A century ago, Leica introduced the world to its first mass-produced 35mm camera—the Leica I—a launch that would go on to transform the photography industry.

It’s nearly impossible to think of cameras without the name Leica coming to mind. Founded in 1869 by Ernst Leitz in Wetzlar, Germany, the brand has become a global benchmark in photography. Its prestige lies largely in its unwavering authenticity—even in the midst of a digital surge, Leica’s models retain a handcrafted charm that invites appreciation for the entire process, from the moment an image begins to form in your mind to the instant you press the shutter and capture it forever.

This year, the German brand celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Leica I’s debut at the Leipzig Spring Fair, a model that revolutionized photography by making it portable and accessible to those who not only dare to see the world differently, but also seek to immortalize it.

The introduction of this portable model marked a clear turning point in the evolution of photography, sparking a century of iconic moments, legendary photographers, and thousands of unforgettable stories.

We invite you on a journey through the history of photography, featuring some of the most iconic and memorable images captured through Leica lenses around the world—some of which are featured in the commemorative book 100 Leica Stories, a tribute to the camera’s unmatched ability to transform a fleeting moment into a lasting memory.

Photos: Courtesy of Leica