AgfaPhoto started out as a producer of photographic plates and chemicals. They opened their first photo studio in Berlin in 1905, and by 1912, they had expanded their operations to include factories throughout Europe. During WWII, AgfaPhoto continued to manufacture cameras and other military equipment for the German army. After the war, they relocated their headquarters to Leverkusen, Germany, where they continued to manufacture cameras and other equipment until 1983 when they focused solely on consumer products such as film, slides, and digital media.

In 2004, AgfaPhoto merged with another photography behemoth, Gevaert NV, to form the AGFA-GEVAERT Group, which is still in operation today. AGFA-GEVAERT Group is a global leader in professional-grade film and digital media products for photographers. They continue to innovate by creating high-resolution digital sensors for surveillance systems and image sensors for medical imaging applications. Furthermore, through its secure data storage systems designed specifically for healthcare organizations, AGFA-GEVAERT Group is committed to protecting people's privacy.

Website: https://www.agfaphoto-gtc.com/en/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agfaphoto_europe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgfaPhotoEurope

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Oskar Barnack, an optical engineer, founded Leica in 1914 with the goal of developing compact cameras capable of taking sharp photographs. Barnack's first prototype, the "Ur-Leica," was intended to be small, lightweight, and simple to use, making it ideal for capturing candid shots or taking photos on the go without the need for bulky equipment. This design served as the foundation for all subsequent Leica cameras, which were known for their superior optics and portability.

Leica continued to innovate and expand its product offerings throughout the twentieth century. It released its first 35mm film camera in 1925, its first interchangeable lens system in 1948, and the world's first single-lens reflex (SLR) camera in 1954. By this point, Leica had become synonymous with quality, with its products coveted by professional photographers worldwide for their exceptional performance and dependability.

Leica continues to innovate today while remaining true to its roots as a manufacturer of high-quality cameras and lenses. It released the M10 digital camera in 2017—a sleek mirrorless design with modern features like WiFi connectivity and 4K video recording capabilities. Furthermore, it has expanded into other areas such as binoculars and rangefinders while continuing to manufacture high-quality photography equipment such as lenses and flash units.

Website: https://leica-camera.com/en-int
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leica_camera/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeicaCamera
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mrleicacamera

Walter Zapp, a Latvian inventor based in Germany, invented Minox cameras in 1937. He created his first model with a small format film size of only 8x11mm, hence the name "Minox" (short for "minimum"). Despite being much smaller than traditional cameras at the time, it still had advanced features such as interchangeable lenses and shutter speeds of up to 1/500th of a second.

Minox became popular as a spy camera among US intelligence agencies in the 1950s. Because it was so small, spies could easily conceal it from their person and take photographs without drawing attention to themselves. The CIA even developed special film cartridges for Minox cameras so that agents could take secret photos without having to reload film.

Despite the fact that sales of the small cameras began to decline in the late 1970s due to competition from larger-format point-and-shoot cameras, they are still popular among collectors today. Many vintage models can be found on sites like eBay or Etsy, and new Minox models are also available. Over the years, the company has continued to innovate, releasing digital versions with Wi-Fi capability and GPS tags in 2016.

Website: https://www.minox.com/en/outdoor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minox.optics/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MINOX.Optics
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MINOXWebCasts

Praktica was founded in 1908 in Dresden by four partners who pooled their resources to start a camera manufacturing business. Praktica was first known for its simple box cameras, which were popular among amateur photographers. The "VP," introduced in 1931, was Praktica's first camera. The "VP" stood for "Vier-Partner" (four partners), referring to the company's four founders. The "VP" was a simple box camera with a fixed-focus lens that used 120 films. It was designed to be simple to use, and it quickly gained popularity among amateur photographers.

Praktica expanded its product line in the 1960s to include cameras for both amateur and professional photographers. Praktica now provides a diverse range of digital and film cameras for both amateurs and professionals. Praktica's current digital camera lineup includes both entry-level point-and-shoot cameras and advanced DSLRs for professional photographers. Praktica offers several models of 35mm SLR cameras as well as medium format SLRs for those who prefer film photography.

Website: https://www.praktica.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/praktica_optics/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prakticaoptic
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Paul Franke and Reinhold Heidecke founded Rollei in 1920 as Franke & Heidecke GmbH, which later changed its name to Rollei after the iconic twin-lens reflex camera that made them famous. They have continued to develop innovative products that have helped shape the modern photography industry over the years. In 1930, the company released its first 35mm SLR camera, followed by its first medium-format TLR (Twin Lens Reflex) camera in 1933. Rollei introduced its first folding 35mm camera in 1935, which was one of the most advanced cameras at the time.

Rollei has always been known for pushing the boundaries of photography innovation. In 1979, they released their groundbreaking Autofocus SLR system, which featured an advanced electronic system that allowed photographers to take sharper images with greater accuracy than ever before. In 1981, they also pioneered digital imaging technology with their Digibase rangefinder cameras.

The Digibase series revolutionized digital imaging by providing photographers with higher-resolution images than traditional film cameras. Rollei has recently introduced a line of mirrorless hybrid cameras that combine a traditional DSLR body with modern digital features like live-view LCD screens and video recording capabilities.

Website: https://www.rollei.de/en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rollei_de/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rollei.foto.de
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfcHPu05JhtHeQOQEqTonLA

Voigtlander is another well-known German camera manufacturer. It was founded in 1840 by an Austrian entrepreneur named Andreas von Voigtlander, who opened his first factory that manufactured cameras. He died soon after, but his son continued to run the company. The Voigtlander brand is still well-known among photographers for its Bessamatic and Nokton 35mm cameras, which were among the best at the time.

However, after WWII, it changed hands several times before being acquired by another German company called Rollei, which used it to manufacture cameras from the 1970s to the 1990s. Voigtlander is now a brand of the Japanese Cosina Co., Ltd, which manufactures lenses for other photography brands as well as its own line of premium rangefinder 35mm film camera models. It also produces high-end digital mirrorless cameras for professional photographers.

Website: https://www.voigtlaender.de/?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voigtlander_offiziell/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voigtlaenderlenses/
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Another well-known German camera manufacturer is Zeiss Ikon, which was formed in 1926 by the merger of two camera manufacturers, Contessa-Nettel and Ica. The company's primary focus at the time was on 35mm film cameras, but it also produced movie projectors and lenses for other photography brands. In the 1930s, Zeiss Ikon began producing its own cameras under the brand name Contax, which quickly became popular among both amateur and professional photographers throughout Europe.

During WWII, however, it was forced into a deal with the Nazi government that allowed them to produce a film for propaganda purposes only while giving Kodak other business opportunities. Following WWII, Zeiss Ikon was divided into two companies, one in Stuttgart and one in Munich. In the early 2000s, both companies were sold to a US investment group known as private equity firm Jenoptik, which merged them. They are now known as Carl Zeiss AG and continue to manufacture optical products in Germany and other countries around the world.

Website: https://www.zeiss.com/corporate/en/home.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeissgroup/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeissgroup
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ZEISSGroup

Max Braun established the German brand Braun in 1921. The company began as a radio set manufacturer, but over time expanded its product line to include a variety of consumer electronics, including cameras. Braun's camera production began in the 1950s and lasted until the 1980s, when the company produced a variety of 35mm film cameras.

Braun camera models that were popular in the 1950s and 1960s included the Super Paxette series of rangefinder cameras. These cameras were distinguished by their high-quality lenses and precise focusing mechanisms. Another popular camera model was the Braun Hobby 35, a compact camera introduced in the 1960s. Braun also manufactured photography accessories such as flashes, tripods, and camera bags in addition to cameras. The company was well-known for its unique designs and high-quality products.

Although Braun no longer manufactures new cameras, vintage Braun cameras are still available on the secondary market today. Many of these cameras are still fully functional and capable of producing high-quality images, making them popular among collectors and photography enthusiasts.

Website: https://braun-germany.de/en/11-cams
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BraunGermany/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraunPhototechnikGermany
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNtZw7t8_L6NlRsdt8hS0lQ

Linhof is a German camera company known for producing high-end large-format cameras. Valentin Linhof founded the company in Munich, Germany, in 1887 and has been producing cameras ever since. Linhof cameras are well-known among professional photographers and photography enthusiasts for their precision engineering, high-quality materials, and excellent image quality.

Linhof manufactures large format cameras such as view cameras and technical cameras. These cameras are well-known for their versatility, as they can be used for a wide range of purposes, including landscape photography, architectural photography, and studio photography. Linhof cameras are also notable for their modular design, which allows photographers to tailor their cameras to their specific needs.

In addition to cameras, Linhof manufactures a variety of camera accessories such as lenses, viewfinders, and tripod heads. The company is also well-known for its excellent customer service and support, and it has a global network of dealers and service centers. Overall, Linhof is a well-known brand in the world of photography, known for producing high-quality, long-lasting cameras and accessories.

Website: https://linhof.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linhof_munich/?hl=de
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A group of photographers and engineers founded Alpa, a Swiss-German camera brand, in 1946. The name of the company is based on the first two letters of the founders' surnames: Arnold, Lang, and Pfahler. Alpa's goal was to develop a high-quality camera system that would meet the needs of professional photographers, and the company quickly established a reputation for manufacturing precision-engineered, high-quality cameras.

The modular design of Alpa cameras allows photographers to customize their cameras to meet their specific needs. The company manufactures a variety of camera models, including the Alpa 12 medium format camera series, which is compatible with a wide range of lenses, including Schneider-Kreuznach and Rodenstock lenses. Alpa cameras are also known for their high-quality construction.

Alpa manufactures a variety of camera accessories, including lenses, viewfinders, and tripod heads, in addition to cameras. All of the company's products are made with high-quality materials and precision engineering, and it has a reputation for providing excellent customer service and support. Professional photographers and photography enthusiasts who value precision engineering, high-quality materials, and excellent image quality prefer Alpa cameras. While Alpa's cameras and accessories are not cheap, they are among the best in the industry and are built to last for many years.

Website: https://www.alpa.swiss/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpacameras/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alpacameras/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC78J1eZobCT6-8CCQTgEbPg

Schneider-Kreuznach is a German optics company known for producing high-quality lenses for a wide range of cameras, including DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Since its inception in Germany in 1913, the company has been producing lenses.

Schneider-Kreuznach lenses are well-known for their high optical quality, precision engineering, and long-lasting durability. The company manufactures a wide variety of lenses, including wide-angle lenses, standard lenses, telephoto lenses, and zoom lenses, which are used by photographers worldwide. Schneider-Kreuznach manufactures lenses for a variety of other applications, including industrial and scientific imaging, as well as cinema lenses for use in the film industry.

Schneider-Kreuznach lenses are popular among professional photographers and amateur photographers who value high-quality optics and image quality. All of the company's products are made with high-quality materials and precision engineering, and it has a reputation for providing excellent customer service and support. Overall, Schneider-Kreuznach is a well-known brand in the world of photography, producing some of the best lenses on the market today.

Website: https://schneiderkreuznach.com/en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schneiderkreuznachcine/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schneiderkreuznachcine/
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