This is the story of two Germans, one from Zeiss, the other from Leitz, who escaped Nazi persecution in the mid-1930s and set out to design a Leica-beating camera in Bolton. Yes, Bolton. It's a fascinating story of ingenuity and lost opportunities.....

Today Leica launched a full-frame mirrorless camera built in Germany to M-standards and with an integral viewfinder. From the X compact, through the X and X Vario, all European-made Leicas up to now have had to slum it with an external electronic viewfinder perched on top. 

My weekend visit to Bievres  turned out to be one of the most enjoyable outings I've had this year. The camera fair in this small town near Versailles is one of Europe's foremost places to buy used photographic equipment, from the very earliest days through to modern digitals. The crowds of visitors from all over the world were a testament to the pull of this annual event. This year was the 52nd fair and it has become an pilgrimage for anyone who is anyone in the collectors' sphere.