the highest caliber of artist - one who is skilled in all aspects of the creative world - and we have the utmost respect for him and his work,” said Dr. Kaufmann. “By presenting him with this special LEICA M8.2, we hope it will accompany him in saving his memories in pictures with one of the best, and newest, cameras in the world. A Leica camera is always a tool in the hand of an artist.”

“Thank you to Dr. Kaufmann and Leica Camera for bestowing this special camera to me. It is a true pleasure and honor be a member of this group of personalities,” Mr. Allen added when receiving the camera and lens from Leica CEO Dr. Kaufmann.

Mr. Allen was the first recipient of this rare Leica honor in the category of moving pictures, selected because of his reputation and contributions to the film and art industries. In addition to being an avid photographer and Leica fan, Mr. Allen has used the brand in several of his movies, most recently, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”, released in the summer of 2008.

Since 1925, Leica’s honor of awarding cameras with special serial numbers has been reserved for outstanding individuals from the worlds of photography, scientific research, politics and society. Additionally, notable world figures have received these special edition cameras, such as Queen Elizabeth in 1958 and 1965, whose camera was engraved with her initials, and former President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1960, whose camera bears the serial number 980,000. (more…)

Starting on October 1, 2008, Leica USA will begin its previously announced Leica M8 Upgrade Service. To insure the quickest possible turnaround time, we encourage all Leica M8 owners to schedule their upgrade in advance, beginning on August 1, 2008. As an added incentive, all Leica upgrades for the silent shutter and/or sapphire LCD cover glass scheduled from August 1, to October 15, 2008 and completed by January 31, 2009 will receive a free $150 Leica voucher that can be used toward the purchase of any new serialized Leica product from an authorized North American Leica dealer. Additional upgrade options include a personal or signature engraving on the top plate and installing a Vulcanite leatherette body covering.

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