Leica

Leica Camera AG is a German company specializing in the production of digital and analog cameras for both consumer and professional use. In addition to cameras, the company also manufactures lenses for them, as well as binoculars, spotting scopes, rifle scopes, and rangefinders.

Founded in 1849, the company began developing photographic cameras in 1913 and started serial production of cameras in 1925. "Leica" is an abbreviation of "Leitz Camera." The company was formerly known as Ernst Leitz GmbH. Leica Camera AG is 45% owned by The Blackstone Group.

It was founded in 1849 by engineer Carl Kellner, who established an optical institute in Wetzlar. Initially, the company produced microscopes, but in the early 20th century engineer Oskar Barnack developed the first compact 35mm camera—the Leica I (Ur-Leica, 1913).

In 1954, Leica introduced the Leica M3—one of the most iconic cameras in photographic history. Documentary photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Capa used it to create masterpieces of street photography.

In 1986, the company Leitz changed its name to Leica and relocated its factory from Wetzlar to the nearby town of Solms.