224. Leica M5 redesign
atelier ying, nyc
The M5 represented Leica's most ambitious foray at the time of its introduction. Size, heft and weight compensated for the forward thinking of its philosophy at that time.
Later on, when Leica was criticized, in view of the smaller and more compact trends in Camera making, The M5 was viewed as too much material, too much of everything, an eyesore and prodigal son of the line.
As Leica's design has been minimalist, to allow the materials to express themselves, my redesign emphasizes this relation but in a different way.
The traditional black leatherette skin of the camera is replaced with thin sheets of slate. The interior enclosure of the very small gallery space for this camera is lined instead with rich alligator skin. The floor is black onyx. The ceiling tiles and pattern of the stone floor are asymmetrical, along with the display table, all with the objective to allow the M5 to express, as material.
Following my sketch, there is a womblike, lozenge-like alcove area for a 5-seat cigar bar. The bar top and seats are lined with alligator skin. The scroll-like opening is a display alcove for M5 lenses, for viewing. Note that the bar area and the camera display area are separated, so the bar customers can meditate on the lenses alone. The gallery is expressly for experiencing the M5.
Design, concepts, text and drawing are copyright 2014 by David Lo.
224. Leica M5 redesign
atelier ying, nyc
The M5 represented Leica's most ambitious foray at the time of its introduction. Size, heft and weight compensated for the forward thinking of its philosophy at that time.
Later on, when Leica was criticized, in view of the smaller and more compact trends in Camera making, The M5 was viewed as too much material, too much of everything, an eyesore and prodigal son of the line.
As Leica's design has been minimalist, to allow the materials to express themselves, my redesign emphasizes this relation but in a different way.
The traditional black leatherette skin of the camera is replaced with thin sheets of slate. The interior enclosure of the very small gallery space for this camera is lined instead with rich alligator skin. The floor is black onyx. The ceiling tiles and pattern of the stone floor are asymmetrical, along with the display table, all with the objective to allow the M5 to express, as material.
Following my sketch, there is a womblike, lozenge-like alcove area for a 5-seat cigar bar. The bar top and seats are lined with alligator skin. The scroll-like opening is a display alcove for M5 lenses, for viewing. Note that the bar area and the camera display area are separated, so the bar customers can meditate on the lenses alone. The gallery is expressly for experiencing the M5.
Design, concepts, text and drawing are copyright 2014 by David Lo.