100 Years of Leica: A Century of Innovation and Iconic Photography

In 2025, Leica Camera AG proudly celebrates the centennial of the Leica I, the pioneering 35mm camera that revolutionized photography upon its debut at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1925. This milestone not only honors a century of innovation but also pays tribute to the photographers and moments that have defined visual storytelling.

A Century of Photographic Excellence
The Birth of 35mm Photography
Leica’s story began in the early 20th century with Oskar Barnack, an engineer at Ernst Leitz Optische Werke in Wetzlar, Germany. In 1913, Barnack developed the Ur-Leica, the world’s first 35mm camera designed for handheld photography. At a time when cameras were bulky and relied on large glass plates, Barnack’s invention was revolutionary. It used perforated 35mm cine film, enabling photographers to take multiple exposures on a single roll—an innovation that would redefine modern photography.



After years of refinement, the Leica I was officially introduced in 1925 at the Leipzig Spring Fair, marking the beginning of the Leica legacy. With its compact size, precision optics, and ease of use, the Leica I quickly gained popularity among photographers, particularly in the fields of documentary and street photography.


Leica’s Role in Shaping Photojournalism
Throughout the 20th century, Leica cameras became the tool of choice for some of the greatest photographers in history. The compact and discreet nature of Leica rangefinders allowed photojournalists to capture candid, spontaneous moments—ushering in a new era of reportage and documentary photography.

Legendary photographers such as Henri Cartier Bresson, Robert Capa, Alfred Eisenstaedt, and Elliott Erwitt relied on their Leica cameras to document world events with intimacy and immediacy. Capa’s powerful images of the D-Day landings in 1944, Cartier-Bresson’s decisive moment philosophy, and Eisenstaedt’s famous V-J Day kiss in Times Square were all captured using Leica cameras.


The Iconic M-Series and Beyond
Leica continued to innovate, and in 1954, it introduced one of its most influential models—the Leica M3. Featuring an integrated rangefinder, a bright viewfinder, and the now-iconic M-mount system, the M3 became an instant classic and remains one of the most celebrated cameras ever made.

The M-Series has since evolved while staying true to its roots, with models like the Leica M6, which became a favorite among photographers in the 1980s and 1990s, and the Leica M11, which brings modern digital technology to the rangefinder experience.

Leica also pioneered autofocus technology with the Leica R8 and R9 SLRs, and in the digital age, it has continued to push boundaries with models like the Leica Q-series, the Leica SL full-frame mirrorless system, and even the Leica Monochrom, a dedicated black-and-white digital camera.


Leica’s Cultural and Luxury Status
Beyond its technological advancements, Leica has also cemented itself as a luxury brand synonymous with craftsmanship and exclusivity. The company’s collaboration with Hermès, its limited-edition models, and its reputation for handcrafted excellence have made Leica cameras a status symbol among collectors and enthusiasts.

Leica’s influence extends beyond photography, with partnerships in the world of cinema, fashion, and lifestyle. Leica lenses have been used in filmmaking, and the brand’s unmistakable red dot has appeared in collaborations with brands like Apple, Moncler, and Master & Dynamic.

100 Years of Excellence—and the Future of Leica
As Leica celebrates its 100th anniversary, it stands at the intersection of heritage and innovation. The company remains committed to high-quality optics, handcrafted cameras, and a philosophy that values precision and artistic expression. With advancements in AI-driven photography, computational imaging, and hybrid optical-digital systems, Leica continues to redefine what’s possible in the photographic world.

Whether you’re a professional photographer, an avid collector, or simply an admirer of fine craftsmanship, Leica’s century-long journey is a testament to its enduring impact on photography and visual storytelling.

Commemorative Releases and Collaborations
To honor this centenary, Leica has unveiled a series of special edition products and collaborations:

Leica M11 100 Years of Leica Edition: This exclusive camera features unique engravings and serial numbers, celebrating Leica's rich heritage.

Anniversary Accessories Collection : Leica has partnered with esteemed brands to create limited-edition items, including:
Steiff for Leica: Collector’s Teddy bears
Collector’s bears “Elsie” and “Ernst”: Named after important family members of the Leitz dynasty – Elsie Kühn-Leitz and Ernst Leitz II – these handmade Teddy bears, designed with great attention to detail, are part of a special edition of 500 each.
Teddy bear “Cuddle”: A charming Teddy bear in the Leica look for photography enthusiasts of all ages.

Graf von Faber-Castell for Leica: Exquisite writing instruments, such as The Perfect Pencil and the Perfect Pen, featuring engravings inspired by Leica's legacy.

Additional Collectibles: Items like a 3D puzzle of the Leica I, a crafting set with Leica M-Camera paper cut-outs, and elegant accessories like keyrings and cufflinks.


100 years book:
We would also like to celebrate Leica’s 100 Year Jubilee with a publication. Anyone who loves Leica, and wishes to learn more, will find 100 stories in this book related to the Leica legend: curious incidents; the most important moments; experiences of people who have helped shape the brand; milestones in camera history – and, of course, pictures that reflect the great diversity of the world of Leica. This book is full of history and stories.

The documentary movie Leica - a Century of Vision
Director and producer Reiner Holzemer is renowned for his compelling documentaries on world famous photographers such as William Eggleston, August Sander, Anton Corbijn and Juergen Teller, as well as his work with the Magnum Agency.
Holzemer´s latest film, LEICA – A CENTURY OF VISION, explores a hundred years of Leica’s journey. From its transformative role in the golden age of photojournalism to its enduring legacy in modern photography. Through archival footage, expert interviews, and striking visuals, the film delves into how Leica captured history through the eyes of legends like Henri Cartier-Bresson, who famously described his Leica camera as “an extension of his eye.”
From wars and societal change, to art and culture, Leica documented it all. Today, the tradition continues as contemporary photographers use the Leica to confront urgent global issues, such as climate change, gender equality, and conflict zones. While technology has shifted from analogue to digital, photographers still trust the same reliable tool as their predecessors – the Leica, a synonym for high-quality products and outstanding design, Made in Germany. “There is nothing like it,” says former Police guitar player Andy Summers, one of the film’s featured photographers.

Global Celebrations and Exhibitions
Under the theme 100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century, Leica is hosting a series of events worldwide, including:
International Events: Celebrations in major cities such as Dubai, Milan, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo, featuring cultural projects and special product editions throughout the year.
Anniversary Week in Wetzlar: A highlight event at Leica's headquarters in June, showcasing the brand's history and future innovations.
Leica Galleries Exhibitions: One exhibition per month in a different Leica gallery under the theme “In Conversation. A photographic dialogue between yesterday and today”.

Reflecting on a Legacy
As Leica commemorates this significant milestone, it reflects on a legacy built over a century. From the groundbreaking Leica I to the latest innovations, the brand has consistently set benchmarks in design, quality, and performance. This centenary is not just a celebration of Leica's history but also a tribute to the photographers who have used Leica cameras to capture the world around them.