The path to modern photography as we know it today was paved over 100 years ago: through a forward-thinking idea, a bold decision, and excellent craftsmanship and engineering. Ernst Leitz, Oskar Barnack, and the very first 35mm camera, the Leica I, made history in this endeavour.
Ernst Leitz (1871–1956) was far more than a successful entrepreneur. He was a visionary who revolutionized the world of photography. And at the same time, he proved that economic success and profound moral action go hand in hand. He is the namesake of our hotel.
Wilhelm Oskar Barnack (1879–1936) was head of development at Leitz and invented the 35mm camera. It is known as the original Leica and marks the beginning of Leica's camera production. Oskar Barnack is the namesake of our restaurant OSKAR’S.
I hereby decide: We will take the risk.
Ernst Leitz, 1924
When Ernst Leitz took over his father's optical factory in Wetzlar in 1920, photography was at a turning point. Large, heavy plate cameras were the standard at the time. Then Oskar Barnack, a talented developer within the company, had a groundbreaking idea: a tiny camera that used motion picture film.
Despite a difficult market situation and against the advice of almost all experts, Leitz made the bold decision in 1924: "I hereby decide: We will take the risk." With these words, he launched the series production of the first Leica (Leitz Camera). His statement has since become a guiding principle of the Leica philosophy – especially when it comes to boldly implementing new ideas.
Would you like to immerse yourself even deeper into the work of Ernst Leitz and the history of Leica? Then visit Leica World with its interactive Ernst Leitz Museum.
From 1911, Oskar Barnack worked at Leitz, first as a precision mechanic, then as head of development. He was an amateur photographer himself, but his asthma prevented him from carrying the large, heavy cameras of the time. This sparked his inventive spirit. In 1913/14, he developed a smaller, lighter camera with the same high image quality: the original Leica. It was the first camera ever to use 35mm film in landscape format. This format corresponds to the 24x36mm 35mm film format and made photography portable and suitable for everyday use.
The original Leica was born, but there was a problem: mass production entailed many economic risks, and the company's reputation was at stake. There was also considerable internal resistance. Ernst Leitz II put an end to the discussions and made the decision: the starting signal for mass production.
A spirit of innovation, pioneering thinking and the willingness to break new ground: these cornerstones still define Leica's philosophy today.
Carl Kellner founds the Optical Institute in Wetzlar.
Ernst Leitz I takes over the company and renames it the Ernst Leitz Optical Institute. The company initially manufactures exclusively microscopes and is very successful.
The Leitz company already enjoys a global reputation. Its product range will soon be expanded to include binoculars and cinema projectors for film screenings.
Oskar Barnack begins developing Leica cameras.
Ernst Leitz II takes over the management of the company.
Despite the difficult economic climate, Ernst Leitz decides to mass-produce Barnack's 35mm camera. This camera, the Leica I, is the world's first 35mm camera.
The Leica I is officially presented at the Leipzig Spring Fair. Its success is enormous and completely unforeseen.
over 68.000 Leica cameras have been sold.
Historical data provided to the best of our knowledge, but without guarantee of completeness or accuracy.
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