Summary The Leica History and Heritage by Thorsten Overgaard www.overgaard.dk
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Leica Camera AG, a renowned camera manufacturer, has a rich history of innovation and has introduced various new products and collaborations, including limited edition cameras, lenses, and camera bags, as well as partnerships with other companies.
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Key Points
- Leica is a German company known for its contributions to photography, including the invention of the 35mm film format and flash shoe.
- Leica offers workshops and masterclasses taught by award-winning photographer Thorsten Overgaard.
- Leica has a rich history and continues to be a leader in the world of photography, producing a range of cameras and lenses.
- Leica cameras have been used by famous photographers and celebrities throughout history.
- Leica lenses designed by Peter Karbe offer improved sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy.
- Leica has released various limited edition cameras and lenses, including collaborations with Disney, Hodinkee, and Lenny Kravitz.
- Leica Camera AG has experienced expansion, acquisitions, and the opening of new stores worldwide.
Summaries
643 word summary
Ernst Leitz I became a partner in the Optical Institute in 1865. The first Leica camera, known as the Ur-Leica, was built by Oskar Barnack in 1912-1913. It was introduced to the market as the Leica A in 1925 and sold 1,000 units in the first year. The Leica camera revolutionized photography by offering a more compact and versatile option compared to traditional box cameras. The Leica camera was the first to have a rangefinder implemented inside the camera body, thanks to an invention by Oskar Barnack. Leica Fotografie International (LFI) was founded by Curt Emmermann and wrote the first pioneering Leica magazine, “Die Leica” from 1931-1942. Leica cameras were also sold to doctors, scientists, and adventurers worldwide. The Leitz factory in Wetzlar faced challenges after World War II, leading to the establishment of a second repository in Canada. In 1994, Uwe Weller took over Leica Camera AG's machining division, which became Weller Feinwerktechnik. In 2005, the mechatronics division of Leica Microsystems in Weilburg was integrated into the business. Andreas Kaufmann and his two brothers bought the Ernst Leitz Optical Industry factory in Wetzlar. Leica Camera AG started cooperation with Matsushita (Panasonic) in 2001. Leica M digital rangefinders have a life cycle of about three years before a new version is introduced. In 2014, Leica celebrated its 100th anniversary with the official opening of the new Leica Camera AG factory in Wetzlar and at Photokina 2014. Leica fans attended the Exhibition von Overgaard in Singapore, which raised $10,000 for the children of Cambodia. Leica has seen a significant increase in sales and expansion in Asia, with nine new Leica Stores opening in 2013. In 2015, Leica introduced the new Leica M 262 mirrorless full-frame camera and the Leica SL Typ 601, a new autofocus camera. Matthias Harsch is the new CEO of Leica Camera AG. Leica Camera AG has released several limited edition versions of their cameras and lenses. Leica has introduced APO lenses in both the SL and M ranges, including a series of f/2.0 lenses and f/1.0 Noctilux lenses. Leica also released a remake of the 1966-version Noctilux f/1.2 lens. The Leica M10-P “Reporter” is a limited edition camera with kevlar armor and scratch-resistant body paint. Leica introduced the black and white only version of the Leica Q2 Monochrom with a 47-megapixel sensor. Thorsten Overgaard has created Styles and Presets for Capture One and Lightroom to achieve the desired look of the Leica M9 sensor and Kodachrome film. Meister Camera has opened a new Leica store in Hamburg. Thorsten Overgaard and Matteo Perin have designed camera bags for Leica, including the Von Mini SL for the Leica SL2 and the Von Maxi SL for SLR camera systems. Leica announced “Made in Portugal” versions of their M lenses with a lower price tag. Leica will no longer replace sensors in the M9 series cameras. Leica released the Leica M10 Monochrom with a 41-megapixel sensor. Mike Giannattasio became the new President and CEO of Leica Camera North America. Leica introduced Safari green lenses, the Lux Aeterna Lens, and the Leica 90mm Summilux-M ASPH f/1.5 portrait lens. The Leica CL Paul Smith Edition was released, and Thorsten Overgaard reviewed the Leica M240 and Panasonic Lumix S1R cameras. Leica launched the Leica SL2, a new line of camera bags, and the Leica M-E 240 in a limited run. Thorsten Overgaard designed soft leather camera pouches, and the Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1H were released. Leica released the Lenny Kravitz Design “Drifter” limited edition of the Leica M246 Monochrom. The Leica 35mm APO-Summicron-L ASPH f/2.0 lens was released.
Thorsten Overgaard released a complete Leica Q2 package including a video masterclass and eBook. The Leica M10-R was released in black paint with a chrome ring around the shutter release button. Leica Store Copenhagen opened with a new interior design after Leica bought out the Scandinavian distributor. Le
3379 word summary
Leica, a German company founded in 1849, is known for its contributions to the field of photography, including the invention of the 35mm film format and the flash shoe. They have produced a range of cameras and lenses, such as the Leica M9, M10, Q, and SL. Leica offers workshops and masterclasses taught by Thorsten Overgaard, an award-winning photographer and writer. Overgaard's students range in skill level and age, with a majority using digital cameras. The workshops focus on exploring new places and developing photography skills. Additionally, Overgaard offers various photography resources, including books, video courses, and software presets. The company also sells camera accessories such as ventilated lens shades and camera bags. Overall, Leica has a rich history and continues to be a leader in the world of photography. The Leica History and Heritage by Thorsten Overgaard is a comprehensive document that covers various topics related to Leica cameras and lenses. It includes information on computer calibration for photographers, Overgaard's books and education, the Solms factory and Leica Wetzlar Campus, Leica Cine lenses from Leitz Cine Wetzlar, Leica R lenses, Leica M lenses, Leica compact film cameras, Leica M digital cameras, and more. The document also mentions the new Leica factory in Wetzlar and the Leitz Park project. Overall, it provides a wealth of information for photography enthusiasts and Leica fans. The Leica M3 camera played a significant role in capturing iconic moments in history, such as the lost Beatles and Rolling Stones photographs taken by Bob Bonis. Other famous photographers, including Alfred Eisenstaedt and Elliott Erwitt, also used Leica cameras to capture memorable images. The Leica brand has been favored by many celebrities, such as Che Guevara and Mick Jagger. Leica cameras have a rich history and have been used by renowned photographers throughout the years. Despite facing financial troubles in the past, Leica was revived by investor Andreas Kaufmann. The company continues to innovate and produce high-quality cameras. The Leica Store in Kyoto is known for its combination of modern technology and traditional Japanese aesthetics. Peter Karbe, head of Leica optics design, has made significant contributions to lens design, including the 50mm Noctilux-M ASPH f/0.95 and the 75mm Summicron-M ASPH f/2.0. Both the Mandler and Karbe designs offer unique perspectives and advantages in capturing images with Leica cameras. Leica lenses designed by Peter Karbe have a modern look with improved sharpness, contrast, micro details, and color accuracy. They also have a new type of bokeh. The Mandler lenses have a classic Leica look that can be recognized in images from the 70s. Dr. Walter Mandler was a famous lens designer for Leitz Canada from 1950 to 1985. Max Berek was the architect of the first Leica lens and wrote a textbook on optical design. Dr. Andreas Kaufmann took over Leica Camera AG in 2004 and has pushed the development of the company. Leica Q2 Disney '100 Years of Wonder' is a limited edition celebrating the anniversary of Walt Disney. Leica has released new standard lenses for the L system at a more affordable price. The new Leica Store flagship in New York will open in 2023. The Leica Q2 Ghost edition was made in collaboration with Hodinkee. The Leica M6 film camera has been reintroduced. The Seal + Japan Edition "Dawn" is a limited edition Leica Q2. Thorsten Overgaard has released new presets for various camera models. - The Leica 35mm Summilux-M ASPH f/1.4 FLE from 2010 has been updated with refined aperture blades and a near-focus scale. The update aims to make production more uniform and the price is slightly lower than the previous model. - DJI, the majority investor in Swedish Hasselblad since 2017, is now part of the L alliance that supports the use of Leica L lenses. DJI is an international company based in Shenzhen, China, with teams in Europe and the USA. - At an auction in Wetzlar, the original prototype Leica o-series 105 camera built by Oskar Barnack in 1923 was sold for 12,000,000 Euro. - Leica Camera AG took over Nordisk Foto Import A/S in Copenhagen, becoming the official Leica owned store in Denmark. - Photographer Ralph Gibson was awarded the Leica Hall of Fame Award and two limited edition Leica Q2 models were announced. - Thorsten Overgaard organized free "Walk with Me" walks in various cities around the world, inviting photo enthusiasts to explore and take photos together. - Leica introduced the Leica M11, Leica 28mm Summicron limited edition, and Fragment editions of Leica with Hiroshi Fujiwara. - Leica Camera USA will be moving to a new headquarters in Teaneck, New Jersey. - Leica Store Copenhagen opened with a new interior design after Leica bought out the Scandinavian distributor. - The Leica M10-R was released in black paint with a chrome ring around the shutter release button. - Despite a curfew in Paris due to the COVID-19 lockdown, Parisians were seen out and about enjoying the summer nights. - Thorsten Overgaard released a complete Leica Q2 package including a video masterclass and eBook. Leica has introduced APO lenses in both the SL and M ranges, including a series of f/2.0 lenses and f/1.0 Noctilux lenses. The new 35mm APO-Summicron-M f/2.0 lens is considered the gold standard in 35mm lenses. Photographer Greg Williams is often seen using Leica Q cameras, and a limited edition Leica Q2 with brass fittings was released in collaboration with Daniel Craig and Greg Williams. Leica also released a remake of the 1966-version Noctilux f/1.2 lens. The Leica M10-P "Reporter" is a limited edition camera with kevlar armor and scratch-resistant body paint. Leica introduced the black and white only version of the Leica Q2 Monochrom with a 47-megapixel sensor. Thorsten Overgaard has created Styles and Presets for Capture One and Lightroom to achieve the desired look of the Leica M9 sensor and Kodachrome film. Meister Camera has opened a new Leica store in Hamburg. Thorsten Overgaard and Matteo Perin have designed camera bags for Leica, including the Von Mini SL for the Leica SL2 and the Von Maxi SL for SLR camera systems. Leica announced "Made in Portugal" versions of their M lenses with a lower price tag. Leica will no longer replace sensors in the M9 series cameras. Leica released the Leica M10 Monochrom with a 41-megapixel sensor. Mike Giannattasio became the new President and CEO of Leica Camera North America. Leica introduced Safari green lenses, the Lux Aeterna Lens, and the Leica 90mm Summilux-M ASPH f/1.5 portrait lens. The Leica CL Paul Smith Edition was released, and Thorsten Overgaard reviewed the Leica M240 and Panasonic Lumix S1R cameras. Leica launched the Leica SL2, a new line of camera bags, and the Leica M-E 240 in a limited run. Thorsten Overgaard designed soft leather camera pouches, and the Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1H were released. Leica released the Lenny Kravitz Design "Drifter" limited edition of the Leica M246 Monochrom. The Leica 35mm APO-Summicron-L ASPH f/2.0 lens was Leica Camera AG has released several limited edition versions of their cameras and lenses. These include the Leica M10-P Safari in olive green, the Leica Q-P in matte black, and the Leica M10-D digital rangefinder without a screen. They have also introduced new firmware updates for the Leica M10 and Leica Q. Leica has expanded their lens offerings with the THALIA lens series for cinematography, which covers full-frame and is lightweight. Leica Camera AG has opened a company archive and established a new hotel called the Ernst Leitz Hotel. They have also released new camera editions, such as the Leica M10, Leica Q, and Leica D-Lux, as part of their "Leitzpark" limited editions. Leica Cine lenses were used in several award-winning films at the Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, the book "Composition in Photography" by Thorsten von Overgaard has been released. The Leica Noctilux family has been expanded with the introduction of the Leica 75mm Noctilux-M ASPH f/1.25 lens. Matthias Harsch is the new CEO of Leica Camera AG. Leica's owner, Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, was interviewed by CNBC Asia. A firmware fix is expected for some Leica TL2 cameras. Leica Cine lenses released two new "Macrolux" macro lenses. Leica Camera AG frequently changes CEOs. Oliver Kaltner was replaced by Alfred Schopf. The release of the next Leica M model was postponed. The Huawei Mate 9 with Dual Leica camera was released. Leica Q cameras were released in limited editions. Leica introduced the Leica Q Camouflage Edition and the Leica Q Carbon. Leica made updates to their 28mm lenses. Sinarback S 30I45 was released. CW Sonderoptic released the Leica M 0.8 Cine lenses. Stephan Schulz was appointed to head the new Leica Pro Business Unit. Leica Pro Service was re-invented. New prime lenses were announced for the Leica SL. Leica Sofort, an instant camera, was announced. The "Leica Family Tree" was put up for auction. Leica released the 50mm APO Summicron-M ASPH in silver. Leica Store Las Vegas and Leica Store Gangnam opened. Leica announced a strategic relationship with Huawei. Three new Leica Stores opened in India. The new Leica Store Denmark opened in Copenhagen. The Exhibition von Overgaard raised funds for children in Cambodia. Leica fans attended the Exhibition von Overgaard in Singapore, which raised $10,000 for the children of Cambodia. The exhibition featured Leica cameras and all proceeds from the sale went to charity. The exhibition opened on November 27, 2015. Leica also introduced the new Leica M 262 mirrorless full-frame camera and the Leica SL Typ 601, a new autofocus camera. The Leica Boutique Copenhagen officially opened in June 2015. The Leica Q, a full-frame mirrorless digital rangefinder with a fixed 28mm Summilux lens, was introduced on June 11, 2015. Leica Cine lenses were used in the Oscar-winning movie Birdman. Leica Camera AG released several new products, including the Leica M Edition 60, Leica S Type 007, and updated versions of the Leica Summarit and Leica Noctilux lenses. The Leica M-P Typ 240 was introduced as an upgraded version of the Leica M 240. Leica M digital rangefinders have a life cycle of about three years before a new version is introduced. The MP version usually arrives after about one and a half years. Leica Camera AG acquired the EastLicht Gallery, the Leica Store Vienna, and the WestLicht Schauplatz fr Fotografie. Leica also became a 75% partner with Leica Shop Vienna and WestLicht Photographic Auction house. The Leica Store San Francisco opened on August 16, 2014. Leica released the Leica T, a camera aimed at the newer generation of photographers. The Lightroom Survival Kit by Thorsten Overgaard is a comprehensive workflow package for photographers. Leica celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014 with the official opening of the new Leica Camera AG factory in Wetzlar and at Photokina 2014. Leica Camera AG acquired Sinar, a leading producer of large-format cameras. The demand for Leica cameras has grown since the introduction of the Leica M9 in 2009, with about 75% of sales occurring in the US. Leica has seen a significant increase in sales and expansion in Asia, with nine new Leica Stores opening in 2013. Leica Camera Pacific Asia Pte. Ltd. has been managing the company's growth in Asia. Leica Cine Lenses, produced by CW-Sonderoptik GmbH, have been highly anticipated since 2010 and are now available for purchase. Andreas Kaufmann, owner of Leica, received the Entrepreneur of the Year award in Germany and may win the international award in June 2014. A limited edition white Leica M240 was made for Kaufmann. Leica collaborated with Apple to create a unique camera that was auctioned off for charity. Leica also opened a new store in Los Angeles, which has become a popular filming location and event space. Leica's partnership with I-SHOT-IT.COM and the opening of a factory in Portugal are other notable developments. The company experienced some setbacks with the release of the Leica X Vario and the recall of the Leica 50mm APO-Summicron-M ASPH f/2.0 lens. The Leica M 240 faced delays in delivery but eventually became more readily available in stores. In March and April of 2013, there were significant problems with the production and delivery of the Leica M 240 camera. The camera was introduced at Photokina in September 2012, but final production sample cameras were not yet available. Leica Camera AG announced that they would be expanding their production facilities with the help of Blackstone Group LP. In 2012, Leica experienced major expansion and increased sales, but faced challenges due to limited production capacity. The Leica M 240 started shipping on March 1, 2013. The Leica M Monochrom, a black and white digital rangefinder camera, was also introduced and gained popularity among photographers. Leica Camera AG opened new stores and boutiques in various locations around the world. They also presented limited edition cameras and lenses, including the Leica M9-P Hermes Edition and the Leica M9-P Herms. The Leica R and M lenses were adapted for use with RED EPIC video cameras. Leica Camera AG awarded the Courage to Care Award to Ernst Leitz II for his efforts in saving Jews during World War II. Leica Camera AG also announced the Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium camera and presented the LFI test of the new 30mm Leica Elmarit-S ASPH f/2.8 lens. Steve McCurry was awarded the Leica Hall of Fame Award for his contributions to photography. Steve McCurry was awarded the Leica Hall of Fame Award in 2011. Leica Camera AG collaborated with Magnum Photos on new projects. The Leica M9-P was introduced in 2011. Leica Camera AG opened several new stores worldwide. Leica Camera AG announced a new CEO in 2010. The Ernst Leitz Foundation manages Haus Friedwart and promotes cultural events. Leica Camera AG saw improved financial results in 2010. The Leica M9, Leica X1, Leica S2, and V-Lux 20 were notable products released by Leica. Leica Camera AG experienced a 100% increase in sales for all of their products in 2010, compared to a 10% increase in camera sales worldwide. The sale of Leica cameras alone saw a 139.6% increase. A user-review article titled "The Worlds (Possibly) Longest Camera Review" provided extensive information and tips about Leica cameras. The Leica M9, a digital rangefinder camera, was introduced in 2009, despite previous claims by Leica that a full-frame sensor would be impossible for the M series. Leica also released other cameras such as the Leica X1 and the Leica S2. The Leica R system was discontinued in 2009, and the Leica DMR digital back for the R series was also discontinued. The Leica Digilux 2, introduced in 2003, became a classic camera known for its simplicity and high-quality images. In 2004, Andreas Kaufmann and his brothers purchased a significant stake in Leica Camera AG. In 1994, Uwe Weller took over Leica Camera AG's machining division, which became Weller Feinwerktechnik. In 2005, the mechatronics division of Leica Microsystems in Weilburg was integrated into the business. Andreas Kaufmann and his two brothers bought the Ernst Leitz Optical Industry factory in Wetzlar. Leica Camera AG started cooperation with Matsushita (Panasonic) in 2001. The Leica R8 35mm film camera was introduced in 1996. Leica Camera AG became a public company on July 25th, 1996. Leica took over the camera division of Minox GmbH on April 1st. In 1973, Leica started production in Portugal. The Leica M6 was released in 1984. Leica Camera AG invented the autofocus system in the 1960s but sold the patent to Minolta. Leica supplied a modified monocular for the NASA Apollo 11 mission in 1969. In 1959, Robert Frank published his book "The Americans" exclusively using a Leica camera. The sons of Ernst Leitz II took over the management of the company in 1958. The original Leica building is located in Wetzlar, Germany. Raytheon acquired the optical departments of Texas Instruments and the Midland factory and is now named ELCAN. Quality control at Leitz Canada was meticulous, with checks and rechecks performed on all workbenches. The absence of assembly lines allowed workers to take their time and do things right. The interior of the manufacturing plant in Midland, Canada, closely resembled that of the main plant in Wetzlar. Leitz Canada became an independent camera and lens manufacturer by the end of the 70s, producing designs for both civilian and military use. They developed state-of-the-art cinematographic lenses, such as the Panavision Primo L spherical lenses. Leitz Canada also manufactured underwater camera systems and lenses designed to be used in water. The company's success was dependent on selling their products to other companies. Leitz Canada's design department in Midland became renowned for lens design. The decision to establish a manufacturing plant in Midland, Canada, was made due to the region's large export market and the desire to avoid losing the operation to war. Leitz had considered opening a manufacturing plant in France before deciding on Canada. The Leitz factory in Wetzlar faced challenges after World War II, leading to the establishment of a second repository in Canada. Oskar Barnack, the inventor of the Leica camera, had the idea of interchangeable lenses from the beginning. In 1954, the Leica M3 camera with interchangeable lenses was introduced to the market. The Leica M bayonet mount allowed for fast lens changes. The Ashi-Pentax Asahiflex I, the first SLR camera, was released in 1952. In the same year, Queen Elizabeth II used a Leica M3 camera. Leica also developed new glasses and patented many innovations in their glass laboratory. The LFI magazine was reissued in 1948. The Reid camera, a copy of the Leica III series, was made in the UK from 1947-1964. Leica cameras were made in the US during World War II. The Leica IIIc and IIId models were announced in 1940. Leica cameras were also marketed in New York during the war. Leica IIIb with a redesigned shutter was announced in 1938. In 1937, the first book with color plates engraved directly from 35mm transparencies was published. The Leica Postal Portfolio was founded in 1936. In 1934, Leica opened an office in Vienna and branches in Hungary and Yugoslavia. The Leica 250GG Reporter camera was introduced in 1933. Leitz enlargers and Russian copies of the Leica II were also introduced in the same year. The Leica camera was the first to have a rangefinder implemented inside the camera body, thanks to an invention by Oskar Barnack. In an effort to improve the Leica camera, Barnack's thoughts turned to a rangefinder. He called his associates into his office and told them that the rangefinder had to fit within the dimensions of the camera and function with all lenses. The Leica-Couplex (Leica D) with a 50mm Elmar f/3.5 lens was Henri Cartier-Bresson's first Leica, and he became a great disseminator of the camera. Leica Fotografie International (LFI) was founded by Curt Emmermann and wrote the first pioneering Leica magazine, "Die Leica" from 1931-1942. In 1931, standardized lenses were introduced for Leica cameras. Many women photographers also used Leica cameras from the beginning. The Leica instruction manual was created in 1928, and an enlarger called Leitz Filoy was introduced in 1929. Leica cameras were also sold to doctors, scientists, and adventurers worldwide. The Leica company was established in 1849 and changed its name to Ernst Leitz Optical Industry in 1869. Ernst Leitz II took over the company in 1920 and began production of the Leica camera in 1924. The Leitz family owned the company for over 100 years before selling it in the 1970s. Ernst Leitz I became a partner in the Optical Institute in 1865. The first Leica camera, known as the Ur-Leica, was built by Oskar Barnack in 1912-1913. It was introduced to the market as the Leica A in 1925 and sold 1,000 units in the first year. Despite initial skepticism, Leitz decided to enter the camera market and put Barnack's camera into commercial production in 1924. The Leica camera was compact and had a high-quality lens, allowing photographers to capture life and action effortlessly. The production of Leica cameras started in 1925 and quickly increased to 1,000 units per month. The Leitz company faced challenges after World War I and decided to keep its workforce despite the decline in demand. The Leica camera became a profitable venture for the company. The original Ur-Leica is preserved at Leica Camera AG. The Leica camera revolutionized photography by offering a more compact and versatile option compared to traditional box cameras.