Leica: The Sum of 145 Years of Experience

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Seeing the fascinating world of nature at close range enables us to understand it better. A glance through the color-faithful, high-magnification LEICA high performance spotting scopes and binoculars is enough for the expert observer to see what would otherwise be unseen. And the mechnaical qualities make this one purchase for a lifetime. The brilliance and sharpness of an image are governed by a diversity of technical and physical aspects and by interdependent conditions. The single most important criterion for spotting telescopes and binoculars will always be the quality of the optics.

At Leica, painstaking dedication ranges from optical computation to glass selection and fabrication, from multiple layer coatings to precision manufacturing with uncompromising multiple tiered quality control. The selection of glasses is based not only on their suitability for the best possible correction of aberrations, but on the best possible light transmission and neutral color rendition as well. To maximize light transmission, every internal air to glass surface in an optical system receives a special multi-layer coating that is specifically engineered to the seeing conditions of the human eye. In addition, a scratch resistant hard coating is then applied to the external surfaces of the front lens and of the eyepiece. The result of this meticulous approach becomes vividly apparent upon the very first look through a Leica binocular or spotting telescope: you enjoy an extraordinarily sharp, snappy and outstandingly bright image.

LEICA CAMERAS AND LENSES
Photography - Reproduction - Observation: Since 1913, when the company was known as "Leitz" developed their first prototype 35mm focal plane shutter camera body, Leitz cameras have been among the most publicly desired and recognizable aspects of their products.

Over a century of experience and modern manufacturing technology: Research, development, and long standing know-how in design and manufacturing endow Leica with the ideal prerequisites for the making of precision instruments. Their high performance is achieved through the unsurpassed harmony of meticulous craftsmanship, multiple tiers of quality control inspection, and superior material. Glass of unsurpassed quality and specially selected metals form the basis of this excellence.

The glass for Leica lenses is melted according to specific Leica formulae. Precision Leica optics calculation is responsible for the unique standing of the world famous Leica lenses: it determines the optical characteristics of the lens elements, the precise finish and form of the lenses themselves, the computer controlled multiple coating and laser controlled centering.

A great deal of manual workmanship even today, together with modern manufacturing technology is what distinguishes this chain of high performance. The precision parts are manufactured predominantly from metals - this means, for example aluminum and brass, ideally suited to each other, for rugged housings and precise fittings, for silky smooth helical mounts and sturdy bayonet attachments. The automatic spring back aperture, for instance must maintain exact values even after 50,000 shutter releases!

If optical and mechanical systems are what determine outstanding Leica imaging quality, then intelligent Leica electronics play no less important a role. Leica camera electronics systems are not merely a technical gadget, they are utilized as an optimum aid for composing superior photographs. An exceptional characteristic of the finely tuned electronic system is its dependable functioning even under the most extreme climatic conditions.

However, the real secret of the enduring value of all of the Leica products lies in constant quality control and extreme durability tests throughout the design and manufacturing processes. Minimum tolerances compete with the highest standard which, in the end, is measured by a brilliant visual or photographic image.