Inside Leica`s factory in Wetzlar
Leica is one of the oldest names in photography, and has long been one of the most prestigious. Since the 1920s, Leica`s high-quality miniature cameras have set a standard for mechanical precision arguably unmatched by any other manufacturer, and for decades, many of the world`s best photojournalists used Leica rangefinders to document the defining events of the 20th Century.
Almost 100 years after the introduction of the original Leica (a name formed by combining Leitz, the name of the parent company, with `Camera`) Leica Camera AG is still going strong, and still based in its original hometown of Wetzlar, Germany.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Wetzlar to see for myself how Leica`s lenses are put together. Flip through the images above for a tour of the facility.
Inside Leica`s factory in Wetzlar
Leica was founded in Wetzlar, and has (mostly) been based there ever since. As such, the company has strong links with the town, the bars and cafes of which benefit from a steady stream of Leica fanatics that make the pilgrimage to the company`s birthplace.
I`m not sure what to call this piece - fan art, I suppose? - I found it in the window of an art gallery in Wetzlar`s town center. If you hurry, it might still be available for sale.
Inside Leica`s factory in Wetzlar
The main reception area in Leitz Park is half art gallery space and half showcase. Alongside regularly updated exhibitions, visitors can learn about the history of Leica cameras, and when I was visiting, a temporary exhibition was focusing on some of the many other manufacturers that Leica - let`s say - influenced.
Inside Leica`s factory in Wetzlar
These might look like classic screw-mount Leica rangefinders, but in fact they`re products of some of the many brands that after World War II, copied the basic design with varying degrees of success. Some, like Canon and Taylor-Hobson`s well-engineere ...
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