Leica Unveils Limited Edition M11 to Celebrate Centennial Milestone
Leica M11 New York USA Limited Edition
To mark its 100th anniversary, Leica has launched a strikingly exclusive version of its flagship M11 camera: the Leica M11 "100 Years of Leica – New York USA" edition. Limited to just 100 units, this special release pays tribute both to the brand’s heritage and to the cultural legacy of New York City. The centennial edition is available exclusively in the United States and features numerous elegant touches that make it a standout collector’s piece. Most notably, it comes in a glossy black paint finish inspired by vintage Leica M cameras, just like this special Glossy Black M11 that was released back in November 2024. Over time, this finish is designed to develop a distinctive patina, telling a unique story with every use.
(Also read: Glossy Black Leica M11 Camera and Noctilux-M 50mm f1.2 ASPH Lens)
Leica M11 New York USA Limited Edition Front View
Adding to its visual appeal are silver-chromed controls with refined cross-knurling textures, along with a rich black cowhide leather wrap that recalls Leica's iconic vulcanite coverings from earlier generations. A standout detail is the “NEW YORK USA” engraving on the top plate, a location-specific hallmark of this limited edition.
Other design highlights include:
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A black chrome-plated hot shoe cover etched with Leica's 100th Anniversary logo
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A discreet black screw in place of the classic red Leica dot
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Custom serial numbers from 001/100 to 100/100
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A certificate of authenticity included with each unit
Retailing at $10,695, this edition costs $1,700 more than the standard M11. For collectors and Leica fans, the real challenge will be finding one, given the extremely limited supply.
Leica M11 100-unit editions for Milan, Dubai, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Wetzlar, Germany
This “New York” version is part of a global series that also includes 100-unit editions for Milan, Dubai, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Leica’s hometown of Wetzlar, Germany.
Leica M11 New York USA Limited Edition Rear View
Leica’s 2025 celebration also reflects on the legacy of the Leica I, launched in 1925. It was the first mass-produced 35mm camera and played a major role in popularizing the format that remains a foundation of photography today.
Press release:
Leica M11 100 Years of Leica “NEW YORK USA”
Leica Honors 100th Anniversary of the Leica I with Exclusive Special Edition Release, Limited to 100 Units
NEW YORK, May 2nd, 2025 – As part of Leica’s centennial celebrations in New York occurring on May 3rd, 2025, one of the standout highlights is the launch of the new Leica M11 100 Years of Leica “NEW YORK USA”. Celebrating the Leica I, the first mass-produced 35mm Leica camera, this innovation revolutionized the world of photography at the Leipzig Spring Fair a century ago, unlocking a world of new possibilities with its compact design and versatility. To honor this standout moment, Leica has released an exclusive Leica M11 100 Years of Leica “New York USA” edition, which will be available on May 3rd 2025 and offered only in the United States. With a limited production run of just 100 units, this special edition is engraved with the city's name, making it a true rarity.
About the Leica M11 100 Years of Leica “NEW YORK USA”
This special edition includes several unique features that make it a true collector’s item. An individual engraving on the top plate spells out “NEW YORK USA” in combination with the traditional “Leica” engraving. This exclusive anniversary edition of the legendary rangefinder camera comes in a premium glossy black paint finish, inspired by the historical M-Cameras, which creates a distinctive patina over time– an unmistakable feature reflecting the individual story of each and every camera. A harmonious look is achieved thanks to the combination of silver-chromed control elements such as the shutter release, the on/off switch, and the ISO and speed dials, which are decorated with elaborate cross knurling.
The stylish black cowhide armouring lends a certain elegance to the camera, and its distinctive texture is a throwback to the legendary vulcanite leathering of earlier models. Details such as the black chrome-plated hot shoe cover with the anniversary logo “100”, a subtle black screw instead of the red logo, the special serial number from 001/100 to 100/100, and a certificate of authenticity emphasize the uniqueness of this special edition.
The Leica M11 100 Years of Leica “NEW YORK USA” model will be sold exclusively in the United States, at select Leica store locations, starting on May 3rd. The price of this model is $10,695.00.
The Leica M11 100 Years of Leica will also be released in five other distinctive country versions—each limited to just 100 units. Every select country edition will feature unique engravings and special serial numbers, making them true collector’s items. The M11 100 Years of Leica will also be launched in “MILAN ITALY”, “DUBAI UAE”, “SHANGHAI CHINA”, “TOKYO JAPAN” and “WETZLAR GERMANY”. Each of these releases will be limited to just 100 units and available exclusively for purchase in their respective countries.
100 years of Leica: Witness to a century
In 2025, Leica Camera AG is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Leica I, the first 35mm camera to be mass-produced, which was introduced to the public at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1925. This groundbreaking camera exceeded all expectations with its compact, portable design, unlocking new possibilities in photography. Under the theme 100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century, Leica Camera AG commemorates this milestone that transformed photography worldwide. Throughout the year, Leica will host international events in major cities including Dubai, Milan, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo, showcasing cultural projects and exclusive special product editions. The highlight of the celebration will be the anniversary week in June at the company’s headquarters in Wetzlar. Additionally, the global Leica Gallery network will feature high-caliber exhibitions showcasing works by renowned photographers.