It was the year 1849 when, in Wetzlar, Germany, Carl Kellner, a young mechanic founded the “Optisches Institut” (Optical Institute), where he produced glasses and telescopes. Shortly thereafter, in 1851, Kellner published an optics treatise titled Das orthoskopische Ocular, eine neu erfundene achromatische Linsencombination (“Ocular orthoscopy, a recently invented combination of achromatic lenses”). His invention was a success among scientists, and the Optical Institute began the production of microscopes that stand out for their quality and precision. This was the first step taken in creating one of the most renowned and recognised companies in the world known for the quality, innovation and differentiation of their products. Leica Camera AG is an international, premium manufacturer of cameras and sports optics. The legendary reputation of the Leica brand is based on a long tradition of excellent quality, German craftsmanship and German industrial design, combined with innovative technologies.