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Brief History of Leica Cameras
The
year 1911 sees Oskar Barnack accepting
a job at the Leitz Wetztlar Factory. His idea
is to manufacture the first portable Leica, which
eventually becomes the pre-cursor to all 35mm
cameras.
1912.
Prof. Max Berek joins Ernst Leitz Company,
invents the Leica lens system, and sets the standards
for the legendary image quality leica lenses are
famous for.
1913.
Oskar Barnack produces the "Ur-Leica"
prototype.
1924.
Ernst Leitz II decides it is time to bring Oskar
Barnack's 35mm camera to market. The Leica
(Leitz Camera) brand is born.
 1925.
The first Leica cameras (Leica I) hit the market.
1954.
The Leica M3 is introduced with the first interchangeable
bayonet lens system.
 1965.
The Leicaflex SL, Leica's first SLR, is introduced.
1971.
Leica M5 with built-in exposure meter is introduced.
1973.
The Leica CL (aka Minolta CL) is
produced in collaboration with Minolta. [Link]
 1976.
Leica and Minolta produce the Leica R3.
 1984.
Leica M6 -- a legend is born. In my opinion, this
is probably the most beautiful camera ever designed!
New
Leica cameras introduction are a much anticipated
event and excitement is always high. Leica cameras
have become collector's items. The following models
bring Leica cameras up-to-date. Enjoy!
If
you have any anecdote about any of the above cameras
that you think might be interesting to share with
other readers, please send
them to us.
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