After I initially reported it as a rumor last year and the leaked details from two weeks ago, the new special limited edition Leica M-P “Correspondent” camera by Lenny Kravitz for Kravitz Design is now officially announced.
The camera and lenses are intentionally aged by hand. Only 125 pieces will be produced. The kit includes two lenses (Leica Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH and Leica Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH) and a bespoke case. The 50mm Lux lens is based on the classic design from 1959:
The price of the kit is $24,500 and you can already pre-order it at the Leica Store Miami and Leica Store San Francisco. The set will be sold only in Leica boutiques.
The official Leica Camera press release also mentioned the new book by Lenny Kravitz called “Flash”:
The book is now available for pre-order and will start shipping on March 15th, 2015:
- Amazon US
- Amazon UK
- Amazon Germany
- Amazon France
- Amazon Japan
- Amazon Canada
- Amazon Spain
- Amazon Italy
- Leica Store Miami
Full press release:
LEICA M-P ‘CORRESPONDENT’ SET CREATED BY LENNY KRAVITZ FOR KRAVITZ DESIGN
In collaboration with Lenny Kravitz – the musician, actor and designer– Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, presents a special camera edition set: the LEICA M-P ‘CORRESPONDENT’ BY LENNY KRAVITZ FOR KRAVITZ DESIGN. The edition comprises a Leica M-P digital rangefinder camera and two fast classics from the range of Leica lenses – the Leica Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH. and the Leica Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. – delivered as a set in a bespoke case. The special edition is strictly limited to 125 sets worldwide and will be available from March 2015.
Leica’s collaboration with Lenny Kravitz was born out of the artist’s passion for photography. The first camera Kravitz ever used was his father’s Leicaflex which he received at age 21, as a gift from his father. The unique, distinctive design of the LEICA M-P ‘CORRESPONDENT’ BY LENNY KRAVITZ FOR KRAVITZ DESIGN set was created in reminiscence of this beautifully aged Leica camera. For instance, the glossy black enamel of the camera and the two lenses have been intentionally aged in homage would usually point to many years of constant use. To achieve this look, every camera and lens of the edition was ‘aged’ entirely by hand to create absolutely unique individual products.
Another characteristic feature of the edition sets is the unusual trim of the Leica M-P cameras in the finest-quality yet very durable snakeskin – naturally from controlled sources that are not subject to species conservation regulations. This material in premium glossy black is also used for the camera strap and wrist strap that are included in the sets. The LEICA M-P ‘CORRESPONDENT’ BY LENNY KRAVITZ FOR KRAVITZ DESIGN set is stylishly complemented by a custom case handmade in Germany specially for this edition. The custom case picks up the product design theme and is covered with the same material as the camera.
A particularly interesting feature of the set is the special version of the Leica Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. This lens has been constructed in the classic design of its ancestor from 1959 and reflects the typical features of its predecessor – for instance, the scalloped focusing ring and a finely knurled aperture ring.
The camera and lenses of the LEICA M-P ‘CORRESPONDENT’ BY LENNY KRAVITZ FOR KRAVITZ DESIGN set are otherwise identical to their series production equivalents in performance and technical specifications. The Leica M-P offers all the technical advantages of the Leica digital rangefinder system cameras and possesses the same enduring and robust qualities for which the Leica M-System is renowned. In the case of the two Leica lenses, their essential properties include superior optical performance and extreme versatility.
A book of Lenny’s photography entitled Flash will be published by teNeues and available for purchase from March 15, 2015. Kravitz’s photography offers unusual insights into the nomadic life of a musician ‘on the road’. In addition to being distributed by the publishers, the book will also be offered for sale by Leica Camera in Leica Stores and Leica Boutiques.
Lenny Kravitz will be showcasing photographs from this book at the Leica Gallery in Los Angeles. The exhibition will be the first in a series showcases of the artist’s photography from the book around the world during 2015. The show, Flash by Lenny Kravitz, at the Leica Gallery in Los Angeles will be open to visitors from March 6 to April 12, 2015.

About Kravitz Design
Kravitz Design (KDI) was founded by Renaissance man and legendary music icon Lenny Kravitz. Focusing on residential, commercial, product conception and design, the company’s team encompasses a diverse group of creative professionals that have executed a variety of projects throughout the world. KDI touts a portfolio of noteworthy ventures, with a range that includes chandeliers for Swarovski Crystal Palace Collection, suites at the SLS Hotel Miami Beach and a two story penthouse recording studio at the Setai Hotel and Residences. Most recently KDI undertook the creative vision for the downtown Miami 47-story bay front condominium project Paramount Bay, as well as a collection of ceramic tiles for Lea Ceramiche, the re-interpretation of Philippe Starck’s Mademoiselle chair for Kartell, the set for The Queen Latifah Show and an exclusive collection of lifestyle products for Fred Segal. www.kravitzdesign.com
About Leica Camera
Leica Camera AG is an internationally operating premium-segment manufacturer of cameras and sport optics products. The Leica legend is founded on a long tradition of optical excellence and precision engineering. And today, in combination with innovative technologies, Leica products continue to guarantee better pictures in all situations in the worlds of visualization and perception. Leica Camera AG has its headquarters in Wetzlar, in the state of Hesse, with a second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal. The company operates branch offices in England, France, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, Italy, Australia and the USA. New and innovative products have been the driving force behind the company’s positive development in recent years.
