Iconic camera manufacturer Leica celebrated one century in business over the weekend by taking over the Meatpacking District for an event that drew hundreds of photographers.
The 2 1/2-day event kicked off on Friday across the street from the New York Leica storefront located at 405 West 13th St., where top Leica brass and renowned photographer Ralph Gibson discussed the brand. In an intimate setting surrounded by a pop-up art gallery and vintage cameras, they conferred on the past and present of a German camera that has now captured iconic moments for the past 100 years.
In a sit-down interview, chairman of the supervisory board of Leica Camera, Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, told amNewYork that he believes the camera has become so well respected and revered due to the love and care that is implemented into its craftsmanship.
“What makes us special is sometimes we do things completely differently,” Kaufmann said. “We also do smartphones together with Sharp in Japan, why? A smartphone is the entry-level camera, and we were totally different than the rest of the so-called camera industry.”
Camera closeup
Kaufmann underscored that Leica has been working on other ventures that embraces the world of photography, such as an app that emulates how the glass lens sees the world. Additionally, they even sell handcrafted watches as an extension of their brand representing technical excellence and visionary design.
The celebration not only consisted of multiple art galleries on and off the street, it also encompassed auctions, live portrait taking, photo judging that attendees could participate in, and more. Even more than that, the event served as a get-together for professional and amateur photographers alike.
Seeing the outpouring of support at what became a block party-like atmosphere with so many photographers showing thanks for a century of creativity, Director & Chief Representative Leica Galleries Karin Rehn-Kaufmann says it leaves her feeling thankful herself.
“Feeling responsibility on the one hand and on the other hand, it’s being really thankful for what we receive,” Rehn-Kaufmann said. “This is something where I personally I’m very thankful, and it’s not self-evident —It’s a gift.”
Leica has prided itself on its focus on the pure art of photography, so much so that galleries around the world feature images not just shot on the beloved German camera but also beautiful images taken on other camera brands.
“This is also important to know. I mean, of course, we are focusing 80% on Leica photographers, but if pictures are good, I welcome them also in a Leica gallery,” Rehn-Kaufmann said. “Very often people ask, ‘I have to use a Leica to be able to apply.’ I say no, and this is what Andreas is often saying in the house of God, there are many doors, so leave them open.”
Ralph Gibson, who has been an ambassador of Leica for many years and praised the company for helping him transition from film to digital at age 75, told photographers that Leica has helped him keep his passion for the art form and to constantly test himself.
“We’re all only as good as our next photograph. That’s the way it plays out. That’s the deal. That’s what you get when you decided to be a photographer, and I love testing myself consistently and daily,” Gibson said.
Editor’s note: All photos for this story were shot on a Leica Q2.
