When we look at Leica, it is useful to look further back into its history to better understand what the company is trying to do today. We know Leica as an iconic and historic camera manufacturer whose products have moved deeply into collectible territory while maintaining extremely high levels of technological capability in still and moving images, for enthusiasts and professionals alike. How Leica Helped Define 35 mm Photography Now, let’s also look at how Leica started, because its roots actually have a connection to watchmaking. Before joining the Optical Institute founded by Carl Kellner in Wetzlar, Germany, precision mechanic Ernst Leitz had spent time in Switzerland learning watchmaking. He joined the institute in 1864, became a partner in 1865, assumed sole ownership in 1869, and renamed the business the Ernst Leitz Company. Under his direction, it became a leading microscope manufacturer. Oskar Barnack joined Leitz as a precision mechanic..
