A brief introduction on LEICA M6 Royal Photographic Society (RPS) Centenary Edition, 1994 - MIR Image Library

Two of the world's oldest Photographic Societies known are the London Photographic Society (1852) and Société Française de Photographie (1854). The LPS was later renamed later as Photographic Society of Great Britain with the permission of Queen Victoria, which was maintained by subsequent Monarchs. The Society was granted a Royal Charter in July 2004. Today, the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain (shorts as "RPS") maintains its unique principle which is open to everyone to join and aim to promote the art and science of photography and it is an Educational Charity.       Members are invited to take up the challenge of The Society’s Distinctions. The three levels are Licentiateship, Associateship (ARPS), and Fellowship (FRPS) and have their knowledge and practical abilities recognized Through the active online community and the Regional and Special Interest Group Events members can share, learn and develop their technical, visual and creative skills.       LEICA M6 Royal Photographic Society (RPS) Centenary Edition, 1994 In 1994, the Royal Photographic Society has issued a Leica M6 RPS Commemorative camera with a matching RPS 1994 Centenary engraved Summicron-M 1:2/50mm lens to commemorate the Centenary in establishment of the association (RPS). It was unclear whether it was specific to the exact year of incorporation or simply for commemorating Centenary which can means a centennial or relating to a 100-year period in definition. The total quantity for the said release was only 100 units which all in silver chrome finish (the lens was black finish), each camera came with special allocated S/N as well as engravings. In a typical Leica M6 RPS Commemorative kit, the camera has its Serial Number arranged by LEICA AG in a very special way to match. For an example, the body no. 2002019 will matches with the commemorative no. 019/100. Here in this site, I am showing two units with another as 2002012 which matches with commemorative no. 012/100. The top-plate was engraved with "THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY" with Arms of the Society at the top. The Leica logo was an old style design and relocated to the center position. There is another engraving at the rear section, locates just next to the eye piece with "RPS ROYAL CENTENARY 1994" engraved. The companion lens for the M6 RPS was quite unique in the sense it has no Serial Number engraved at the front lens data ring. Instead, it simply was inscribed with "SUMMICRON-M 1:2/50 RPS Royal Centenary 1994". The original black Summicron-M f2/50mm RPS Centenary lens was supplied with a lens cap along with wooden presentation box and certificate of authenticity.   Other secondary items in the package include a white plastic box, original cardboard box; carrying strap, historical leaflet as shown above, instructions, warranty cards, service pass and Leica passport.

As mentioned earlier, there were only 100 units of these LEICA M6 Royal Photographic Society (RPS) Centenary 1994 Edition being produced. Application had to be made by RPS members only but it was not cheap @ an original price offered @ USD3885-00.

I was told the first unit, bearing Serial Number 001/100 was presented to Her Majesty, the Queen which is understandable and leaving 99 units either circulating in the market or in the hands of collectors today. That was why the edition with complete package can be hardly seen in the secondary, used Leica collectible market.     One of the rather unusual features of the LEICA M6 Royal Photographic Society (RPS) Centenary Edition released in 1994 was, it shares many of the basic features found in the LEICA "PANDA" series models which were mostly surfaced during the 1992~1994 period. i.e. Most of the camera fittings, levers, shutter speed dial and even the film rewind knob were in black finishing on a silver chrome finish camera body. And when you look back to most of the special releases with LEICA M6, this was quite unique. Similarly, I thought the Summicron-M 1:2/50mm should had been supplied in chrome as well for a better match with the silver chrome body. So, one way or another, it looks a little odd to find a black lens on a special edition Leica M6 chrome.     The Arms of RPS Another interesting note that relates to this LEICA M6 RPS edition in 1994 was, the letter of authentication was issued under LEICA UK office at Knowlhill, Milton Keynes. The letter was marked issued on August, 1994. Next, the presentation box uses a very light colored veneer which I cannot identify the source. Curious because, partly it was the lightest among all seen Leica Special edition.     The Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain is a very active association and had many corporate sponsorship in funding their activities. The club has 18 regions in Britain alone and each with its own regional organizer and events. There are also members in 80 countries overseas. It was not known who had pioneered the idea of releasing a LEICA (and not Mamiya, Nikon etc.) to commemorate their Centenary but since Her Majesty the Queen has long known to have a Leica M3 and a Gold Minox; the selection in choosing the LEICA probably was appropriate in this manner. NOTE: In Dennies Laney Leica Collectors' Guide, he had mentioned a Special Edition of a LEICA M6 by Leica AG has been presented to Her Majesty the Queen in 1986 - it was the earliest record of a M6 special edition so far. Personally, I think this LEICA M6 edition with the Special Centenary edition Summicron-M 1:2/50mm lens has very good collection value. <<<--- Typical complete Kit with camera/lens, wooden/veneer presentation box, letter of authentication, guarantee cards,a and documentation Other Views CLICK to ENLARGE Site progress update: 21.10.2008 1st Draft Any additional info, correction of content or contributing pictures of this model, please contact my web buddy: rick_oleson@yahoo.com Main Index Page - Leica M6-series models / Main Index Page - Leica-M Rangefinder camera Models Nomenclature / Main Reference Map for Leica M6 Standard Model(s) applicable to this M6 Edition Instruction Manuals:- Leica M6 Classic in PDF (3.8mb) applicable to this M6 Travelers Edition by Niels H. S. Nielsen | Message Board | lenses | Message Board | RF cameras about this site

Credit: Images appeared herein this page courtesy of Everald & Co. Fine Arts and Antique®, Savannah, Georgia, US, which auctioned in conjunction with Igavel Auction. Some of the images with camera/lens, box and papers courtesy of Mr. Peter Coeln from LEICA Shop®, Austria who also operates a popular Westlicht Auction House. One fo the click to enlarged image courtesy of a very seasoned Korea online trading house www.BOSUNG.Biz®. Images Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.