It’s 100 years since Leica launched its first mass-produced Leica camera, the Leica I. It was the first camera to use 35 mm cinema film in landscape format. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Leica is launching four new camera and lens kits featuring its Leica SL3-S full-frame camera.
Leica SL3-S
Leica launched the full-frame SL3-S camera in January this year. It features a new BSI CMOS sensor with 24-megapixel native resolution. This delivers a dynamic range of up to 15 stops and an ISO range of 50 to 200,000. The camera can also record open gate 6K video at up to 30 fps.
Additionally, the SL3-S supports 17:9 Cinema 6K and 4K video, as well as regular 16:9 in 6K, 4K and full HD. You can even record ProRes 4:2:2 HQ internally at some resolutions.
What are the new SL3-S kits?
Leica’s new 100th anniversary kits pair the SL3-S with a range of zoom and prime lenses. You can choose between the following options:
SL3-S Vario Kit 24–70
This kit comes with the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens and retails at $7,995, saving you $875.
SL3-S Vario Kit 24–70 + 70–200
This kit adds the Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200mm f/2.8 ASPH lens as well as the 24–70mm model and is priced at $10,995. This saves an impressive $1,400 on the individual prices.
SL3-S Prime Kit 35
If you prefer a prime lens, this kit pairs the SL3-S with a Summicron-SL 35 f/2 ASPH prime lens. It retails at $7,395, a saving of $835.
SL3-S Prime Kit 50
The other prime lens kit comes with the Summicron-SL 50 f/2 ASPH and sells for $7,195.00, saving you $820.
In addition to these new kits, you can already pick up the SL3-S with the Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70 f/2.8 ASPH lens. This combination has been available since June 12th, 2025, and costs $6,495, saving $1,060.
What we think
When you look at the advanced range of cameras available to buy today, it’s amazing to think that it has only been 100 years since the launch of the Leica I. Now, the newest model, the Leica SL3-S, is a great camera with a lot of features for video shooters.
However, the Leica quality and brand name do command a premium price, which can be a barrier for some consumers. It’s therefore good to see that the company is celebrating this big anniversary with some big discounts. With savings of between $820 and $1,400, now may be the best time to pick up a Leica SL3-S.
