Oskar Barnack: From the Idea to the Leica

In 2015, the LHSA Board approved a project to translate, publish and sell the English edition of Ulf Richter’s excellent book: Oskar Barnack – From the Idea to the Leica. The book is now available to LHSA members as part of LHSA’s 50th Anniversary celebration. In addition to the Standard Edition, there is also a Limited Edition (see below). The German Edition published in 2009 has been well received and sold 1000 copies. ­

Limited Edition: The Limited Edition consists of 100 numbered copies. A special page contains a previously unpublished photograph of Oskar Barnack, suitable for framing, donated by Rolf Fricke with the story behind the picture. In addition, the author Ulf Richter and translator Rolf Fricke have personally signed each copy.

Ulf Richter spent years assembling the material to allow him to write this outstanding book on the life of Oskar Barnack and the development of The Camera that Revolutionized Photography. The book contains many photographs of the early Leica cameras, pictures associated with Barnack’s life, illustrations from Barnack’s workbooks, and detail drawings of the camera mechanisms. The Appendix contains copies of selected patents and an extended selection of references. An interesting fact is that the Lecia M10 is essentially the same size as the Leica I (A).

This book will make a fine addition to the library of any Leica owner, historian or any photography enthusiast.