Leica Camera
Leica Camera
Type | Aktiengesellschaft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rangefinder camera, Photography, Digital Imaging, Still cameras, SLR cameras, DSLR cameras, binoculars / Monoculars, binocular telescope, laser rangefinder ophthalmic lenses |
| Founded | Germany (1914) |
| Headquarters | Wetzlar, Germany |
Key people | Dr. Andreas Kaufmann (Chairman, Supervisory board), Matthias Harsch (CEO) |
| Products | Cameras, photographic lenses, binoculars, ophthalmic lenses and other optical equipment |
| Revenue |  € 365 million[1] |
Number of employees | 1600[1] |
| Website | leica-camera.com [67] |
The M9 is a digital rangefinder camera from Leica.
First image taken from the Ur-Leica by Oskar Barnack 1913, Eisenmarkt, Wetzlar, Germany
Leica Camera AG is a German company that manufactures cameras, lenses, binoculars, rifle scopes, microscopes and ophthalmic lenses. The company was founded by Ernst Leitz in 1914. The name Leica is derived from the first three letters of his surname (Leitz) and the first two of the word camera: lei-ca.
Leica Camera AG is 45% owned by The Blackstone Group[2] which licenses the Leica brand name from the independently-owned Leica Microsystems GmbH.
Type | Aktiengesellschaft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rangefinder camera, Photography, Digital Imaging, Still cameras, SLR cameras, DSLR cameras, binoculars / Monoculars, binocular telescope, laser rangefinder ophthalmic lenses |
| Founded | Germany (1914) |
| Headquarters | Wetzlar, Germany |
Key people | Dr. Andreas Kaufmann (Chairman, Supervisory board), Matthias Harsch (CEO) |
| Products | Cameras, photographic lenses, binoculars, ophthalmic lenses and other optical equipment |
| Revenue | € 365 million[1] |
Number of employees | 1600[1] |
| Website | leica-camera.com [67] |
History
From the year 1907 to the 1950s, the buildings that formed Leica factory were built on Ernst Leitz Street (Wetzlar) and remained until 1986, when the factory was moved to the city of Solms. The Wetzlar factory was located on the opposite side of the administrative building of 1957 and formed a special urban architecture; it is upstream from the slope of Kalsmunt and forms a structurally attractive graduation from the skyscrapers to the ruins of Kalsmunt Castle.
Already in the last decades of the 19th century, Ernst Leitz and its production facilities had moved to the slopes of Kalsmunt. In the first years, residential buildings and workshops on the Laufdorfer Weg were still sufficient.
It was in the turn of the century, when the production of optical devices expanded so much that it originated the first skyscrapers in the city of Wetzlar. The oldest part of this row of tall buildings is now hidden by a new building at the Schützenstraße. The first plans of the architect Jean Schmidt in 1907 show a brick building on a stone base, which was covered by a sloping roof and a slate roof. However, in the same year, it was decided to use the new construction of concrete skeletons and a simpler façade design. The four-story building is divided into six groups of windows, each of which has three windows. Narrow wall patterns and lightly embedded parapets summarize the three lowest floors. The fourth floor is visually separated from the lower part of the building by a very distant cornice. On either side of the central building there was a hip roof that had high ceilings. The mansard's floor expanded as production and workers also increased. Only a few years later, Leitz again demanded the construction of a tall building. After the planning of Jean Schmidt, contractor Robert Schneider built a four-story building in 1911.[3]
The basement building was made of reinforced concrete with brick stairs. Again, the original plan, which provided a horizontal structure of the building through the cornucopia, was abandoned in favor of a simpler façade design. In the ten-axis building, similar to the oldest skyscraper, the lower levels are grouped by pilasters. The space between the two skyscrapers (which originally had been provided with subsequent buildings) had to be closed by another building in the early thirties. Once again, it was Jean Schmidt, who prepared the plans for a first seven-story skyscraper. The still existing façade drawings show the columns with arches on the ground floor and that are fitted between a long strip of windows with excessive pilasters. The general design shows a mixture of very graphic elements and remains of curved Modernist forms that recall the buildings by Joseph Maria Olbrich at Mathildenhöhe of Darmstadt.
In 1936, the architect presented a completely revised plan. The plan was now made up of eight floors for Leica production. The building was built with a concrete construction modeled from the production halls of Opel in Rüsselsheim, Zeiss to Jena and Wernerwerk in Berlin. It was possible to access all the floors through two stairs.
The government of the city and the district finally approved a construction of eight floors with a loggia like ninth floor, that later was closed. Due to the urban landscape that characterized the size of the building, the planning of the district government was initially rejected because of a simple and unsatisfactory exterior design. Even so, the building was built in 1938 between the two oldest skyscrapers. In 1950, west of the skyscraper of 1911, a skyscraper of similar construction with nine floors was added.[4]
Before WWII
Leica I, 1927 (video)
The first 35 mm film Leica prototypes were built by Oskar Barnack at Ernst Leitz Optische Werke, Wetzlar, in 1913. Intended as a compact camera for landscape photography, particularly during mountain hikes, the Leica was the first practical 35 mm camera that used standard cinema 35 mm film. The Leica transports the film horizontally, extending the frame size to 24×36mm with a 2:3 aspect ratio, instead of the 18×24 mm of cinema cameras, which transport the film vertically.
The Leica had several model iterations, and in 1923, Barnack convinced his boss, Ernst Leitz II, to make a preproduction series of 31 cameras for the factory and outside photographers to test. Though the prototypes received mixed reception, Ernst Leitz decided in 1924 to produce the camera. It was an immediate success when introduced at the 1925 Leipzig Spring Fair as the Leica I (for Leitz camera). The focal plane shutter has a range from 1/20 to 1/500 second, in addition to a Z for Zeit (time) position.
Barnack conceived the Leica as a small camera that produced a small negative. To make large photos by enlargement, (the "small negative, large picture" concept) requires that the camera have high quality lenses that could create well-defined negatives. Barnack tried a Zeiss Tessar on his early prototype camera, but because the Tessar was designed for the 18×24 mm cine format, it inadequately covered the Leica's 24×36mm negative. Barnack resorted to a Leitz Mikro-Summar 1:4.5/42 mm lens for the prototype, but to achieve resolution necessary for satisfactory enlargement, the 24x36 mm format needed a lens designed specially for it. The first Leica lens was a 50 mm f/3.5 design based on the Cooke triplet of 1893, adapted by Max Berek at Leitz. The lens has five elements in three groups—the third group being three cemented elements—and was initially named the Leitz Anastigmat. Unlike other triplets, the Leitz Anastigmat has the diaphragm between the first and second elements. When the Leica was first vended, this lens was renamed the ELMAX, for E Leitz and MAX Berek. By 1925, the Leitz laboratories had produced glasses with improved optical properties, and Professor Berek designed an improved version of the ELMAX named the ELMAR that had four elements in three groups. The third group was simplified to two cemented elements, which was easier and cheaper to make.[5] Professor Berek had two dogs, Hektor and Rex. The first of these, Hektor, gave his name to a series of Leica lenses, and the name of the second appeared in the SummaREX.[6]
In 1930 the Leica I Schraubgewinde was first produced, with an exchangeable lens system based on a 39mm diameter screw thread, often referred to as " Leica Thread Mount" or LTM. In addition to the 50 mm normal lens, a 35 mm wide angle and a 135 mm telephoto lens were initially available. During the mid-1930s, a legendary soft-focus lens, the Thambar 90 mm f/2.2 was designed, and made in small numbers between 1935 and 1949, no more than 3000 units. It is now a rare collector's item.[7][8]
The Leica II was first produced in 1932, with a built in rangefinder coupled to the lens focusing mechanism. This model has a separate viewfinder (showing a reduced image) and rangefinder. In 1932 the flange to filmplane was standardised to 28.8mm, first implemented on Leica model C, and the Leica Standard the next year.[9]
The Leica III added slow shutter speeds down to 1 second, and the model IIIa added the 1/1000 second shutter speed. The IIIa is the last model made before Barnack's death, and therefore the last model for which he was wholly responsible. Leitz continued to refine the original design through to 1957. The final version, the IIIg, includes a large viewfinder with several framelines. These models all have a functional combination of circular dials and square windows.
Early Leica cameras bear the initials D.R.P., which stands for Deutsches Reichspatent, the name for German patents before May 1945. This is probably a reference to German patent No. 384071 "Rollfilmkamera" granted to Ernst Leitz, Optische Werke in Wetzlar, on November 3, 1923.
The company had always had progressive labor policies which encouraged the retention of skilled workers, many of whom were Jewish. Ernst Leitz II, who began managing the company in 1920, responded to the election of Hitler in 1933 by helping Jews to leave Germany, by "assigning" hundreds (even if they were not actually employees) to overseas sales offices where they were helped to find jobs. The effort intensified after Kristallnacht in 1938, until the borders were closed in September 1939. The extent of what came to be known as the "Leica Freedom Train" only became public after his death, well after the war.
After WWII
After the war, Leitz continued to produce the late versions of the Leica II and the Leica III through the 1950s. However, in 1954, Leitz introduced the Leica M3, with the new Leica M mount, a bayonet-like lens mount. The new camera also combined the rangefinder and viewfinder into one large, bright viewfinder with a brighter double image in the center. This system also introduced a system of parallax compensation and a new rubberized, reliable, focal-plane shutter. Leica continues to refine this model (the latest versions being the MP and MA, both of which have frames for 28, 35, 50, 75, 90, and 135 mm lenses, which show automatically upon mounting).
Post-war models bear the initials DBP, standing for Deutsches Bundespatent (Federal German Patent), instead of the DRP (Deutsches Reich patent) found on pre-war models. A number of camera companies built models based on the Leica rangefinder design. These include the Leotax, Nicca and early Canon models in Japan, the Kardon in USA, the Reid in England and the FED and Zorki in the USSR.
Single-lens reflex cameras From 1964, Leica produced a series of single-lens reflex cameras, beginning with the Leicaflex, followed by the Leicaflex SL, the Leicaflex SL2, and then the Leica R series from R3 to R7, made in collaboration with the Minolta Corporation. The Leica R8 was entirely designed and manufactured by Leica. The final model was the Leica R9, which could be fitted with the Digital Module back. Leica was slow to produce an auto-exposure model, and never made a Leica R model that included auto-focusing. Leica's U.S. official website announced (March 25, 2009) that the R-series has been discontinued. The reason given was that "new camera developments have significantly affected the sales of Leica R cameras and lenses resulting in a dramatic decrease in the number sold. Sadly, therefore, there is no longer an economic basis on which to keep the Leica R-System in the Leica production programme."[12]
Conceptually intermediate between the Rangefinder Leicas and the SLR Leicas was the Leica Visoflex System, a mirror reflex box that attached to the lens mount of Leica rangefinders (separate versions were made for the screwmount and M series bodies) and accepted lenses made especially for the Visoflex System. Rather than using the camera's rangefinder, focusing was accomplished via a groundglass screen. A coupling released both mirror and shutter to make the exposure. Camera rangefinders are inherently limited in their ability to accurately focus long focal-length lenses and the mirror reflex box permitted much longer length lenses. Throughout its history, Leitz has been responsible for numerous optical innovations, such as aspherical production lenses, multicoated lenses, and rare earth lenses.
The earliest Leica reflex housing was the PLOOT (Leitz's five letter code for its products), announced in 1935, along with the 200 mm f/4.5 Telyt Lens. This date is significant because that it places Leica among the 35 mm SLR pioneers. Moreover, until the 1964 introduction of the Leicaflex, the PLOOT and Visoflex were Leica's only SLR offerings. A redesigned PLOOT was introduced by Leica in 1951 as the Visoflex I. This was followed by a much more compact Visoflex II in 1960 (which was the only Visoflex version available in both LTM (screwmount) and M-bayonet) and the Visoflex III with instant-return mirror in 1964. Leica lenses for the Visoflex system included focal lengths of 65, 180 (rare), 200, 280, 400, 560, and 800mm. In addition, the optical groups of many rangefinder lenses could be removed, and attached to the Visoflex via a system of adapters. The Visoflex system was discontinued in 1984.
Leica offered a wide range of accessories. For instance, LTM (screwmount) lenses were easily usable on M cameras via an adapter. Similarly Visoflex lenses could be used on the Leicaflex and R cameras with an adapter. Furthermore, certain LTM and M rangefinder lenses featured removable optical groups that could mount via adapters on the Visoflex system, thus making them usable as rangefinder or SLR lenses for Visoflex-equipped Screwmount and M rangefinder cameras, as well as being usable on Leicaflex and R cameras. Leica also offered focusing systems, such as the Focorapid and Televit, that could replace certain lenses’ helicoid mounts for sports and natural-life telephotography.
'Leitz' to 'Leica'
Leica store at Hong Kong International Airport
In 1986, the Leitz company changed its name to Leica (LEItz CAmera), due to the fame of the Leica trade-name. At this time, Leica relocated its factory from Wetzlar (Germany) to the nearby town of Solms (Germany). In 1996, Leica Camera separated from the Leica Group and became a publicly owned company. In 1998, the Leica group was divided into two independent units: Leica Microsystems and Leica Geosystems.
On October 1, 2012, Leica Camera AG was delisted from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange after Lisa Germany Holding GmbH acquired the remaining minority shares stock resulting in the company being owned privately.[13]
On November 26, 2013, Leica Camera AG announced the purchase of Sinar Photography AG, Zurich, the Swiss manufacturer of view cameras.[14]
In May 2014, Leica Camera AG finished building a new factory at Leitz Park 1 in the new industrial part of Wetzlar and relocated back to the city where it started.[15]
In April 2019, a television commercial for Leica titled "The Hunt" was released online. The commercial depicts photojournalists in war-torn and politically unstable environments; one of whom takes a photograph of the Tank Man during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Following censorship of the Leica brand on Sina Weibo, Leica revoked the commercial and sought to distance themselves from it, claiming the company did not sanction its production.[16]
Notable adherents and photographers
Henri Cartier-Bresson's first Leica
The Leica is particularly associated with street photography, especially in the mid-to-late 20th century, being used by such noted photographers as Henri Cartier-Bresson,[17] Elliott Erwitt, Ara Güler, Robert Frank, Bruce Gilden, Bruce Davidson, Inge Morath, Martine Franck, Sebastião Salgado,[17] Alex Webb, Joel Meyerowitz, Garry Winogrand, Mark Cohen and Ralph Gibson.
It was also used by wartime photojournalists such as Larry Burrows and Alfred Eisenstaedt.
Antique trade and collecting
Leica cameras, lenses, accessories and sales literature are collectibles. There are dozens of Leica books and collector's guides, notably the three-volume Leica, an Illustrated History by James L. Lager. Early or rare cameras and accessories can have very high prices. For instance, an anonymous buyer bought a rare 1923 Leica camera for 2.6 million euros ($2.8 million) at an auction in Vienna.[20] Notably, Leica cameras sporting military markings are highly valued;[21] this started a market for refurbished Soviet copies with fake markings.
Cameras
Leica I, 1927
Leica II, 1931
The earliest Leica prototypes were developed by the company Ernst Leitz during the first years of the 20th century, but marketing did not commence until the mid 1920s. The Leicas were innovative, by orienting the image frame sideways for the 35 mm film as opposed to the cine-camera tradition of across the film-strip. The cameras were compact with collapsible lenses, for hiking and biking. The rangefinder feature was added with the Leica II during 1932, and that year both rangefinder and viewfinder cameras became available with interchangeable lenses. In 1933 the Leica III offered slow-speed shutter controls and a fast 1/1000 s shutter speed, and various iterations of the III (a,b,c,d,f,&g) series became the flagship models and best sellers into the late 1950s. Further iterations of the models I and II were offered, but did not sell well.
Prior to WWII, Leica and competing Contax cameras from Zeiss Ikon were considered to be the finest 35 mm cameras, but post-WWII the companies had competition from Soviet and Japanese copies. During the 1950s Japanese quality and innovation, along with low pricing, devastated the European camera industry. Leica became an expensive type of camera bought largely by professional or serious photographers. However, the advent of reflex camera technology made rangefinders somewhat obsolete, leaving Leica the main product of a diminishing market segment. Leica has remained a notable trade-name into the 21st Century.
The original producer of the cameras, Ernst Leitz GmbH, is now three independent companies: Leica Camera AG, Leica Geosystems AG, and Leica Microsystems GmbH, which manufacture cameras, geosurvey equipment, and microscopes, respectively. Leica Microsystems GmbH owns the Leica brand and licenses its use by the other two companies.
Early models
Leica I – was first introduced to the market at the 1925 spring fair in Leipzig, based on the Ur-Leica prototype developed by Barnack in 1913 and the Prototyp 1 developed in 1923. Followed by Leica Luxur and Leica Compur (a total of 60,586 of the Leica I, Luxur and Compur models were made). Interchangeable lenses for these were introduced in 1930.
Leica 35 mm series with interchangeable lens screw mount style Leica bodies:
Leica Standard – 1932. The first Leica camera designed with a film-to-lensflange distance of 28.8 millimeters.
Leica II – 1932. The first Leica camera with a rangefinder.
Leica III – 1933. Leica incorporated slow shutter speeds on this model.
M-series rangefinder
M (rangefinder) film series
Leica M6 Black Chrome
Leica M9 with a Summicron-M 28/2 ASPH Lens
The "M" within the nomenclature of this series of cameras comes from the first initial of "Meßsucher" (or "Messsucher"), which is the German word for "Rangefinder".
M3 – 1954–66 (Total 200,000 units manufactured) Introduced at the German photokina exhibition in 1954, the M3 was the first of the M series Leicas, a line that is still manufactured today, and featured the first Leica body with a bayonet-style mount for interchangeable lenses. In an advertisement from 1956, it was regarded as a "lifetime investment in perfect photography". The M3 has a .92 magnification finder, the highest of any M camera made. The price of this high magnification was that a 35 mm lens required "goggles" that fit in front of the view/rangefinder windows to facilitate a wider view. The M3 advanced film via a lever rather than knob, the first M3s required two strokes to advance the film, after 1958 M3's were single-stroke. Early M3s lacked a frame preview selector lever to switch between framelines.
MP – 1956–57 (Total 402 sets were manufactured). The original MP was based on the M3 and could be fitted with a Leicavit trigger winding device. MP originally stood for "M Professional"; it was intended as a photojournalist's camera.
M2 – 1958–67 (88,000 sets were manufactured). A scaled-down and lower-cost version of the M3, the M2 had a simplified rangefinder of 0.72 magnification, allowing easier use of 35 mm lenses. The 0.72 magnification became the standard viewfinder magnification for future M cameras. The M2 lacked the self-resetting film frame counter of its predecessor.
M1 – 1959–64 (9,392 sets were manufactured). A stripped-down version of the M2 for scientific/technical use, the M1 was a viewfinder camera with no built-in rangefinder. Replaced in 1965 by the MD (with no viewfinder at all), and the MDa (based on the M4) (1967), and finally the MD-2 (based on the M4-2) (1980).
M4 – 1967–75 (50,000 sets were manufactured); 1974–75 (6,500 sets were manufactured). With added rangefinder framelines for 35 mm and 135 mm lenses. Introduced the canted rewind crank (the previous Ms had rewind knobs). With the M5, was the last M camera to have a self-timer.
M5 – 1971–75 (31,400 sets were manufactured). With added integral TTL light meter. First Leica with a light meter, a mechanical swinging-arm CDS cell positioned behind the lens. The added functionality required a redesigned, larger body compared with the traditional M3 dimensions. Certain wide angle lenses (early 21 mm f4.0 and f3.4) could not be used in the camera without modification because of the possibility of damage to the rear element of the lens or the meter arm. For similar reasons, collapsible lenses could not be collapsed on the M5. These restrictions also held true for the Leica CL (below). With the M4, last M camera to have a self-timer.
CL – 1973–76 (the compact Leica). Leitz Minolta CL, introduced with two lenses special to that model: the 40 mm Summicron-C f2 and 90 mm Elmar-C f4. Internal metering similar to the M5 – CDS cell on a swinging stalk. The CL is also notable for being the only M-bayonet camera to have a vertically travelling shutter. Minolta later manufactured and sold an improved electronic version, the Minolta CLE with Auto Exposure, Off-The-Film TTL metering and TTL Flash metering, together with three M-Rokkor lenses, the 40 mm/f2, 28 mm/f2.8 and 90 mm/f4.
M4-2 – 1977–80 (17,000 sets were manufactured). First M manufactured since 1975, with stronger gears to support a motor drive. It was the first M with a hot shoe for electronic flash. No self-timer. Made in Canada.
M4-P – 1980–86. Added rangefinder framelines for the 28 mm and 75 mm lenses.
M6 – 1984–98. A camera that first combined the M3 form factor with a modern, off-the-shutter light meter with no moving parts and LED arrows in the viewfinder. Informally referred to as the M6 "Classic" to distinguish it from the "M6 TTL" models, and to indicate its "Classic" M3 dimensions.
M6J – 1994. A collector's edition of 1,640 cameras to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Leica M System. Notable for its introduction of the 0.85 magnification finder, the first high-magnification finder since 1966, and the basis for the 0.85 cameras to follow starting in 1998.
M6 0.85 – 1998. The M6 could be optionally ordered with a .85 magnification viewfinder for easier focusing with long lenses and more accurate focusing with fast lenses, such as the 50 mm/f1.0 Noctilux and 75 mm/f1.4 Summilux. The 28 mm framelines are dropped in this model. 3,130 of these cameras were made (all black chrome), so they are among the rarer non-commemorative M6's.
M6 TTL – 1998–2002. With .72 and .85 viewfinder versions. From 2000 the .58 viewfinder camera for eyeglass wearers are added to the line. Supported TTL flash. The added electronics added 2mm of height to the top plate, and the shutter dial was reversed from previous models (traditionally, turning clockwise increased shutter speed).
M7 2002–2018. Has TTL exposure, aperture priority and manual exposure, electronic shutter and two mechanical speeds of 1/60 and 1/125. Comes in .58, .72, and .85 viewfinder formats, each with different brightline framelines. Same taller top plate and counter-clockwise shutter dial as the M6 TTL. Leica even produced an M7 made of solid titanium, and offered it in a kit with 1 or several like titanium colored lenses.
MP – 2003 – current model (as of 2015). 35 mm film. A homage to the original MP, the new MP (this time standing for "Mechanical Perfection") cosmetically resembles the original (even down to changing the rewind crank back to a knob) but is functionally closer to the M6 Classic. A notable improvement over the M6 was the modification of the rangefinder to eliminate flare. The Leicavit M is an accessory introduced with the new MP, allowing trigger wind with the right hand at speeds up to 2–2.5 frame/s. The MP is available in chrome and black paint and with viewfinders of .58, .72 and .85 magnification.
M-A (typ 127) – 2014 – current model (as of 2015). A 35 mm film camera with no light meter or other electronic components. It is available in silver chrome or black chrome, and has a .72 magnification viewfinder as standard.
A La Carte Program – as – present. Program to facilitate custom-built combinations of metal finish, leather type, viewfinder magnification, and custom engraving of some current Leica models (e.g., the M-A (typ 127) is not eligible).
M (rangefinder) digital series
M8 – 2006–09. The M8 was the first digital M introduced, featuring a 10.3 megapixel sensor. The sensor is a 1.3 crop of standard 35 mm film, which gives the M8 an enlarged perspective in comparison to its predecessors.
M8.2 – 2008–09. A slightly updated edition of the Leica M8, featuring a quieter shutter, sapphire glass LCD screen cover, new leather coatings, etc. Because both the M8 and M8.2 sensors lack an infrared filter, an IR-cut filter in front of the lens is required to render some synthetic material colors correctly.
M9 – 2009 – The first full frame digital camera in the series, introduced on September 9, 2009.[22]
M9-P – 2011 – The full frame digital camera with a classic look, introduced in June/July 2011.[23]
M Monochrom – 2012 – Announced in May 2012, scheduled for retail sale in July 2012. A version of the M9 that shoots exclusively in monochrome. The sensor lacks both a color filtering array and an anti-aliasing filter.[24][25]
M-E (Type 220) – 2012 – Announced in September 2012, entry-level model in the Leica M full-frame digital camera range.
M-P (Type 240) – 2014 – Announced in August 2014, 2GB buffer and sapphire LCD cover.
Leica M Monochrom (Type 246) – 2015 – Announced in April 2015, 2GB buffer and sapphire LCD cover.
Leica M (Typ 262) – 2015 – Announced in November 2015, no video and live view, aluminum top plate.
Leica M-D (Type 262) – 2016 – Announced in April 2016, no back screen.
Leica M10 – 2017 – Announced in January 2017, the slimmest digital M-camera to date, identical dimensions as the M series film cameras, ISO control knob on the top plate, 0.73x magnification viewfinder. On the technical specification side, it features a 24×36 full-frame CMOS sensor made specially for M10. The sensitivity is between 100 and 50,000 ISO. It allows shooting up to 5 frames per second. The chassis is made of magnesium alloy. It can connect to a smartphone via Wi-Fi with the M-App application.
Leica M10P – 2018– Announced in August 2018, 24MP compact camera. The M10P has quieter shutter than Leica M10.
L-mount mirrorless (dual-scale sensors and lenses)
The Leica L-mount was first introduced by the Leica T (Typ 701), an APS-C mirrorless camera, in April 2014. In October 2015, the second camera, Leica SL (typ 601), was introduced. The SL is a full frame mirrorless camera. The two camera mounts are mechanically and electronically 100% compatible. The only difference is a small gap around the SL mount for the SL lens sealing to cover dust and spray on the Leica SL.
SL-series (full-frame sensor)
Leica SL (Typ 601)
Leica SL (Typ 601) is a full frame 35 mm format mirrorless system camera announced by Leica on October 20, 2015. The Leica SL is promoted as a camera system for professional applications. Beside the Leica S-System, the Leica SL-System is the second professional camera in the company's product portfolio.
TL- and CL-series (APS-C sensor with matched lenses)
Leica T (Typ 701) – In 2014, Leica announced Leica T (Typ 701), the first camera with a body made completely of aluminum. Initially there were two available lenses for the camera, the Leica Summicron-T 23 mm f/2 ASPH and the Leica Vario-Elmar-T 18–56 mm f/3.5–5.6 ASPH. More lenses have been announced for 2015.[28]
Leica TL – The Leica TL is the successor of the Leica T (Typ 701).
Leica TL2 – The Leica TL2 is the successor of the Leica TL.
Leica CL – The camera was introduced November 21, 2017.
Non-Leica (Sigma and Panasonic)
Sigma and Panasonic joined forces with Leica to form the L-mount Alliance on 25 September 2018, and licence the L-mount system for their own lines of lenses and cameras.[29]
Three forthcoming cameras were announced on the same day as the alliance:
S-series reflex (digital medium format)
Leica S1 – The Leica S1 Pro is a scanner camera with a very high resolution (26 megapixels) for stationary use introduced in 1996. On a 36×36 mm2 sensor 5140×5140 pixels get scanned and optically transferred to a connected computer. The object lens adapter system was exchangeable, thus object lenses of the systems Leica R, Leica M, Hasselblad, Mamiya 4, 5×6, and all mechanic object lenses from Canon (FD), Nikon, etc. can be used with the S1. The software for the S1 is a special SilverFast version, originally developed by LaserSoft Imaging for high-end scanners. Approximately 160 cameras were built and mostly sold to museums, archives and research institutes. Later on Leica introduced the S1 Highspeed with very quick scanning and the S1 Alpha with half the resolution to the market.
Leica S2 – In 2008, Leica announced[32] plans to offer an S-System – DSLR with a Kodak-made custom CCD image sensor measuring 30×45 mm and containing 37 million pixels.[33] This sensor has a 26% longer diagonal and 56% larger area than a "full-frame″ 24×36 mm DSLR sensor and outputs an approximately 5000x7500 pixel image. The Leica S2 is thus essentially a medium format camera in a "35 mm SLR"-sized body. The new "Maestro" image processor used in the S2 was developed by Fujitsu based on the Milbeaut[34] and the autofocus system (Leica's first to see production) was developed in house. The S2 series body, lenses and accessories were available in 2009.[35] A series of new Leica lenses is manufactured specifically for the S2 and Leica claims they offer unsurpassed resolution and contrast at all apertures and focusing distances, even exceeding the sensor's capabilities. Lenses offered for the S2 include Summarit-S in normal (70 mm), wideangle (35 mm), and macro (120 mm) varieties, and Tele-Elmar (180 mm) portrait-length telephotos; these are available in versions that feature integrated multi-leaf blade shutters ("Central Shutter", or CS), in addition to the focal-plane shutter in the camera body, to enable higher flash sync speeds.[36]
Leica S (Typ 006) – Leica announced the Leica S (Typ 006) in September 2012. It replaces the Leica S2, having a new sensor board with improved noise characteristics.
Leica S (Typ 007) – Leica announced the Leica S (Typ 007) in September 2014. It replaces the Typ 006's CCD with a new CMOS image sensor. It offers improved noise characteristics, stills at 3.5 frames/second, and 4K video.
Q-series large-sensor compact cameras
Leica Q (Type 116) compact full frame camera with a Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH lens was officially announced on June 10, 2015.[37] Its successor, the Q2 with a 47,3 Megapixel full frame sensor, was launched in March 2019.
Sofort-series instant cameras
Leica Sofort was announced in September 2016 at Photokina. It is Leica's first instant film camera and is compatible with both Leica's own film packs as well as Fuji Instax Mini film. It features a 60mm lens, modes for normal and macro photography and a host of pre-sets for applications like selfies and fast moving sports photography.
Early digital cameras
Digilux-series digital system cameras
Digital compact camera series
Leica D-LUX 6 (2012)
C-Lux series (year of introduction) C-LUX 1 (2006) C-LUX 2 (2007) C-LUX 3 (2008)
D-Lux series (year of introduction)
D-LUX (2003) D-LUX 2 (2005) D-LUX 3 (2006) D-LUX 4 (2008) D-LUX 5 (2010) D-LUX 6 (2012) D-LUX (Typ 109) (2014) D-LUX 7 (2018)
V-Lux bridge camera series (year of introduction) V-LUX 1 (2006) V-LUX 20 (2010) V-LUX 2 (2010) V-LUX 30 (2011) V-LUX 3 (2011) V-LUX 40 (2012)[40] V-LUX 4 (2012) V-LUX (Typ 114) (2014) V-LUX 5 (2019)
X series
Introduced with the Leica X1 on September 9, 2009. APS-C size sensor in a compact body. No viewfinder (hotshoe finder optional), fixed prime lens.
In May 2012, the company introduced its successor, the Leica X2.[41]
In 2013 the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) was announced: a compact body with a 16.2 MP APS-C size sensor, a fixed variable-aperture zoom (F3.5 – F6.4, 28–70 mm equivalent) and no viewfinder (plug-in electronic viewfinder optional).[42]
In 2014, Leica announced two updates on the series: the Leica X-E (Typ 102) featuring a 24 mm f/2.8 lens and the Leica X (Typ 113) which has a 23mm f/1.7 lens.
C series
On September 8, 2013 Leica announced the Leica C (Typ 112), a compact camera with an electronic viewfinder based on the Panasonic DMC-LF1.[43]
Compact film cameras
C (point and shoot) series
The first Leica compact camera, made by Minolta (1989–1991)
AF-C1 (1989)
C2 Zoom (1991)
Z2X (1997)
Leica CM 40 mm
Leica CM Zoom
Mini series
Leica Mini (1991)
Leica Mini II (1993)
Leica Mini Zoom (1993)
Leica Mini III (1995)
Minilux series
Leica Minilux 40 mm (1995)
Leica Minilux Zoom (1998)
Cx series
C1 (2000)
C2 2002 made in China
C3 2002
Single lens reflex
Leicaflex
Leicaflex – 1964/5 – sometimes called the Standard – built-in external light meter, clear focusing screen with centre microprism spot. There was a great deal of pressure to introduce a Leica SLR because of the phenomenal success of the Nikon F (1959).
Leicaflex SL and SL MOT – 1968 – TTL selective-area metering, slightly taller body than its predecessor, long-lived and lovely to use. MOT model took a large and heavy motor drive. Only about 1,000 SL MOTs were made.
Leicaflex SL2/SL2 MOT – 1974 – refinement of the SL with more sensitive light meter and improved body shape. Some thought this the toughest 35 mm SLR ever built. The Leica Solms museum has an SL2 MOT on display, with Motor and 35 mm Summicron, that survived a 25,000-foot (7,600 m) fall from a Phantom II fighter jet. It was battered but in one piece, and deemed repairable by Leica. Only about 1,000 SL2 MOTs were made. The SL2 was the last of the Leicaflexes. It reportedly cost Leitz more to manufacture than it recouped in sales, and motivated the company to collaborate with Minolta for their next series of electronic cameras. The SL2 was also the last mechanical Leica SLR for 14 years.
R series
Leica R8
Leica S2
Leica R3 – the first electronic Leitz SLR – 1976 to 1980, based upon the Minolta XE/Minolta XE-1/XE-7. The first few were built in Germany and then production was transferred to the Leitz Portugal factory.
Leica R4 – 1980–87 a new compact model based upon the Minolta XD-7/Minolta XD-11. The R4 set the design for all cameras up to and including the R7. The R4 offered Program mode, Aperture and Shutter Priority, and Manual, with Selective and Centerweighted metering. The original R4MOT differed in designation only; all R4s and up accepted motors and winders. The R4S and R4S Mod2 were simplified models at slightly lower prices.
Leica R5 and R-E – 1987 – revised electronics (R5 had TTL flash capability), the RE was a simplified model.
Leica R6 – 1988–92 mechanical shutter, relied on battery power only for the built-in light meter.
Leica R7 – 1992 – yet more advanced electronics.
Leica R8 – 1996–2002 – complete redesign, this time in-house with production relocated back to Germany. All traces of Minolta gone.
Leica R9 – 2002–09 – refinement of the R8 with 100g less weight and a new anthracite body finish. This model and its range of lenses was discontinued in 2009. R8/R9 DMR Digital Module-R[44] – 10 megapixel digital back for the R8/R9, making them the first 35 mm SLR cameras able to capture to film or digitally. This unit was discontinued in 2008.[45]
Leica R10 – While Leica announced in July 2009 that an R10 is forthcoming, so far one has not been released, and is unlikely given previous announcements from Leica.[36]
Co-operation
L-Mount Alliance with Sigma and Panasonic
During the 2018 Photokina in Cologne, Leica announced that Sigma and Panasonic had become licencees of the L-mount platform. The three companies would form a strategic and technical alliance, yet remain independent.[46]
Leica and Panasonic
Leica-branded lenses, such as some Nocticron, Elmarit and Summilux lenses, have been used on many Panasonic (Matsushita) digital cameras (Lumix) and video recorders since 1995. Panasonic/Leica models were the first to incorporate optical image stabilization in their digital cameras.[47] Several Panasonic/Leica lenses have been produced for the Micro Four Thirds mount, including the 12 mm f/1.4 Summilux, 15 mm f/1.7 Summilux and 25 mm f/1.4 Summilux prime lenses, and zooms including a 12–60 mm f/2.8–4 and 100–400 mm f/4–6.3.
Leica and Valbray
Valbray EL1 limited edition in black for 100th anniversary of Leica camera panorama
In 2014, to commemorate Leica camera's 100th anniversary, they partnered with Swiss watch manufacture Valbray to develop a limited edition chronograph wristwatch with Valbray's signature Leica aperture inspired dial.[48]
Leica and Huawei
Since 2016, Leica has established partnership with the Chinese telecommunications company Huawei, and Leica cameras will be co-engineered into Huawei smartphones, including the P and Mate Series. The first smartphone to be co-engineered with a Leica camera was the Huawei P9.[49]
Leitz and Minolta
Leica and Minolta signed a technical cooperation agreement in June 1972.[50]
Minolta XE chassis became the basis for the Leica R3 SLR – cooperative development with Copal on the 'Copal-Leitz Square' electronic shutter module, with advanced gear train and self-timer.
Minolta XD chassis and microelectronics became the basis for the Leica R4 SLR. Several lenses for the above cameras including the MC/MD 24mm F2.8 (Leica Elmarit-R, glass by Minolta but case Made In Germany); the (1983) MD Zoom 35–70 F3.5 (Vario-Elmar-R); (1978) Minolta MD 75–200 F4.5.
Leica 'Leitz-Minolta' CL and CLE (Compact Leica Electronic) Minolta co-designed and produced the following lenses for the above cameras: M-Rokkor 40mm F2 (Summicron-C – Made in Germany); M-Rokkor 90mm F4 'Made by Leitz in Germany' (Elmar-C – Made in Germany and later in Japan by Minolta). This lens was solely designed by Minolta, being remarkable for one of a few Japanese lenses to be made in Germany. The lens elements were produced by Minolta in Japan. 'M-Rokkor 28mm F2.8. This lens is not the same as any of the Leica M 28mm F2.8's, being a 7 element, 5 group design[51] while contemporary Leicas were 8e/6g (Elmarit II '72–'79 and Elmarit-M III '79–'93). The M-Rokkor was sold for less about half the price – however Modern Photography tests indicated that performance was as good as the Leica equivalent. This is supported by user experiences and modern tests.[52][53]
List of Leica lenses
Leica screwmount (M39) lenses
Elmar 50 mm f/3.5 collapsible
Hektor 50 mm f/2.5 collapsible
Summar 50 mm f/2 collapsible and rigid (very rare)
Xenon 50 mm f/1.5 rigid
Summitar 50 mm f/2 collapsible
Summarit 50 mm f/1.5 collapsible
Summicron 50 mm f/2 collapsible (1953)
Leica M lenses
Elmar 135 mm f/4.0
| Speed | Name | 21mm | 24mm | 28mm | 35mm | 50mm | 75mm | 90mm | 135mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| f/4.0 | |||||||||
| Super-Angulon |  | ||||||||
| Macro Elmar | | ||||||||
| Elmar | | ||||||||
| Tele-Elmar | | ||||||||
| Tri-Elmar ASPH | 16-18-21mm | ||||||||
| 28-35-50mm | |||||||||
| f/3.8 | Elmar ASPH. | | |||||||
| f/3.5 | Summaron | | |||||||
| f/3.4 | Super-Elmar ASPH. | | |||||||
| Apo-Telyt | | ||||||||
| f/2.8 | Elmar | | |||||||
| Elmarit | | | | | |||||
| Elmarit ASPH. | | | | ||||||
| Tele-Elmarit | | ||||||||
| f/2.5 | Summarit | | | | | ||||
| f/2 | Summicron | | | | |||||
| Summicron ASPH. | | | |||||||
| APO Summicron | | | | ||||||
| f/1.4 | Summilux | | | | |||||
| Summilux ASPH. | | | | | | ||||
| f/1.25 | Noctilux | | |||||||
| f/1.2 | Noctilux | | |||||||
| f/1 | Noctilux | | |||||||
| f/0.95 | Noctilux ASPH. | | |||||||
Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21 mm f/4 ASPH.
Tri-Elmar-M 28–35–50 mm f/4 ASPH.
Super-Elmar-M 18 mm f/3.8 ASPH.[54]
Summilux-M 21 mm f/1.4 ASPH.
Elmarit-M 21 mm f/2.8
Elmarit-M 21 mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Super-Angulon-M f/3.4
Super-Angulon-M f/4.0
Summilux-M 24 mm f/1.4 ASPH.
Elmarit-M 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Elmar-M 24 mm f/3.8 ASPH.
Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6.
Summilux-M 28 mm f/1.4 ASPH.
Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH.
Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8
Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Summilux 35 mm f/1.4
Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH.
Summicron-M 35 mm f/2
Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH.
Summarit-M 35 mm f/2.5
Noctilux-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH.[55]
Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1[56]
Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2[57]
Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25
Summilux 50 mm f/1.4
Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH.
Summarit 50 mm f/1.5
Summicron-M 50 mm f/2
Apo-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH.[58]
Summarit-M 50 mm f/2.5
Elmar-M 50 mm f/2.8
Summilux-M 75 mm f/1.4[59]
Apo-Summicron-M 75 mm f/2 ASPH.
Summarit-M 75 mm f/2.5
Note: Noctilux means f/0.95-f/1.2, Summilux means f/1.4, Summicron means f/2, Summarit means f/2.5 in the current lineup (f/1.5 in one of the 50 mm), Elmarit means f/2.8, and Elmar means f/3.5-f/4. Noct, Lux and Cron are commonly used as short forms for Noctilux, Summilux and Summicron, respectively. For example, 50 Cron uniquely identifies the Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 construction, although the exact version is not specified. Many Leica M lenses went through several revisions through the years.
Leica R lenses
Lens APO TELYT R 4/180
Leica 15 mm f/3.5 Super-Elmar-R – 1980 (Carl Zeiss design)
Leica 15 mm f/2.8 Super-Elmarit-R ASPH – 2001
Leica 16 mm f/2.8 Fisheye-Elmarit-R – 1970 (Minolta design and glass production)
Leica 19 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version
Leica 19 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version – 1990
Leica 21 mm f/4.0 Super-Angulon-R – 1968–1992 (Schneider-Kreuznach design)
Leica 21 mm f/3.4 Super-Angulon-R – 1968 (Schneider-Kreuznach design)
Leica 24 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R – 1970 (Minolta design and glass production)
Leica 28 mm f/2.8 PC-Super-Angulon-R (Schneider-Kreuznach design)
Leica 28 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version – 1970
Leica 28 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version – 1994
Leica 35 mm f/4.0 PA-Curtagon-R (Schneider-Kreuznach design)
Leica 35 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version – 1964
Leica 35 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version
Leica 35 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 3rd version
Leica 35 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 4th version (Built-in lens hood; 55mm filter)
Leica 35 mm f/2.0 Summicron-R 1st version – 1970
Leica 35 mm f/2.0 Summicron-R 2nd version – 1976
Leica 35 mm f/1.4 Summilux-R
Leica 50 mm f/2.0 Summicron-R 1st version – 1964
Leica 50 mm f/2.0 Summicron-R 2nd version – 1977 (built-in lens hood, 3-cam and R-cam only version)
Leica 50 mm f/1.4 Summilux-R 1st version
Leica 50 mm f/1.4 Summilux-R 2nd version
Leica 50 mm f/1.4 Summilux-R 3rd version – 1997 (ROM contacts)
Leica 60 mm Macro-Elmarit-R 1st version – 1972 – outside bayonet lens hood fitting
Leica 60 mm Macro-Elmarit-R dn2 version
Leica 75 mm f/2.0 Elcan-R code C-341 – extremely rare
Leica 80mm f/1.4 Summilux-R
Leica 90 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version – 1964–1996
Leica 90 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version – 1983
Leica 90 mm Summicron-R 1st version – 1969
Leica 90 mm Summicron-R 2nd version –
Leica 90 mm APO-Summicron-R ASPH – 2002
Leica 90 mm f/1.0 Elcan-R – extremely rare
Leica 100 mm f/4.0 Macro-Elmar-R bellows version
Leica 100 mm f/4.0 Macro-Elmar-R helical version
Leica 100 mm f/2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R
Leica 135 mm Elmarit-R 1st version – 1965
Leica 135 mm Elmarit-R 2nd version
Leica 180 mm f/4 Elmar-R – 1976
Leica 180 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version
Leica 180 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version
Leica 180 mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-R – 1975–1998
Leica 180 mm f/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R – 1998
Leica 180 mm f/2.0 APO-Summicron-R
Leica 180 mm f/3.4 Elcan-R code C-303 – extremely rare
Leica 250 mm f/4.0 Telyt-R 1st version
Leica 250 mm f/4.0 Telyt-R 2nd version
Leica 280 mm f/4.8 Telyt-V
Leica 280 mm f/4.0 APO-Telyt-R
Leica 280 mm f/2.8 APO-Telyt-R – 1984–1997
Leica 350 mm f/4.8 Telyt-R
Leica 400 mm f/6.8 Telyt-R – 1968–1994
Leica 400 mm f/5.6 Telyt-R
Leica 400 mm f/2.8 APO-Telyt-R – 1992–96
Leica 450 mm f/5.6 Elcan-R, code C-329 – extremely rare
Leica 500 mm f/8 MR-Telyt-R
Leica 560 mm f/6.8 Telyt-R – 1971–1995
Leica 560 mm f/5.6 Telyt-R – 1966–1973
Leica 800mm f/6.3 Telyt-S – 1972–1995 (sold, during a promotional campaign, with a "free tripod" — a VW Fox)
Leica modular APO-Telyt-R 260/400/560 head
Leica modular APO-Telyt-R 400/560/800 head
Leica 21 mm–35 mm f/3.5–f/4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom – 2002
Leica 28 mm–70 mm f/3.5–4.5 Vario-Elmar-R zoom
Leica 28 mm-90 mm f/2.8-4.5 Vario-Elmarit-R ASPH
Leica 70–180 mm f/2.8 Vario-APO-Elmarit-R zoom
Leica 35–70 f/4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom
Leica 35–70 mm f/3.5 Vario-Elmar-R zoom (Minolta design and glass production)
Leica 35–70 mm f/2.8 Vario-Elmarit-R ASPH zoom – 2000 (only 200 were made)[62]
Leica 70–210 mm f/4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom (Minolta design and glass production)
Leica 75–200 mm f/4.5 Vario-Elmar-R – 1976–1984 (Minolta design and glass production)
Leica 80–200 mm f/4.5 Vario-Elmar-R zoom
Leica 80–200 mm f/4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom
Leica 105–280 mm f/4.2 Vario-Elmar-R zoom
Leica S lenses
Super-Elmar-S 1:3.5/24 mm Aspherical
Elmarit-S 1:2.8/30 mm Aspherical
Elmarit-S 1:2.8/30 mm Aspherical CS
Summarit-S 1:2.5/35 mm Aspherical
Summarit-S 1:2.5/35 mm Aspherical CS
Elmarit-S 1:2.8/45 mm Aspherical
Elmarit-S 1:2.8/45 mm Aspherical CS
Summarit-S 1:2.5/70 mm Aspherical
Summarit-S 1:2.5/70 mm Aspherical CS
Summicron-S 1:2/100 mm Aspherical
Apo-Macro-Summarit-S 1:2.5/120 mm
Apo-Macro-Summarit-S 1:2.5/120 mm CS
TS-APO-Elmar-S 1:5.6/120 mm Aspherical (Schneider-Kreuznach design)
Apo-Elmar-S 1:3.5/180 mm Aspherical
Apo-Elmar-S 1:3.5/180 mm Aspherical CS
Vario-Elmar-S 1:3.5-5.6/30–90 mm Aspherical
Leica SL lenses
Vario-Elmarit-SL 1:2.8-4 / 24–90 ASPH.
APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 1:2.8-4 / 90–280
Summilux-SL 1:1.4 / 50 ASPH.
APO-Summicon-SL 1:2 / 75 ASPH.
APO-Summicon-SL 1:2 / 90 ASPH.
Summicon-SL 1:2 / 35 ASPH. – announced
Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 1:3.5-4.5 / 16–35 ASPH.
Leica Summilux-C Lenses (PL mount cinema lenses)
16 mm T/1.4
18 mm T/1.4
21 mm T/1.4
25 mm T/1.4
29 mm T/1.4
35 mm T/1.4
40 mm T/1.4
50 mm T/1.4
65 mm T/1.4
75 mm T/1.4
100 mm T/1.4
135 mm T/1.4
Leica Summicron-C Lenses (PL mount cinema lenses)
15 mm T/2.0
18 mm T/2.0
21 mm T/2.0
25 mm T/2.0
29 mm T/2.0
35 mm T/2.0
40 mm T/2.0
50 mm T/2.0
75 mm T/2.0
100 mm T/2.0
135 mm T/2.0
Leica / Leitz enlargers
Focomat IIc
Leitz Valoy and Valoy II – manual focus, later versions of the Valoy II were grey in colour. Valoy II normally equipped with Focotar 50 mm f1:4.5 code name DOOCQ, and used with extension ring DOORX.
Leitz Focomat Ia – same as Focomat 1C, that is with autofocus, but the head does not tilt back to allow for easy insertion of negative.
Leitz Focomat Ib
Leitz Focomat Ic – sometimes fitted with Kienzle colour head. Produced with Focotar 50 mm f1:4.5 and 2nd version Focotar-2 50 mm f1:4.5. Changes in Focotar name or focal length designation do not necessarily coincide with the optical formula. The Focotar-2 was always the same formula. The 50 mm exists in two versions. The 1c helical accommodates lenses of various makes. Available in "Color" version with filter drawer and lighted enlargement factor scale. Many small design variations exist.
Leitz Focomat IIa – 35 mm–6×9 format, dual lens turret on later versions that fitted a 5 cm Elmar f1:3.5 or Focotar 1:4.5, and a 9.5 cm f1:4.5 Focotar, autofocus. The early version has a single helical that accommodates lenses of any make. Available in "Color" version with filter drawer and lighted enlargement factor scale.
Leitz Focomat IIc – 35 mm–6×9 formats, dual lens stage rather than turret, autofocus. First produced with Focotar 6 cm f1:4.5 and Focotar 9.5 cm f1:4.5, later with Focotar 60 mm and V-Elmar 100 mm f1:4.5, still later with Focotar 60 mm and Focotar II 100 mm f1:5.6. 6 cm and 60 mm Focotars appear to be the same optical design. Kienzle or other colour heads sometime fitted. Only very slender enlarging lenses fit the IIc helicals. Available in "color" version with filter drawer and lighted enlargement factor scale.
Leitz Focomat II (modified for American military), code EN-121A – extremely rare
Vincent electrical shutter (for enlarger) – extremely rare
ELCAN 52mm enlarger lens (20×–25× enlargements) – extremely rare
ELCAN 20mm enlarger lens (40×–75× enlargements) – extremely rare
Leitz/Leica Focomat V35 – mechanical autofocus – 40 mm f/2.8 Focotar lens – colour or Multigrade (variable contrast) heads. 1978–95. With the 40 mm lens – wider than normal – the V35 could make 16x20 prints (16x) directly on the baseboard, and larger prints if the baseboard was reversed for floor projection.
Financials
Leica was traded as LCA1 on the Frankfurt stock exchange until October 2012.
See also
Hektor (lens)
The Leica Historical Society of America
Walter Mandler
Valbray