WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WORK FOR LEICA?

The Wetzlar daily [m]ittelhessen offered a rare look at what criteria Leica uses to hire people to work at their facility in Wetzlar.  They conducted an interview with Leica personnel officer Alexandra Takak.

Unlike most companies in the US, Leica trains many of their employees in house, including opticians, mechanics, electronics specialists and specialist in metal technology.  But what does it actually take to be hired by Leica as an apprentice?

Not unimportant are the grades achieved in prior education.  The commercial and technical fields include grades in the natural sciences math and physics, while for merchants great emphasis is put on language skills.  Another criterion is the hobbies of the candidates.  Someone who in his spare time likes to take photographs, for instance, has already a closer connection to the company.  Additional importance is put on social skills.  An apprentice must be polite, punctual and reliable.

 

The new Leica headquarters at Leitz Park in Wetzlar

The bare area at the left is where the upcoming Leitz Park III will be

Photo: Marlies Amling

More specifically, initially Leica teaches their apprentices basic skills.  Later on they will work in areas pertaining to the particular jobs they are seeking. This has led to Leica being able to employ virtually one hundred percent of their trainees.  In addition, the young people can continue their education with additional training and university studies.  Of course top scientific positions, as in lens design, for instance, require university degrees before any individual can seek a position at Leica.

Leica also considers it important for the trainees to go beyond the specific requirements of their future position in the company and to have a say in their education.

It should also be mentioned that this approach is free of charge.  Not only are apprentices and trainees able to get an education in specific fields, they will earn an income during this time as well.  In addition, these individuals have the assurance of a job once they have completed their education.

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LEICA-S FURTHER INTEGRATED INTO THE SINAR SYSTEM

Ever since the takeover of the traditional view camera manufacturer Sinar by Leica Camera AG in 2013, Leica has continually widened their expertise in the field of professional studio and commercial photography. Now the professional medium format camera Leica S and the Sinar system were further interlinked. The Sinar p MF-L is designed for photographers who want to combine the high-end medium format camera Leica S with the advantages and quality characteristics of a Sinar view camera.

The Sinar p MF-L was developed especially for photographers who wish to avail themselves of the unique quality characteristics of a Sinar view camera while using their Leica S high-end medium format camera body. Exact control of perspective and selective sharpness, the most important creative tools in photography, are set and evaluated precisely on a view camera – all these advantages are now available for Leica S users. In addition, this solution offers the benefit of a distinct increase in quality by using high-resolution Sinaron lenses designed specifically for digital imaging.

   

In combination with the Sinar p system the Leica S users gain access to professional high-end photography. A wide range of the accessories from the modular Sinar System can be used for the professional work in the studio or outdoor applications. The Sinar p-MF-L solution corresponds to the Sinar philosophy to provide modular systems that always accommodate with the latest trends of the market.

For more information go to Sinar

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LEICAS IN COURTROOMS?

Recently I came across someone questioning that only cameras that don’t exceed the noise level of a Leica rangefinder camera are allowed to be used during actual court proceedings.  The question was if this was true or if it was just a myth.  This sparked some curiosity on my part and I began to research the topic.  Here is what I found:

 

Leica M4

In summer of 1977 the state of Florida began a one year experiment to allow the use of still cameras, tape recorders and live television broadcasts by accredited news agencies during court sessions.  It marked the first time since the early 1960s that the media could venture into public trials and visually record the principals of a case with more than pen and sketch pad.

One of the earliest cases which received national attention during this experimental period was that of a 15 year old Miami boy who had been charged with murdering an elderly retiree during a robbery.  Major news networks showed film clips almost daily and the nation’s newspapers were supplied with photos by the various wire services.  At about the same time the Georgia Supreme Court, in consultation with the state bar association, drew up board guidelines for the admittance of news cameras etc. during state judicial proceedings.  The chief judge of each Georgia superior court circuit was given the prerogative to formulate a specific coverage plan in his own district.

Many of those judges used their power and position to effectively exclude members of the visual media by not approving any plan of coverage for their trials in their jurisdictions.  Still and television cameras were still barred in many counties in Georgia, even though the state’s highest court had sanctioned their use.

The supreme courts in both states further stipulated that the use of flash and motor drives were prohibited.  In addition the chief justices gave the presiding judges the discretion to reject those cameras with noise levels which would distract jurors during testimony and “detract from the decorum of the Court.”  That brought up the question of which cameras were quiet enough to meet the noise criteria set down by a crusty, conservative Georgia or Florida circuit judge.

The answer was unanimous:  “Get a Leica M3 or M4 and a 90mm or 135mm lens.”  Soon photographers began winning accolades of judges for the discreet quietness of their cameras.

Ken Klanicki, a court room reporter, wrote:

"Because the residing judge has the discretion to excuse any photographer whom he deems to be using inappropriate equipment, I feel certain the Leica gives me an edge over other newsmen who might be excluded for their too noisy camera. Most judges are particularly sensitive to distractions within their courts, but I have yet to experience the icy glare of a circuit court judge because my Leica made a racket."

Medical assistant testifying.

Leica M4, 135mm f/4 Tele Elmar

Photo: Ken Klanicki

Thus the conclusion is that even though judges do have the final word if cameras are allowed in court, the noise level of the Leica cameras apparently have become the standard.  This is further underlined in a document called "Supreme Court Etiquette for Media" from the Vermont State Supreme Court. Under "Special Rules for Cameras and Recording Equipment," it says:

“Not more than one still photographer, utilizing not more than two still cameras with not more than two lenses for each camera and related equipment for print purposes shall be permitted in any court proceeding. Such cameras shall produce no greater sound than a 35mm Leica "M" Series rangefinder camera.”

With other words, as long as a camera is not noisier than a Leica M camera, it is permissible.

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www.eddycam.com

www.9days.hk

Inventive Camera Bags for All of Your Gear

For more information on KOMARU and for orders go to: www.taos-photographic.com

NEW  Komaru Colors

For more information and pre orders go to: www.lenstab.com

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