RE: [Leica] Leica Fotografie

[Jem Kime <jem.kime@cwcom.net>]

Mark,
No, I've no direct connection with them, but as the editor of a small 
British Leica society magazine I'm in touch with a number of people who it 
make sense to know. I'm still hopeful of having an article (or two) 
published in there, not about my own photography, but other people's.
Though I haven't subscribed for a number of years I've all of the issues 
since 1952 excepting a handful from the last 12 months. The magazine was 
launched in 1949(?) in German only, in 1952 it was published with 
additional translated inserts for the English readership. From the 
following year there was a wholly translated and printed version available.
Starting with 6 issues a year it ran well and was highly regarded 
throughout the 1950s and 60s under the editorship of Heinrich Stockler, but 
during the 70s the quality weakened somewhat even though the team of Hugo 
Schottle and Gunther Osterloh were at the helm (starting in 1974). 
Certainly the English translations by E.F. Linssen have never been bettered 
and have frequently been embarrassing during the 1980s. It was during the 
early '80s that the publication increased it's output to 8 issues a year.
During late '81 there appeared no editor's name in charge until Edmund (no, 
not Odmund) Bugdoll assumed charge in '83. For me this was the lowest time 
for the magazine and he continued until the end of '88.
With a brave choice, Umschau Verlag appointed a woman to take charge from 
the strat of '89, Dr Martina Mettner and the magazine became much more 
picture focused. Technical articles were less apparent and what few there 
were appeared to be no greater in depth than the bland sales blurb offered 
by product promoters, including Leica themselves.
Heiner Henninges assumed control in mid '95 and will presumably continue 
until the end of this year, in his 'reign' he has increased the number of 
issues annually through special additional issues on various subjects, 
'Leica M' for example, or 'Close Ups'.  The physical size of the magazine 
also increased from the start of 1979 but most people would concur that 
Heiner has achieved something of a restoration of the tarnished reputation 
of this once august journal.

Jem

P.S. I have a great number of spare copies if anyone is looking for issues. 
I see myself almost as an international exchange centre for the magazine!

- -----Original Message-----
From:	Mark Rabiner [SMTP:mrabiner@concentric.net]
> Leica Fotografie
> Stuttgarter Strasse 18-24,
> D-60329
> Frankfurt-am-Main
>
> best wishes,
> Jem

Are you with these guys? I liked the last issue!
Mark Rabiner