Get them while they’re hot: New Leica lens coffee mugs are first come, first served

 

 

There are two things photographers simply can't get enough of: great lenses and great coffee. Leica photographers now have a chance to get the best of both worlds with these new ceramic lens mugs designed like classic Leica lenses.

Ok, they actually look more like ceramic versions of those familiar Starbucks take-out cups with removable sippy lids. But they still have some specific design touches that suggest two well-known Leica lenses: the Noctilux-M 50 and Summarit-S 70.

 

 

According to Leica Rumors, both versions of these travel lens mugs will sell for $35 and they'll be available from local Leica dealers "during this holiday season." Our contact at Leica USA, however, had this to say about the new mugs in an email as we went to press.

"The two coffee mugs were made in Germany exclusively for Leica and are now available in the U.S. However, the mugs will not be available at Leica dealers; all orders must be made through Leica directly at 1 (800) 222-0118. As there is only a very limited quantity, orders will be processed on a first come, first serve basis. The ceramic coffee mugs, first made available during Photokina, come with removable lids and retail for $35."

 

 

One of the mugs has already turned up on eBay. (Of course, Leica isn't the first company to create a coffee mug based on a classic lens. Travel mugs shaped like Canon lenses first turned up at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and Nikon versions soon followed.)

If these Leica mugs don't suit your fancy but you still want to get a holiday gift for that special Leica photographer in your life, this limited edition (only 1,500 copies) Leica photographic history book, titled "Ninety Nine Years Leica," ($130) has gone on sale at select Leica dealers across the country.

(Via Leica Rumors)