Advice And Recommendations On Leica Books, Please

[Brian Atherton]

I’m looking to purchase my first book about Leica with the £25 book token I received at Christmas.

Specifically I’m looking for advice and recommendations of your definitive book – if there is such a thing! - about Leica’s history, which is readable, informative, insightful and has great illustrations of their cameras and lenses (screw or bayonet or both).

I’ve looked at the Leica Pocket Book, 8th Edition by Hove Collectors Books, but find this too much of a reference book (I’m not a collector, just someone who's had a lifelong passion for Leica, and used them for 40 plus years).

Over to you!

Many thanks.

 

[rlouzan]

The Internet is by far the most popular source of information (RFF, Photo.net, LUF, LUG, Cameraquest ...)
The very best books on Leica are by Jim Lager and Van Hasbroeck.

 

[Joe Vitessa]

Try Leica: Witness to a Century
http://www.amazon.com/Leica-Witness-Century-Revised-Edition/dp/0393089002

 

[jim_jm]

I'd second Joe's recommendation for "Leica: Witness to a Century" (Pasi). Beautiful book, big illustrations. Light on technical information, more on Leica history and photos taken with them. Only highlights a few key cameras and lenses, though.

"Leica: The First 70 Years" (Rogliatti) is a very good book. Covers all Leica gear pretty extensively incl. the SLR's (up to 1995) without getting too technical. Lots of illustrations with a chapter on Leica history.

For a technical reference, van Hasbroek's book is the best covering all variations in equipment. Not one to pick for a relaxing read, though.

 

[Richard G]

This book:

http://www.amazon.com/Years-Leica-German-English-Edition/dp/3898803538

I got mine much cheaper from a German seller on eBay. It is in German and English.

 

[majid]

Try "Leica M: Advanced Photo School" by Gunter Osterloh. He used to be the head of Leica's service department. There is a second edition.

Also, "Rangefinder" by our very own Roger Hicks and his wife Frances.

 

[Brian Atherton]

An update:

Thank you to those who replied, I will explore your recommendations. In the meantime…

I have been fortunate to find a new (revised edition) hardback copy of Leica: Witness To A Century, which was much reduced in price (£8).

The book token has been put towards a copy of Steidl’s repint of The Decisive Moment by H C-B. I eagerly await its delivery!

Also, Leica: The First 70 Years (Rogliatti) and 50 Years Leica M (Osterloh) both look to be interesting, so I will be following up these suggestions.

Many thanks, all. The advice is much appreciated.

 

[lynnb]

An update:
...Also, Leica: The First 70 Years (Rogliatti) and 50 Years Leica M (Osterloh) both look to be interesting, so I will be following up these suggestions.

Many thanks, all. The advice is much appreciated.

Brian,

the next in that series is to be published:
Eyes Wide Open. 100 Years of Leica. Hardcover – May 26, 2015
http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2015/02/can-has-books.html
http://www.bookdepository.com/Eyes-Open-/9783868285307
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/38...&tag=theonlinephot-20&linkId=XTRFIWYFIANFOUSH
Hardcover: 500 pages

Cheers,