Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But what if beauty is in the eye itself, the ‘eye’ in this case being the Leica limited M7 edition?

The Leica M7 Edition Hermès is touted as a “very special edition” of their classic 35mm analog rangefinder system camera. Why dubbed Hermès? Probably as this is the second partnership between Leica and the Paris-based fashion company, the first being the 2003 Leica MP Hermès.

This camera will be produced on a limited basis: only a hundred of each color will be made available and each camera will have special sequential serial numbers between 001/200 and 200/200.

The Hermès camera set itself includes a silver anodized Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH wide-angle lengs, with matching classic round lens hood, a Leicavit M rapid winder and a real leather carrying strap that’s been handcrafted by Atelier Hermès to match the color of the camera.

The camera is a standard M7, silver-chrome but with two choices of calfskin leather finishes (orange and etoupe). The Hermès Leica is differentiated from the standard by a number of distinct features. These include the top plate engraved with the Leica in classic script, the control elements have been manufactured all in metal, and the camera back is finished in silver chrome.

With its linen-covered, silk-lined box, this camera is only for those who have money to burn—and the taste to prove it. The Hermès will be available in UK come December from authorized Leica dealers as well as the Leica Store Mayfair for the staggering price of £8550 (or about $14,400).

Given that the standard M7 costs about £2974 (or about $5,000) and generally lasts forever, that’s not a bad deal for those with deep pockets and fashionable hobbies.

The German-based company is known for their iconic camera brand since 1914 when Oscar Barnack created the Ur-Leica.  The first Leica electronic model came out in 1976 with the Leica R3 with the R-System. Their first compact point-and-shoot came in 1989 while their first digital camera came out in 1998 with the Leica Digilux.

Meanwhile, Hermès is a very prestigious fashion house that specializes in leather, RTW, lifestyle accessories, perfume and luxury goods. (Joseph N)

Source: Engadget, Leica Camera, Wikipage on Hermès