100 YEARS OF LEICA
Witness to a Century
The camera that changed history
Over 100 years ago, a revolutionary idea, a bold decision and excellent craftsmanship paved the way for modern photography as we know it today. Presented in 1925 at the Leipzig Spring Fair, the Leica I began its triumphant journey a century ago and revolutionized the world of photography with its compact and manageable format.
The most iconic images of the 20th century would be unthinkable without it: war reports, street scenes, intimate portraits... 100 years of Leica means 100 years of history, art and emotion told through iconic photographs that move us and connect us.
To celebrate this milestone—the centenary of the legendary Leica I—and to embrace the present while showcasing an evolving journey and a vision for the future, Leica Camera Iberia is hosting the largest international centenary exhibition in Madrid.
THE EXHIBITION
The iconic German camera brand Leica is celebrating its centenary with an unprecedented photographic exhibition in the emblematic Fernán Gómez. Centro Cultural de la Villa de Madrid. The exhibition, entitled 'Leica: A Century of Photography', celebrates the hundredth anniversary of the creation of the brand's first camera, the legendary Leica I, through an exceptional journey across the work of great international photographers.
The exhibition opens its doors free of charge on 10 September 2025 and can be visited until 11 January 2026.
LEICA CLASSIC DAY
One of the most important events will be Leica Classic Day, which will take place on Saturday, 27 September, at the Leica Store & Gallery Madrid. With a clear focus on the Leica community and classic photography, attendees will be able to receive advice from Leica experts, try out pre-owned and classic equipment, have their products appraised, attend talks by international Leica experts, and enjoy unique cameras that will be showcased during this special event.
LEICA GALLERY MADRID
The centenary celebrations continue at Leica Gallery Madrid (C. de José Ortega y Gasset, 34) with the exhibition ‘Magic Moments’, open from 11 September 2025 to 11 January 2026, which brings together iconic photographs taken with the Leica M by masters such as Cartier-Bresson, René Burri and Elliott Erwitt, alongside contemporary greats such as Sebastião Salgado and Mary Ellen Mark.
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Exclusive Editions 100 YEARS OF LEICA
Go to special editionsIn honor of the revolutionary Leica I camera, we present exclusive special editions under the title ‘100 YEARS OF LEICA’. These include Leica D-Lux 8 and Leica SOFORT 2. With clear lines, nickel-coloured details and a special anniversary design, they are reminiscent of the iconic camera from 1925.
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The book ‘100 LEICA STORIES’
More information about the bookTo commemorate the anniversary in Wetzlar, we also paid literary tribute to the Leica I with the publication of the book ‘100 LEICA STORIES’. Through 100 stories, it collects personal moments, iconic images and masterpieces of technology, looking back on our legacy and the ins and outs of our brand. A book with 100 stories from a century that opens like a treasure chest waiting to be discovered.
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Exclusive gift for the Kaufmann family
As a highlight, Matthias Harsch presented the Kaufmann family with one of the 101 limited edition M11-D 100 YEARS OF LEICA sets, as a token of gratitude and recognition for their commitment to the company as majority owners for more than 20 years. The set bears the serial number 6000100.
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M11 «WETZLAR GERMANY» Anniversary Edition
As in Dubai, Milan and New York, the local commemorative edition M11 100 YEARS OF LEICA ‘WETZLAR GERMANY’ was presented during the celebrations in Wetzlar. It is limited to 100 copies and is available exclusively in Germany. Its unique design features make it a highly coveted collector's item, distinguished from the special editions of the other five countries in the anniversary series by the ‘WETZLAR GERMANY’ engraving.
Explore all Leica products
The doors of Leica spaces are always open to welcome enthusiasts, professionals and curious visitors, offering them the opportunity to try out and explore all Leica products, including cameras, watches and home cinema systems. At the Leica Store Madrid, visitors can try out cameras from all Leica systems, including M, SL, Q, D-Lux and Sofort, discover the Leica watch collections and enjoy high-definition screenings on Leica Cine 1 and Cine Play 1.
About Leica Camera
Leica Camera AG is an international manufacturer of high-end cameras, lenses and sports optics wwith more than 150 years of history. As part of its growth strategy, the company has expanded its business to include mobile imaging (smartphones) and the manufacture of lenses for high-quality eyewear and watches, and is also present in the home cinema segment with its own projectors.
Headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany, with a second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, Leica Camera AG has a global network of proprietary sales companies with over 120 Leica stores. The company employs 2,400 people and achieved a turnover of 554 million euros in the 2023/24 fiscal year. The Leica brand stands for excellent quality, German craftsmanship and industrial design combined with innovative technologies. An integral part of the brand culture is the promotion of photography culture with around 30 Leica galleries worldwide, Leica academies and international awards such as the Leica Hall of Fame Award and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA).
