Last September, I had the chance of being invited to Leitz Park in Wetzlar, the very place where Oscar Barnack’s groundbreaking invention helped shape photography as we know it today.
Four days filled with learning, discovery, history, and genuine camaraderie. An unforgettable experience shared with passionate people from around the world, surrounded by the craftsmanship and innovation that have defined Leica for generations.
Here’s a look back, through pictures and words, at four intense, inspiring, and truly wonderful days in the heart of Germany.
Day 0, A warm welcome to Wetzlar
I arrived in Wetzlar via Frankfurt in the morning. After a warm welcome from the team at the Ernst Leitz Hotel, the afternoon offers the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air with a short stroll through the old town, trusty old Leica M10 in hand and in the company of a few new friends.
That evening, we gathered for the first time as a group. The other participants had travelled from Leica retailers and partner stores similar to Camtec Photo across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. We also got to meet the wonderful people who would guide us throughout the week.
The atmosphere was welcoming from the very beginning. Introductions quickly turned into conversations, cameras became a natural excuse to connect, and the first friendships started to take shape.
It was already clear that this was going to be a special week.
Day 1, Discovering the Leica story
Alongside our instructors, Janina and Gian Luca, we dive into Leica’s remarkable history. From Ernst Leitz early beginnings at the Optisches Institut in Wetzlar, to Oscar Barnack’s revolutionary invention, Max Berek famous Elmar lens design, and eventually the move to the impressive new Leitz Park, we begin to understand the many milestones that have shaped the company into what it is today.
Our first presentation takes us into the world of Sport Optics with Björn Friedrich. We get the opportunity to try out the new Geovid Max binoculars and the wonderfully compact new Noctivid, while taking in the beautiful valleys and rolling hills of Hesse. The first hints of autumn are beginning to colour the landscape, making it all the more special.
At the end of the day, we’re invited to choose a camera to accompany us for the rest of the week. M, Q, SL, D-Lux 8. Everything is on the table.
I chose the new Leica SL3-P, paired with what Leica does best: exceptional optics in the form of the APO-Summicron-SL 50mm.
A wonderful combination to spend the week with.
The SL3-P is truly remarkable. Its speed and responsiveness surpass anything previously achieved in an SL camera. It is without a doubt, the finest all-around camera in Leica’s entire lineup.
Day 2, Behind the scenes
The sun is shining over Wetzlar as we head out for a tour of the factory with Roland Elbert.
Did we catch a glimpse of any new products? Perhaps…
What struck me most, however, was something quite different. For all its prestige, reputation, and legendary products, Leica remains at remarkably human scale. Seeing the people, the processes, and the attention to detail behind every camera and lens offered a whole new appreciation for the work that goes into making them.
The afternoon brings one of the highlights of the trip: time with Peter Karbe, Senior Optical Expert and one of the most influential minds behind Leica’s modern lens designs.
His work includes legendary optics such as the 50mm Summilux-M ASPH, the 35mm FLE, the APO-Summicron-M and SL families, and the recently introduced Noctilux 75mm.
Yet, rather than simply talking about optical design, Peter shares his knowledge of the rangefinder system with a wonderful blend of German humour, generosity, and humility. A reminder that behind even the most sophisticated engineering, there are people who are genuinely passionate about what they do.
The evening is ours to enjoy at our own pace in Wetzlar’s old town. Schnitzel, pommes frites, a cold Helles, and a nighttime stroll through the Eisenmarkt. Sometimes, the simplest moments make for the best memories.
Day 3, A little closer to the heart of Leica
Our final day of Welcome to Leica begins at the service centre, where we meet Nadine Coletta, an after-sales support specialist.
Ever wondered why a Leica repair can take so much time? After seeing the work being done here, you begin to understand. The level of precision, care, and expertise is truly remarkable. Every detail matters, and the people behind the service take that responsibility seriously.
One thing is certain: if you send your Leica M3 back to Leica, it can receive the kind of attention that brings it remarkably close to its original factory condition. There’s something reassuring about knowing that a camera built in 1954 can still receive such thoughtful care decades later.
The most extraordinary experience of the day is still to come. After lunch, Anton Ivanov takes us through the Leica archives. For anyone who loves Leica and appreciates its place in the history of photography, this is the kind of visit that gives you butterflies in your stomach.
The depth of the collection is simply incredible. Every drawer opened, every brochure discovered, every camera brought into view reveals another piece of the story. You begin to realise just how much history is held within these walls, and how deeply Leica has influenced the way we see and capture the world.
We have an hour scheduled for the visit. Honestly, we could have stayed for a week.
We then make a short stop at Leitz Cine, where Ulrich Schröder introduces us to another side of the Leica world. Once again, what stands out most is the combination of passion, expertise, and craftsmanship that runs through everything the company does.
And just like that, the program comes to an end, with cake, sparkling wine, and plenty of memories to take home.
Four days that will stay with me
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone at Leitz Park for the warm welcome and generosity throughout our stay, and especially to Janina, Gian Luca, Sabrina, and Nadine. Your enthusiasm and kindness made these days all the more memorable.
A very special thank-you as well to Rob, Almudena, and Leica Camera AG for making this experience possible and giving us the opportunity to discover Leica from such a unique perspective.
Vielen Dank, Leica. Until next time.
Francis
