|
1913 |
1st
prototype
 |
Oscar Barnack (1879-1936), researcher at the Leitz’s factory of
Wetzlar, develops a prototype of photographic camera, using 35 mm
cinema film. Use of this film, in a reduced format of 24 x 36 mm,
allows Barnack to imagine a very compact camera for that period.
This camera has a single achromatic lens and no shutter. |
|
1923 |
LEICA pilot
production
 |
At the end of WWI, Oscar Barnack restarts his project of compact
camera. He improves its concept and its ergonomics by having the idea
to link together film advance with the reload mechanism of the
shutter.
Barnack asks Max Berek (1886-1949) to develop a small size lens able
to be adapted on his camera. Then, Berek creates the famous Elmar
1:3.5 f=50 mm.
The Leitz company decides to produce a pilot production of 6 cameras
named LEICA (contraction of LEItz and CAmera). |
|
1925 |
LEICA I
 |
Official commercialization of the LEICA, equipped with the Elmar 1:3.5
f=50 mm, starts this year. These starts are laborious as people,
probably accustomed to large negative format, remain distant from the
smallness of the 24 x 36 mm format.
But soon, the outstanding quality and the compactness of this camera
make this one receives the plebiscite of photographers. The small
dimensions of this camera make its very discreet, allowing illustrated
reports without people’s knowledge.
Characteristics of the LEICA I are the following :
 |
Focal
shutter |
|
Speeds from 1/20 to 1/500 of second and B |
|
Lens Elmar 1:3.5 f=50 mm |
|
Galilean viewfinder (and later on, removable rangefinder mounted on
a special stand). |
|
|
1926 |
LEICA Compur
|
This special model has been produced to ensure a better promotion of
the 24 x 36 film format in the opinion of general public.
The addition of a Compur shutter allowed to lower the price of the
camera and therefore to make it less expensive than a regular LEICA I.
On the other hand, this camera does not have the shutter rearmament
coupled with film advance.
The production of LEICA Compur was left in 1930. |
|
1930 |
LEICA I for
interchangeables lenses
|
LEICA I is a big success and the general public is requesting more
lenses.
Leitz company decides to modify the LEICA I and to adapt it with a
screw mount, based on a thread of 100. |
|
1930 |
Lenses |
Arrival of
3 new lenses :
|
Elmar 1:3.5 f=35 mm |
|
Hektor 1:2.5 f=50 mm |
|
Elmar 1:4.5 f=135 mm
|
|
|
1931 |
Stereoly
 |
No new development this year except the stereoscopic adapter Stereoly.
Attached in front of the Elmar lens, this equipment was giving two
juxtaposed images of 18 x 24 mm each, which were inscribed in the 24 x
36 mm format. |
1932 |
LEICA
standard
|
The
LEICA standard is identical to the LEICA I except on two points :
|
The film advance button can be pulled in order to help its
prehension. |
|
The LEICA standard is available in two different finishes: black or
chromed. |
This
camera series uses serial numbers from 101.001 to 355.650. This camera
is known in US under the designation of "Model E". |
|
1932 |
LEICA II
(or LEICA
Couplex)
|
Considering the efficiency of the removable telemetric system which
was proposed in addition of the Galilean viewfinder of the LEICA I,
Leitz takes the decision to develop a new camera - the LEICA II – with
a build in rangefinder. |
|
1932 |
Lenses |
Arrival of
3 new lenses :
|
Elmar 1:4 f=90 mm |
|
Elmar 1:6,3 f=105 mm
|
|
|
1933 |
LEICA III
 |
This model is not an improvement of the LEICA II.
The main change is the addition of a range of low speeds. The shutter
now operates from 1 to 1/500 of second, with B and T.
Other modification: a hinged lens, with a magnification coefficient of
x1.5, is added on the rangefinder for a better comfort.
It is also with the LEICA III that holes are added allowing the fixing
of a strap. The camera is proposed in black or chromed finish. |
|
1933 |
LEICA 250
 |
At that time, photoreporters are fervent users of LEICA cameras. To
their request, Leitz company invents the LEICA 250 based onto a LEICA
III. The production of this model will remain very limited.
The main interest of the LEICA 250 is in its docking back able to host
10 meters of 35 mm film. This is giving to this camera a capacity of
250 views. Its other characteristics remain identical than the LEICA
III. |
|
1933 |
Summar 1:2
f=50mm
|
Arrival of
2 new lenses :
|
Summar 1:2 f=50 mm |
|
Hektor 1 :4,5 f=135 mm |
Production of the Hektor 1:2.5 f=50mm is stopped. |
|
1935 |
LEICA IIIa
 |
Arrival of the “a” series.
The maximum shutter speed is increased to 1/1000 of second. |
|
1935 |
Lenses |
Arrival of
3 new lenses :
|
Hektor 1:6,3 f=28 mm |
|
Thambar 1:2,2 f=90mm (blurred lens for special effects) |
|
Telyt 1:4,5 f=200 mm
|
|
|
1935 |
Nooky
|
Production of the Nooky.
This equipment can be fixed onto the Elmar 50 mm allowing macro
photography up to 50 cm |
|
1936
|
Decease of Oscar Barnack on January 16th, 1936. |
|
1936 |
Leicavit
|
Arrival of
the Leicavit.
This device allows fast reloading of the shutter mechanism. |
|
1937 |
Lenses |
Arrical of two new lenses:
|
Telyt 1:5 f=400 mm |
|
Xenon 1:1,5 f=50 mm
|
|
|
1938 |
LEICA IIIb
|
Arrival of the « b » series.
Changes relate to the focusing organs. Rangefinder and viewfinder are
grouped together.
The focusing of the rangefinder is done using a lever located around
the film advance button. |
|
1938 |
Leica Motor
|
Arrival of the Leica-Motor allowing shooting of 12 views.
This new device complements the Leicavit. |
|
1939
|
200.000 LEICA cameras have been produced by Leitz. |
|
1939 |
Lenses |
Arrival of the lens Summitar 1:2 f=50 mm in replacement of the Summar
1:2 f=50mm. |
|
1940 |
Visoflex I |
Arrival of the Visoflex I. This auxiliary device is offering a reflex
viewfinder. |
|
1941 |
LEICA IIIc
|
Arrival of the « c » series.
The demand for LEICA cameras is now such important that Leitz must
change its manufacturing processes.
From that year, camera bodies are made of cast iron. The camera cover
is now in one single part.
Performances of the shutter are increased; this one reaches now 1/1000
of second. |
|
1942 |
LEICA IIIc
Luftwaffe
|
This model is a LEICA IIIc in grey color. It has been adapted to
resist to low temperatures. This camera was installed onboard of
observation planes during WWII.
In addition of its special color, this camera has another distinctive
characteristic than others LEICA IIIc: the letter « K » is marked at
the end of its serial number as well as on the first curtain of the
shutter. |
|
1943 |
Lenses |
Arrival of the lens Summarex 1:1.5 f=85 mm in replacement of the
former Xenon 1:1.5 f=50 mm |
|
1948 |
LEICA IIc
|
Equivalent to the LEICA IIIc but its shutter speed is limited to 1/500
of second and does not have low speeds.
10.999 cameras of this model have been produced. |
|
1949 |
LEICA Ic
|
With this camera, Leitz enters the research laboratory market.
Intended for scientific and technical activities, LEICA Ic has neither
viewfinder nor rangefinder.
It is used for the photography with a microscope. On the top are
located two stands allowing to adapt a viewfinder or of one external
rangefinder. |
|
1949 |
Summarit
1,5 f=50mm
|
Arrival of two new lenses :
|
Summaron 1:3.5 f=35 mm in replacement of the Elmar 1:3.5 f=35 mm |
|
Summarit 1:1,5 f=50 mm in replacement of the Xenon 1:1,5 f=50 mm. |
|
|
1949 |
Duplication
bellows |
Manufacturing of a duplication bellows which complements the Visioflex
I for macro photography. |
|
1950 |
LEICA IIIf
|
Arrival of the «f » series.
This range of cameras is adapted for flash bulbes. The shutter has a
delaying mechanism allowing to trigger the shutter curtain only when
the light is at its maximum efficiency.
The synchro-flash speed can be adjusted according to the
characteristics of the flash bulb and the selected aperture.
The range of speeds is 1/30 – 1/40 – 1/60 – 1/100 and 1/200 of second.
Speeds are written using a black serigraphy. |
|
1951 |
LEICA IIf
|
Similar to the LEICA IIIf camera but without low shutter speeds.
The range of synchro-flash speeds is still written using a black
serigraphy. |
|
1952 |
LEICA IIIf
|
Change in the range of synchro-flash speeds. This one offers now the
following setting : 1/25 – 1/50 – 1/75 – 1/100 – 1/200 and 1/500 of
second.
The range of synchro-flash speeds is now written using a red
serigraphy. |
|
1952 |
LEICA IIf
|
Change of the range of synchro-flash speeds is also applied on this
model as well as the range of synchro-flash speeds which is also now
written using a red serigraphy. |
|
1952 |
LEICA If
|
Logical evolution of the LEICA Ic, the LEICA If has neither viewfinder
nor rangefinder.
During
the first months of its marketing, this model is available with the
“black” range of synchro-flash speeds.
By end of 1952, this camera is now proposed with the “red” one. |
|
1952 |
Opening of a new factory Leitz-Canada in Midland (Ontario).
Endowed with last sophistications in mechanical machines and
computers, this plant allows Leitz to make a jump ahead in mechanical
and optic quality.
|
|
1953 |
Summicron
2 f=50mm
|
Arrival of the lens Summicron 1:2 f=50 mm |
|
1954 |
LEICA M3
 |
Taking advantage of the Photokina 54, Leitz reveals its new M3 model
which has required 15 years of developments.
While the 24x36 reflex cameras takes their essort, the specialists are
surprised that Leitz persists to use rangefinders.
In fact, Wetslar’s engineers think rightfully that focus adjustment
using a rangefinder is much better than using a reflex camera, and this
true whatever the focal distance is.
Thus,
the set made of the viewframe and the multifocal rangefinder which
equips the LEICA M3, is a superb object.
Bright frames appear in the viewfinder, giving a perfect simulation of
the framing for the different focal lens 50, 90 and 135 mm.
The
simulation of the view field of a 35 mm lens can be obtained using
the system of framing
control located on the lens ring.
Only one range of shutter speeds is available and its setting wheel
does not rotate anymore when the shutter is triggered. The reloading
of the shutter is now done using a lever.
The LEICA M3 leaves the screw mount for a bayonet one. |
|
1954 |
Lenses |
Arrival of two new objectifs :
|
Hektor 1:2.5 f=135 mm |
|
Summaron 1:5.6 f=28 mm in replacement of the Hektor 1:6,3 f=28mm.
|
|
|
1956 |
LEICA M3
|
From that date, the focal frames appearing in the viewfinder can be
selected using a small lever located on the front face of the camera.
What seems to be just a simple ergonomic improvement is in fact a
significant advantage that reflex camera do not have.
Simply using this frame selector, the photographer can immediately
visualize, without having to change the lens, what is the most
appropriate focal distance according to the frame he is looking for. |
|
1956 |
Lenses |
Arrival of two new lenses :
|
1st generation of the Summaron 1:3.5 f=35 mm with a
framing control
system for Leica M3. |
|
2nd release of the Summicron 1:2 f=50 mm allowing close
focusing up to 50 cm.
|
|
|
1956 |
Duplication
bellows |
New duplication bellows for LEICA M3. |
1957 |
LEICA IIIg
|
With the arrival of the LEICA M3, almost everyone was thinking the
series III will be abandoned. Leitz induced a big surprise when
marketing the « g » series of the famous LEICA III.
This one is equiped with a new collimated viewfinder and automatic
adjustment of the parallax.
The synchro-flash speed selector has disappeared. |
|
1957 |
LEICA Ig
|
The LEICA Ig remains a camera for laboratory activities. It still has
neither viewfinder nor rangefinder.
|
|
1957 |
Lens |
Arrival of the lens Elmar 1:2.8 f=50 mm in replacement of the former
Elmar 1:3.5 f=50 mm |
|
1958 |
LEICA M2
|
The multifocal viewfinder is modified to match the new lenses proposed
by Leitz.
It allows now to simulate framing for the focal distances of a 35mm,
50mm and 90mm lenses. |
|
1958 |
Lenses |
Arrival of
4 new lenses :
|
Summicron 1:2 f=36 mm.
This one is proposed with regular mount or the
system of framing
control for LEICA M3.
|
|
2nd generation of Summaron 1:2,8 f=35 mm in replacement
of the Summaron 1:3,5 f=35 mm. |
|
Super-Angulon 1 :4 f=21 mm |
|
Summicron 1 :2 f=90 mm |
Also marketed starting form 1958, a new duplication bellows for the
LEICA M3. |
|
1958 |
Visioflex II
|
The auxiliary device Visioflex I is replaced with a version II. This
one allows all types of lenses, starting from 65 mm of focal
distance. |
|
1959 |
LEICA M2
|
Arrival of the self-timer on the LEICA M2. |
|
1959 |
LEICA M1
|
In line with its commercial offer, Leitz proposes the LEICA M1 which
has the same characteristics than the M2 but without rangefinder and a
bi-focal viewframe for only two focal distances (35 and 50 mm).
When using a different focal distance lens, it was possible to use an
external focal viewframe fixed onto the top of the camera body. |
|
1959 |
Lenses |
Arrival of
3 new lenses :
|
Summilux 1:1,4 f=50 mm. |
|
Elmarit 1:2,8 f=90 mm in replacement of the Elmar 1:3,5 f=35 mm. |
|
Telyt 1:4 f=200 mm
|
|
|
1960 |
Lenses |
Arrival of the lens Elmar 1:3.5 f=65 mm which is planned to be used
with the Visioflex II |
|
1963 |
Visioflex
III |
The Visioflex II is replaced by the version III. |
|
1965 |
LEICA MD
|
The LEICA MD is for the LEICA M2 what the LEICA I was for the LEICA
II : a simplified version, without viewfinder nor rangefinder, used
for laboratory works.. |
|
1967 |
LEICA M4
|
Evolution of the LEICA M3. The viewfinder-rangefinder is modified in
order to support the new focal distances 35-50-90 and 135 mm.
The camera is now equiped with an automatic film loading system.
Film rewind is done using a tipped up handle.
The counter of views is builded in the body of the camera and
protected by a magnifier making easier its reading. |
|
1967 |
LEICA MDa
|
Evolution of the LEICA MD which takes also advantage of the automatic
film loading capability and the tipped up rewind handle. |
|
1971 |
LEICA M5
|
With this model, Leitz is at the peak of the range M.
After having become the masters in rangefinders, the engineers of
Wetslar are the first to successfully install a photoelectric cell
behind the lens, right in the optical axle of the film and close from
it.
This exclusive refinement makes LEICA M5 being the camera giving the
best reading of the exposure time on the market.
The body of the LEICA M5 is also new, with a better ergonomics than
any of its predecessors. This camera is well known for being silent
and its total absence of vibrations. |
|
1960 to 1974 |
Summilux 1.4
f=35mm
|
From 1960
to 1974, Leitz increases or updates its lenses offer.
|
Super Angulon 1:3,4 f=21mm in replacement of the former 1:4 f=21mm |
|
Elmarit 1:2,8 f=28mm |
|
Summilux 1:1,4 f=35 mm |
|
Noctilux 1:1,5 f=50mm, for night photography |
|
Tele-Elmarit 1:2,8 f=90mm |
|
Tele-Elmar 1:4 f=135 mm in replacement of the Elmar 1:4 f=135mm |
|
Elmarit 1:2,8 f=135 mm |
|
Telyt 1:4,8 f=280 mm |
|
Zeiss-Hologon 1:3,5 f=15mm, can be mounted on a LEICA M
|
|
