On March 1, 1925, Lika was unveiled 100 years ago. Leka I, the first month-made 35 mm leika camera, is widely observed for its effect on photography.
Lika I, a large-scale version of Ur-Laika developed in 1913, was first shown to the public at the leapzig spring fair 100 years ago. Compact, Smooth camera revolutionized 35 mm photography.
Ernst Lates II said in 1925, “I decide by it: we will take risks,”
“Despite the technical challenges in difficult economic time, a completely new camera system was added to the production range of the System Latez Factory,” Lika camera AG explains in a press release. “Lika I’s launch at the leapzig fair also proved to be a visionary and decisive business trick … The Latez Booth, the upper level of the Fair Hall served as a springboard for revolution in photography in number 194/195, 1925.”
Leica I were paired with Leica Anastigmat 50mmm F/3.5 Prime Lens and it was a “fugitive success”, popularizing the 24×36 mm compact film format as a global standard – an image that remains standard in the digital age after a hundred years.
Famous photographers of the era quickly took Leika I, including Alexander Roadchanko, Gisselle Fravery and Andre Kirtase.
“For the first time, a camera made it possible to catch real life – immortalized the decisive moment,” Lika is called.
In its first year, Lika sold 1,000 leaka I cameras, an important achievement at that time. The camera named Leica’s name in photographic history history, laying groundwork for several cameras and lenses.
Leaka’s first camera with a bayonan Mount landed in 1932, five years after Lika I and Leika II, with the company’s first rangefinder. At that time, Leika offered a seven interchangeable lens with a standardized mount.
“In the last 100 years, Lika has been deeply influenced by her innovative power, craftsmanship and engineering through the technical and cultural development of photography,” Dr, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Lika Camera AG. Says Andreas Cofman.
“Our focus is Das vessentalich (‘The Essential’): A passion to take and preserve unique, authentic paintings, documentation and protection of the world events. For this reason, it makes sense only to celebrate the anniversary of this company, namely 100 years of camera production, along with many famous photographers around the world. Spotlight on their work,
Image Credit: Lika Camera AG
