James Lager Leica Illustrated History Hard Cover Book set (3) signed (Volume I, II & III) NEW / Free Shipping (USA)
Description
James Lager Leica Illustrated History Volume I,II & III Hard Cover Book set Signed by Mr. Lager the author, historian of this must have Leica history books.
New Lager Leica History Book Set includes:
James Lager Vol I An Illustrated History Leica Cameras New Signed book.
James Lager Vol II An Illustrated History Leica Lenses New Signed book.
James Lager Vol Vol III An Illustrated History Leica Accessories New Signed.
**** 📚 Special Note on Volume II – New Signed Edition
The Lager: An Illustrated History – Volume II (Lenses) has just been newly bound. It comes complete with the original NEW dust jacket.
Please note: because it was recently rebound, this edition is sold without the original gold engraving on the hard cover. (See pictures for details.)
The Best Tool for any Leica USER and Collector!! New
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James Lager’s Leica: An Illustrated History – The Ultimate Leica Library, for serious collectors, Leica dealers, historians, and photography enthusiasts, James Lager’s three-volume Leica: An Illustrated History remains the gold standard, offering unmatched scholarship, stunning visuals, and comprehensive coverage of the Leica system.
For collectors, dealers, historians, and Leica aficionados, Leica: An Illustrated History by James Lager stands as the most comprehensive, meticulously researched, and beautifully presented reference on the Leica system available today.
This three-volume set is more than just a collection of facts—it’s a passionate tribute by one of the foremost experts in the field. Lager, a former president of the Leica Historical Society of America and a veteran of Leitz New York, invested decades of expertise and personal dedication into these books, even mortgaging his home to bring them to life. His scholarship and access to rare materials have made these volumes indispensable for anyone serious about Leica.
Volume 1: Cameras
Spanning from the Ur-Leica prototype of 1913 to the M series, Leicaflex, and R SLRs, this volume offers a deep dive into the full lineage of Leica cameras. Rare military and prototype models are covered in detail, supported by crisp photography—73 images alone are dedicated to the M3. In 318 pages, it offers an unmatched overview of the evolution of one of photography’s most iconic brands.
Volume 2: Lenses
Every lens produced by Leica through 1994 is examined in this volume with the same clarity, precision, and elegant photography found in Volume 1. The section is not only a technical reference but also a historical journey through Leica’s optical innovations.
Volume 3: Accessories
Covering everything from motor drives and viewfinders to display stands and rare attachments, Volume 3 completes the trilogy by documenting the often overlooked, yet crucial, supporting elements of the Leica system.
Each volume is printed to the highest standard, with exceptional photography (much of it by Lager himself—on Leica cameras, naturally), and written in a tone that is informative yet engaging. These books are not just references; they are collectible pieces in their own right.
Whether you’re a seasoned Leica collector, a seller seeking detailed verification, or simply an admirer of precision photographic craftsmanship, Leica: An Illustrated History is an essential addition to your library.
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Production & Presentation
- Printed in a large 9½ × 11 in hardcover format with premium coated paper—one of the most aesthetically impressive camera book series ever leicasocietyinternational.org.
- Lager photographed most of the illustrations himself using Leica cameras, ensuring a consistent and authentic visual style
Rarity & Market Value
- Limited editions: Now long out of print, the first two volumes often sell for around $350–$400 each in near-mint condition; Volume III tends to go for around $90–$150
- Market prices reflect scarcity and collector demand—Amazon and eBay listings often exceed $1,000+ for the full set
Why They Matter
- Exhaustive cataloging: These aren’t superficial overviews—they’re meticulous, model-by-model examinations of every Leica product up to their publication in the 1990s l-camera-forum.com+4casualphot
ophile.com+4leicasocietyintern ational.org+4. - Collector’s insight: rare prototypes, military variants, experimental designs, and accessories are given equal attention and context—not just mainstream models ebay.com+1ebay.com+1.
- Timeless quality: If you value craft, depth, and photographic heritage, these books are an essential visual and historical compendium.
What Collectors Say
- Described as “the prettiest, most exhaustive, and best-researched books on Leica you can buy today” l-camera-forum.com+1leicasocie
tyinternational.org+1. - Lauded as “perhaps the best produced, most comprehensive, and exhaustively researched Leica books ever produced” in Leica Society International’s publications.
Final Thoughts
These volumes represent the pinnacle of Leica scholarship and production quality. They’re ideal for:
- Collectors determining authenticity and variant specifics.
- Dealers/sellers seeking authoritative reference documentation.
- Enthusiasts and historians looking to immerse themselves in Leica’s rich heritage.
If you’re serious about Leica, Leica: An Illustrated History is not just a purchase—it’s an investment in expertise, beauty, and legacy.
Additional information
| Weight | 18 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18 × 14 × 12 in |
