Leica celebrates 100 years

2025 will mark 100 years since the debut of Leica’s first series-produced 35mm camera, the Leica I. To celebrate, the company has planned a number of global events and initiatives under the theme ‘100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century’.

The Leica I helped shape modern photography with its compact design and 24x36mm 35mm format making it easier to capture real-life moments.

The decision to mass-produce the Leica I in 1925 is seen as a turning point, with the camera often credited for popularising 35mm photography.

Global anniversary programme

To celebrate the centenary, Leica is organising events in major cities such as Dubai, Milan, New York, Shanghai and Tokyo.

These will include exhibitions hosted by the brand’s network of Leica Galleries, showcasing the work of prominent photographers.

Highlights of the anniversary year include an exhibition by Sebastião Salgado at the Ernst Leitz Museum and a documentary by filmmaker Reiner Holzemer on the history of 35mm photography.

The company’s headquarters in Wetzlar will host a week-long celebration in June, featuring a variety of cultural activities.

Leica also plans to release several Special Edition products that reflect the brand’s heritage. Local projects in Wetzlar, where Leica was founded, will further commemorate the occasion.

Further details about the anniversary and celebrations can be found on Leica’s website.