Globetrotting with… Dr Andreas Kaufmann

A new limited-edition Leica camera celebrates the latest James Bond film and comes in a special Globe-Trotter camera case. Here we speak to Dr Andreas Kaufmann, chairman of the supervisory board of Leica Camera AG, about the Q2 007 Edition, photography and travel.

The 25th Bond flick, No Time To Die, is finally coming to cinemas this autumn. To celebrate, prestigious camera brand Leica has unveiled a limited-edition new 007 release, housed in a matching Globe Trotter case. Limited to just 250 cameras, the Leica Q2 007 Edition is a must for photography lovers and fans of the famous spy franchise. Each camera features the iconic 007 logo and the famous Bond gun barrel design and comes in a new ‘Ocean Green’ colourway.

Furthermore, Leica is hosting a Bond behind-the-scenes exhibition to celebrate the launch of the camera and case. A fantastic collection of black and white photos from the making of No Time To Die will be on display at the Leica Gallery in London, taken by Bond star Daniel Craig, producer Michael G Wilson and photographers Nicola Dove and Greg Williams. Commemorating the coming together of two iconic brands with a shared love for premium photography, we caught up with Leica’s Dr Andreas Kaufmann to talk about the collaboration and his favourite travel destinations.

Can you tell us a little about the new Leica x Globe-Trotter collaboration?

The Leica Q2 007 special edition set comes in a customised handcrafted camera case suitcase to celebrate the release of the 25th Bond adventure. Inspired by the bespoke Globe-Trotter cases that feature in No Time To Die, the camera case and camera are finished in the same Ocean Green leather colourway. The ‘Ocean Green’ colourway used in the movie was handpicked by No Time To Die costume designer Suttirat Anne Larlarb as part of her 007 collaboration with the Globe-Trotter team.

Why do you think Leica is still such a celebrated name in the photography industry?

Leica helped to shape the way we see and take pictures until today. Take our Monochrom cameras for instance; digital cameras that take pictures only in black and white in an outstanding quality, which you could never achieve with film – we are the only company who does this. Or take our experience in optics, which means capturing light.

"...if you want to take exceptional pictures, the smartphone – due to the laws of physics – is not the right tool for that."

The photography industry has changed so much in recent years with the advent of smartphones and social media. What are your hopes for the future of Leica?

It depends how you define the photography industry. The love of photography has always been there, but now it is easier to take and easier to share photographs. But if you want to take exceptional pictures, the smartphone – due to the laws of physics – is not the right tool for that. Leica has been growing since 2010, and we have a few ideas to show for the coming years.

You are a keen photography collector – what kind of work do you collect and what are your favourites?

My style in collecting is quite simple: I enjoy pictures taken with a Leica, or especially people with their Leicas. Two pictures at my office I particularly cherish are the famous Korda picture of Ché (but directly printed from the film and signed by Korda), the other one is the “napalm girl” by Nick Ut, directly printed from the film and signed by Nick and the girl (who survived, thanks to Nick).

Can you share some of your favourite travel images from Leica photographers?

One special portfolio called China Flight is by Count Castell-Rüdenhausen. He shot from the cockpit while flying a Junkers plane in China between 1933-1936. Spectacular pictures from a China that is long gone.

What are some of your favourite countries around the world?

Well, that’s unfair, there are so many special places on our Earth. Italy will always have a favourite place in my heart, Japan too.

What is your packing style?

My packing style is organised. Otherwise, my life would be too complicated as I have to travel a lot.

Aside from your passport, what do you never leave the house without when travelling?

Smartphone, Ricola candies, a cleaning cloth for my spectacles and lenses, and a camera.

Do you like to take photos when abroad?

I always take photos, every day, whether I’m travelling or not. I store them under monthly folders on my laptop, therefore that’s my diary.

What was the last book you read while travelling?

The Girl with the Leica by Helena Janeczek

What is on your travel bucket list?

I would love to do Iceland again; Chile as I have never been there; and Russia again.

The Leica Q2 007 Edition is available to purchase online and in-store from Thursday 9th September 2021. No Time To Die will be released in the UK on Thursday 30th September 2021.