Leica is rumored to announce a new M11-P Hammertone (Hammerschlag) limited edition camera later this year. The mockups below provide a preview of what the final design might look like (all pictures are mockups):
Previous coverage of Leica Hammertone cameas can be found here.
See the current Leica Hammertone cameras listings on eBay.
Additional information on Leica Hammertone cameras:
Leica Hammertone cameras feature a distinctive textured grey “hammered” or pebbled paint finish that gives them an industrial, tool-like appearance. Leica has a long history of making Hammertone cameras
The Hammertone finish originated in the late 1950s/early 1960s at Ernst Leitz Wetzlar. It was primarily used on scientific and optical instruments (microscopes, slide projectors, enlargers, etc.) because it hid minor surface imperfections on machined parts, was extremely durable, and was more cost-effective than high-gloss finishes. The Hammertone finish has a rugged, almost military/scientific character that develops a unique patina with use (some light brassing can occur on edges).
Leica rarely applied it to actual 35mm cameras. The first (and for decades the only) official photographic camera version appeared in 1964, when Leica produced just 10 Leica MD bodies in grey Hammertone (serial numbers 1102501–1102510). These simplified M-series bodies (no viewfinder) were made for scientific/copying use with the Visoflex reflex housing. Matching hammertone Visoflex housings were also supplied. These 10 cameras are now legendary rarities among collectors.
1964 Leica MD Grey Hammertone (only 10 made): the original and rarest. Extremely collectible as the direct inspiration for all later Hammertone Leicas.
2003 Leica MP Grey Hammertone “LHSA 1968-2003” (1,400 units): the most famous and iconic “Hammertone” camera. Produced to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Leica Historical Society of America (LHSA). It is a mechanical MP with the signature grey hammertone finish on the top and bottom plates (contrasting chrome controls and accents). Many were sold as sets that included a chrome Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH lens and sometimes a Leicavit rapid winder, all styled with retro 1950s touches. It remains one of the most desirable and visually striking special editions Leica ever made.
2026 Leica M-A Hammertone “Ginza 20th Anniversary” (100 units) The newest official Hammertone edition (announced April 2026). Based on the fully mechanical, battery-free M-A film camera. It carries the classic grey hammertone finish on the top cover and base plate, plus a special “20 JAHRE” engraving. Made exclusively for the Japanese market to mark 20 years of the Leica Store Ginza (the world’s first directly operated Leica store). A modern, limited tribute to the classic look.
Leica announced a new M-A Hammertone limited edition camera for the Ginza Store 20th anniversary
The first Leica M9-P hammertone limited edition is already out
