Photography → Leica Society International
Discover Leica, a camera brand founded in 1925, that fosters a vibrant, photography-driven community through Leica Society International, offering members exclusive access to events and benefits.
Podcast episode.
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In 1869, a young German engineer named Ernst Leitz joined a small optical workshop in Wetzlar, Germany. Fascinated by the world of optics, he helped transform the company into a leader in microscope and telescope design. But it wasn’t until the 1920’s when his son, Ernst Leitz II, took a chance on a portable 35mm film camera developed by engineer Oskar Barnack. That camera didn’t just change photography—it changed who could be a photographer. Today, the Leica Society International (LSI) continues that legacy by bringing together a global community of Leica enthusiasts devoted to craftsmanship, storytelling, and the joy of seeing the world differently.
About Leica
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By becoming a member of Leica Society International (LSI), here are some of the many benefits included:
Annual Photo Competitions · Educational Programs and Talks · Guided Photographic Adventures and Tours · Print and Digital Issues of Viewfinder Magazine · Access to a Global Community of Leica Enthusiasts · Member Directory and Networking Opportunities · Exclusive Leica Factory and Archive Tours · Etc.
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Leica Society International members can take part in a variety of photography-focused events around the world, from annual photo shoots to educational meetups. Whether you're a hobbyist or a lifelong photographer, LSI offers opportunities to explore your craft in unforgettable locations.
Activities:
· Annual Meeting · Photo Walks · Local Chapter Meetups · International Travel Adventures
Or, Browse All Upcoming Activities
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Akademie, held within their stores found globally, offer in-person workshops for enhancing your skills and appreciation for photography.
Browse All Workshops:
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Leica's stores and galleries are more like an ode to photography. With 50+ found globally, discover works from upcoming and renowned photographers just as easily as the cameras they use. To top it all off, they have a museum and their very own hotel at Leitz Park in Germany.
Explore Locations:
Leica Stores
· In the USA: Bellevue | Boston | Washington D.C. | Los Angeles | Miami | New York | San Francisco
· Globally: Multiple Cities
Leica Galleries
· In the USA: Boston | Los Angeles | New York
· Globally: Multiple Cities
Leica Weltzar
· In Germany: Leica’s Ernst Leitz Hotel | Ernst Leitz Museum
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Leica’s visual storytelling is as timeless as the craftsmanship behind its lenses. Their videos celebrate not just photography, but the spirit of exploration, intimacy, and patience that defines the Leica way of seeing.
Watch Videos:
· Leica Camera, YouTube Channel
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LSI members can explore decades of stories through editorial pieces, from in-depth interviews with Leica users to historical insights into camera development. These aren’t just articles—they're glimpses into a living tradition of image-making.
Read Stories:
· Viewfinder (Leica Society International Journal) | Leica Stories & Blog
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Through the Leica FOTOS app, members can remotely control their camera, review images on the go, and sync to cloud storage or editing platforms. It's an essential tool for those who want to stay in the moment while remaining connected to their craft.
Explore App:
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Leica recognized that not everyone has access to own a Leica camera, that is why they created an app called Leica LUX, for hobbyists like you to take photos with the famed Leica look.
Explore App:
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Follow Leica by joining one of their social media accounts to engage with the latest they have been up to.
Explore Social Media:
· Check out Leica’s Instagram | X / Twitter | Facebook | TikTok
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