A Legacy of Innovation: That is the way to define the Leica I. For Leica Camera AG, 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Leica I, the first mass-produced 35mm Leica camera that debuted at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1925. This compact, groundbreaking camera didn’t just redefine photography – it revolutionized it. With its lightweight format and unmatched portability, the Leica I empowered photographers to document life as it happened, capturing “the decisive moment.”
Oskar Barnack and his first photo out and about in Wetzlar
The Leica I was born from the vision of Oskar Barnack, a precision mechanic who crafted the prototype “Ur-Leica” in 1914. Barnack’s invention languished due to World War I, but in 1925, entrepreneur Ernst Leitz II made a daring decision to mass-produce the compact 35mm camera. “I hereby decide: we will take the risk,” he declared – a decision that forever changed photography.
Leica: Shaping the Photography World for 100 Years
The Leica I’s innovative design introduced the now-iconic 24x36mm 35mm format, revolutionizing how photographers could work. For the first time, compact cameras allowed photographers to capture real life: the energy of the streets, the drama of reportage, and the elegance of artistic photography. The compact Leica camera became synonymous with versatility and creativity, giving rise to new genres like photojournalism and documentary photography.
This first milestone set the tone for Leica Camera AG’s enduring success. Over the past century, Leica has consistently led the way in photographic technology, combining German precision engineering with high-quality, durable products. To this day, Leica remains an icon of craftsmanship, innovation, and image culture.
100 Years of Leica: A Global Celebration
Leica’s 100th-anniversary celebrations in 2025 will span the globe under the theme: “100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century.” Photography enthusiasts and Leica fans can look forward to an extraordinary year of events, exhibitions, and exclusive product launches:
- International Events: Leica subsidiaries will host celebrations in iconic cities like New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Dubai, and Milan.
- Global Leica Gallery Exhibitions: High-profile photography exhibitions will showcase outstanding works by legendary photographers.
- Wetzlar Anniversary Highlights: Leica’s hometown in Germany will host a week-long cultural celebration at the company’s headquarters in June 2025. Guests can enjoy exhibitions, workshops, and more.
- Special Edition Products: Leica will release limited-edition cameras and accessories that pay tribute to this momentous milestone.
- Film and Photography Projects: Reiner Holzemer’s cinema film on 35mm photography will premiere alongside an exhibition by the renowned Sebastião Salgado at the Ernst Leitz Museum.
Readup about my 2023 visit to Leica.
Leica: More Than a Camera, A Cultural Icon
Leica Camera AG is more than a brand – it’s a cultural icon synonymous with history, art, and storytelling. Its tools have captured some of the most important moments of the past 100 years, from iconic war photographs to groundbreaking street photography. The company’s commitment to nurturing photography culture remains steadfast through initiatives like the Leica Galleries and the Leica Hall of Fame.
As 2025 approaches, Leica Camera AG invites the global photography community to celebrate this extraordinary journey. Whether you’re a lifelong Leica fan or new to the brand, 100 Years of Leica will be a year to honor the legacy, artistry, and future of photography.
Join the Celebration
Leica has been a witness to a century of change, creativity, and innovation – and its story is far from over. Mark your calendars for 2025 and join Leica in celebrating a century of photographic excellence.
By blending history, art, and technology, the Leica I laid the foundation for modern photography. As Leica Camera AG celebrates its 100th anniversary, its legacy continues to inspire generations of photographers worldwide.
