A View to a Kill: Photographs from the James Bond Archive

Leica Gallery London puts on a James Bond exhibition covering six decades of the iconic films, alongside the release of Leica’s limited-edition compact camera, the D-Lux 7 007 Edition

Art and Design 23 Feb 2023

Leica D-Lux 7 007 Edition

Leica D-Lux 7 007 Edition

Since the release of Dr. No in 1962, photography has served as a massive part of the James Bond universe. Now, producer and screenwriter Michael G Wilson, who had many cameo appearances in the film franchise, has opened EON Productions’ photographic archive. The Photographs from the James Bond Archive exhibition will be on display at Leica Gallery London until 21 March. Spanning 60 years, this is an impressive collection of legendary Bond images.

Goldfinger (1964) James Bond (Sean Connery) and his iconic Aston Martin DB5 which first appeared on screen in Goldfinger. On Thursday 17 September 1964, Goldfinger had its world premiere in London's Leicester Square. Photograph by Bert Cann GOLDFINGER © 1964 Danjaq, LLC and Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Goldfinger (1964) James Bond (Sean Connery) and his iconic Aston Martin DB5 which first appeared on screen in Goldfinger. On Thursday 17 September 1964, Goldfinger had its world premiere in London’s Leicester Square. Photograph by Bert Cann GOLDFINGER © 1964 Danjaq, LLC and Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The air of timeless sophistication you’ll no doubt see Bond embodying in many of these images also characterises the Leica D-Lux 7 007 Edition. While winning at the casinos has occasionally proven tricky for the nonchalant spy, the camera’s stylishness and quality are sure things.

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) Bond (Pierce Brosnan) waits for Carver to send a hit man; instead, he sends Paris. Photograph by Keith Hamshere TOMORROW NEVER DIES © 1997 Danjaq, LLC and Eighteen Leasing Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) Bond (Pierce Brosnan) waits for Carver to send a hit man; instead, he sends Paris. Photograph by Keith Hamshere TOMORROW NEVER DIES © 1997 Danjaq, LLC and Eighteen Leasing Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Its trim is made of a high-performance, rhombus-textured material never before seen on a D-Lux 7. The understated pattern is repeated on the hand grip, which assists the wrist strap in endowing the camera with safe handling. Through its large image sensor and fast lens – the Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34 f/1.7- 2.8 ASPH. (35mm equivalent: 24 – 75mm) – the Leica D-Lux 7 combines outstanding image quality with compact dimensions.

Spectre (2015) Bond (Daniel Craig) following Marco Sciarra through the Dia de los Muertos procession; Tolsa Square, Mexico City. Photograph by Stephen Vaughan SPECTRE © 2015 Danjaq, LLC, Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer Studios Inc. and Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Spectre (2015) Bond (Daniel Craig) following Marco Sciarra through the Dia de los Muertos procession; Tolsa Square, Mexico City. Photograph by Stephen Vaughan SPECTRE © 2015 Danjaq, LLC, Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer Studios Inc. and Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

In keeping with the boldness of Bond, the top plate is adorned with the famous 007 logo. Its unique leather case is in the design of a holster, allowing the camera to be seamlessly carried as it remains perpetually ready for action. And the set includes an automatic lens cap with the iconic gun barrel design that famously recurs in every Bond film’s opening sequence.

While these features playfully nod to the Bond franchise, the set is limited to 1962 units in order to pay homage to the first year in which audiences were introduced to ‘Bond, James Bond…’

The Leica D-Lux 7 007 Edition will be available globally at Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorised dealers starting 23 February 2023. The recommended retail price will be €1,990 including VAT.