Kamerahersteller: Wie sich Leica immer wieder neu erfindet

Wetzlar, Germany – Crafting glass into lenses for optical devices, notably camera lenses, has remained a constant practice since the invention of the first telescopes in the 17th century, regardless of the medium – eyeglasses, telescopes, or camera objectives. The Leica Camera AG, originally established in 1869 as a microscopes manufacturer, has lately embraced a production process that diverges from this time-honored tradition.

At their Wetzlar facility, workers now transform glass blanks into lenses by pressing the material into molds made of tungsten carbide metal under high pressure at 700 degrees Celsius, resulting in an aspherical lens shape calculated by engineers. The first product utilizing this technique is the Noctilux M-35, a high-performance lens introduced to the market in late January for approximately 9000 Euros.

According to Jan-Helge Staasmeyer, head of tooling manufacturing, the new lens is lighter and more compact than its predecessor without sacrificing light strength, attributing this achievement to their physical mastery. Leica's pricing and reputation reflect their commitment to these high standards, which represent compact cameras housed in leather and metal cases, catering to a photographic aesthetic that enthusiasts seek – impeccable detail, precise color reproduction, and the signature softness of the background.

However, nostalgia alone is insufficient to maintain this standard. In an era where smartphones have become the primary camera for many, Leica's CEO Andreas Kaufmann, who took part in the company in 2004 to prevent it from bankruptcy, emphasizes the necessity of developing appropriate products to preserve the brand's allure. Periodic "technological leaps" are required for this purpose.