Leicas

Leicas is a term used for cameras produced by Leica Camera AG and its historical predecessors, notably Ernst Leitz GmbH. The brand is associated with compact, robust bodies and high-quality optics, and it covers a range of 35mm rangefinder cameras as well as modern digital models.

Origins trace to Oskar Barnack’s Ur-Leica, a pioneering 35mm camera developed in the 1910s. The first commercially released Leica, the Leica I, appeared in 1925 and helped establish 35mm photography, interchangeable lenses, and a standardized film format under the Leica name.

The M-series holds a central place in Leica’s history. Introduced with the Leica M3 in 1954, the line unified a bayonet lens mount with a coupled rangefinder and compact form. Over the decades the M-series evolved through numerous models (M4, M6, M8, M9, M10, M11), maintaining a reputation for optical excellence and straightforward operation, now including digital capabilities.

Leica also produced the R-series SLRs from the 1960s into the 2000s, later followed by digital variants such as the R8 and R9 before the line was discontinued. In the 2010s Leica expanded into mirrorless formats with the SL system and established a broader L-mount alliance that enables interoperability with other manufacturers’ lenses and bodies. The company also markets premium fixed-lens cameras, such as the Leica Q with a fast 28mm lens, and continues to offer both digital and film options.

Lenses are a core part of the Leica identity. Notable families include Summicron, Elmar, and Noctilux, renowned for sharpness, contrast, and distinctive rendering. Leicas remain highly regarded for craftsmanship and retain strong value among collectors and professionals.