Those who are familiar with Leica would know that the factory added 1,871 Black Paint full black body versions into the Leica M2 model for frontline soldiers and reporters at the time. Especially painting the metallic shell, the dial and the shutter black, it was implemented to avoid any reflections on the battlefield which could potentially disclose the individual’s whereabouts. The offset of its peeling black enamel from the copper later became its vital imprint in the history of the Black Paint series. In order to bring these classical elements into the digital era, Leica has brought upon a new focus by collaborating with the American pop singer and Leica camera user Lenny Kravitz in releasing the limited edition Leica M-P “Correspondent” set. Using the Leica M-P structure as blueprint, the black enamel on the camera body and its lens are specially treated. Point of interest would be the exposed copper edge which successfully replicates a feeling of being old and used. Made with full manual production processes, each camera exhibits a completely unique effect. Covered by a layer of non-endangered species snakeskin leather, its exquisiteness exceeds the original version byfar.

In addition, the set includes a Leica Summilux-M 50mm/f1.4 ASPH. standard lens which looks exactly like the first Summilux lens produced back in 1959. Including the classic design for its focus ring, its uses the optics specification of the current Summilux edition, including one aspherical lens. Last but not least, it comes with a German handmade vintage style camera case, where its metallic parts are also treated with patina to correspond with the look of the camera. Priced at US$24,500 and limited to 125 sets worldwide, this is highly worthy collectible.