Kamerahersteller: Wie sich Leica immer wieder neu erfindet

Wetzlar, Germany – Crafting glass into lenses has been a constant challenge since the invention of telescopes in the 17th century, regardless of whether it pertains to eyeglasses, telescopes, or camera lenses. Established in 1869, initially as a microscope manufacturer, Leica Camera AG has recently turned to a method that diverges from this time-honored tradition.

At their Wetzlar production facility, workers press glass blanks into lenses using tungsten carbide molds at 700 degrees Celsius and high pressure, gradually shaping the glass into the aspherical form calculated by engineers on computers.

The first product utilizing this technology is the Noctilux M-35, a high-performance lens released in late January for approximately €9,000. According to Jan-Helge Staasmeyer, head of tool manufacturing, this new version is notably lighter and more compact without compromising light capacity. Staasmeyer explains, "We exploit what we physically control."

Leica's pricing and prestige are characteristic of the brand, known for compact cameras with leather and metal casings, as well as a photographic aesthetic valued by enthusiasts – high detail fidelity, precise color reproduction, and the distinctive softening of the background. However, nostalgia alone is insufficient to maintain this reputation; technological renewal is essential.

Especially in an era where smartphones have become the primary camera for many, as acknowledged by Andreas Kaufmann. As a majority shareholder and chairman of the supervisory board since 2004, Kaufmann joined Leica in 2004 to rescue the company from insolvency. He emphasizes, "We had to develop the right products to give the brand a brand identity." Periodic "technological leaps" are necessary to achieve this.