Identifying the brand,
the legend Leica appears both simple and complicated at the same time. Simple,
because the perception of the Leica brand is largely self-explanatory, in
other words, it is technically defined and needs no construed images to
identify it. It is complicated, because Leica was always more than simply
a perfectly functioning piece of equipment. The texts and images in this
book highlight the prominent role that Leica had in the development of modern
photojournalism. It illustrates the emergence of the brand name and signet,
depicts the importance of design and the passion of Leica collectors. Along
with the well-known icons of Leica photography the publishers present a
number of previously never published photographs from the Leica archives
and from private collections.
CONTENT
Hans-Michael Koetzle
It is such a pleasure to think of the Leica.
Comments on the technological and cultural history of a photographic legend.
Erik Spiekermann
Leica – the Brand. A myth brought into focus.
Volker Albus
Hand in hand. Images of a brand.
Ulrike Willingmann
Design is a thinking process. Dieter Rams on the design of Leica camera.
Rolf Sachsse
Instrument Leica. Defining a more than funktional product.
Markus Albers and Thomas Lindemann
Hunters and gatherers. The Leica as object of desire.
