Chapters
Five Eras of Leica
Over a century of photography, Leica's story unfolds across five distinct chapters — from Barnack's pocket-sized 35mm prototype to today's mirrorless systems.
1914–1954
The Barnack Era
Oskar Barnack invents the 35mm camera. Screw-mount Leicas define photojournalism.
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1954–2006
The M Film Era
The M3 debuts the bayonet mount. Rangefinder photography reaches its peak.
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1964–2009
The R SLR Era
Leica answers the SLR wave with the Leicaflex and R system.
6 entriesExplore →
2006–present
The Digital M Era
The M8 takes the rangefinder digital; the M9 goes full frame.
27 entriesExplore →
2015–present
The Q & SL Era
Fixed-lens Q and mirrorless SL broaden Leica beyond the M.
19 entriesExplore →