Leica M9 Titan
The Leica M9 Titan (catalog number 10715361) is a limited edition camera, with only 500 units produced290. This special series featured external metal components made of solid titanium, rather than being merely titanium-plated290. The M9 Titan differed from the standard Leica M9 not only due to its use of titanium but also because of the viewfinder's luminous frames, which were illuminated by internal LEDs instead of relying on ambient light from the previous model's center window, which had been removed290. The iconic red Leica logo was now centrally positioned in line with the lens290.
Leica seized the opportunity to modernize its rangefinder system, which had been largely dismissed just a few years prior357. This focus led to special editions such as the M9 Titan, conceptualized by Audi's head of design, Walter De Silva, and the particularly robust and discreet M9-P357. The Titan variant marked a significant innovation as it was the first time the rangefinder's framelines were illuminated by LEDs instead of ambient light through an additional window357. This change was so successful that it has been incorporated into digital M models ever since357.
The M9 Titan was a collaborative effort between Leica Camera and Walter De Silva, who is renowned in the world of automotive design357. The camera was meticulously milled from a solid block of titanium and featured the finest Nappa leather, similar to that used in Audi's premium vehicles357. The iconic Leica dot was redesigned, then engraved by hand in pure resin and placed centrally above the lens357. This model's LED illumination allowed for the elimination of a conventional illumination window, enhancing its sleek design357. The camera was offered as a set that included a Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH., also crafted from solid titanium357.
De Silva, having served as the head of design at Volkswagen and earned accolades at Audi, approached this project without intimidation, as he did not engage in photography personally357. This fresh perspective allowed him to explore the parallels between cameras and cars, focusing on the balance of form, technology, and ergonomics357. He produced countless sketches and designs, some closely resembling the final M9 model, while others were radically different357. A significant point of concern for De Silva was the positioning of the iconic Leica logo, which he wanted aligned with the lens357.
During discussions with Leica's developers, De Silva raised questions about the traditional illumination window for the viewfinder frames, suggesting there should be an alternative solution357. The Leica team responded by creating the idea of illuminating the frames with LEDs, a significant design change that was later integrated into all digital models357. De Silva also sought to streamline the camera’s features by eliminating the lever for selecting the field of view and a USB socket, deeming them unnecessary in practice357.
He also focused on the camera’s carrying mechanism, designing a quick-release fastening on one side of the M9 Titan for attaching finger loops or a carrying strap357. The shoulder holster that allowed users to draw the camera quickly created quite a buzz, similar to the camera itself357. Like the finger loops and the camera’s outer covering, the holster was crafted from the finest Nappa leather357. Key components of both the camera and lens were made from solid titanium, offering a reduced weight compared to brass357. This innovative approach made the Leica M9 Titan both technically impressive and visually distinct among Leica M models, without straying from its core identity357.
The Leica M9 Titan was sold for 26500 USD302.
Gifts
In 1975, Steven Sasson, the inventor of digital camera, was presented with a Leica M9 Titan, serial number 4000000, along with a 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M Asph lens290.