Leica is preparing to announce a new limited-edition M-A film camera with a hammertone finish, according to Leica Rumors. The site says the edition will be limited to 1,600 cameras worldwide and that the announcement is coming soon.

Leica Rumors had previously reported that a hammertone M11-P was on the way. It now believes that report was wrong, unless Leica plans two hammertone models, and that the camera is the M-A instead.

Why the M-A matters to film shooters

The M-A is Leica’s most stripped-back camera. It’s a fully mechanical 35mm rangefinder with no battery and no built-in light meter, so every exposure decision is yours. That makes it a favourite with purists and, for us, a perfect example of why film still teaches photography so well: you meter with a handheld meter or by eye, and you think before you press the shutter.

Hammertone is the textured, slightly mottled grey-green finish Leica has used on a number of special editions, and it’s tied to a style of industrial paint popular in the mid-20th century. It’s not the first hammertone M-A either. Leica released a different limited M-A Hammertone in April for the 20th anniversary of its Ginza store in Tokyo.

Limited-edition Leicas tend to sell quickly and often become collector’s items, so if this one is confirmed, we’d expect it to go fast. This is a rumour at this stage, and we’ll update with official details if and when Leica announces the camera.

Leica M-A Hammertone rumoured details

Leica M-A Hammertone price and availability

Leica hasn’t announced the camera, so there’s no price or release date yet.