Photographer Franziska Stuenkel likes to take spontaneous urban shots, so she needs a nimble camera that is ready to go when inspiration strikes: her German-made Leica M11.

“I have to be very quick and discreet,” said the Berlin-based artist who captures reflections of people walking past windows, their contours merging with the shapes behind the glass.

Stuenkel’s compact Leica is the perfect camera for the job, the 51-year-old told AFP.

Famous for its pocket-sized and retro-style devices, the Leica brand is celebrating a milestone as it marks 100 years since its first commercial camera was presented to the public.

The Leica company was founded in 1869 by the entrepreneur Ernst Leitz in the city of Wetzlar in western Germany, originally manufacturing optical lenses and microscopes.

But it was not until 1925 that the Leica 1 camera was introduced at the Leipzig Spring Fair.

Leica cameras went on to become the tool of choice for prominent photographers for years to come, including legendary photojournalists Robert Capa and Henri Cartier-Bresson.

Even today, the nifty camera with a red dot still holds its own in a market dominated by Japanese giants such as Sony, Canon and Nikon.

– ‘Better photographer’ –

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– ‘Better photographer’ –
– Leitz Phone –

Snappy Birthday: Germany’s Leica Camera Turns 100 | A National Treasure

Working with a Leica “makes you a better photographer”, said British artist Alan Schaller, who uses a monochrome version of the M11 — a digital camera with manual controls.

Schaller has got so used to adjusting the aperture, shutter speed and light sensitivity manually that he said he can now do it “faster than any automatic device”.

One hundred years on, Leica cameras are still assembled by hand in a factory in Wetzlar, north of Frankfurt.

In the dust-free assembly room, 70 workers equipped with precision screwdrivers and anti-static tweezers build the devices by hand from more than 600 parts.

It’s a painstaking job “that requires a lot of experience”, said Peter Schreiner, head of camera assembly.

In another room nearby, lenses are polished to within 0.1 millionth of a metre before they are glued and lacquered.

After a difficult decade in the 2000s, Leica has turned its fortunes around by fully embracing digital cameras, which now account for the vast majority of sales.

The company still makes a handful of analogue devices — including the M6, a cousin of the M11.

Leica’s chief executive Matthias Harsch said sales are projected to have reached a record 600 million euros ($660 million) in 2024/25, with annual growth close to 10 percent.

– Leitz Phone –

Total global sales of digital cameras grew by only four percent last year, to 6.8 billion euros, according to Germany’s GfK consumer institute.

Innovation remains at the heart of the brand, with a research budget of “more than 10 percent of sales”, according to Harsch.

Beyond cameras, Leica has diversified into watches and laser projectors for home cinema, as well as cameras for smartphones.

Leica lenses can now be found in smartphones made by the Chinese company Xiaomi as well as in the Leitz Phone, designed by Leica with Sharp for the Japanese market.

But new technology can never replace the romance of the Leica camera, according to Harsch.

“With a phone, you take snapshots. Everything else is photography,” he said, insisting that the two strands of the company’s work enjoy a “peaceful coexistence”.

Leica’s phone cameras and its traditional models are also worlds apart when it comes to price — the M11 costs upwards of 9,000 euros, plus a few thousand euros extra for a lens.

North America represents around 20 percent of Leica’s total sales and the company is “assessing the impact” of tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump, Harsch said.

Leica operates more than 120 of its own stores worldwide, including in the United States, with more openings planned this year.

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date: 2025-04-06 04:20:00

Snappy Birthday: Germany’s Leica Camera Turns 100 | A National Treasure

For a century, teh name Leica has been synonymous with remarkable image quality, meticulous engineering, and a uniquely intimate connection between photographer and subject. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Leica I, the camera that arguably revolutionized photography, transforming it from a studio-bound art form to a portable, spontaneous means of capturing life as it unfolded.But what is it about this German camera that has captivated generations of photographers,from street photography pioneers to celebrated photojournalists?

Leica: A Century of Innovation and Photographic Excellence

The genesis of Leica (a combination of “Leitz” and “Camera”) lies in the ingenuity of Oskar Barnack,an engineer at Ernst Leitz Optische Werke in Wetzlar,Germany. Suffering from asthma, Barnack sought a lighter, more portable camera that would allow him to photograph the surrounding landscapes without being burdened by heavy equipment. His idea? To adapt 35mm film, typically used for cinematography, for still photography. This seemingly simple concept would change the course of photographic history.

1914: Oskar Barnack develops the Ur-Leica, the prototype of the first 35mm camera.
1925: The Leica I, the first commercially available 35mm camera, is launched.
1930s-1950s: Leica cameras become the preferred tool for groundbreaking photojournalists like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert capa, shaping the visual narrative of the 20th century.
Present Day: Leica continues to produce high-end cameras, lenses, and accessories, maintaining its reputation for quality and innovation.

The Leica Legacy: Shaping the Art of Photography

The impact of Leica on photography is immeasurable.The camera’s compact size, combined with its high-quality lenses, allowed photographers to be more discreet and mobile, enabling them to capture candid moments and tell stories in a way that was previously unfeasible.

Consider the iconic image of a Spanish Republican soldier at the moment of death, captured by Robert Capa during the Spanish civil War. Without the portability and reliability of his Leica, Capa couldn’t have been in the right place at the right time to document this pivotal moment in history. Similarly, Henri Cartier-Bresson’s concept of the “decisive moment” – the perfect instant when form and content align – was made possible by the Leica’s speed and responsiveness.

leica in Photojournalism: A Witness to History

Leica’s role in photojournalism is undeniable. Its cameras became the trusted companions of photographers documenting wars, social movements, and everyday life around the globe. The iconic imagery produced with Leica cameras shaped public understanding of these events and contributed to a more nuanced view of the world.

Leica and Street Photography: Capturing the Essence of Urban Life

Beyond war and conflict, leica cameras were instrumental in the advancement of street photography. Photographers like Garry Winogrand and Joel Meyerowitz used Leica’s unobtrusiveness to capture the spontaneity and energy of urban life. Their work helped to define the genre and inspired generations of photographers to see the beauty in the everyday.

Why Leica? The Technical and Emotional Appeal

What makes a leica camera so special? It’s more than just the technical specifications.It’s a combination of factors that create a unique shooting experience.

Exceptional Lens Quality: Leica lenses are renowned for their sharpness,clarity,and stunning rendering. They are meticulously designed and manufactured to deliver exceptional image quality.
Compact and Ergonomic design: Leica cameras are designed to be comfortable to hold and easy to use. Their compact size makes them ideal for travel and street photography.
Manual Focus and Aperture Control: Leica cameras often prioritize manual control, giving photographers a greater degree of creative freedom. This hands-on approach encourages a more intentional and thoughtful approach to photography.
Durability and Reliability: Leica cameras are built to last. their robust construction and high-quality components ensure that they can withstand the rigors of professional use.
The “Leica Look”: Many photographers attribute a distinct aesthetic, often referred to as the “Leica look,” to images captured with Leica cameras.This can be characterized by a certain depth, clarity, and tonal richness.

Beyond the technical aspects, ther’s also an emotional connection that many photographers feel with their Leica cameras. It’s a sense of craftsmanship, history, and heritage. Owning a leica is frequently enough seen as an investment in quality and a commitment to the art of photography.

Leica Today: adapting to the Digital Age

While Leica is steeped in tradition, the company has also embraced the digital age. they produce a range of digital cameras that combine their signature lens quality and design with modern technology. These include:

Leica M Series: Digital rangefinder cameras that continue the legacy of the classic Leica M system.
Leica Q Series: Fixed-lens cameras with exceptional image quality and ease of use.
Leica SL Series: Full-frame mirrorless system cameras that offer high performance and versatility.

Despite the rise of smartphones and other digital cameras, Leica has managed to maintain its position as a premium brand, catering to photographers who value quality, craftsmanship, and a unique photographic experience.

First-Hand Experience: A Photographer’s Viewpoint

Sarah Miller, a professional photographer specializing in portraiture, shares her experience with Leica:

“I’ve been shooting with leica cameras for over ten years now, and I can honestly say that they have transformed my photography. The lenses are simply incredible – the sharpness and clarity are unmatched. But it’s more than just the technical quality. There’s something about the way a Leica feels in your hand, the way it forces you to slow down and think about each shot, that makes you a better photographer. It’s an investment, but the results speak for themselves.”

Case studies: Leica in Action

Let’s examine a few case studies showcasing Leica’s impact across different photographic genres:

Documentary Photography: Sebastiao Salgado

Sebastiao Salgado, renowned for his impactful black and white documentary photography, has primarily used Leica cameras throughout his career. His powerful images of human suffering and environmental destruction have brought global attention to vital social and environmental issues. The reliability and image quality of Leica cameras were crucial for him to capture these poignant moments in challenging conditions.

Fashion Photography: peter Lindbergh

Peter Lindbergh, a highly influential fashion photographer, frequently enough used Leica cameras for his minimalist and unretouched portraits. Lindbergh celebrated the natural beauty of his subjects, and the clarity and detail provided by leica lenses helped him capture their essence in a raw and authentic way.

Street Photography: Garry Winogrand

Garry Winogrand, one of the most critically important street photographers of the 20th century, famously used a Leica M4 with a 28mm lens to capture the energy and chaos of New York City. His spontaneous and often unconventional compositions helped to define the genre of street photography, and the Leica’s unobtrusiveness allowed him to capture candid moments without drawing attention to himself.

Benefits and Practical Tips for Using a Leica Camera

Considering diving into the world of Leica photography? Here are some benefits and tips to keep in mind:

Benefits:

Improved Image Quality: Experience unparalleled sharpness, clarity, and dynamic range.
Enhanced Creativity: Learn to appreciate the art of manual focus and aperture control.
Durable and Long-lasting: Invest in a camera that will last for years to come.
Connection to Photographic History: become part of a legacy of iconic photographers.

Practical Tips:

Start with a Used Model: Consider purchasing a used Leica to save money and experience the classic feel of older models.
Invest in Good Lenses: Leica lenses are crucial to achieving the signature “Leica look.”
Practice Manual Focus: Mastering manual focus will improve your photographic skills.
Experiment with Different Settings: Explore the creative possibilities of manual aperture and shutter speed control.
Join a Leica Community: Connect with other Leica users to share tips, techniques, and inspiration.

The Future of Leica: Innovation and Tradition

As Leica celebrates its 100th anniversary, the company remains committed to its core values: quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. They continue to explore new technologies and develop new products, while staying true to their heritage.

The future of Leica likely involves a continued focus on:

Improving Sensor Technology: Developing sensors with higher resolution, better dynamic range, and improved low-light performance.
expanding Lens Options: Creating new lenses that cater to the evolving needs of photographers.
Integrating Connectivity: Adding features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to enhance workflow and sharing capabilities.
Maintaining its Exclusive Brand Image: Continue to cater to professional & enthusiast photographers by offering high-quality products.

While the photographic landscape continues to evolve,Leica’s dedication to excellence ensures that it will remain a respected and influential force in the industry for many years to come.

Leica Fast Facts

Fact	Details
origin	Wetzlar, Germany
Founder	Oskar Barnack
Year Founded	1914 (Ur-Leica prototype)
Film Format Pioneer	35mm Still Photography
Iconic Models	leica I, M3, M6, Q2

Leica: Then and Now

Then (Classic Film Leica)	Now (Digital Leica)
Film-based	Digital Sensor
Manual focus essential	Advanced autofocus options
Chemical development	Digital workflow (editing)
Emphasis on simplicity	added features (Wi-Fi, etc.)

Snappy birthday: Germany’s Leica camera turns 100 | National