Mirrorless Camera News

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney Studios and their continuous use of Leica cameras and projectors during the production of their omnipresent cartoons, Leica has announced the limited-edition Leica Q2 | Disney "100 Years of Wonder,” a black Leica Q2 graced with a discreet image of the world’s most famous animated mouse on the top plate. Production is limited to 500 pieces.

A secret previously known only to Leica and those in the Disney inner circle, Disney has been using Leica equipment during the process of animating their cartoon storyboards since the beginning. Leica became such an integral part of Disney’s workflow that the Leica name is included in their shop jargon; a "Leica Reel" is a storyboard technique that combines illustrations and soundtrack.

In addition to the unobtrusive Mickey Mouse print on the camera’s top plate, the camera body’s white leather covering is emblazoned with sketches of Mickey and what appear to be artists’ animation notes. The Disney logo is engraved under the back display glass and the cameras have special serial numbers. Manufactured in Germany, the production run is limited to 500 pieces. Special packaging includes a unique rope strap, matching dust bag and a certificate of authenticity.

Underneath, the celebratory camera is a Leica Q2, a 47.3-megapixel full-frame compact camera that we reviewed in March 2019. This non-zooming luxury mirrorless is fitted with a superlative Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH prime lens and is constructed using lightweight magnesium alloy. For complete specifications and the full, hands-on review, read this Shutterbug article: Leica Q2 Full Frame Compact Camera Review.

Price of the Leica/Disney commemorative is $5995, a mere $200 over the price of the standard Leica Q2 and the same price as the Leica Q2 Reporter. The Leica Q2 | Disney "100 Years of Wonder” model will be available worldwide later this month from Leica Boutiques and directly from the Leica USA website.

If you long to own a Leica commemorative but cartoons are not your thing, the Leica Q2 Dawn by Seal, also priced at $5995, can be purchased today. Each is wrapped with a Japanese woven fabric covering that is printed with a different pattern, making every one of the 500 cameras in the limited-edition production run truly one of a kind.

—Jon Sienkiewicz