leica ambassador richard seymour takes viewers on a never before seen journey behind the timeless leica M10. the four minute video was filmed with a leica SL and a summilux-C lens, and follows lab employees on their daily tasks at the factory. every single hand-made camera undergoes rigorous inspection, as shown in seymour’s short film.

inspection of the camera by a leica specialist

the leica M10 is made using 1,100 individual pieces, including 30 brass-milled components, 126 screws, and 17 optical elements. its unique balance of heritage and technical innovation embodies the essence of everything that is important for photography. the assembly process spans from connecting the roller-lever with the rangefinder, to calibrating the sensor and image board, all the way to attaching the rear shell and top plate. the top and base plates are milled from solid blocks of metal, then ground and polished by hand in a 40-minute process.

the leica M10 is practically entirely hand-assembled by a team of skilled craftsmen

assembly of the main body

application of the soft leather

once complete, the leica specialists re-examine every aspect of the camera to insure optimum quality

the iconic leica badge being carefully added to the final product