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Gadget DuJour : Camera Á La Carte

From black ostrich-print to lemon yellow cowhide, Leica’s customization program offers endless possibilities

I’m really into the idea of “techcessories” lately. It started a few weeks ago when I went to a preview for these stunning new bikes from Martone Cycling Co. The company’s founder, Lorenzo Martone, told me that he wants people to consider the bikes “fashion accessories” rather than just a means of transportation.

When it comes to gorgeous gadgets, I constantly find myself drawn to Leica Cameras. There’s something inherently chic and retro about the designs, which haven’t changed much since the first prototypes were built in the early 1900s. As a testament to their understanding of personal style (techcessorizing, if you will), Leica recently announced the expansion of the à la carte program that was originally launched in 2004. Customers can now have a custom Leica X2 compact camera handcrafted at the Leica Camera factory in Germany.

The X2 in the à la carte program has three body options (black, silver and anodized titanium), in addition to a wide range of colors and textures like cognac organically-tanned leather, black saddle-leather, full-grain cowhide in apple green, capri blue and lemon yellow, and leather embossed with lizard and ostrich patterns. You can also have it monogrammed or engraved on the flash cover or the top deck. And don’t even get me started on the matching leather straps and cases. They’re amazing. Custom orders take about six to eight weeks to be built, and range in price from $1,995 to around $8,000. Find out more about the à la carte program here.

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