Online Sources for Info on Leica Gear: Not All are Created Equal

Running the gamut from solid to sketchy — they’re all worth checking out

By Jason Schneider

In an October 2024 LSI feature, we covered a selection of great Leica books that merit a place of honor in any Leica lover’s library. This time we’ll attempt to do the same for a larger, less wieldy, and far more challenging category— the leading online resources for obtaining technical and historical information, and hands-on reviews of Leica

cameras, lenses, and their extensive support system. There is literally no way to cover this subject comprehensively in anything less than a book, but we’ll do our best to provide a (relatively) concise overview.

The Leica Archive

While it’s not exactly an “online resource” the Leica Archive in Wetzlar, Germany is the closest thing to “the horse’s mouth” when it comes to obtaining accurate information on Leica stuff. To get in touch with the Leica Archive, you can try the following methods:

• Email: Send an email to Leica Archives (info@leica-camera.com) with your specific inquiry. Be sure to include relevant details like serial numbers if inquiring about specific items in your collection.

• Mail: You can try writing to Leica in Wetzlar, Germany at: Leica Camera AG, AM Leitz-Park 5, 35578 Wetzlar, Germany.

• Consult with an Expert: Consider contacting Leica experts at dealers specializing in Leica. Some Leica Stores such as Leica Store Miami, Leica Store New York, and Leica Store San Francisco may be able to help access the archives if your request is related to rare or unusual items.

• Contact Customer Service: While not a direct line to the archive, Leica's customer service can potentially direct you or provide further contact details. You can reach them by phone at +496 441 208 0189 (Germany), or by using the general inquiry form on the Leica Camera USA website.

Important notes

• It may take several weeks to receive a response to inquiries, particularly when they involve archival research.

• If your query relates to the origins of a camera or lens, providing the serial number(s) in your communication will help Leica determine the delivery date and location, according to the Leica Forum.

eBay:

eBay, the world’s leading online auction site, is great repository of information on Leica prices and current values. Sellers may also provide a wealth of factual and historical information in their Leica listings, but the reliability and accuracy of their listings is quite variable so it should always be taken with a large dose of salt. Other than dealers or auction houses, many primary sources of Leica information, such as those listed above, do not offer appraisals or provide estimated values for Leica cameras and equipment. Comparing prices for similar items on eBay or other online auction sites is a good way to estimate what a given piece of equipment is truly worth at a given time , but bear in mind that actual selling prices and Buy It Now prices provide a much more reliable reflection of an item’s current value than asking prices, which may be (and often are) way off, typically on the upside.

Macfilos

Macfilos is a photography blog based in London, originally founded as an Apple-centric blog in 2008 by Mike Evans. It has since grown into a popular online publication specializing in Leica and other photography topics, featuring high-level articles written by enthusiasts and experts.

 Key aspects of Macfilos:

• Focus: While it started with an emphasis on Apple technology, Macfilos shifted its focus to photography, particularly featuring content related to Leica cameras and equipment.

• Content: Macfilos covers a wide range of photography topics, including architecture, abstract photography, travel photography, and reviews of camera gear. It has a large searchable archive of articles, with over 6,000 individual pieces.

• Community: Macfilos is supported by an active and engaged community of contributors and commenters, adding their own perspectives to the discussions.

• Leica Enthusiasts: Macfilos has become a significant resource for Leica enthusiasts and experts, covering various aspects of the Leica brand and its products.

• Non-Profit: Macfilos operates as a non-profit blog.

Wikipedia

Wikipedia is a free, online encyclopedia that anyone can contribute to and edit. It operates on a model of open collaboration, using a wiki-based editing system where a community of volunteers (known as Wikipedians) write and maintain articles. Due to the basic structure of Wikipedia, the breadth of its coverage is vast, and much of it is

accurate, but it is not sufficiently reliable for researchers to use as an unimpeachable source. One great feature of Wikipedia entries is providing links to other sources, which are often more authoritative than Wikipedia itself!

Leica Camera Wiki (link)

A complete Leica history and a comprehensive list of Leica products including Leica cameras and lenses. Many listed items have live links for accessing more detailed information and you can type any Leica item into a search bar on the upper right. A great source of good info on all aspects of Leica, but not as authoritative as official Leica company sources and a handful of veteran Leica experts, including Lars Netopil of the prestigious Wetzlar Camera Auctions (WCA), the late Dennis Laney, and the late Erwin Puts. Here’s a typical (text only) excerpt of theCamera-Wiki entry for iconic the Leica I (Model A):

Leica A

The Leica I (A) was Introduced in 1925.

• First production batch of 174 Leica cameras had Anastigmat lenses. These cameras are in the list of most desired items for any Leica collector.

• Second batch of 1000 cameras was produced in the same year of 1925 and had Elmax lenses, designed by Max Berek. These cameras are also extremely rare these days.

• Third, and most popular, Leica I(A) design had an Elmar lens. They were produced starting 1926 up until 1936. Total made approximately 57,000 units.

• One more rare version had a Hektor lens. There were only 1330 of these cameras manufactured during 1930-1931.

• Also available for the I (A) was the first Leitz leather outfit case ETRIN that held the camera, a FODIS rangefinder, and a double-ended tube for two Leica cassettes.

Links

• Leica A at www.cameraquest.com

• Leica A at www.pacificrimcamera.com

• Leica IA on www.collecAon-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand (in

French)

• Leica IA at CollectiBlend

• Leica I Model A on vintage-camera-lenses

According to noted Leica expert James Lager, the Leica I(A) information above posted on Camera-wiki is substantially correct except that the lens fitted to the first run of cameras was labeled “Leitz Anastigmat,” not just “Anastigmat” and was also designed by Max Berek, and the quantities of each model noted are not “wrong, ” but are no longer accepted as dispositive—the research continues!

Red Dot Forum

Red Dot Forum is a website and platform focused on Leica cameras and photography. It’s a resource for Leica news, reviews, technical articles, user reports, and more, with a strong emphasis on community engagement. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Content Focus: Red Dot Forum primarily covers Leica cameras, lenses, and accessories, offering information for both digital and film photography.

• Community Engagement: The platform encourages interaction through user reports, photo galleries, and a "Ask Us Anything" series on their YouTube channel.

• Expertise: Leica experts Josh Lehrer and David Farkas are key figures in the Red Dot Forum community, offering insights and guidance on Leica products and techniques.

• Red Dot Forum Camera Talk: This is a popular YouTube series and podcast where Josh and David delve into all things Leica, answering user questions and discussing a wide range of topics.

• Leica Store Miami Connection: Red Dot Forum is also associated with Leica Store Miami, which is a physical store where customers can experience Leica products firsthand and receive expert assistance.

• Overall Goal: Red Dot Forum aims to be a central hub for Leica enthusiasts, providing information, fostering a community, and promoting the Leica brand.

Leica Rumors

Leica Rumors (the name says it all!) is a website and online community focused on news, rumors, and discussions about Leica Camera AG products, particularly forthcoming but not yet announced Leica cameras and lenses. It serves as a hub for enthusiasts and professionals interested in the latest developments and speculations surrounding the brand. Since much of its research and content is based on (supposed) “leaks” by official and semiofficial sources, Leica Rumors is not held in the highest esteem by “official Leica” sources, and indeed some of its speculations on future Leica products have either not panned out at all or have proven less than reliable in terms of timing and details. The site has been more on target when reporting on future non-Leica products such as third-party lenses in M- and L-mount.

 Key aspects of Leica Rumors:

• Rumor Reporting: The site aggregates and publishes admittedly speculative information about upcoming Leica products, features, and potential announcements based on various sources, including leaks, surveys, and industry chatter.

• Community Forum: It features a forum where users can discuss Leica products, share their experiences and speculate on future releases.

• Product Announcements: In addition to rumors, Leica Rumors also publishes official announcements from Leica when they are made

• Industry Commentary: Leica Rumors content includes conjectures on Leica's product strategies, design choices, and the overall direction of the company.

• Community Engagement: The site encourages active participation from its users through comments, forum posts, and social media engagement.

Lens-DB.com

Lens-DB.com is a free, independent, non-commercial “expert system” dedicated to photographic lenses and camera systems. It was founded by Evgenii Artemov on July 6th, 2012. It's important to note that Lens-DB.com focuses solely on providing information about lenses and does not sell them or track prices. Additionally, it doesn't offer lens tests or reviews. Here's what Lens-DB.com offers:

• Extensive Database: It houses information on over 7000 autofocus and manual focus interchangeable lenses designed for various camera types (SLR, rangefinder, viewfinder, and mirrorless). This includes lenses from manufacturers like Asahi/Pentax, Canon, Nikon, LEICA, and ZEISS, covering a wide range of formats (from

APS-C to medium format 6x7cm) and lens types (fisheye to super telephoto, macro, autofocus, and more).

• Comprehensive Information: The database provides photos, model history, specifications (including optical formula, closest focusing distance, filter size, etc.), and descriptions for each lens.

• Camera Compatibility: It details camera compatibility information for lenses and allows searching for suitable lenses based on camera model and photography genre.

• Expert System Features: Lens-DB.com distinguishes itself as an expert system, going beyond a simple database by providing: Analysis of lens pros and cons, determination of whether a lens is considered a professional model, identification of photography genres a lens is best suited for, suggestions for alternative lenses, lens specification comparisons, and evaluation of the completeness of lens lineups. In addition, Lens-DB.com offers the following:

• Decodes Abbreviations: The website automatically decodes abbreviations used in lens names, saving users the effort of looking them up.

• Built-in Help System: It includes a help system to explain technical terms and concepts related to lenses.

• Independent and Non-Commercial Info: Lens-DB.com emphasizes its independence from camera manufacturers or commercial organizations, operating out of a passion for photography.

…………………

Additional websites with information on Leica and Leica equipment:

Leica Society International:

Leica Society International (LSI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a global community of Leica enthusiasts, photographers, and collectors. Founded in 1968 as the Leica Historical Society of America (LHSA), it expanded its scope to reflect a broader international focus and changed its name to Leica Society International in 2023. The organization's core mission is to inspire Leica photographers to achieve their best, providing a platform to learn about Leica's history, develop photographic skills and engage with technical discussions.

 Key aspects of Leica Society International

•  Community: With over 2,500 members spanning 200 countries, LSI connects a passionate community bonded by their love for Leica photography, its history, craftsmanship, and modern advancements. You can join through various membership tiers starting at an annual fee of $70 (or $7.99 monthly digital membership), which grants access to resources and events. A free one-year digital membership is offered with the purchase of qualifying new Leica cameras.

•  Resources and Education: LSI provides members with a wealth of resources, including:

·  Viewfinder Magazine: An award-winning quarterly journal featuring photo essays, Leica history, and camera reviews, available in both print and digital formats.

·  Member Website: Access to exclusive articles, a searchable database of past Viewfinder issues, an "Ask an Expert" program, and the latest Leica news.

·  Events: Invitations to participate in spring shoots, regional meet-ups, and annual meetings, where members can engage in "Leica on Loan" programs to try new equipment and receive professional instruction.

·  Webinars: Educational webinars covering topics like Leica cameras, image editing (including AI tools),printing, backup routines, travel tips, and various photography genres.

·  Historical Archives: A vast collection of Leica history, documents, manuals, and technical articles.

·  Member Discounts: Discounts on select Leica repairs from Leica Camera USA (15%), Leica Akademie USA programs

(10%), and Lightroom Queen books and e-books (10%).

·  Philanthropy: LSI operates a philanthropy fund and photography grant program to support talented photographers and help their work reach a wider audience.

Auction Houses

The Leica listings of the major auction houses are a treasure trove of information about Leica cameras and gear especially rare and valuable items. Much of the information posted is well researched and reliablevsince the reputation of the company is at stake and mistakes can have serious financial consequences for both buyer and seller. Here are some of the world's leading auction houses that feature Leica equipment:

• Leitz Photographica Auction: Held twice a year in Vienna, Austria (run by Leica Camera Classics GmbH)

• WestLicht Photographica Auction: Formerly the leading auction house for vintage cameras, now known as Leitz Photographica Auction.

• Wetzlar Camera Auctions (WCA): Known for achieving top prices for rare cameras and lenses, including Leica items.

• Tamarkin Rare Camera Auctions: Specializes in vintage camera sales, including Leica.

• Sotheby’s, founded in 1744 is one if the oldest and largest auction houses in the world and has offices in major cities including London, New York, Paris, and Hong Kong. It has often featured major Leica cameras and equipment in its listings of luxury goods and has represented many leading Leica collections.

• Christie’s, founded in 1766, is also one if the world’s most prestigious auction houses, specializing in luxury items including Leicas, and fine art. It has a presence in 46 countries and has, over the years, presented and sold many outstanding historically significant Leica items.

Additional online resources suggested by Todd Gustavson - Curator, Technology Collection, George Eastman Museum

• Leica serial number list: https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leicawiki.en/index.php/Serial_Numbers_Leica_Cameras

• More information on Leica and Leica lens serial numbers: https://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/lens-serial-numbers.htm

• Send email questions to Eastman Tech Study Center: TechStudyCenter@eastman.org

• Leica cameras in the George Eastman Museum are available online at: https://collecKons.eastman.org/search/leica/objects/list?page=5

Finally, of course, there is your dealer. Leica dealers are generally knowledgeable and helpful and can assist in evaluating gear options you are considering. Many have websites and will respond to emails as well. There are too many to list here.