With collaborative efforts by some 55 engineers, over the course of nine months, the Jony Ive Marc Newson Design Prototype Leica was born. This camera was initially part of the Product RED charity auction in 2013 that showcased a one-off design by industrial designer Marc Newson and Jony Ive, Apple design chief. At that time, the prototype was auctioned off for an astounding $1.8 million. This current offering is one of the final prototypes of that one-off collaborative design. As an interesting note, Product RED, which is the auctioning platform used to launch the initial Jony Ive Marc Newson Design Prototype Leica, is a way to put products before bidders who will then purchase these unique items, raising money simultaneously.
All the contributed money raised during a Product RED auction goes directly to a Global Fund set aside to fight against two pandemics, COVID-19 and AIDS. To date, Product RED and its partners have raised more than $650 million, supporting all sorts of causes around the world. Furthermore, the Global Fund grants have positively impacted over 180 million worldwide with the prevention, treatment, and testing of HIV. The product itself, beyond being launched in such a positive manner, is also noteworthy for its beautifully sculpted aluminum body with matching Apo-Summicron 2/50 mm ASPH. lens, which are distinctive features for which both designers are known. On June 12th, this newest prototype of the Jony Ive Marc Newson Design Prototype Leica will be available as part of the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction in Vienna.
If you liked this, check out the Leica Q2 Monochrom, the brand’s first-ever black and white autofocus camera.