Next year (2025), Leica will celebrate 100 years since the release of their first 35mm film camera:
“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.” (Wikipedia)
“The Leica 1(A) was the first commercially available Leica 35mm camera. The Leica, designed by Oscar Barnack, was announced in 1924 and sold to the public in 1925. The Leica was an immediate success and was responsible for popularizing 35mm film photography. An early example from the first series of production Leica cameras made in 1926/1927 is shown here–Leica 1(A), serial number 5024 with Leica 50mm F3.5 Elmar Lens and cap. Unlike subsequent Leica models, the lens on this camera cannot be changed. The camera is fitted with a focal-plane shutter with speeds from 1/20 to 1/500 second. The Leica model 1(A) was to be the basis for all subsequent Leica film cameras for the next 30 years.” (Smithsonian)
Leica already acknowledged the anniversary this year, but I somehow think there will be more to it in 2025:
2024: 70 years of Leica M cameras and 100 years since the production of the Leica I
The history of Leica: from 35mm rangefinder camera to the Huawei P20 triple lens smartphone
History of Leica (video) and “20 fascinating facts you didn’t know about the camera maker”
