The camera brand is celebrating a centenary of revolutionising photography with a series of exciting new releases
It’s hard to imagine a time when snapping a quick photo of your surroundings wasn’t as easy as pulling out your phone. Even before smartphone photography took over, we had digital and film cameras – small enough to carry in your bag and ready for when inspiration struck.
In 1924, however, such a device did not exist. Back then, cameras were big, clunky boxes, often with a separate, hand-held flash – hardly portable by modern standards. Capturing a photograph was an event; we’ve all seen those austere family portraits where everyone looks sombre and staged. Snapping a quick holiday photo to show your mum? Not a chance.
Then, in 1925, everything changed. At the 1925 Leipzig Spring Fair in Germany, Leica unveiled the world’s first mass-produced camera: the Leica I. It was the first-ever compact 35mm camera, setting this type of portable piece as the new global standard. For the first time in history, it was possible to capture real life as it happened, leading to the birth of modern photojournalism and fine-art photography.
Fast forward 100 years and it’s safe to say that Leica has a lot to celebrate. To commemorate its centenary, the brand has created a series of special-edition cameras and lenses, as well as exhibitions in Leica galleries all over the world (including a London event this November). And in June, it held its headline celebration at its headquarters in Wetzlar, where it unveiled its four celebratory editions: the M11-D, D-Lux 8, SOFORT 2 and Trinovid 10×40.
The M11 is the anniversary collection’s front-cover splash, with special international city-themed editions including New York and Wetzlar Germany versions. It’s essentially a modern interpretation of the Leica I, featuring details like solid brass top and base plates, the removal of the now-iconic red Leica symbol and a textured finish on the shutter release button all pulled straight from the original design. It also comes with rehashes of the original lenses.
Being a birthday edition, each camera bears a “100” logo on the hot shoe cover and an individual serial number. They’ll be available from spring next year.
But right now, you can get your hands on the D-Lux 8, Sofort 2 and Trinovid binocular anniversary editions. The cameras have also had vintage facelifts, with 1925-inspired details and “100” logos to mark the milestone. There are just 100 pairs of the reissued Trinovid available, too – all stamped with the “100” logo on the front of the lens barrel.
And if you want to know even more about Leica’s 100 years of revolutionising photography? Simply turn your attention to 100 Leica Stories, the just-released book that recaps the brand’s 100-year legacy and cult status – and, of course, features some truly epic photographs.
