Made in Germany | Leica -- Focussing on profit

When the optics company from Wetzlar in Hesse brought its first 35 mm camera onto the market in 1924, the compact, reliable device was an instant success and soon went into large-scale production.

It marked the birth of a new genre in photography and the Leica became a legend. The highly accurate lens made it a highly prized camera for professionals and ambitious hobby photographers. But when digital cameras began their world-wide conquest a decade ago, Leica stuck to film. That decision put the company in financial difficulties. But recently it has entered the digital business. Under its owner and new CEO, Austrian entrepreneur Andreas Kaufmann, Leica is focussing on new markets and target groups for a profitable future, as Andreas Hewel reports.

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[dvamateur]

Let me put it this way: Other camera brands offer something for everyone. Leica offers everything for someone.

[sharpanator]

dude, maybe u dont know it but mechanical watches like Rolex have a huge market today and technically a 5$ Analog watch can do the same trick, its not about features, its about quality, the Iphone4 has probably less functions then other cheaper smartphones but the metal frame, glass display and reaction from the touchscreen is just miles better then any other product. Everytime u use such a product like Leica or mechanical watches u have joy, same with the iphone over other smartphones

[albedoshader]

@zippy045805: Thanks for the info.

[zippy045805]

@albedoshader Leica M cameras have shutters - therefore they make a shutter sound. It's not a recording.

[AshimSingh1]

We should all learn to appreciate true craftsmanship and believe in quality. Leicas are the best. Period!!

[mymovienerd]

In America, Made In Germany has always meant great quality Even When great things were still being made in America. Shamefully now, this is a rarity.

[helthuismartin]

@farabirview Its 10 years too late for that.

[helthuismartin]

Thats because the Leica lenses are not coller neutral.,they never were.,they never did get the coatings the right way.,the Leica pictures has always lookt as if a Skylight 1a filter has been used,,it gives a warm dynamic sharp look.,Ideal for portraits.

[farabirview]

Go Kauffman, a real camera should only use film. That's what photography is. Everything from 8x10 through Medium format to 35mm has always been about film. Digital should just go away, and we should have improved technology in scanning and processing and should have made em cheaper. Digital with its outrageously artificial colours are disgusting to behold.

[airkid]

@yoyodojo4 we won't call you crazy, but it just different person wants different thing. Like tools, Canon might be the perfect tool for you. So yea, as long as the result turns out satisfy the owner :) And I really hope people stop argueing or being jealous of Leica users. I know they all want to own one if they have the money for that..

[albedoshader]

@aarondkeogh: The question is, was the noise from a leica? And Jim Rakete talked about the analog cameras, not the digital ones. Do digital Leicas play a shutter sound like most other digital cameras on the market? Then the shutter still could be smooth like a baby’s ass while playing a loud fanfare. :)