People frequently choose gold when they want to make something that is genuinely valuable and one-of-a-kind. Any familiar thing is transformed into a valuable work of art by the noble metal. Take a camera, for instance, which we are all familiar with.
Modern style meets royal chic
Leica, a German firm, and the Thai Beverage firm together released a limited run of Leica M10-P “Royal Thai” cameras. The limited edition model honors Thailand’s King’s coronation.
A layer of gold that covers each product’s case is a vital component of the new gadgets.
There are two variations available for devices from the premium “Royal Thai” series. The first, which costs the most, includes two gold-plated lenses in the package and is coated in yellow crocodile skin. There were only 10 of these kits made, and each one cost roughly $45,000.
The single-lens second variant is made of green crocodile leather. This upgrade cost around $30,000 and was produced in 20 copies.
The Thai royal family received six high-end cameras, and two more were gifted to the Thai Beverage Museum and the Leica Museum.
The top panel of each camera is decorated with the Royal Coronation Emblem of the Thai monarch.
The Leica M10-P “Royal Thai” comes in an elegant wooden box that can be opened with a key.
In September 2022, an auction will be held for the 22 remaining kits. The sale proceeds will be given to Thai organizations.
Rarity from Japan
Making cameras out of gold is not a novel concept. For instance, in 1981, the Japanese firm Pentax unveiled the renowned Pentax LX Gold, which was trimmed in patent brown leather and plated with 18K gold.
The item was packaged for sale in a box with crimson velvet interior and costly wood exterior. Silk gloves were provided in the kit, which the photographer was advised to put on in order to protect the camera’s shiny body from stains.
Pentax LX Gold was produced in 300 copies, with 200 going to the Japanese market and 100 to consumers abroad. The product originally cost $3,700, which, after accounting for inflation, is roughly $10,000 in today’s money.
The Japanese camera is still sought after by collectors despite being technically obsolete due to its rarity and alluring golden sheen.