To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Leica’s first mass-produced 35mm camera and the opening of its flagship store at ION Orchard, Singapore, the Wetzlar-based camera manufacturer has partnered with Royal Selangor and MEDICOM TOY to unveil a special edition Leica BE@RBRICK 400%.
Press Release information with commentary in italics.
New: Leica BE@RBRICK by Royal Selangor 400%
The Leica BE@RBRICK by Royal Selangor 400% retails for SGD 2,950 (USD 2,297.71) including local taxes.
Commentary
Leica has done it again. This time, it’s a special edition BE@RBRICK, meticulously crafted in pewter by Royal Selangor marking the very first time Leica has released a collectible in this material. What’s particularly intriguing about this 28cm-tall figurine are the thoughtful, intricate details that reveal themselves upon closer inspection. We’re confident our eagle-eyed readers will appreciate elements like the pewter “lens” on the chest, the precision-knurled limbs, and the shutter speed markings cascading subtly down one leg.
And, in true Deployant fashion, we absolutely must highlight the sculpted Leica ZM 1 watch on the wrist an unmistakable nod for the initiated and the additional detailing that wraps around the waist. Now that is interesting.
Finally, what truly captivates us is the subtle artistry in how Leica camers wears with age. The deliberate signs of wear such as scratched edges, softened corners, and gently distressed textures pay homage to the beloved, well-travelled Leica cameras that bear (no pun intended) the marks of time and experience. This BE@RBRICK isn’t just a collectible; it’s a story cast in pewter, a celebration of legacy, and a quiet nod to the beauty of patina.
Release Details
Leica Marks 100 Years of Leica I with a Special Edition BE@RBRICK by Royal Selangor 400%
Singapore, June 2025 — Marking a century since the introduction of the first mass-produced 35 mm
camera—the Leica I in 1925—Leica Camera proudly commemorates this pivotal milestone in
photography history. As part of the celebration, the Leica Store ION Orchard opens its doors in grand
fashion, unveiling the special edition Leica BE@RBRICK ROYAL SELANGOR 400%.
Mr. Sunil Kaul, Managing Director of Leica Camera Asia Pacific, shared his excitement about the
collaboration, stating: “Since its early days, beginning with the Leica I in 1925, the brand revolutionised
visual storytelling, blending innovative engineering with minimalist, functional design. 100 years later it
has remained true to those values and finds itself working with a partner that shares this commitment
to innovative engineering, performance-oriented design and minimalism.”
This exceptional art collectible, expertly crafted in pewter through a partnership with esteemed artisan
Royal Selangor, pays profound homage to Oskar Barnack’s revolutionary 1914 Ur-Leica prototype—a
landmark invention that forever changed photography. The launch signifies a remarkable triple-brand
synergy, uniting three design leaders: Leica for its precision optics, BE@RBRICK representing iconic
collectible street culture, and Royal Selangor for its mastery in traditional craftsmanship, each at the
forefront of their respective industries.
A Tribute to Leica’s Design Legacy
Leica did not just build cameras—it reshaped how we see the world. Its revolutionary design and
engineering made the captured moment feel closer, more real. This collaboration with Royal Selangor
and MEDICOM TOY translates that legacy into a sculptural form that blends nostalgia with
contemporary cool.
The BE@RBRICK’s gleaming silhouette nods to the clean lines and robust form of Leica’s earliest
prototypes. Each detail invites a second look: from the pewter “lens” on its chest to the bronzed lens
cap motif, from the precision-knurled limbs to the shutter speed markings cascading down its leg. The
camera’s rear design is subtly echoed on the back, complete with the original E. Leitz Wetzlar logo—an
homage to the birthplace of optical excellence.
Deliberate signs of wear—scratched edges, softened corners, gently distressed textures—evoke the
quiet dignity of a Leica well-travelled. Each mark recalls the tactile memory of use, purpose, and
timeless craftsmanship.
Beneath the surface, Leica’s legacy reveals itself in every curve and contour. A Leica ZM 1 watch
sculpted on the wrist, and around the waist, a plaque etched with a quiet but powerful moment in Leica
history—the exact spot where Oskar Barnack captured one of the most enduring images of the 20th
century. A century later, that site in Wetzlar is marked forever—a sacred ground for photography
lovers.
A Century in Craft
In a luxury landscape where heritage meets hype, this piece stands as a symbol of enduring legacy and
cultural relevance. It appeals to Leica loyalists, design collectors, streetwear aficionados, and those
who appreciate thoughtful craftsmanship wrapped in a forward-looking narrative.
In essence, the design successfully translates the historical significance of the Ur-Leica 1914 into the
contemporary language of BE@RBRICK collectibles, elevated by the material excellence of Royal
Selangor’s pewter work. It balances iconic street culture appeal with a deep respect for photographic
heritage and precision engineering.
The Leica BE@RBRICK ROYAL SELANGOR 400% will make its global debut on 6 June 2025, exclusively
at Leica’s newly revamped store in ION Orchard. It will be available for purchase from 7 June 2025 at
Leica Store Singapore and online, followed by a wider release by Royal Selangor and MEDICOM TOY
on 24 July 2025. The recommended retail price is S$2,950 including GST.
