Leica Camera AG, a German company renowned for manufacturing cameras, optical lenses, photographic lenses, binoculars, and rifle scopes, was founded in 1869 by Ernst Leitz in Wetzlar, Germany. The name "Leica" is derived from the founder's surname and the word "camera". The company focuses on high-end camera systems, including the M-series rangefinder cameras, the Q-series compact full-frame cameras, and the SL-series professional mirrorless cameras. Leica also offers sport optics products. Matthias Harsch has been the CEO of Leica Camera AG since 2017.
In the 2024/25 financial year, Leica Camera Group achieved record sales, with revenues increasing by 7.6% to around €596 million. The company saw growth across all regions, with particularly strong performance in Europe. Leica has expanded its global sales network by opening new Leica Stores in China, Japan, and South Korea. Recent reports indicate that Leica Camera AG is exploring a potential sale of its controlling stake, which could value the company at around €1 billion. Potential buyers may include HSG (formerly Sequoia Capital China) and Altor Equity Partners. In early 2026, Leica introduced the Leica LUX Case for the iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max and a firmware update for the Leica M10 family of cameras.
