In the opening scene of the very first James Bond film, Dr. No, we encounter a very suave, relatively unknown Sean Connery (in 1962) seated at a Baccarat table, about to play a winning hand before making his opening line that has since become synonymous with the franchise around the world: “Bond, James Bond.”
This same air of timeless sophistication characterises the new partnership between Leica and James Bond with the new Leica D-Lux 7 007 Edition. At first glance, it’s evident that the sleek new Leica is made for those that appreciate style and craftsmanship. The camera trim is made of a high-performance, textured material in a stealth black, while its subtle rhombus pattern is repeated on the hand grip, which – together with its wrist strap – ensures the safe handling of the camera… no matter what mission you find yourself on.
The top plate is adorned with the famous 007 logo, and the limited edition Leica set also includes an automatic lens cap with the classic ‘gun barrel’ design, made famous by the opening sequence of James Bond films.
Another distinctive feature of this special-edition set that you might find intriguing is its accompanying leather case that has been designed in the style of a gun holster – a nice touch for the Bond aficionado. As for the camera itself, it has all the hallmarks of a great Leica camera, with a large image sensor and fast lens – the Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34 f/1.7-2.8 ASPH. (35mm equivalent: 24 – 75mm). The new Leica D-Lux 7 combines outstanding image quality with conveniently compact dimensions.
Coinciding with the new partnership between Leica and James Bond, film producer Michael G. Wilson – who is a keen photographer and passionate collector – has opened EON’s photographic archive for an exhibition of legendary Bond images. The ‘Photographs from the James Bond Archive’ exhibition is on display at Leica Gallery London until 21st March 2023.
The Leica D-Lux 7 007 Edition comes in a specially designed presentation box, is limited to just 1,962 units and will be available globally at Leica Stores and the Leica Online Store from March 2023 at $3,290.
