Leica
The Leica was the first practical 35 mm camera. The first prototypes were built by Oskar Barnack at E. Leitz Optische Werke, Wetzlar, in 1913.
Comments
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Holding onto something special
Much of the cache of shooting a Leica comes from its long and illustrious history as a photojournalist's tool: during times of social upheaval, in combat, on the streets, in the clubs, at protests and victory celebrations, and in biography there always seems to be a Leica that made the shot. When you hold a Leica, you're holding onto something special. Its hefty and solid construction are immediately apparent. Slap a lens on the body and begin rotating the aperture ring, and every satisfying snap of the f-stops is sure to build confidence. Click the shutter that is silent beyond your own hearing, invisible to the subject, and you'll appreciate how easy it is to document the lives around you without interfering with them.
Eugene, United States - 03 April 2006
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Contributed to human history
The all-mechanical Leica-M is my camera, for 38 years now. To me it's the camera that contributed to human history by recording it, even under the worst and most difficult circumstances. It makes me feel proud and special to own and handle one.
René, Netherlands - 13 September 2005
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Get to understand the properties of film and light
There it is. The Leica M3. Object of desire, and device of unsurpassable wonder. Feel it. Heavy and solid, and crowned with a peerless compound of glass. There is no rangefinder, indeed, there is no camera quite like this. The world of man and his technology have rarely climbed so high a pinnacle. Load it with care. Aim it at anything. Get to understand the properties of film and light, of people and their places. There it is: the Leica. It contains the record of our existence, and a visual imprint of life as we see it. Unsurpassable wonder.
Eric, New Zealand - 30 December 2004
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For years I have dreamed of owning a Leica
Perhaps another clear definition of a lovemark is seen in the desire for a brand, before one actually posesses a part of the brand. For years I have dreamed of owning a Leica camera. A tool of poets and thinkers like Allen Ginsberg and a constant presence whenever and wherever something important is happening, its mythology is unmatched. It is a testament to the achievements of mankind in craftsmanship, and in the ability to create a brand so beloved that its suitors are willing to pay thousands for a Leica. Someday I will gladly pay it as well.
Tim, United States - 19 October 2004
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Phenomenal!
Phenomenal. End of story. This is the best point and shoot camera I have and will ever own. I use it nearly every day, and I wouldn't be the same without it.
Melinda, United States - 18 March 2004
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Leica is silent and so responsive
The Leica is silent and so responsive: you put it in front of your eye and you feel like a cheetah, gifted with a supreme body to catch the elusive moments of joy or sorrow.
Andrea, United Kingdom - 30 November 2003
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How good are they?
A mix of craft and art that inspires those who use them. One of the first 35mm film cameras ever produced, these cameras continue to be made today without compromising quality for fashion. A marriage of simplicity and complexity in design with outstanding optics these cameras are used by many of the worlds top photographers. My much abused 111f - which is now over 50 years old - still works and contines to help me produce outstanding images. How good are they? Every 35mm rangefinder camera is a copy of them in some way, and post WWII the camera industry in England, Russia and Japan copied them practialy down to the last detail. The first time I used a Leica I thought that someone had designed it for me, and me only. I have used other 35 mm camera systems but keep coming back to my Leica.
David, Aotearoa - 19 November 2003