1933

Leica III

Fine, Precise, and Equipped for Tough Times

1933 sees the arrival of the next milestone: the Leica III. A second exposure dial now enables longer exposure times. It also features the impressive built-in rangefinder, like in the Leica II produced at the same time. This offers better composition with more spontaneity. But the more robust and compact design also helps the Leica III set new standards in portable photography. It will become an indispensable tool for war photography, unfortunately all too soon.

Leica Means Freedom – Behind the Lens, Too

With the rise of Hitler, Ernst Leitz II began assisting Jewish citizens and political dissidents. Many were trained within the company and then enabled to leave Nazi Germany under the guise of overseas assignments for Leica. They travelled to Leitz offices abroad, primarily in New York. Leitz funded their journeys and supported them upon arrival. He even gave many of them a Leica camera to carry in their hand luggage. This courageous rescue effort remained largely unknown for many years – a quiet act of resistance and humanity.

Black-and-white portrait of Robert Sternberg and his wife Joan Jary
© Ernst Leitz Stiftung

Robert Sternberg

As a Jew, Sternberg is refused permission to study. Ernst Leitz II trains him and sends him to England. Among other things, Sternberg invents the ill-fated Ilford Witness camera there.

Black-and-white picture of Kurt Rosenberg at his desk
© Ernst Leitz Stiftung

Kurt Rosenberg

Ernst Leitz II employs the mechanic at the New York Leica showroom, thereby saving him, for the time being. Rosenberg later joins the US Army and falls in action in 1944.

Illustration of Leitz factory
Ernst Leitz II

Iconic

Black-and-white image, view of the world’s most famous airship from underneath
Black-and-white image, the falling airship explodes
Black-and-white image, a soldier is hit by a gunshot and falls
Black-and-white image, four people picnicking on a meadow by the river
Hindenburg Camera
Black-and-white image, woman sitting on a bench, geometric interplay of light and shade in space
The truth is the best picture.
– Robert Capa, 1937
© Collection Capa / Magnum Photos, Photographed by Ruth Orkin
Black-and-white portrait of Robert Capa
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The Journey Continues Shortly:
Beyond the Shadow of War – Towards New Horizons