Leica’s $15K ‘Grip’ Camera is Covered in Ping Pong Paddle Rubber
Leica just added a strange very limited edition camera to their M line. It’s called the Leica M-P (Typ 240) “Grip,” and it’s covered in the rubber material you’d usually find on a ping pong paddle.
The special edition M-P “Grip” was created in collaboration with artist and Leica photographer Rolf Sachs, and it will be an extremely limited edition. Only 79 of these sets total will make their way to Leica stores and boutiques around the world in November.
But the limited nature isn’t the most intriguing piece of this M-P (Typ 240). As the name suggests, the most distinct attribute of the M-P ‘Grip’ is the grip, which is made up of a bumpy rubber material you’ve maybe seen on ping pong paddles:
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to ‘undress’ the camera and create a new look, which is surprising as much as it is functional,” said Sachs about his special own edition. “Applying a material that has never before been used as an easy-to-grip camera surface, creates a striking aesthetic and a unique tactility.”
The “nubs” make the camera much more grippy, offering what Leica is calling “an entirely new haptic experience.” It also makes this particular M-P look a little bit toy-like, until you take a look at the beautifully detailed dials and spot the fancy Rolf Sachs engraving, that is.
The full sets include the specially designed camera body, Leica Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH lens, Leica SF 40 flash, and special carrying strap, all packaged in a special black case.
The Leica M-P (Typ 240) ‘Grip’ will be available in Leica stores starting November for the special edition price of $14,950. If you’re really eager to get your hands on one of these 79 ping-pong-paddle-meets-Leica cameras, you can already pre-order one here.
