Last Updated on 04/30/2025 by soporteseguro
Leica has created exemplary cameras over the past century, and in 2025, they are celebrating the device that started it all, the Leica I, a 35mm mass-produced rangefinder camera. As part of their celebration, 100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century, the company has partnered with Meatpacking BID to announce an entire day of events on May 3. The photography event also has many world-renowned photographers participating in the anniversary. Here is a look at what you can expect during the festivity.
Leitz Photographica Auction Preview
May 3 | Leica Gallery Pop-Up, 10am to 6pm
This is your chance to see the vintage products up close. The auction of Leica products will be showcasing the Leica 0-Series No.112, which is one of the handful of prototypes of the Leica I that survived. Alongside is also the rare version of the Leica M3 with serial number 700,000. In addition to the cameras, the Pop-Up will showcase 100 iconic photographers captured using Leica models. These images have collectively shaped our present and continue to be part of our memory.
Leica 100 Years: Witness to a Century Celebration
May 3 | Gansevoort Plaza, 12pm to 5pm
In this segment, one visitor will get a chance to see the development of Leica cameras and their influence on the work. Here is a look at the event highlights:
- Leica Historical Timeline: Visitors can walk through Leica’s evolution from 1925 to the present and see its manufacturing history. In addition to the creation of cameras, one can also learn about the headquarters expansion, strategies, and more.
- Ernst Leitz Museum: An offshoot of the company’s global headquarters in Germany, the museum looks at the German company’s history, its designs, and innovations, and how it went from film to making digital cameras.
- Leica x Mark Mann Portrait Studio: Interested in portraits? Here you get the unique chance to get Mark Mann, a renowned portrait photographer, to capture your images on the SL3. The photos will be printed on the spot.
- Digital Darkroom Experience: If you ever wanted to learn the darkroom, this is your chance. The company gives one the chance to experience traditional photography with the guidance of educators.
- Photo Slam with Bil Brown: Photographer and poet Bil Brown will review participants’ works and give feedback. However, the setting is unlike any other review session you attended.
- Leica Akademie: The team of the Akademie will not only help you get a better understanding of Leica cameras but also share details about upcoming workshops to perfect your photography.
Through Their Eyes with Mynxii White
May 3 | Leica Store & Gallery, New York, 12pm to 5pm
The creative director, producer, and photographer Mynxii White will have a session that will include live photography, interviews, and live video testimonials. One can participate and get a better understanding of the company and White’s work.
Aperture Library
May 3 | Leica Store & Gallery, New York, 12pm to 5pm
If you love photobooks, then this is the place you must visit. Aperture will set up a library for you to hold and look at the titles presented at the store. There is also an Aperture-led panel discussion that will take place at 3:30pm in the library.
Cameras & Coffee with Brandon Ruffin
May 3 | Café Leitz Coffee Truck, 12pm to 2pm
Multidisciplinary artist Brandon Ruffin will also be a part of a community-based, inclusive meet-up, where photographers can come and meet others to share their love for the medium. This is also a great place to network and get to know more individuals who are photographers or on their path to becoming one.
100 Years of Leica Exhibition featuring Bruce Davidson and Sara Messinger
May 1 to June 15 | Leica Store and Gallery, Meatpacking District, NYC
Titled In Conversation: A Photographic Dialogue Between Yesterday and Today, this exhibition showcases the work of Leica Hall of Fame winner, Bruce Davidson, and renowned artist Sara Messinger. Visitors will see Davidson’s iconic series, Brooklyn Gang, and Messinger’s popular photographs from Teenagers. The idea is to allow these subjects to have a conversation with the audience as they notice sporadic youth over the decades.
All of the events are free to the public, and those interested will have to reserve a spot through this link. Once you do not need to RSVP for the event. On the whole, this appears to be an exceptional way for Leica fans to come together and celebrate the success of a company that has always been reliable. And you never know when you get to witness an event like this again.