Leica launches Kevlar-covered ‘Reporter’ version of its M10-P camera
In 2021, Leica announced the unveiling of the Leica M10-P 'Reporter,' a digital rangefinder camera that Leica has crafted in a special edition limited to a mere 450 units globally. This exceptional version of the revered Leica M10-P boasts a durable, scratch-resistant green finish and is adorned with a distinctive kevlar covering that features a diamond-weave pattern, all complemented by sleek black dials and controls. The M10-P 'Reporter' is launched to honor the 40th anniversary of the esteemed Leica Oskar Barnack Award, which recognizes excellence in documentary photography, paying tribute to the courageous photojournalists who have relied on Leica cameras to document pivotal moments in history under some of the most extreme conditions.
Retaining the technical prowess of the standard Leica M10-P, such as its whisper-quiet mechanical shutter and intuitive rear touchscreen, the 'Reporter' edition elevates the camera's resilience. Its matte dark green coating, reminiscent of past Safari editions, offers superior resistance to scratches and signs of wear.
The camera's kevlar exterior not only ensures a secure grip but also promises comfort during extended use. Intriguingly, this black kevlar will gradually lighten under UV light exposure, developing a patina that harmonizes with the camera's body color, embodying the essence of a tool that bears the marks of its adventures. The design's subtlety is further enhanced by the light green enamel filling the engravings, a departure from the traditional white, contributing to the camera's understated yet robust appearance.
Press Announcement
Leica M10-P “Reporter”: Celebrating the Spirit of Reportage Photography
Wetzlar, January 21, 2021 – In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award, Leica Camera AG is proud to present the Leica M10-P “Reporter.” This camera stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of reportage photography, engineered to withstand the rigors of fieldwork. Leica's history is rich with cameras designed specifically for the press and reportage photographers, a tradition reflected in iconic models such as the 1933 Leica 250, with its 250-exposure film cassette, and the 1956 Leica MP, which featured the Leicavit rapid winder at the behest of legendary photographers Alfred Eisenstaedt and David Douglas Duncan.
The Leica M10-P “Reporter,” with its dark green scratch-resistant finish and protective Kevlar trim, evokes the demanding environments in which some of the world's most compelling reportages have been produced. Kevlar, a material commonly used in ballistic protective gear, will see its black hue mature into the color of the camera's top and base plates under natural UV light. This textural transformation not only enhances the camera's grip but also its aesthetic appeal, with the light green inlays offering a subtler alternative to the standard white on black-finish cameras. Technically, the M10-P “Reporter” mirrors the serially produced Leica M10-P in every aspect. A limited edition, only 450 units of the Leica M10-P “Reporter” will be available globally.
dpreview