Leica M9 Neiman Marcus Edition camera to capture the holiday spirit

As I spent yet another lazy afternoon browsing through the various offerings in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book 2010, I came across this awesome offering that I knew my photography enthusiast readers would definitely be interested in. Among the many high-end items listed in this fantasy catalogue is a Leica M9 Neiman Marcus Edition camera. Besides being the only camera that combines the classic Leica M shooting experience with the latest digital technology, this special edition camera is also the world's only digital rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses and a full-frame 18 megapixel sensor to capture ultrahigh resolution images. A must have for every photographer, the Leica M9 Neiman Marcus Edition camera is truly a class apart.

 The body of the camera and the Summicron-M 35mm f2.0 ASPH lens is finished in classic chrome. The body of the high-end camera is clad in luxurious brown ostrich leather trim with a matching ostrich leather strap. The 2.5 inch LCD screen is protected by sapphire crystal glass.

The special edition Leica M9 camera is limited to only 50 pieces, with the lens and body of each piece being individually numbered. You can also go for the customization option which allows you to have your camera personalized with an engraved signature. Complete with a three year warranty, this Leica M9 Neiman Marcus Edition camera is priced at $17,500.

Neiman Marcus Christmas Book Fantasy Gifts 2010

Neiman Marcus has unveiled the fantasy offerings in its always eagerly anticipated Christmas Book. This year's offerings include a Tequila Avion private party by Colin Cowie, a Dale Chihuly pool installation, a gourd ukulele handmade by Danny Ferrington, and a limited edition Leica M9 camera. This year's featured car is the 2011 Neiman Marcus Edition Camaro Convertible. The Christmas book began in 1926 as a 16-page booklet initially intended as a Christmas card to the store's best customers.

The 2010 Christmas Book marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary His and Hers fantasy gifts. To celebrate Neiman Marcus is selling a one-of-a-kind precious jewelry charm bracelet as one of this year's fantasy gifts. Each charm represents a memorable His and Hers gift from years past, including an airplane, a Chinese Junk, a hot air balloon, a camel, a sarcophagus, a Buffalo calf, a windmill, an ostrich, a Shar-Pei puppy, a robot, and a vintage motorcycle. Stanley Marcus debuted the His and Hers gift in 1960 with matching Beechcraft airplanes that cost $176,000. This years His and Hers gift is the MetroShip Houseboat costing $250,000.

This year is the first time customers may access the Christmas Book on Apple's iPad via the "NM Editions" app. When in Wi-Fi hot spots, customers can place orders directly from the iPad viewer. More details in the gallery below and in the video after the jump.