Raising a Flag over the Reichstag is one of the most iconic photographs in history, capturing the triumph of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in World War II. Taken by Soviet photographer Yevgeny Khaldei, the image depicts a Soviet soldier raising the red flag over the Reichstag in Berlin on May 2, 1945. This remarkable photograph not only symbolizes victory but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Leica cameras in documenting history. I’ve done a fair bit of research into this, and even digging up a lot of info about the camera specifically.
The Photographer: Yevgeny Khaldei
Yevgeny Khaldei, born in 1917 in what is now Donetsk, Ukraine, was a Jewish photojournalist who documented some of the most pivotal moments of World War II. His passion for photography began early—he reportedly built his first camera using his grandmother’s eyeglasses. Khaldei’s life was marked by tragedy, including the murder of his mother during the Russian Civil War and the loss of his father and three sisters to the Nazis during the Holocaust.
Despite these hardships, Khaldei’s career flourished. He joined TASS, the Soviet news agency, at just 19 years old and became a frontline photographer during World War II. Khaldei documented the liberation of Eastern Europe, the fall of Berlin, and the Nuremberg Trials, among other historic events.
Inspired by Joe Rosenthal’s photograph of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima, Khaldei sought to create a similar image to symbolize Soviet victory. His creativity and resourcefulness were evident as he persuaded his uncle to sew the Soviet flag used in the iconic shot from red tablecloths. Khaldei’s Leica III camera became his trusted companion, enabling him to capture moments that would define history.
After the war, Khaldei continued working as a photojournalist but faced professional setbacks due to anti-Semitism and political shifts in the Soviet Union. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Khaldei gained international recognition for his work, with exhibitions showcasing his contributions to history.
The Story Behind the Photograph
As the Red Army marched into Berlin during the final days of World War II, the Reichstag was a symbol of Nazi Germany’s demise. On May 2, 1945, after days of intense fighting, the Soviets captured the building. Yevgeny Khaldei scaled the war-torn structure to stage the iconic shot. Khaldei carried with him a Soviet flag sewn from red tablecloths by his uncle, a detail that underscores the personal and symbolic nature of the image.
The photograph was taken using Khaldei’s trusty Leica III camera paired with a Leitz Elmar 3.5cm f/3.5 lens. This lightweight and reliable rangefinder camera, a hallmark of Leica’s engineering, was pivotal in capturing the raw intensity of the scene. Khaldei’s Leica III not only survived the harsh conditions of war but also delivered impeccable image quality that helped the photograph become a global symbol of victory.
The Leica III: A Tool for History
Introduced in 1933, the Leica III was a revolutionary camera that offered photographers unmatched portability and precision. Its coupled rangefinder and compact design made it a favorite among photojournalists and wartime photographers. The Leitz Elmar 3.5cm lens used by Khaldei was renowned for its sharpness and clarity, ensuring that every detail of the historic moment was preserved.
Leica cameras, including the Leica III, have a storied history of being used to capture defining moments. Khaldei’s use of the Leica III during the Battle of Berlin exemplifies the brand’s legacy as a tool for professionals who demand reliability under extreme conditions.
The Specific Leica III’s Journey: From the Battlefield to the Auction Block
I’ve done some research on Yevgeny Khaldei’s Leica III camera itself: From what I can find, serial number 257492, manufactured in 1937, this chrome-finished camera was equipped with a Leitz Elmar 3.5cm f/3.5 lens, serial number 471386, and featured later additions such as front-mounted flash synchronization and a SCNOO rapid winder.
Khaldei acquired this Leica III to document the Soviet Union’s efforts during World War II. With it, he captured numerous significant events, culminating in the iconic “Raising a Flag over the Reichstag” photograph in May 1945. The camera’s reliability and superior optics made it an indispensable tool for Khaldei as he chronicled the war’s final chapters.
The camera was likely captured valuable equipment
In the closing stages of the war, the Red Army, like other Allied forces, seized valuable equipment and assets from Germany as reparations for the destruction and loss suffered during the conflict. Leica cameras, renowned for their exceptional engineering and quality, were among the items taken. These cameras were prized for their reliability, compactness, and sharp lenses, making them ideal for photojournalists documenting the war.
Khaldei, as a military photographer for the Soviet news agency TASS, received one of these German-made Leica III cameras. It became his trusted companion as he chronicled key events during the war, from the liberation of Eastern Europe to the fall of Berlin. The camera’s precision and durability allowed Khaldei to document history with remarkable clarity and detail, cementing its place in the legacy of photojournalism.
Decades after the war, this historic Leica III resurfaced in the public eye. On November 29, 2014, it was featured in Bonhams’ “The Fine Leica Centenary Sale” held in Hong Kong. The camera garnered significant attention and was ultimately sold for HK$1,500,000 (approximately £120,000 at the time), a testament to its profound historical significance and the enduring legacy of Leica craftsmanship.
This Leica Not Only Captured a Historical Moment, but it is a Piece of History
Yevgeny Khaldei (1917–1997) captured Raising a Flag Over the Reichstag, one of the most iconic photographs of World War II, in May 1945 using this very camera. The image, depicting Soviet troops hoisting the Hammer and Sickle above the Reichstag (Germany’s parliament building), became an instant symbol of victory and resilience. Widely reproduced and celebrated, it is often compared to the iconic photograph of American soldiers raising the Stars and Stripes at Iwo Jima.
The Reichstag, seen by the Soviets as a powerful symbol of Nazi Germany, was a highly prized target. Ironically, the Nazis despised the Reichstag as a representation of the democratic system they dismantled and had abandoned the building after it was partially destroyed in a fire in 1933. Khaldei’s photograph was taken on May 2, 1945, shortly after the building’s capture, amidst the chaos of ongoing gunfire and pockets of German resistance. Despite the battle still raging, there were moments of quiet below, where Soviet military vehicles moved through the streets.
Khaldei began his career as a photojournalist for the official Soviet news agency TASS in the 1930s. However, he was dismissed in 1948, a move he attributed to anti-Semitism rather than the official reason of “resting on his laurels.” His work gained international recognition only in the 1990s after the fall of communism. Khaldei’s legacy rests largely on his wartime photography, including his poignant documentation of the Nuremberg Trials in 1946. Throughout his career, Khaldei relied on Leica cameras, which he valued for their reliability and precision.
Khaldei held his World War II Leica camera in great esteem, wearing it proudly at gatherings and exhibitions in his native Russia. This particular camera became a symbol of his career, embodying the stories and sacrifices of the war. In recognition of the international acclaim his work received and as a gesture of gratitude for sharing his life and legacy, Khaldei gifted the camera to its current American owner.
This historic Leica was featured in Witness to History, a solo exhibition of Khaldei’s photographs at the Jewish Museum in New York, which opened in January 1997. The exhibition showcased his remarkable contributions to photojournalism and honored his place in history as a chronicler of humanity’s resilience during some of its darkest hours.
What film was used to take Raising a Flag over the Reichstag?
Best information I can find about this is that it was Agfa Isopan film, which Khaldei sourced from Germany during World War II.
This choice of film is particularly interesting because Agfa was a German company, and the film was likely acquired as part of Soviet war reparations or through wartime appropriation. Agfa Isopan was a popular black-and-white film known for its fine grain and sharpness, making it well-suited for capturing detailed and dramatic scenes like the one Khaldei immortalized atop the Reichstag.
The combination of Khaldei’s Leica III, the Leitz Elmar 3.5cm f/3.5 lens, and Agfa Isopan film resulted in a photograph of exceptional quality that became one of the most reproduced images of the 20th century.
The Art of the Photograph
While the photograph is often described as a spontaneous capture, it was, in fact, a staged reenactment of an earlier flag-raising event. Khaldei asked soldiers he encountered to assist with the shot. The resulting image features Private Aleksei Kovalev from Kazakhstan raising the flag, supported by Abdulkhakim Ismailov and Leonid Gorychev.
Typical Soviet Russian Censorship
The photograph was not without controversy. To meet Soviet propaganda standards, Khaldei edited the image. He removed one soldier’s extra wristwatch, which could be interpreted as evidence of looting, and added dramatic smoke in the background to heighten the emotional impact. Despite these edits, the photograph’s power remains undiminished, capturing the essence of victory and sacrifice.
Leica’s Role in Documenting History
The Raising a Flag over the Reichstag photograph is a shining example of how Leica cameras have been instrumental in capturing history. Leica’s commitment to craftsmanship ensured that the Leica III could endure the harsh realities of war while delivering unparalleled image quality. For Leica enthusiasts, Khaldei’s work is a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy in photojournalism and its role in shaping how we remember pivotal moments in history.
Legacy of the Photograph
The image of the Soviet flag over the Reichstag became a global symbol of the end of World War II and the Soviet Union’s sacrifices. Published widely in Soviet media and around the world, it cemented Yevgeny Khaldei’s place in photographic history.
For Leica enthusiasts, the story of Raising a Flag over the Reichstag serves as a reminder of the brand’s pivotal role in documenting human history. The Leica III, with its precision and reliability, was more than a camera; it was a tool that preserved moments of unparalleled significance.
The photograph of Raising a Flag over the Reichstag is more than just an image; it is a narrative of triumph, sacrifice, and the enduring power of photography. Yevgeny Khaldei’s Leica III, a masterpiece of engineering, played an indispensable role in capturing this historic moment.
For Leica aficionados and history enthusiasts alike, this photograph exemplifies the profound impact of Leica cameras in shaping how we view and remember history. The Leica III and Khaldei’s artistry together immortalized a moment that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
