International design house Paul Smith, in collaboration with German camera and sports optic manufacturers Leica, has brought out a timeless masterpiece –an iconic limited-edition camera—the Leica X2. This camera stands out with its extravagant styling, flamboyant colours, and high-performance digital technology, and is well on its way to becominga collector’s item for connoisseurs of luxury gadgets.
Finished in natural cowhide leather in British Green, the camera’s metal top plate and base plate are clad in bright orange and neon-yellow respectively, as chosen by Paul Smith. The designer has also included a hand-drawn bulb doodle to highlight the unique pop-up flash on the top of the camera, as well as a carrying strap, a camera protector in premium calfskin, and matching packaging. The technical specifications maintain the classic design of the earlier X2, which include an impressive APS-C format, a professional CMOS image sensor with 16.5 megapixels and a high-performance Leica Elmarit 24mmf/2.8 ASPH lens that guarantees excellent image quality and exposures. Priced at £2,000, the Leica X2 is limited to 1,500 units and was launched in September 2012. It is available at the Leica store in Mayfair, London as well as at select Leica dealers.
Text by Aashmita Nayar