Leica just unveiled a new camera which pay tribute to the panda, a “Chinese National Treasure.” Aptly named “Panda Edition”, this limited edition version of its M-P (Typ 240) rangefinder is finished in black and white.
The uber-limited edition digital rangefinder will be offered in 2 different kits: one with a 28mm f/2 lens and one with a 35mm f/1.4 one. Only 30 units of each set will be manufactured and will only be sold in China.
Leica Unveiled M-P Panda Limited Edition
The lower parts of the bodies will be covered with the traditional black leather trim of the Leica M cameras, but the metal areas above the lens, and the base plate, will be finished in a ‘special’ white paint. The black and white color scheme is designed to remind us of the giant panda, and the white paint will symbolize calm.
A panda logo will decorate the rear of the metal portion of the upper body, along with the engraving ‘CHENGDU CHINA’. Chengdu is an area in the Sichuan province that is considered home to the endangered giant panda, and where the majority of those still left in the wild live.
Leica Unveiled M-P Panda Limited Edition
The region is also home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and the world’s largest giant panda nature reserve in the Wolong Valley.
The sets are priced between HK $110,000 and HK $120,000 HKD (which is around $14,000 USD and $15,000 USD). They are only available at Leica stores in Hong Kong, China and Macau.
