The Leica M11-D 100th Anniversary Set: A little late, but truly great!

Leica celebrates its centennial with a limited-edition masterpiece

By Jason Schneider

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Describing it as an “Homage to an Icon of Photography” Leica has released the Leica M11-D 100 Years of Leica Anniversary Set to suitably commemorate the centennial of the first Leica camera, the Leica I (Model A) of 1925. The special edition of 100 cameras will bear series numbers ranging from 001 to 100 engraved on the accessory shoe, and there’s one camera “of unique distinction” bearing serial number 6,000,000 (the six millionth Leica M!) and engraved No. 000. Each of these custom-crafted jewels will come with two 50mm M-mount lenses, a physical near-replica of the original 50mm f/3.5 Leitz Anastigmat fitted to the earliest examples of the Leica I (Model A), and a superb 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH. Both lenses share the exclusive edition number of the camera, and both feature a unique nickel-colored anodized finish. As expected, each set will come in a special glossy black lacquered wooden presentation box with a certificate of authenticity.

Kudos to Leica for finally bringing forth such a gorgeous, high-spec centennial edition truly worthy of this momentous event, and for announcing it in calendar year 2025. However, the Leica M11-D 100 Years of Leica Anniversary Set, won’t be available “exclusively in select Leica stores” until Spring 2026. That’s almost exactly 101 years since the Leica I (Model A) was unveiled at the Leipzig Spring Fair on March 1, 2025! How much will this treasure cost? For the moment, that’s “TBA.” But when you figure that a “regular” Leica M11-D (basically a 60MP Leica M11 with no logo, no LCD screen, an ISO dial on the back, and built in Leica Content Credentials Technology) currently runs $10,055.00 body only, a “Silver Edition” 2023 version 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH. retails for $5,240,00, and that the special edition 50mm f/3.5 Leitz Anastigmat in M-mount is probably bench assembled by skilled artisans, it’s going to be pricey--even by Leica standards. Let’s take a closer look at the details contained in the announcement by Leica Camera AG Wetzlar (leica-camera.com):

Opening statement:

“As the first mass-produced 35mm camera, the Leica I represents a pivotal moment in photography and lays the foundation for our heritage. Forged from vision, courage, and a pioneering spirit, it became an icon whose legacy endures in every one of our creations to this day. To celebrate its centenary, we are presenting the exclusive M11-D 100 YEARS OF LEICA set.” Given its achievements, Leica is certainly entitled to laud its legacy, and there’s substantial truth in these assertions. However, Herbert & Huesgen of New York turned out about 1,000 units of its large, clunky, beautifully made Tourist Multiple camera (it took 50-foot rolls off 35mm film and had an 18 x 24mm format) prior to World War I. That probably qualifies as “mass production” for its era, even though it’s nowhere near the 58,735 Leica I (Model A) cameras Leitz manufactured between 1925 and 1936!

Custom camera details

The M11-D 100 YEARS OF LEICA pays homage to the legendary Leica I from 1925, featuring a high-gloss black lacquered brass top plate, nickel-colored anodized controls with classic cross knurling, and a streamlined design without neck strap eyelets or the red Leica logo. The conical collar around the shutter release, the semicircular release button, the black M-Bayonet, and the genuine leather covering with its distinctly textured surface all reflect original design features. The anniversary model gets its finishing touches from the “100” logo on the hot shoe cover and the period “Ernst Leitz Wetzlar” engraving.

New Edition of the 50mm f/3.5 Leitz Anastigmat

“When it made its debut in 1925, the Leica I (model A) came with a permanently affixed Leitz Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 lens. A hundred years on, we are reviving this legendary lens, carrying forward its remarkable legacy with the Leitz Anastigmat-M 50 f/3.5. This modern reissue features an M-Bayonet while faithfully preserving the original’s shape, dimensions, engravings, and retractable design for optimal compactness. Its exterior is now crafted from aluminum, featuring a nickel-colored anodized finish that faithfully echoes the distinctive aesthetic of a century past.” Note: The original 50mm f/3.5 Leitz Anastigmat and Elmax lenses fitted to early examples of the Leica I (Model A) were distinctive 5-element 3-group designs created by Max Berek. Both were soon replaced by the 4-element 3-group 50mm f/3.5 Elmar, a Tessar-type lens that offered fine performance and was much easier to manufacture. Optically, the Leitz Anastigmat-M 50 f/3.5 for the 100th anniversary set is a tweaked version of the 4-element 3-group 50mm f/3.5 Leitz Anastigmat lens fitted to the O-series Leica Replica produced between 2000 and 2002.

Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. supplied with anniversary set

“This exceptional lens delivers impressive speed, outstanding image quality, and sharpness even at wide apertures, with a close focus distance of just 45 cm and the characteristically soft bokeh that defines Leica’s optical craftsmanship. Featuring design elements like a nickel-colored anodized aluminum finish, classic cross knurling on the aperture adjustment ring, and a milled aluminum focusing tab, this special edition sets itself apart from the standard model.”

Exclusive Accessories

“Meticulously matched accessories include an exclusive protector with a permanently attached carrying strap, inspired by the earliest Leitz leather accessories, alongside a matching SD card case. Crafted from the finest cognac-colored leather, both pieces elegantly blend aesthetics with functionality.”

Packaging as special as its contents

“The packaging of the M11-D 100 YEARS OF LEICA anniversary set is as distinctive as the masterpiece it holds. This remarkable assemblage of cameras, lenses, and accessories is showcased in a stunning, glossy black lacquered wooden box designed, developed, and meticulously crafted by Leica in Germany. At the forefront, a timeline spanning 1925 – 2025 is elegantly presented, lifted out on leather loops to unveil the anniversary set. The camera and lenses can be found nestled within a removable carrier made of luxurious cream-white micro velour. Beneath this luxurious carrier lies the certificate of authenticity, all the included accessories, and a carefully curated booklet.”

In short, as a rap artist might say, the M11-D 100 YEARS OF LEICA anniversary set may be a year late, but it’s truly great, and well worth the wait. Whether you can afford to acquire one of these exquisite centennial sets is another question entirely, but deep pockets will help.

When you bring a Leicaflex Standard up to your eye and observe the large, bright non-focusing image with a smallish circular (microprism) focusing area in the center of the field, perhaps you’ll understand why none other than James Lager affectionately refers to it as “a Leica M3 fitted with a Visoflex reflex housing and surmounted with a coupled Leica MR meter.” In other words, the Leicaflex is a rangefinder camera at heart, and it shows what happens when the greatest rangefinder camera company in the world was compelled by competition to create its very first SLR.

You can snag a clean Leicaflex I (Standard) body in black or chrome online for about $125 to $200. One with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-R lens will set you back around $500. Profuse thanks to James Lager for providing all the images for this article.