Explore the history of the world's most iconic camera company
Since the invention of the 35mm film camera in 1914, Leica has defined and influenced the direction of photography. This limited re-issued collector set, re-printed to celebrate the 100 year anniversary Leica's first commercially available camera, includes numbered copies of Leica: An Illustrated History Volume 1 & 2, both signed by the author and renowned Leica historian Jim Lager.
Volume 1 & Volume 2: The Core of the Leica Story
Across these companion volumes, Lager charts the evolution of Leica’s cameras and lenses with the clarity of a historian and the eye of a collector. Volume 1 follows landmark cameras and the innovations that shaped modern photography from 1914 through 1994, while Volume 2 traces the optical lineage—from classics to rarities—revealing how Leica glass earned its reputation for character, contrast, and nuance. Together, they read like a guided tour through a century of craftsmanship.
Special Art Edition Option
Leica: An Illustrated History Volume 1: Cameras, explores cameras from 1914 through 1994, while Volume 2: Lenses, covers lenses from the same time period. Both books included in the Art Edition set will be numbered between #1-100, and includes never before published photos of legend Alfred Eisenstadt, and his M3E, printed on Hahnemuhle Fine Art Baryta Paper, and also signed by Jim Lager. These unique images are certain to be cherished by Leica aficionados and photography enthusiasts alike.
Considered by many to be the definitive work on Leica Cameras, these limited editions boast enhanced image quality, while maintaining the cherished design of the acclaimed 1990's editions, and are sure to be a wonderful addition to your Leica library.
Craft, Provenance, and Presentation
Presented in hardcover for enduring durability and display, the Deluxe Limited Edition offers a collector-forward experience from cover to content. The enhanced printing brings out detail and tonal depth in archival images, and the careful production honors the book’s legacy without losing the tactile charm that made the original editions so coveted.
Completing the Trilogy with Volume 3
For readers building a definitive Leica library, these volumes pair seamlessly with Leica: An Illustrated History Volume 3: Accessories, which opens the door to the ingenious tools that supported Leica systems from 1915 to 1994. Cameras, lenses, and accessories—together, the trilogy forms a cohesive, museum-worthy portrait of the brand’s influence and innovation.