Two very special sets were made available in 2004 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Leica M system. Both sets contain the Leica M7 titanium. In contrast to the previous M6 and M6 TTL titanium models where the cameras were only covered with a titanium outer finish, all metal parts have been replaced by titanium ones, which is a very laborious and expensive process given the particular characteristics of titanium. The top cover, the bottom cover and all the operation elements are made out of massive titanium.
Titanium is a metal which was discovered pretty late in the history of science: it was discovered by Gregor in 1791 and was given its name in 1795 by Klappstock. It is as hard as steel but 45% lighter and twice as stable as aluminium. It is also very resistant against corrosion. It is used in all areas where a great resistance is asked but weight matters (pieces of speed sailing boats, formula 1 cars, etc.). The titanium M7, for example, is 13% lighter (80gr) as a standard M7. Titanium is also very appreciated in space flight for its stability and resistance to large temperature differences.
The reason why this material is not used more often is linked with the important efforts and costs linked with it. To mill a piece in titanium needs around 5 times longer than to mill the same piece in brass or aluminium. On top of that the tool wears up much more rapidly and great care must be taken to avoid any internal tensions in the material, which would cause th epiece to break. The finish of each piece, for example its polishing, takes a much longer process than for more common metals.
In the case of the Leica M7 titanium and its accompanying lenses, Leica has used the Physical Vapour Deposition technique to deposit a very thin layer of silicon dioxide (comparable to glass) which makes the material - which is in its normal state very resistant against corrosion - also immune to finger prints.
Leica wanted to offer a photographer's camera. Obviously these kinds of camera sets appeal to collectors, but Leica choose not to underline that aspect and chose to realize a camera fit for intensive daily work.

Set 1: Leica M7 with the latest Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH

A special edition of 500 sets worldwide. Each set is composed of:

A titanium M7. The top cover, the bottom cover and all operation elements are made out of massive titanium. The leather used for the camera is a very resistant black saddle leather. It was tanned and colored using natural ingredients. The top cover wears a special engraving:

The serial number is engraved in the flash connection shoe. The cameras delivered with the 50mm lens have serial numbers between 3'000'050 and 3'000'550.

A leather carrying strap in the same leather as used on the camera.

A Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH with all outer parts in massive titanium. The three last digits of its serial number match that of the camera.

The set is delivered in a cloth bound cardboard box which can be kept close with a ribbon (same principle as the D-Lux box). the box bears a blind embossing of the Leica logo. The inside of the box is covered with genuine black silk.

The new book from G. Osterloh, "50 Jahre Leica M / 50 years Leica M". This book contains a description of all M cameras actual or past but also for each camera model a description of the special developments (such as the integration of a light meter in the M5), paired with anecdotes. This is a special edition of the standalone English/German book, published in October 2004. The edition featured in this set is a large format table top book of approximately 240 pages, bound with black cloth with a blind embossing of the book title and the historical Leica logo.

The set is composed of a black cloth bound cardboard box containing the camera and the lens, the Osterloh book, a leather lens pouch to store the lens out of the box, the leather carrying strap, an exclusive certificate bearing the signature of the Leica board of directors, the warranty cards and an instruction manual for both the camera and the lenses. The set is delivered in a silver cardboard box. Suggested retail price: 10.000 euro.

Set 2: Leica M7 with 3 lenses

Special edition of 50 sets worldwide. Each set is composed of:

A titanium M7. The top cover, the bottom cover and all operation elements are made out of massive titanium. The leather used for the camera is a very resistant black saddle leather. It was tanned and colored using natural ingredients. The top cover wears a special engraving:

The serial number is engraved in the flash connection shoe. The original M3 wore the serial number 700'000, so Leica decided to also start with a round number: 3'000'000. The cameras delivered with the 3 lenses have serial numbers between 3'000'000 and 3'000'050.

On top of that, the cameras of this series wears another special engraving with a "Leica M year" each. The camera number 3'000'000 bears the Leica year 1954, the camera 3'000'001 the year 1955, ..., the camera 3'000'050 the year 2004. The camera number 3'000'000 / 1954 has been offered as a gift to the photographer Sebastiao Salgado, in line with Leica's tradition to offer milestone cameras to prominent persons. He auctioned off the camera for the amount of 90.000 euros, a new world record for cameras built after 1945.

A leather carrying strap in the same leather as used on the camera.

A Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH with all outer parts in massive titanium. The lens has a special serial number bearing the year also engraved on the camera and the number of its focal length: 1954/50, 1955/50,... 2004/50 for example.

A Summicron-M 28mm f/2.0 ASPH with all outer parts in massive titanium. For this lens, a special lens shade out of massive titanium was made. The lens has a special serial number bearing the year also engraved on the camera and the number of its focal length: 1954/28, 1955/28,... 2004/28 for example.

An Apo-Summicron-M 90mm f/2.0 ASPH with all outer parts in massive titanium. The lens has a special serial number bearing the year also engraved on the camera and the number of its focal length: 1954/90, 1955/90,... 2004/90 for example.

The set is delivered in a Rimowa aluminium case anodized in titanium color. This case of great value and quality allows for a safe transport and storage of the set; it features a coding system with 3 digits. This case replaces the lens pouches, which are normally delivered with Leica lenses. The Rimowa case has been developed as a custom-made item and cannot be found in the trade; it features foam armoring in the case with customized cuttings to accomodate the camera, the three lenses, and the 28mm lens shade.

The new book from G. Osterloh, "50 Jahre Leica M / 50 years Leica M", as described above.

The set is composed of the aluminium case containing the camera, all lenses and the carrying strap, the Osterloh book, an exclusive certificate bearing the signature of the Leica board of directors, the warranty cards and an instruction manual for both the camera and the lenses. The set is delivered in a large silver cardboard box. Suggested retail price: 20.000 euro.

Read Erwin Put's page on the Leica M7, the Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, the Summicron-M 28mm f/2.0 ASPH and the Apo-Summicron-M 90mm f/2.0 ASPH. Photo.net also has a Leica M7 review.