Most of the expensive cameras out there are high-end professional DSLRs like the Canon 5D Mark II (about $2,700), which almost every amateur photographer covets as the pinnacle of DSLR quality. If you’d like to spend about ten times that amount on a smaller, more portable camera, look no further than the outrageously priced Leica M9 Titanium, which rings in at a hefty $26,500. Based on the Leica Rangefinder cameras, the Titanium was designed by famed automobile designer Walter de’Silva, who has recently received praise for the newest models from the Volkswagen Group. The result from the collaboration is a beautifully-designed solid titanium camera with accompanying lens that offers high quality (it does cost $26,500) features and looks fit for a wealthy camera connoisseur.
All of the exposed metal on the camera is made of titanium, and scratch-resistant sapphire-glass protects the rear screen. The camera comes with a Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens, which is also made of solid titanium. The camera is trimmed with leather from the design of premium Audi vehicles, which looks great with the titanium and adds grip. The camera also features an 18-megapixel CCD sensor and dual image processors. Only 500 of the cameras will be available for sale. It’s a beast of a camera, that’s for sure, but is it worth the price tag? Unless you are a collector who has that kind of cash floating around, we’d suggest that you save up for the regular Leica M model instead.
