Ralph Gibson Collaborates with Leica to Create a Special Edition
Ralph Gibson Signature Leica MP
Limited Edition of 50 pieces Worldwide

Allendale, N.J.- Leica Camera is pleased to announce Ralph Gibson’s collaboration with Leica on the Ralph Gibson Signature Leica MP. This special edition camera has been custom crafted to Ralph’s personal specifications. This MP will be offered in a limited edition of 50 pieces worldwide.

Ralph Gibson, being perhaps the quintessential Leica photographer of our time, has been an internationally acclaimed photographer and teacher for nearly 40 years. His photographic goal has always been, “to move further and further into the medium, shedding light on the essential nature of the photographic process itself,” says Gibson.

Gibson configured his personal Leica MP with only the 35, 50 and 90 mm frame lines, visible one at a time and without a preview lever, allowing fingertips of one’s left hand to have no obstruction and allowing more sensitivity to the mechanism of the camera.

More specifically, the Gibson Signature camera is an MP with an M7-type angled rewind crank for speed. The color is matte black in order to not reflect light onto the subject. Additionally, the shutter release and shutter-release socket have been blackened in order for the frame counter to be the brightest highlight when one looks down and not distract the eye. A burgundy leather covering was chosen because it compliments the camera’s classic contours, and of course, Ralph Gibson’s signature is engraved on the top.

The camera will be available through authorized Leica dealers in October 2005 and will retail for $5500.

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Leica Camera, Inc.
Leica creates cameras and optical photographic accessories that empower the artist in every photographer. The company creates instruments that provide photographers with the tools they need, as well as inspire the artistic spirit within. Leica is dedicated to developing the finest in cameras and optical photographic instruments. For the entire history of the company, a tradition of precision manufacturing and technical innovations has steadily positioned the brand at the forefront of the photographic industry and has enabled it to establish an unsurpassed standard of excellence. Leica camera USA, headquartered in Allendale, N.J., distributes a complete line of Rangefinder, SLR cameras and lenses, compact and digital cameras and sport optics. For more information about Leica, please visit the website at www.leicacamerausa.com.