Hasta La Ideas

Apple’s Jonathan Ive and Australian designer Marc Newson have created this one-off Leica camera to be auctioned for charity.

Apple senior vice president of industrial design Jonathan Ive and Marc Newson based their design on German brand Leica‘s M camera.

The camera will be auctioned along with a selection of other unique designs by the duo to raise money to help combat tuberculosis, malaria and AIDS for U2 frontman Bono’s charity (RED).

On this model buttons and dials sit in recessions on the top of the camera so they lie flush with the surface, and the shell is perforated to create a fine mesh.

“Leica represents the confluence of precision engineering, world-class lens technology and design principles which elevate both function and form,” said Ive. “Designing this very special camera for the (RED) Auction has been a privilege for myself and Marc, and its sale on 23 November will generate funds so critical to the fight to end AIDS.”

“With nearly 1000 prototype parts and more than 725 hours of manufacturing time, the winning bidder will own a piece of exquisite imaging history,” added Newson. “The attention to each and every detail of this camera – from its outer shell to the magnificent optics – will delight a collector who appreciates the absolute pinnacle of craftsmanship.”

It was first announced that Ive would design the camera in 2012. The design will go to the highest bidder during a special event at auction house Sotheby‘s in New York on 23 November 2013.

Marc Newson previously designed a camera for Pentax, and we’ve also featured a device that’s controlled by blinking and squinting.

See more camera designs »
See more design by Jonathan Ive »
See more design by Marc Newson »

Here’s some more information sent to us by Sotheby’s:

Leica Digital Rangefinder Camera Designed by Jony Ive and Marc Newson to Join More than 40 Rare and Exceptional Objects in (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s New York

Money raised through the (Red) Auction will go Towards the fight against Aids in Africa.

A truly unique Leica Digital Rangefinder Camera designed by Jony Ive and Marc Newson will join more than 40 other rare and diverse items in the (RED) Auction on November 23rd 2013. Based on the Leica M, the camera will be auctioned to raise money for The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Hundreds of models and prototypes were made in the development of The Leica M for (RED). The body and lens ultimately being machined from a custom engineered alloy. Presented with a perfectly textured anodised aluminium outer shell, the traditional leather waist, synonymous with Leica, has been replaced with a laser machined aluminium body. More than 21,000 hemispheres create a new and extraordinary aesthetic, while a total of 561 models and nearly 1000 prototype parts were made during the 85 days it took to create of this incredibly special camera.

Delivering an uncompromised photography experience, the camera features a full-format CMOS sensor, high performance processor and new Leica APO-Summicron –M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens.

Jony Ive said, “Leica represents the confluence of precision engineering, world-class lens technology and design principles which elevate both function and form. Designing this very special camera for the (RED) Auction has been a privilege for myself and Marc, and its sale on November 23rd will generate funds so critical to the fight to end AIDS.”

“With nearly 1000 prototype parts and more than 725 hours of manufacturing time, the winning bidder will own a piece of exquisite imaging history. The attention to each and every detail of this camera – from its outer shell to the magnificent optics – will delight a collector who appreciates the absolute pinnacle of craftsmanship,” said Marc Newson.

Dr. Andreas Kaufman, Chairman, Leica, said: “We loved the collaboration with Jony and Marc. Their design sets a new and unprecedented standard in modern photography. As the only one ever to be produced, and boasting their unrivalled aesthetic, this Leica camera will truly create its own historic category when it goes under the hammer this winter.”

The fundraising auction comes as the war against AIDS faces a critical battle: to deliver the first AIDS Free Generation since HIV was diagnosed 32 years ago. In 2003, new childhood HIV infections peaked with more than 1,500 babies born with HIV every day. For only 40 cents a day, mothers can be treated to prevent transmission to their unborn children, and just over 900 babies are now born daily with the virus. By 2015, that number can be almost zero.

Highlights from the sale will travel to London in advance of the sale before the entire collection goes on public exhibition in New York beginning 18 November. Learn more about the second (RED) Auction through our Twitter hashtag #REDatSothebys. Additional highlights and details to be revealed over the next several months.

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