Limited Edition Hermes Leica M7 In 2 Colors & A Little Less Pricey Than You've Heard

UPDATE: Apparently some of the images in my original post belonged exclusively to another site, who kicks this blog's ass in popularity and readership. I had found the images on a different site (which I had credited), but they had removed the original watermark, unbeknownst to me. That said, I received an email today from the site to whom the images belonged, asking me to please remove all their images or to include them with their watermark. I certainly understand their frustration at my innocent error. So, some of the images you now see differ from those in the original post.



Once again, luxury brand Hermes teams up with Leica to bring us a very stylish, very expensive (but not as expensive as previously reported by Wired and Engaget) camera. Limited to only 200, the camera is embellished with either the original Hermes Veau Swift calf leather in their classic Orange or a khaki Brown. The luxury camera comes with a matching strap, an anodized silver 35mm lens, and of course, stunning packaging. And it'll cost you just under $11,000 (tax not included)





There are only be 200 units (100 of the orange and 100 of the brown) made of the Leica M7 Hermes Limited Edition camera worldwide. Each is signed and numbered.


above image from wirefresh

The Leica M7 Hermes Limited Editions have a serial chrome finish and show many differences in comparison to the serial camera. The top plate has the typical classical style with engraved Leica lettering. The normal red Leica logo is eliminated in favor of the body color. All control buttons are made of metal. The camera back cover has the silver chrome finish. The engravings "Auto" and which are normally filled in with the color red are filled with the color of the leather covering. The leather itself is the original Hermes calf leather Veau Swift and has a decorative seam. Aside from the normal serial number, each unit of the edition has an individual number, 001/200 to 200/200.

Leica Summilux-M 35mm/f1.4 ASPH silver anodized finish
The Leica 35 mm lenses are the basic equipment for M-cameras and are very popular. The Summilux 35mm/f1.4 ASPH is one of the references in the fast wide angle field. The silver anodized version with the limited edition cameras is the same weight as the black version as the silver anodized surface is based on aluminium. The lens is completed by the classic round lens hood made of metal with silver anodized finish which is manufactured exclusively for the limited edition cameras. Front and rear caps are made of silver anodized metal.




above images courtesy of ebay, where this brown one was for sale by Photo Arsenal Of Hong Kong, but has already been sold.

But there's another for sale on ebay here.

The Leicavit-M i s mounted instead of the camera bottom plate. It gives the limited edition Hermes cameras not only a special appearance but a fast shooting option with aperture priority of the M7.

Carrying strap:


above photo courtesy of Leica Rumors

The carrying strap of the limited edition cameras are made by the Hermes ateliers in Paris and are of the same quality as the body of the camera. The strap will be delivered in an original Hermes cotton pouch with the Hermes logo.

Packaging:

above image courtesy of breuget camera on ebay

The camera, lens, lens hood and Leicavit are arranged in a high quality robust decorative case which is linen lined outside and lined with silk inside.

Some sites and blogs such as Wired and Engadget reported in November that the camera was going to cost $14,000, but that is not the case.



The best price I found was actually from the Leica Shop at $10,943.16 (VAT not included)
Or for $2,000 more, you can buy them at Adorama for $12,950.00 USD...

And no, this is not the first time Hermes and Leica have collaborated on a camera, in 2003, 500 Hermes edition Leica M3 cameras were made.

•unless otherwise noted, all images are courtesy of Leica

Talking Turquoise, Brands Embrace Pantone's 2010 Color Of The Year.

If you haven't heard by now that Pantone® named Turquoise, specifically, PMS 15-5519 Turquoise, their 2010 Color Of The Year, you must be deaf. Or colorblind. Each year, Pantone®, the self-proclaimed global authority on color, chooses a specific hue of color to receive the honor and for 2010, it's the blue-green hue of the Caribbean waters.


above: Antigua

Now, what is a little odd is that Turquoise was a big color for fashion LAST year and many lines have discontinued items in that color for this 2010 year (like Apple, Gucci, Beirn And HeysUSA). Perhaps Pantone was picking up on last year's trends? In any case, some Turquoise colored items in this post may be discontinued or found on sale or on ebay.


above: turquoise earrings from Vivre

Keep in mind that Turquoise varies quite a bit in hue given that it's a subtle and delicate balance between blue and green. Therefore some of the items below may be a bit greener (more yellow added to cyan) and some a bit bluer (more red added to cyan). Some color lovers may argue that they are "aqua", "sea green", "seafoam", "peacock" or "teal" - but all are clearly within the family.

Truly Turquoise

Modernica "Build Your Own" Shell Chairs:


Hunter Wellies and Beirn Ballet Flats:


Arktura coffee table:


Elica Mini Om wall mounted Kitchen Hood:


Kara Ross Turquoise Stingray (shagreen) jewelry:

Keep Calm And Carry On poster:


Apple iPod:


Vipp New Limited Edition 2010 Mermaid Collection:


Nixon Watches:


Olympus µ Tough waterproof digital camera:


Rachiele's real Arizona turquoise sink basin:


Turquoise Electrolux Washer and Dryer:


Turquoise nail polish- Quirious, China Glaze, Pop and OPI:



Heys USA Business Case and Carry On luggage:


Garnet Hill's Ocean towels & bath rugs:


Supra Skytop Chad Muska Pro Model kicks:


Hunter Douglas Turquoise metal mini blinds:


Gucci Etretat Rubber turquoise flats (on sale now):


LG AX260 Turquoise mobile phone & Nokia's Mobiwoo in Turquoise:


Marc Jacobs Benny Bag:


More Blue than Green, but still considered Turquoise:

The following items tend to be less green than Pantone's actual color of the year and appear to have more blue than green or yellow in them, but they are still referred to as "turquoise" by their manufacturers.

Nintendo DS:


Stokke Strollers, high chairs and more:

Hamilton Beach blender and toaster:


Kitchen Aid Mixer (Martha Artisan Collection):


Hermes leather, canvas and linen goods:


Versace Atelier Dress:


Versace Fox Fur and leather handbags:


Jonathan Adler's Lacquer and Enamel collections:

The press release:

Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company (NASDAQ: XRIT), and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the color of the year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.
“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”
Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.
In fashion, Turquoise makes a statement that can look elegant and dressy in fine silk and gemstones, or casual and fun in cotton and athletic apparel. Because of its versatility, Turquoise is a great accent color in jewelry, purses, shoes, hair accessories and even nail polish for women, and ties, shirts and sportswear for men.


For brides wanting a flattering choice for attendant apparel and accessories on their big day, Turquoise is now one of the nearly 200 PANTONE WEDDING Colors available from Dessy (shown above), a leading manufacturer of bridesmaid, social occasion and flower girl dresses, as well as destination wedding gowns under the labels Dessy Collection, After Six, Alfred Sung, Lela Rose Bridesmaid and Sandals Destination Wedding Dresses. PANTONE WEDDING exclusively from Dessy provides a collection of color tools to make it easy for brides to achieve perfectly color-coordinated weddings – from inspiration to “I do.”
Additionally, Turquoise is one of 3,000 colors available in Pantone’s line of superior-quality, eco-friendly paint. PANTONE Paints combine the accuracy of PANTONE Colors with the beauty of high-performance Dutch paints. Perfect for a powder room or bedroom, Turquoise is an evocative, spa-like hue that adds an undertone of warmth and excitement to any cool space. In the kitchen, Turquoise adds a unique flare to tabletop and appliances.
Pantone is pleased to announce PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the Color of the Year for 2010.

Turquoise Blogs and Sites
Like Orange, Turquoise is one of those tertiary colors that certain designers and interior decorators tend to favor. There are blogs and sites about all things turquoise. Here's a few for you to enjoy.

Y Livings's Selection of Turquoise items (although most are really shades of blue):



Erin's House Of Turquoise:


Everything Turquoise:



Turquoise Chic: