What Is a Leica Lens?
Leica lenses are among the highest quality glass that have been manufactured because of their specialty microscope design. A German company, Ernst Leitz, took it upon itself to provide photographers with a small, lightweight 35mm camera, revolutionizing the business in the process. These cameras became convenient for traveling, while still creating a sharply focused image. Leica lenses have been, and are becoming even more popular due to their versatility in photographic situations; however, their price could set your wallet back a few dollars.
History of Leica
The Leica camera was originally produced by a company named Ernst Leitz Gmbh, although today it is now manufactured by a company named "Leica," the name coming from Leitz camera. These cameras were originally intended as compacts, especially useful for landscape photography, which used 35mm film, making it easier for the photographer to travel with his gear, and were first built by Oskar Barnack in 1913.
Leica continued to manufacture precision film cameras and film lenses into the 1990s, and in 1996 Leica camera split from the Leica Group, which formerly included Leica Microsystems and Leica Geosystems.
Today, they have shifted to the digital market, and while not all of the original lenses can be mounted to the digital bodies, most of the analog lenses, such as the M-series, can be. If you want to take advantage of the optical quality of a Leica lens, there are adapters available for Canon Digital bodies.
Leica Lenses
Leica lenses are exceptionally sharp and take crystal clear pictures because they were produced by a former microscope manufacturer, Ernst Leitz. Because Leica cameras started using a smaller film than normal at that time (35mm), a better lens was needed to produce a quality enlargement. This company is also noted for several optical advancements such as aspherical production, and multicoated lenses which both help produce a sharper, and better light-controlled photograph.
Uses
Leica cameras and lenses are used by amateur and professional photographers alike; however, because of their costly price, they're not for all budgets. Leica is known for its superior optical quality, which makes its products popular with photographers. These lenses are also great for natural light photography because they are extremely sharp at their widest aperture, meaning they can let a lot of light into the lens while still taking clear pictures.
Prices
Leica lenses and cameras are in popular demand today because of their superior quality, increasing rarity, and historical significance. As of 2009, Leica camera bodies, without a lens, cost anywhere from $600 to $3,000. If you're looking to buy just a lens to go with your camera, which is always helpful for photography, you can expect to spend anywhere from $700 to $6,500 for the quality piece of glass.
Where to Buy
Because these items are quickly becoming collectors items, a good place to check for Leicas are on specialty photography websites such as Adorama, and B&H Photo and Video. However, they can also be found on online auction sites. These products are very sought after and can prove to be difficult to find, as well as pricey, though their quality makes them worth the cost.
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