When Leica Store San Francisco opened its doors, no one could have envisioned the remarkable evolution it would undergo over the next decade, nor the significant impact it would have on the arts and photography community in the San Francisco Bay Area.
For over a century, Leica Cameras have held a distinguished place in history and culture, revered by photographers, artists, and designers of all kinds. Recognizing the need to make the brand more accessible, Leica pioneered the concept of Leica Stores, Leica Galleries and the Leica Akademie.
Since its inception in 2014, Leica Store San Francisco has welcomed individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their experience level or background in photography. The space offers visitors the opportunity to explore what makes Leica Cameras so exceptional, acquire a camera of their own, and find continuous inspiration while connecting with others in the community.
When the store first opened, it offered Leica’s full product line, including an ever-rotating selection of pre-owned and vintage Leicas. The store’s staff explored various ways to connect the public with the gear—be it cameras, lenses, or sport optics—and the stunning photos created with them. With each rotating gallery exhibition, the idea was to host a book signing, workshop, and community event to coincide with each show. If a book by a specific artist did not exist, an exhibition catalog was created to ensure a book signing could still take place.
Leica Cameras have been the tools of choice for some of the greatest photographers in history. Through workshops produced in-house and in partnership with Leica Akademie, the store has had the privilege of working with incredible photographers who bring teaching and educational experience, inspiring others and helping photographers grow to levels they never imagined.
As Leica Store San Francisco grew, efforts were made to expand the photography book selection. In 2014, when the store first opened, there were other local resources for photographic inspiration, some of which have since closed. With the gallery’s first exhibition featuring the work of Peter Turnley, the bookshop was born with a single offering: his book “French Kiss: A Love Letter to Paris.” It became clear there was a need for a wider, curated selection of books from photographers of all types, regardless of whether they shot with a Leica or not. Today, Leica Store San Francisco offers a broad selection of new photo books from various publishers worldwide, as well as used and rare photobooks, and hosts book signings and launches throughout the year.
In 2020, the store expanded its content creation and outreach efforts for those who couldn’t visit locally. The majority of the content shared in-store and online through the gallery website and social media channels is unique, produced by Leica San Francisco’s knowledgeable and talented staff. The goal was to create a web-based resource for those wanting to learn about Leica cameras and lenses, as well as from the photographers the store collaborates with.
Leica Store San Francisco has collaborated with countless artists and partners to host events, photowalks, workshops, community gatherings, book signings, gallery exhibitions, receptions, and more. The store is honored to be a part of San Francisco’s rich photographic history and will continue to serve as a resource for all members of the local and global photography community, whether they live nearby or are visiting from abroad.
