Leica celebrates the 100th anniversary of its groundbreaking Leica I camera, which debuted in 1925 and introduced 35mm film to the masses. The article highlights the company's history, including Ernst Leitz II's decisive risk to produce a portable camera, and the cultural impact of Leica cameras through iconic photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Capa. A special edition, the Leica M11 "100 YEARS OF LEICA NEW YORK USA" Edition, was released in New York this year to mark the centennial.
This milestone matters because Leica's compact design revolutionized photography, making it accessible for on-the-go image-making and shaping modern photojournalism. The camera's role in capturing defining moments—from war photography to cultural icons—underscores its enduring influence on visual culture. The anniversary also connects to contemporary photography, as Leica supports emerging talent like the artists featured in CULTURED's Young Photographers List.