Günter Kisselbachʼs Book on “Barnackʼs First Leica”
This fascinating book was published in a German edition about 15 years ago, and in that form was reviewed here in Viewfinder (Vol. 42, No. 3, 2009). Subsequently, an English-language e-Book of this title was published, and that also was reviewed in Viewfinder (Vol. 51, No. 1, 2018). Readers are directed to look in the LHSA Archives for these reviews if they do not already own hard copies of those issues. At the time of the e-Book’s release, there was still a clear need for a high-quality print edition in English.
Dr. Kisselbach has finally been able to have such an edition prepared, and it is quite handsome in addition to all of its other interesting and important features. Recall that we published Ulf Richter’s book on Barnack in English translation for LHSA’s 50th Anniversary. Dr. Kisselbach’s book was also considered for that honor, but we could only manage one title. Readers with interests in either the mechanical aspects of early Leicas, or with Barnack the inventor will find much to like here. Ditto those who admire having a legendary Leica both dismantled to see its innards, or shooting many rolls of film with it, rather than leaving it solely in a safe deposit box.
Dr. Kisselbach's book in English will be sold through Leica Stores.