Leica Optics
Leica Optics
Leica Optics is basically a combination of three German companies that manufacture a wide range of optical products for different applications. These companies operate independently under the names of Leica Camera AG, Leica Microsystems GmbH and Leica Geosystems AG.
Leica Camera AG – Company History and Products
Leica Camera AG was founded in 1913 when Oskar Barnack began making 35mm compact cameras intended for photography of the countryside. In 1925, the company which was owned by Ernst Leitz II and known as Ernst Leitz Optische Werke, introduced the Leica I camera with several cutting-edge features that were unheard of during that time. The Leica II and Leica III that were subsequently introduced went on to garner many fans for the company. The company also changed its name from Ernst Leitz Optische Werke to Leica due to the growing popularity of the Leica brand. Leica Camera AG split from the Leica Group in 1996 to form its own separate identity. The company currently manufactures a panoramic range of cameras that include the Leica M-System, the Leica S-System, Leica M Special Edition Models, and an exhaustive range of Compact Cameras. Budding photography enthusiasts as well as professionals are sure to find a camera from this iconic company that matches their specific requirements.
Leica Microsystems GmbH – Company History and Products
Leica Microsystems GmbH started out as Ernst Leitz GmbH in 1896 and was established by Ernst Leitz. The company began manufacturing optical microscopes in Germany and currently has 6 manufacturing plants spread in 5 countries along with a distribution network that covers more than 20 countries. The company’s headquarters are in Wetzlar, Germany and has a turnover of over 1 Billion Dollars. Leica Microsystems GmbH offers a large variety of high-precision microscopes and accessories. These include Light Microscopes, Confocal, Super-Resolution, Surgical, Digital, and Stereo Microscopes and Macroscopes. The company also offers Microscope Software as well as Microscope Cameras for varying applications. The company has a subsidiary by the name of Leica Biosystems that manufactures pathological equipment for cancer diagnostics. The company and its products have won several awards such as the German Innovation Award for its high-resolution microscope using 4PI technology in 2006, among many other awards. This company and its high-quality products are well-known and respected in the global scientific community.
Leica Geosystems AG – Company History and Products
Leica Geosystems AG is located in Heerbrugg in Switzerland and is part of Hexagon, Sweden. The company is engaged in producing measuring equipment since 1877. The original company was founded by Heinrich Wild of Switzerland who merged the firm with Ernst Leitz of Germany in 1987. The company was then known as Wild Leitz AG before becoming part of the Leica Group in 1989. The company was later named as Leica Geosystems when it was taken over by Hexagon AB in 2005. Leica Geosystems AG currently has over 3,800 employees spread over 33 countries and its products are marketed in over 120 countries. The company manufactures measuring products such as Airborne Sensors, GNSS/GPS Systems, Laser Distancemeters, HDS Laser Scanners, Laser Tracker Systems, Levels, Locators, and related accessories. The company also offers complete solutions related to mapping, mining, monitoring, and machine control. Leica Optics has an impressive presence in several sectors that require precision optical and measuring equipment. The companies have a rich history of producing top quality equipment for their discerning clients located all around the world.