Leica is observing a truly historic moment in 2025: the 100th anniversary of the Leica I camera. You might know the name Leica, but the introduction of the Leica I was more than just a product launch; it was an event that irrevocably altered the landscape of photography.
Before the Leica I, cameras were often bulky and cumbersome, limiting where and how images could be made. When it was unveiled at the Leipzig Trade Fair in 1925, the Leica I, as the first 35mm camera to be mass-produced, represented a paradigm shift. Its compact, portable design was a marvel of engineering for its era, offering unprecedented freedom and spontaneity. This innovation didn't just make cameras smaller; it unlocked entirely new genres of photography, empowering individuals to capture the world around them with an ease previously unimaginable. The theme chosen for this centennial year, "100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century," aptly encapsulates the brand's profound and enduring role in documenting the human experience and historical events across the globe. Leica cameras became extensions of the eye for many who recorded history, from grand international events to the quiet, everyday moments that define our lives.
The journey to the Leica I is inseparable from the ingenuity of Oskar Barnack. Barnack, who led the test department at Ernst Leitz Werke, was a visionary. Shortly before the outbreak of World War I, he conceived and constructed the "Ur-Leica," a revolutionary device that utilized 35mm standard perforated cinema film for still photography. His idea was elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful: a camera that was compact enough to be carried in a jacket pocket, yet capable of producing high-quality negatives that could be enlarged. This vision, which received the crucial backing of Ernst Leitz II, aimed to provide a precise and portable instrument for both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs to chronicle the full spectrum of life's occurrences. The "Ur-Leica," while remaining a personal device for Barnack and now owned by Leica Camera AG and not for sale, saw its pioneering design principles lay the direct groundwork for the Leica I. Preceding the Leica I was a small batch of prototypes known as the 0-Series.
Two years before the Leica I officially entered production in 1925, the Ernst Leitz Werke manufactured a few of these 0-Series cameras, with serial numbers running from 101 to approximately 125. These were not initially intended for commercial sale but served to test the market and refine the design that would soon revolutionize photography. Today, the confirmed existence of almost a dozen of these Leica 0-Series cameras makes each one an almost mythical artifact. Their rarity, coupled with their status as direct forerunners of a camera that changed visual culture and as crucial tools that helped usher in the age of photojournalism, makes them extraordinarily sought-after by collectors and museums worldwide.
Treasures at Auction: The Legacy of Early Leicas
If you are a dedicated collector of photographic history or simply fascinated by these seminal devices, the opportunity to acquire a Leica 0-Series camera is exceedingly rare, usually only occurring at specialized auctions. The intense desire for these cameras within the collecting community is clearly demonstrated by the prices they command. The last three 0-Series cameras that have come to auction each sold for sums exceeding two million Euros.
Leitz Photographica Auction, operating as the official auction house of Leica Camera AG, has become a key venue for these significant sales, specializing in vintage Leica products and other rare photographic equipment. Their expertise and connection to the Leica heritage bring a unique level of trust and excitement to these events. In 2018, the auction house made headlines by establishing a new world record for the most expensive camera ever sold when the 0-Series No. 122 fetched 2.4 million Euros, including the buyer's premium. This remarkable record was then dramatically surpassed in 2022. The 0-Series No. 105, which notably was Oskar Barnack's personal camera, was auctioned for an unprecedented 14.4 million Euros (including the premium), a figure that still stands as the world record.
In celebration of the Leica I's centenary, Leitz Photographica Auction is set to present another of these historic treasures: the Leica 0-Series No. 112. The auction will take place on June 27th, during the Leica Century Event at Leica Welt, the company's headquarters in Wetzlar, Germany. This specific camera, now over a century old, stands as one of the very first 35mm cameras ever constructed. Its assembly was completed in 1923, and significantly, No. 112 was personally inspected and accepted by Oskar Barnack himself. For the auction, the bidding for Leica O-Series No. 112 is slated to begin at 800,000 Euros (approximately $872,500 USD). However, pre-auction estimates suggest it could reach between 1.5 and 2 million Euros (approximately $1.6 to $2.2 million USD). Alexander Sedlak, the Managing Director of Leitz Photographica Auction, highlighted the profound impact these cameras have: "A O-series for sale certainly draws the attention of the international collector's scene." He further noted that "these prototypes laid the foundation for modern photography." The auction of such a legendary camera, especially during the 100th-anniversary celebrations, is a particularly momentous occasion. The Leica O-Series No. 112 was first presented to the public during Milan Design Week in April 2025, displayed at the Leica Store Milano from April 4th. The full auction catalogue for Leitz Photographica Auction 46 is set to be released in May.
Beyond the O-Series No. 112, the auction preview in New York, held from May 2nd to 3rd at Leica's Pop-Up Gallery (405 West 13th Street), showcased other extraordinary rarities. Among them is the 100th Leica camera serially produced: a Leica I Mod. A with an Anastigmat lens, bearing the serial number 225. This camera was delivered to the British advertising and marketing agency Ogilvy in 1925 and is presumed to be the first Leica to have reached the United Kingdom, adding a unique piece of distribution history to its value. Another highlight is an M-series camera with a special history: the Leica M3 bearing the serial number 700,000. This particular camera was presented as a gift to Stefan Kruckenhauser, a renowned pioneer in sports photography and skiing. Kruckenhauser is celebrated in the photographic community for his dynamic, richly contrasting images of the Austrian mountains and is even regarded as the "inventor" of Wedeln skiing. This M3, bearing the first serial number of all M cameras, is an exceptional collector's item that has been featured in numerous publications.
A Century of Witnessing: Global and Local Celebrations
Throughout 2025, Leica is orchestrating a series of international events to mark this historic anniversary. Major cities including Dubai, Milan, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo will host cultural projects and unveil exclusive special product editions. The pinnacle of these global festivities will be the anniversary week scheduled for June at the company's headquarters in Wetzlar, Germany. Adding to the commemorative spirit, the extensive global Leica Gallery network will feature high-caliber exhibitions presenting works by renowned photographers.
A Dialogue Through Time: Davidson and Messinger Exhibition
A cornerstone of the New York centennial celebration is the landmark exhibition titled "In Conversation: A Photographic Dialogue Between Yesterday and Today." This special showcase features the work of Leica Hall of Fame winner Bruce Davidson alongside that of renowned contemporary artist Sara Messinger. The exhibition is being held at the Leica Store and Gallery New York (406 W 13th St) and runs from May 1st through June 15th, 2025. This exhibition is part of a series of twelve such pairings happening in Leica Galleries worldwide, each linking a contemporary talent with one of the Leica Hall of Fame winners, fostering a conversation between photography of the past and present.
Bruce Davidson images
The New York exhibition specifically places Davidson's iconic 1959 series, "Brooklyn Gang," in dialogue with Messinger's contemporary project, "Teenagers." This juxtaposition creates a compelling conversation across decades, centered on the theme of youth. Teenagers have perennially been a subject in photography, offering glimpses into their ever-evolving yet timeless spirit. In 1959, Bruce Davidson, then only 25 years old himself—not much older than the youths he depicted—immersed himself in the world of a Brooklyn gang known as The Jokers. He became a daily photographer of their alienated youth culture, capturing their lives with an unflinching yet empathetic eye. This work evolved into the classic photo project, "Brooklyn Gang," a collection of images portraying tough individuals and challenging lives, which ultimately captured a potent vision of youth in post-war New York City. Davidson himself explained the profound connection he formed: "Capturing the daily lives of The Jokers allowed me to witness their fear, depression, and anger that bonded many of them together in a time of need." He added, "I soon realized that I was feeling some of their pain. In staying close to them, I uncovered my own feelings of failure, frustration, and rage."
Inspired by Davidson's immersive approach, Sara Messinger has dedicated the past four years to documenting a group of New York City youth. By embedding herself in the lives of her young subjects, Messinger not only captures their unique stories but also embarks on her own journey of self-discovery, connecting her past experiences to the untethered, vibrant lives of those she photographs. Messinger acknowledged Davidson's influence directly: "Bruce Davidson's Brooklyn Gang left a profound impression on me and ultimately shaped my philosophy as a photographer." She elaborated, "His way of working by embedding himself in the world that he was documenting, became pivotal in my own practice as a photographer. I aim to capture both intimacy and honesty, and through that, many of my subjects have also become close personal friends over time."
Sara Messinger images
This powerful gallery exhibition presents the raw, gritty, and emotionally resonant work of both artists. Their photography lies at the forefront of documentary practice, expressing deep emotion through a strong sense of storytelling. Through their respective lenses, Davidson and Messinger have demonstrated that although significant time separates their projects, the open, vulnerable, and resilient heart of the New York City teenager remains a compelling constant. If you visit the Leica Store & Gallery New York, you will have the opportunity to experience the enduring legacy of Leica and observe how these two photographers have left a lasting impression on their community and the broader world of photography. The exhibition of Sara Messinger's work was realized with the kind support of WhiteWall, who printed the images. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
A Collector's Piece: The Leica M11 100 Years of Leica "NEW YORK USA"
To further commemorate this significant anniversary, Leica has released an exclusive special edition camera: the Leica M11 100 Years of Leica "NEW YORK USA". This model became available on May 1st, 2025, and is offered for purchase only within the United States. With a strictly limited production run of just 100 units, this special edition camera is engraved with the city's name, "NEW YORK USA," making it a true rarity for collectors and enthusiasts. The price of this model is $10,695.
This anniversary edition of the legendary rangefinder camera incorporates several unique features that distinguish it as a collector's item. An individual engraving on the top plate prominently displays "NEW YORK USA" in combination with the traditional "Leica" script engraving. The camera boasts a premium glossy black paint finish. This finish is inspired by historical M-Cameras and is designed to create a distinctive patina over time – an unmistakable characteristic that reflects the individual story and handling of each camera. A harmonious aesthetic is achieved through the combination of silver-chromed control elements, including the shutter release button, the on/off switch, and the ISO and speed dials, all of which are decorated with elaborate and tactile cross knurling. Stylish black cowhide armoring lends an understated elegance to the camera; its distinctive texture is a deliberate throwback to the legendary vulcanite leathering found on earlier Leica models, offering both a refined look and a secure grip. Further details underscore the uniqueness of this special edition: a black chrome-plated hot shoe cover features the anniversary logo "100"; a subtle black screw is used instead of the traditional red Leica logo on the front; each camera bears a special serial number from 001/100 to 100/100; and a certificate of authenticity accompanies each unit.
The Leica M11 100 Years of Leica will also be released in five other distinctive country-specific versions, each also limited to just 100 units. These editions are "MILAN ITALY," "DUBAI UAE," "SHANGHAI CHINA," "TOKYO JAPAN," and "WETZLAR GERMANY." Each of these releases will feature unique engravings and special serial numbers, making them true collector's items, and they will be available exclusively for purchase in their respective countries.
A Conversation With Leica
We spoke with Andrea Pacella, Leica’s VP of Global Marketing & Communication, about Leica's past and future.
1. How has Leica's original vision of photography evolved?
If we really consider the original vision of Oskar Barnack and Ernst Leitz II—which was about giving photographers, both professionals and simple amateurs, a tool small enough and precise enough to be able to witness the events of life, both the historical ones and the small ones of everyone's life—this vision has not changed. Technology has allowed the creation of cameras and lenses that are always better, but the spirit has stayed the same, as proven by our actual brand campaign, "The World Deserves Witnesses."
2. Leica cameras captured many historic moments; which photographs or events most vividly represent the legacy of Leica?
I may say Eisenstaedt’s picture of the sailor kissing the nurse in Times Square on V-J Day in 1945, or Mahatma Gandhi's funeral shot by Cartier-Bresson, but the legacy of Leica is not built on a single picture. Rather, if you look at the history of the twentieth century, almost all the pictures that define it were shot on a Leica.
3. Leica is synonymous with precision engineering. What principles have remained unchanged in Leica's craftsmanship over 100 years?
The principle that innovation must create a clear benefit for the customer, the strive for perfection in every mechanical, optical, and electronic element of our cameras and lenses, the handmade precision craftsmanship approach, and above all, the concentration on the essential, represented by our motto, "Das Wesentliche."
4. How does Leica balance tradition with innovation in today's rapidly evolving photography industry?
For me, tradition is nothing but a series of coherent innovations. The Leica M11 is still heavily based on the Leica M3 of 1954, of which it is an incredible evolution—perfect for the needs of today's photographers.
5. Leica sensors are renowned for a distinctive aesthetic-how intentional is this look, and what goes into developing it?
It is distinctive because it is as close to reality as possible. When we started making digital cameras, the goal was to be as close to the classic film look as possible, to make pictures and their colors natural.
6. Leica has a passionate and loyal community. What do you believe fosters such an emotional connection to the brand?
A Leica is not only a tool you use to take pictures. It is an object you tend to love and cherish—something that goes with you a long time in life, something passed from one generation to another. The sense of community is based on the pleasure of finding others who share the same feelings. When two strangers, each with a Leica, happen to meet anywhere in the world, it is highly likely that they stop and talk, make acquaintance, or at least exchange a nod and a smile.
7. How has user feedback specifically influenced the development of recent Leica camera models?
We keep a continuous connection with photographers who use our cameras. We listen to them, try to understand their needs, learn their photographic approaches, and through this we then aim our research and development to try and fulfill their expectations.
8. Could you discuss Leica's approach to collaborating with contemporary photographers and artists?
It is an ongoing process, based on friendship and mutual respect. One of our fundamental values is authenticity, and this is the basis of every relationship. We do not give importance to the fame or followers of the artists we collaborate with, but only to their quality—first as people, and then as artists—and to their love for our cameras and our brand.
9. Leica cameras are known for their durability. How important is sustainability in your product lifecycle approach?
Sustainability is fundamental, and proven by the fact that you can use lenses made 70 or 80 years ago with today's cameras with no problem, and that we can still repair cameras and lenses made in the '50s and '60s. Moreover, the long lifecycle of our cameras—around four or five years between one model and its successor—is a guarantee for our customers to keep the value of their purchase high and stable over time.
10. In the era of smartphone photography dominance, how does Leica attract new generations of photographers?
We are not scared by the predominance of smartphone photography today. We think that everything that helps foster the love for photography is positive, and this is proven by the launch we just recently made of the LUX app for iOS, developed to help create stunning images in Leica style with a simple iPhone.
11. Which Leica camera or lens release marked the most pivotal moment in your recent history?
Defining "recent" in a company celebrating its 100 years of selling cameras (and over 150 years of life...) is not easy. Let us say that one of the most pivotal moments was the launch of the Leica M9 in 2009, when Leica—finally, after some years of difficulties—made it back on the market with a product finally up to the expectations of its clients in the new digital photography world.
12. Can you discuss the philosophy behind your limited-edition cameras and collaborations, and their significance to your brand?
As said before, for many of our customers Leica cameras are also objects of desire—something they love to own and collect. Our special editions are always limited runs of cameras or lenses that pay homage to our legacy, and as such, they contribute to keeping this legacy alive. Brand collaborations, on the other hand, come from opportunities to work with designers we admire, or brands with whom we share values and philosophies, to give new interpretations to our products and make them interesting for new audiences.
13. How important is photographic education and philanthropy to Leica, and what initiatives does Leica support in training and nurturing new talent?
Photographic education is fundamental to growing understanding and passion for photography, and there we can count on our Leica Academy, which is now established worldwide. On the other hand, the Leica Oskar Barnack Award—and especially its Newcomer Award—fulfill the role of supporting the work of photographers and fostering the growth of new talents.
14. Looking forward, what technological innovations excite Leica's development team most?
The next frontier is to understand how AI can become a support for the development of photography and not only a threat. We are already ahead in this field, as we have been the first brand to integrate Adobe's Content Authenticity Initiative in our cameras, and we remain highly attentive to every innovation coming up in the market.
15. As Leica celebrates its 100th anniversary, what does this milestone mean to you personally and to the brand as a whole?
For me personally, it is an honor and a big responsibility to be driving the communication of such a prestigious brand in such a pivotal moment in its history. I'm definitely lucky to have such a task to fulfill. For the brand, it is a moment to approach with pride and a sense of fulfillment, but also with great commitment to what will be the road ahead.
16. If you could pick one Leica camera to represent the spirit of the brand's first century, which model would it be and why?
It could easily be the Leica I, which represented the revolution in photography, or the Leica M3, which started the legacy of the M system in 1954. But I would probably choose the Leica M6—the most successful and probably still the most beloved Leica camera ever.
17. What do you hope photographers and Leica enthusiasts will remember or appreciate most about Leica in another 100 years?
Our love, commitment, and dedication to photography for over one century.
The Enduring Philosophy: 'Das Wesentliche' and Beyond
Leica's enduring appeal and its century of success are deeply rooted in a core philosophy encapsulated by the German phrase "Das Wesentliche," which translates to "the essential." This principle is not merely a marketing slogan; it is a guiding light for the company's approach to design, engineering, and the very experience of photography. It signifies a relentless concentration on what truly matters, stripping away the superfluous to deliver tools that are both highly functional and intuitively usable. This philosophy mandates that every innovation must create a clear and tangible benefit for you, the person using the camera. It drives the unwavering pursuit of perfection in every mechanical, optical, and electronic component of their cameras and lenses. The commitment to a handmade, precision craftsmanship approach is another pillar of this philosophy, ensuring that each Leica product is not just manufactured, but meticulously created.
This dedication to exceptional quality and quintessential German craftsmanship, seamlessly integrated with innovative technology, has been the hallmark of the Leica brand for over 150 years, even predating the Leica I camera. Leica Camera AG remains headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany, the birthplace of the Leica story, and operates a second production facility in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, ensuring that its high standards are maintained across its manufacturing operations. The company has also strategically expanded its expertise into related fields, including mobile imaging through partnerships for smartphones, high-quality eyeglass lenses, watch manufacturing, and even the home cinema segment with its own projectors.
A collection of Leica 100 accessories
A vital and integral part of the Leica brand's culture is its profound and active commitment to fostering photographic culture worldwide. This commitment is not passive; it is expressed through a variety of initiatives. The approximately 30 Leica Galleries serve as crucial cultural mediators, showcasing a dynamic balance of contemporary photography and the timeless works of past icons. These galleries take on significant social responsibility by promoting art and knowledge.
The Leica Akademie, established worldwide, continue the brand's storied tradition of photographic education, offering immersive, hands-on workshops designed to grow understanding and passion for the medium. Furthermore, Leica supports and nurtures talent through prestigious international awards like the Leica Hall of Fame Award, which honors photographers who have made outstanding contributions to the brand and the medium, and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA). The LOBA, particularly its Newcomer Award, plays a crucial role in supporting the work of emerging image-makers and fostering the growth of new talents in the field.
For those interested in the heritage and preservation of these historic instruments, Leica Camera Classics, a specialized branch located in Vienna, Austria, plays a unique role. This facility specializes in vintage cameras, with an impressive display of approximately 1,500 devices in its store at Westbahnstraße 40. Critically, it also houses the largest spare parts warehouse for historic Leica cameras in the world. This unparalleled inventory allows on-site technicians to inspect historic Leica cameras to the highest collector standards and, when necessary, restore them with authentic components before they are offered at the prestigious Leitz Photographica Auction. This auction, organized twice a year in June and November by Leica Camera Classics, is widely regarded as the world's most important auction of vintage cameras, attracting bidders from over 100 countries. In addition to auctions, around 5,000 products are permanently offered in the LCC online store.
Echoes of History: Iconic Images Captured With Leica Cameras
The legacy of Leica is inextricably linked to the countless iconic images that have been captured with its cameras over the past century. These photographs are not just pictures; they are visual markers of history, culture, and human emotion. As Pacella noted, if you examine the history of the twentieth century, a vast number of the photographs that define that era were shot on a Leica. This underscores the profound impact these compact, reliable cameras had in the hands of those who witnessed and documented the world. One of my personal favorites, Robert Capa, was a big Leica user.
Examples of such historically significant images that are part of Leica's narrated visual history include:
- Franz Hubmann's "Stammgast im Café Hawelka, Wien, 1956/57," available in its original form at Picture Alliance.
- Jewgeni Chaldej's powerful "Die Flagge des Sieges, 1945," also available in original at Picture Alliance.
- Thomas Hoepker's depiction of "Muhammad Ali, Chicago, 1966," available at Picture Alliance showing Hoepker with the work in an exhibition.
- Elliott Erwitt's "New York City, 1974," featured at Picture Alliance with a visitor in an exhibition.
- Robert Capa's "Death of a Loyalist Soldier, 1936," shown in an exhibition context through Getty Images and Picture Alliance.
- Henri Cartier-Bresson's "The Banks of the Marne, 1938," depicted in an exhibition setting via Getty Images.
- Alfred Eisenstaedt's "VJ Day, Times Square, NY, August 14, 1945," available through Getty Images (showing Edith Shain) and Picture Alliance (showing Carl Muscarello) in exhibition contexts.
- René Burri's "San Cristóbal, Mexico, 1976," shown with the photographer at Picture Alliance.
These images, and countless others, are a testament to Oskar Barnack's original vision: to provide a tool that would empower individuals to become witnesses to their times. The legacy of Leica is not just in the cameras themselves, but in the enduring power of the photographs they helped create.
All images used with permisson of Leica.
