As I was entering the world of Leica cameras for my own photography, making the switch from another brand, digital cameras were not yet available for consumer use. My first Leica was a Leica M6 ttl I found pre-owned on eBay along with a pre-owned Leica M Summicron 35mm ASPH. I was hooked on the incredible contrast and wide range of tones after developing my first roll of film and started looking for more resources to help me get the most out of this new system.
It was then that I stumbled on the Leica Society International (LSI), then called the Leica Historical Society of America (LHSA). The group was smaller then than it is today, but the core concepts were the same. Today there are over 3,000 members around the world, and board members come from a variety of countries. I am a past President, and I can truly say we are International. If it is not evident here, I have a passion for LSI, but for good reason.
All-Encompassing Relationships
As an LSI member, I have made a tremendous number of friends who share a passion for everything Leica and photography. When the location is convenient, I get to meet them in person. We meet in Zoom sessions to learn from each other and from experts in the field. We have a magazine published four times per year that has articles by members on all facets of Leica and Photography called the Viewfinder.
Even more, we have access to Leica. I have had the opportunity through LSI to meet countless famous photographers and hear their stories and how they work. LSI and Leica have a special relationship, and members benefit from that relationship. In North America, you will find copies of the Viewfinder magazine in the Leica stores. If you visit Wetzlar and let them know you are a member of LSI, you will get a smile of understanding and probably a chance to see things and talk with people others might not.
Benefits include discounts for Leica Akademie North America, discounts for repairs at Leica Camera New Jersey, discounts to LSI conferences held around the world, and access to in-person and online people otherwise hard to talk with and hear. The relationships are a product of being a member - it just happens!
LSI Connect - Sharing Your Photography
LSI Connect is a new platform designed to allow not only the sharing of photography, but also connecting with others who may simply enjoy photography as a strong hobby! There are regular contests in a variety of themes. It’s a fantastic way to share in a focused group of Leica users. Check out LSI Connect.
The Cost of Membership
The cost of membership into this exclusive group is under $100 USD per year. The magazine is available online to read on your iPad or iPhone and in print.
The cost of membership can be measured as 10 rolls of film, or a really slow SD Card. I encourage you to try out this incredible organization to see for yourself.