The “Leica: An Illustrated History” book, Vol. I & II by James Lager have been reissued as a 100th-anniversary deluxe limited edition, reprinted with an introduction by Dr. Andreas Kaufmann (Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera). The new edition includes new images and discoveries in the world of Leica. Volume I is all about cameras, and Volume II is all about lenses. You can purchase the book at:
The original edition is available on Amazon and eBay. Check also the “Leica: An Illustrated History” Volume 3 for accessories. More Leica books are available on Amazon.
Additional information:
The “Leica: An Illustrated History” by James L. Lager (often referred to as Jim Lager) is a renowned series originally published in the 1990s, focusing on the legacy of Leica cameras and equipment. Volumes I and II, which cover Cameras and Lenses respectively, have been long out of print but were recently reissued in redesigned, reedited, and reprinted form to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Leica’s first commercially available camera. This reissue enhances the original content with improved image quality while preserving the eye-catching photographs and detailed historical insights that made the books collector’s items. The volumes are presented in elegant leatherette covers with inset photographs and gold-stamped text, echoing rare deluxe editions from Leica’s past, and each copy features a unique translucent tipped-in page with Lager’s hand signature. Both editions are hardcover, with ISBNs listed as 9798998660122 (Deluxe) and 979899660139 (Art). The books are being printed on demand, with shipping starting from mid-August 2025 (now available as of November 2025).
- Volume I: Cameras: This volume provides a comprehensive illustrated history of Leica cameras, detailing their evolution, technical specifications, rare variants, and historical significance. It includes high-quality images of models, from early prototypes to classic rangefinders, along with in-depth discussions of design innovations and production details.
- Volume II: Lenses: Focused on Leica lenses, this book explores their optical development, manufacturing processes, and performance characteristics. It features detailed photographs and diagrams of various lens types, including rare and prototype examples, along with historical context on how they shaped photography.
