Kamerahersteller: Wie sich Leica immer wieder neu erfindet

Wetzlar, Germany - The process of shaping glass into lenses for cameras has remained relatively unchanged since the invention of telescopes in the 17th century, regardless of whether it's for eyeglasses, telescopes, or camera lenses. Leica Camera AG, originally established in 1869 to manufacture microscopes, is now embracing a new method that breaks from this tradition.

In a production line located in Wetzlar, workers press glass blanks into lens shapes using a form of tungsten carbide heated to 700 degrees Celsius under high pressure. This technology is fully utilized in the first product to utilize it, the Noctilux M-35, a high-light capacity lens, launched in late January for approximately 9,000 Euros.

Jan-Helge Staasmeyer, Head of Tool Manufacturing, explains that the objective was to create a lighter and more compact version without sacrificing light intensity. Leica, known for its compact cameras with leather and metal casings and a photographic aesthetic that enthusiasts seek: high detail fidelity, precise color reproduction, and a characteristic blur in the background.

However, nostalgia alone is not enough. To maintain this standard, the manufacturer must continuously renew its technology. Especially in an era where smartphones have become the primary camera for many individuals. Andreas Kaufmann, who entered Leica in 2004 through his investment firm ACM to rescue the company from bankruptcy in 2005, explains that developing the right products was essential to maintain the brand's connection with the market. Periodically, "technology leaps" are necessary to achieve this.