Travelling is all about creating and recording memories, and if you want the best tools to help with that, for many, that involves Leica. The German brand—it celebrates its 100th anniversary this year—is a legend in photography and design, and is best known for its cameras. But it also has some other offerings that could suit your next road trip. Here are a few ideas.
Meditate on the scenery with the iconic, manually focusing M11-P
The hallmark of the Leica M series is its retro handling—including a manual focus-only rangefinder system that is beloved by classicists. It takes practice to use effectively but, in exchange, provides a much more deliberate, instinctive photo-taking experience. The omission of unnecessary mechanisms also makes it one of the more compact full-frame cameras available. The M11-P (RM48,125) is its latest digital incarnation, featuring a 60MP sensor specialising in detail and dynamic range, and a world-first system that embeds credentials into the photo, forever preserving its authenticity—so post away, unafraid.
Observe wildlife with the crystal-clear optics of the Ultravid Compact Colorline
As a world leader in optics, Leica has a comprehensive Sport Optics portfolio that is the first choice of birdwatchers and safari-goers. One of its latest offerings is the Ultravid Compact Colorline (from RM5,900). Small but mighty, these binoculars deliver Leica’s characteristic bright, crisp, and high-contrast imagery—even as their compact, pocketable nature means they are never far from one’s hand. They are available in two sizes and in two vibrant colours—Capri Blue and Apple Green—making them something of a fashion statement as well.
Be ready for urban snapshots with the compact but capable Q3
The Q3 (RM33,600) may be high-tech, with a 3in inch touchscreen, responsive autofocus system, and 60MP full-frame sensor, but there is purity to its approach with a fixed 28mm f/1.7 ASPH lens. This is a focal length ideal for exploring cities, wide enough to capture scenes with soaring architecture and cramped interiors—or to get up close and personal with subjects for a more intimate brand of street photography. It is not a large camera, meaning it is easy to handle and keep close at hand, while an integrated macro mode allows a minimum focus distance of 17cm. Combined with the tilting touchscreen, the artistic possibilities are endless. For those that need a little closer focusing, Leica released the Q3 43 late last year, which handles almost identically except for its 43mm lens.
Keep an eye on the time with the ZM12 wristwatch
Leica’s pivot to mechanical wristwatches is not that unexpected—after all, put enough engineers together and it is a given that some will be passionate about horology. Its newest timepiece is the ZM 12 (from RM34,140), a three-hand watch with a small seconds subdial and a dual-layered dial that gives depth to its pattern of horizontal lines. At 39mm in diameter, it is slightly smaller than the preceding ZM 11, though it shares much of its visual cues. Watch enthusiasts will be happy to note that the self-winding Leica Calibre LA-3002 was developed in partnership with Swiss movement specialists Chronode, and performance is up to par with a 60-hour power reserve and precision rating of -4/+6 seconds per day. It is available in a variety of straps and four dial colours, including one option with a titanium case.
Make moments and memories with the playful Sofort 2
The Sofort 2 (RM2,100) is a radical take on the Leica experience, swapping out rock-solid metal construction for something plastic, lighter, and more casual. It is the brand’s take on retro, lo-fi instant photography, combining the functionality of a digital camera with the fun and immediate nature of instant film. Images can be saved and shared, but can also be printed at any time via a control that resembles an old-school film advance lever, using the Instax Mini format. It also has a variety of built-in styles and effects to inject pizzazz into any scene. The lightweight body and ease of use makes it just the thing to pass around the table and create on-the-spot souvenirs for everyone to take home.
Relax and watch a movie almost anywhere with the Cine Play 1
The Leica Cine Play 1 (RM17,490) is a portable projector that can turn almost any vertical surface into a cinema. With a variety of connection options, it is quick and easy to stream a viewing of the day’s photographs, or to simply unwind with a movie—and with a pair of powerful 10-watt speakers, you don’t even need to bring headphones. A Leica Summicron lens and triple RGB laser technology provide vibrant colours and contrast at up to 300in screen sizes, and a brightness of up to 3000 lumens means even bright surroundings won’t pose much of a problem. The sculpted aluminium body makes it quite the desk accessory, too.
