A few weeks ago I had symptoms of what I’m calling Leica love—it seems like a feverish desire more than anything. Stumbling upon these photos of a special edition M8 only intensified it. Check out how clear and sexy these product shots are.
While the camera is amazing, you’re dropping $8,500 on it and I would think that the packaging should be extend further rather than just the typical cardbox box with inserts. Perhaps a red velvet/suede lining in a completely metal case or something along those lines would be the way to go.
Also Leica, don’t hesitate to call if you need help designing the new packaging.
Images via Hypebeast
I am a Leica admirer too and would love a M8. But the packaging are not a massive issue for me. Would rather want to make sure they have spend the money on the camera and not the packaging. And their packaging is simple, stylish and recyclable.
Fuck yeah… like those guys from Aiaiai earphones. With great products comes great packaging!
Leica usually reserve the velvet lined, fancy cases for the higher end (read, even-more-uber-expensive) special editions like the last few Noctilux F.1s or the Titan M7. Artful as those are, they tend to appeal more to collectors than shooters (there are plenty of both in Leica world, granted) and are priced accordingly.
I’m a long time Leica lover, and recently snagged my first Leica gear (an M9 and Summilux 50mm, pretty much a dream combination for me). The packaging of both has a certain minimal, aesthetic charm in the flesh (closest comparison would be Apple), but I was more keen to get the gear out – I’ve never handled a more perfect tool/object in my life, and probably won’t again.
I think there’s a lot to be learned industrial design-wise from the likes of Leica It’s nice to see Fuji taking the retro-minimalist lead with the x100, but I’d love to see more. Somebody really needs to make a Braun Nizo with a 5D sensor in it, for instance.
Agreed. It would be nice if the packaging could even serve as a future case for temporary storage, or traveling.
Leica always has the nicest looking stuff.
@Piq
Its humorous to see that Leica has a “higher end” than their already super high end.
I also agree that the next step is putting a similar sensor as the 5D’s or 1dmk4’s into the Braun Nizo series.
Absolutely stunning and beautiful packaging and camera.
I would agree with Alan, that for the price, the packaging should probably double as a case.
Other than the looks, why would I by this over a Canon 1d? I don’t get the attraction.
I purchased a Panasonic GH1 several months ago, reason being that the lens is “powered” by Leica. All in, I’ve been having great results with the camera and I’m loving the 3/4 body. Super easy to carry and handle. Interestingly enough, the packaging for the GH1 is the same as this one.
Dump the package and go shoot!
I’d love to see what this camera will look like after a few years of use — nicely worn around the knobs and edges.
Gorgeous camera, but at $8,000, I would agree…the packaging is a let down. For 8 grand…you should literally be buying an experience, a stellar design, and a high quality functioning product. They hit it on the design…and the function, but the experience…doesn’t say $8,000.
Maybe a nice maple or oak box, velvet/suede black or red lining…even foam. Creating functional storage for it.
I love Leica’s brand though…beautiful.
– D.
HOT!
I’m not a Leica fanboy…I’m actually not a “brand” specific photographer (I’m one of those cruddy “it’s the image not the camera” types) but this camera is giving me a serious bout of envy.
I m a collector of old cameras, and i really appreciate when they fill old design with modern technology (of course it has to work).
And i could not more then agree with you, at that price i would not like a cardboard case.
This is ridiculous. $8,000? Do they realize that a fully functioning iMac doesn’t even cost HALF that? Ha, good luck. It’s a beautiful camera, but something to consider – how many BMWs do you think are being sold these days? Not many.
I saw one of these in the flesh here in Melbourne. It was for sale but more like an exhibition experience for me.
so hot.
Check out the Leica X1 unboxing experience (starts ~0:20): http://www.youtube.com/user/DigitalRevCom#p/search/1/Uvo_YZL5Y8Q
Love the little drawers!
Looks like the Chanel ceramic
The Leica is to the photographer,
what Ferrari is to the car enthusiast.
marc vandermeer
OH MY…. I’M IN LOVE!
oh man. gotta love the leicas. i HAD an m6 and an r4 for a long time. don’t ask about what happened…all i can say is that SOMEDAY, when i’m not such a broke grad student, i will have another leica.
hard times for the poor photographers though…especially when a normal 50 mm lens will set you back about 900 bucks. for now, i’ll put up with my canon lenses…at least if i drop them i won’t go bankrupt.
I don’t your guys fetish with overpriced equipment. Well, to each their own I guess.
Some women want a diamond, I crave this camera. I have the little Leica D Lux 3 and the photos are incredible…. There is a difference in the lense! I also have the Canon 5d and I would probably trade it for this Leica