Leica

Leica Camera AG is a Germany company that designs, manufactures, and markets cameras, lenses, binoculars, and rifle scopes, etc. Arguably the most legendary marque in photography, Leica remains widely loved by enthusiasts.

Prior to WWII, Leica pioneered the 35mm photographic camera, using the standard cinema 35mm film by turning the transport 90 degrees to obtain a frame size of 36 x 24 mm rather than the 24 x 18 mm of cinema use. With it, Leica also led with the idea of producing large prints from a small negative.

In 1930, Leica introduced an interchangeable lens system based on a 39mm thread, the Leica Thread Mount (LTM), with the Leica I. Leica II added a rangefinder coupled to the focusing mechanism. Leica III and its refinements gradually added more features.

In 1954, Leica M3 introduced the bayonet-like M mount. The camera also combined the rangefinder and viewfinder. Leica also manufactured a range of single-lens reflex cameras (SLRs).

In recent decades, Leica has become a niche brand serving a wealthy clientele. Its current lineup comprises: