You have probably heard of the brand, Leica. From professional photographers to enthusiasts to normal everyday people. Everyone knows the brand “Leica”. Where and how did it start?

What is Leica?

Leica started as a German centre for optics as well as an important location for the precision engineering industry. Ernst Leitz I (1843–1920) from Baden arrived at Wetzlar in 1864 and entered service at the Optisches Institut. He started with microscopes both used in biomedical and industrial purposes. When he died in 1920, his son Ernst Leitz II continued his fathers legacy and in 1924 in spite of the bad economy Ernst Leitz II decided to put his employees' designs on the production line. The employee who designed the first Leica camera is Oskar Barnack.

In 1986, the Leitz company changed its name to Leica, due to the fame of the Leica trade-name. The name Leica is derived from the first three letters of the founder's surname (Leitz) and the first two of the word camera: lei-ca (LEItz CAmera). At this time, Leica relocated its factory from Wetzlar to the nearby town of Solms.

Why is it Popular?

In my opinion, Leica is popular because of the following that they have with enthusiasts and collectors. Collectors are willing to pay premium dollars for a collectible Leica. Case in point: The most expensive Leica is Oskar Barnack's personal Leica 0-Series No. 105 that sold for 14.4 million euros ($20 million CAD) at auction in 2018.

The most famous line up from Leica would be the M camera line. Which holds their value on the camera body or lenses alone. The Leica M6 is even making a comeback since being discontinued in 2002.

But WHY???

Leica is Leica. Most Leica’s are handmade in Germany and built with incredible precision and skills. Leica Cameras are built like a tank and would probably last a lifetime.

Today, Leica is still very popular with the newest M11 that retails for CAD$12,099.00 body only. The Leica Q2 with different special editions and “limited” editions, The Leica SL mirrorless system.

Is it worth it? Does having a Leica camera make you a better photographer? Keep in mind that a camera is a tool, the artist is still the one who is controlling or using the tool to whatever he wants to create. It doesn't matter which brand you will use, but at the same time, if you can afford to get the premium tools, well, why not Leica?