Oskar Barnack, inventor of the first 35mm Leica viewfinder in 1913.
In 1869, Ernst Leitz became managing director and added his name to the brand: The Ernst Leitz – Optische Werke – Wetzlar company is established. In 1851, the company starts to produce its first microscopes that are noted for their quality and precision. The Leica history starts in 1849 when the young mechanic Carl Kellner founds the «Optisches Institute» (Optical Institute) in Wetzlar, Germany. Video minute 6:36 1849 -1911 – Ernst Leitz Optische Werke early years: microscopes and binoculars