Leica and Disney have joined forces to celebrate 100 years of Disney animation by releasing a special limited edition Leica Q2 camera. The Leica Q2 | Disney “100 Years of Wonder” is a unique collaboration that pays homage to the revolutionary technology that transformed animated filmmaking a century ago.
Leica has been at the forefront of precise optical instruments for over 100 years, revolutionising the world of imaging. As a company that unites creative people and those who work with images, collaborating with Walt Disney, who brought his vision and passion to animated filmmaking, is a natural pairing of creativity.
Disney has been using Leica cameras and projectors (then called Leitz) to produce refined cartoon storyboards since the very early days of animation. Disney dramatically changed the techniques of animated filmmaking thanks to the innovative Leica technology of the time. This had such a lasting effect that the term “Leica Reel” was coined during this period and defined animated stills run on 35mm film projections. Through this advanced process, the preliminary artwork is then aligned with a soundtrack using combined techniques to get a very precise sense of the pace of a sequence.
To honour this unique heritage, the special design applied to this limited edition Leica Q2 camera dates back to a model sheet created in 1937 by one of Walt Disney Studio’s noted animators, Don Towsley. The camera’s top plate is adorned with a Mickey Mouse print, adding a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to the elegant design.
In addition to the unique design, the Leica Q2 | Disney “100 Years of Wonder” is also adorned with a very special material reminiscent of the tracing paper on which Disney’s creators pencilled scenes and characters, giving the camera a sophisticated feel and making it even more interesting for amateur collectors.
The special edition camera is limited to 500 sets worldwide and will be available globally at Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorized dealers starting in April 2023. The recommended retail price will be £5,400.00, incl. VAT.
The Leica Q2 | Disney “100 Years of Wonder” is a special camera for those who appreciate the art and history of photography and animation. It combines Leica’s renowned precision and quality with the magic and creativity of Disney animation. The camera is a collector’s item that will be cherished by fans of Leica and Disney alike.
In addition to the unique camera design, the Leica Q2 also boasts impressive technical specifications. The camera features a full-frame 47.3-megapixel sensor, a fast autofocus system, and 4K video capabilities. It is also weather-sealed and dust-resistant, making it a durable and reliable camera for photographers and videographers.
The Leica Q2 | Disney “100 Years of Wonder” is a special limited edition camera that celebrates the creativity and innovation of both Leica and Disney. With its unique design and impressive technical specifications, the camera is a collector’s item that will be appreciated by fans of both companies.