LEICA EXPLORING THE FUTURE OF OPTICS

A little known division of Leica Camera AG is the Max Berek Innovation Lab , which is designed to explore the future of optical systems.

The idea was born in China in the spring of 2016.  Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Leica Camera AG's Chairman of the Supervisory Board, and Ren Zhengfei, founder of telephone provider Huawei, were talking about optical technologies and their future perspectives. It was clear for the two men that the cooperation of their companies for the joint development of smartphone cameras should also deal with advanced technological developments. The idea of a research and development laboratory in which pioneering future technologies and the further development of optical systems was explored. This idea resulted in the Max Berek Innovation Lab.

The new lab, located at Leica’s global HQ in Wetzlar, Germany, will drive further development of optical systems and software-based technologies to improve imaging quality in a wide range of photographic and mobile device applications. Additional outcomes will include the creation of computational imaging, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) solutions. In addition to R&D resources from both companies, HUAWEI and Leica plan to collaborate with German and international universities and research institutions.

Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, chairman of the advisory board of Leica Camera AG, 

and Ren Zhengfei, founder of HUAWEI.

© Leica Camera AG

“With the founding of the Max Berek Innovation Lab, HUAWEI and Leica Camera AG are expanding the scope of their successful strategic relationship and are laying the foundation for close collaboration in research and development of groundbreaking technologies in the imaging segment,” emphasized Dr. Andreas Kaufmann.

“In the future, over 90 percent of the data traffic will be images and videos,” said Ren Zhengfei, founder of HUAWEI. “The Max Berek Innovation Lab provides the capacity to establish an even closer partnership with Leica, leading to continuous improvements in image and video quality. As a result, we will deliver the most advanced innovations in the smartphone camera market and bring greater value to consumers.”

The R&D Center is named in remembrance of Max Berek (1886 – 1949), the German pioneer of microscopy and creator of the first Leica lenses, who was also responsible for the optical design of more than 20 lenses for the legendary 35mm camera invented and built by Oskar Barnack. Thanks to their exceptional imaging performance and perfect harmonization of the lenses, with Barnack’s ingenious construction, did it become possible for Leica to achieve worldwide success in 35mm photography.

One task they are working on, among others, is the development of new, advanced lens designs with resolution and performance levels able to take full advantage of new, higher resolving sensors. 

Dr. Andreas Kaufmann and Ren Zhengfei
in the lobby of the Leica Headquarters in Wetzlar
© Leica Camera AG

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