In 1913, the engineer Oscar Barnack has invented the first Leica. This mythical machine, called UR-LEICA, the Original Leica, has allowed the birth of a new format: The 24x36. In 1925, The Leica 1, first 24 x 36 camera in the world is commercialized. Since this date, the photography develops rapidly and many great reporters use Leica: Henry Cartier Bresson, Robert Capa, André Kertèsz, William Klein, Robert Doisneau or Jean Loup Sieff.

During all the XX th century, the film and Leica dominate the boom of the market of photography. In 1954, The Leica M3 was presented. It becomes a cult machine that will remain unchanged until year 2000. Leica symbolizes technical perfection, unequalled quality without concession.

But to the XXI th century, sales fall, the empire vacillates. The numerical dethrones the film very quickly. Leica has its financial save dues only to the sale of its subcontracted digital compacts al and its digital back for reflex body.

At Photokina 2006, Leica has presented its new body M, the flagship of the mark: the Leica M8. A 10 millions of pixels Kodak CCD replaces the film 24x36. If Leica abandons 24x36, it is truly the end of the film.