The name Leica is synonymous with legendary quality and history. It’s one of the brands I often pine for and have nearly stepped out to purchase on several occasions. If my granddad had owned one of their classic film rangefinders, I probably would have added to that collection of his manifold in the last decade or so. And despite still counting pennies to purchase one, I frequently browse eBay on the off chance that someone has an affordable model up for bidding. As acquainted as I am with its penchant for perfection and impeccable image results, one story about its history was unbeknown to me until recently. A touching tale that trails all the way back to the owner of Leica in the 1930s – Ernst Leitz II. The story of the Leica Freedom Train.
